Key sectors include, among others, agri-processing, oil and gas, manufacturing, renewable energy, hotel and real estate development, and ICT.
We use our network of existing relationships and in-depth research to identify dynamic players in the market and build compelling business cases for those organisations to invest in the Western Cape.
We create tailor-made investment proposals to stimulate potential investment into the region. We offer a one-stop business development management service for international and local investors who want to establish or expand their operations into and within the Western Cape. And finally, Wesgro is the first point of contact for foreign buyers, local exporters and investors seeking to establish a presence in and to take advantage of the Western Cape’s business potential.
FACILITATION
South Africa is the most sophisticated economy in Africa, also the second largest, after Nigeria.
The Western Cape is uniquely positioned as the gateway to the continent. Working closely with the Wesgro Research unit, Wesgro’s Investment and Promotion unit paves the way for companies seeking to invest in the Western Cape.
We build strategic relationships with and connect industry players, government authorities and the business community who can provide what others need. We also offer access to our networks, joint ventures, partnerships and supplier databases to enhance matchmaking opportunities. Our facilitation services include offering guidance and leading discussions with clients and service providers in various areas.
To achieve this, we offer various services designed to facilitate inward investment into the region.
- Site allocation: We provide information highlighting the benefits of locations around the Western Cape; and with input from commercial property agents in the region, we identify suitable commercial premises.
- Customised market intelligence: Our research unit collates up-to-date market intelligence, including economic profiles, sector investment profiles, business opportunities and trade conditions relating to the Western Cape itself and external regions.
- Accessing finance: The World Economic Forum (WEF) rates South Africa as second in access to credit. Over 30 banks in South Africa offer business finance packages, often focused on providing start-up and expansion capital. We facilitate meetings with potential public funders, private individuals, banks and private equity firms to help unlock financing opportunities. Our investment team offers opinions and information based on their knowledge of the investment environment in the Western Cape. Naturally, each institution is governed by its own rules, processes and procedures, so investors are advised to do sufficient research relevant to their needs. The Sources of Finance report offers more detail.
- Policy Advocacy: We identify factors that could constrain investment and work with decision makers to find ways of breaking down barriers to entering or operating in the Western Cape’s business environment.
- Accessing incentives: We provide guidance and information to help investors understand the breadth of national, provincial and local incentives available to businesses in their sector.
- Immigration guidance: We have sound relationships with external immigration consultants who are able to help clients wishing to obtain the relevant documentation for employees in South Africa.
INCENTIVES
The South African government, Western Cape Government and City of Cape Town have established various sector-focused incentive schemes and tax rebates designed to stimulate economic activity on a national, provincial and local level. Some of these incentives are listed below, but please note this is not exhaustive. Contact our Investment and Promotion team to find out more details.
Trade Incentives:
- 12i Tax Allowance
- Automotive Incentive Scheme (AIS)
- Black Business Supplier Development Programme (BBSDP)
- Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS)
- Business Process Services Incentive Programme (BPS)
- Clothing and Textile Competitiveness Improvement Programme (CTCIP)
- Co-operative Incentive Scheme
- Critical Infrastructure Programme
- Industrial Policy Projects (IPP)
- Location Film and Television Production Rebate
- Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP)
- Production Incentive (PI)
- Productive Asset Allowance (PAA)
- Tourism Support Programme (TSP)
Tax incentives
Investors in Cape Town and the Western Cape may qualify for tax rebates administered by South African Revenue Services (SARS) under the Income Tax Act (1969). These include:
- 12(b) Renewable Energy Incentive
- 12(d) R&D Tax Investment Incentive
- 12(h) Learnership Agreements
- 12(k) Carbon certificates incentives
- 12(l) Energy Savings Investment Incentive
- 12(o) Film Rebate
- 37(b) Recycling Incentive
Source: www.wesgro.co.za 
