At a business networking event hosted by the German and French Chambers in Cape Town on 26 August 2024, Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape's Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Tourism, underscored a renewed sense of optimism in South Africa’s economic prospects. Citing the establishment of a Government of National Unity post-election, Meyer emphasized the urgency to capitalize on this momentum. He reaffirmed the Western Cape’s commitment to its Growth for Jobs Strategy, targeting an R1 trillion economy and the creation of 600,000 jobs by 2035.

Meyer highlighted significant investments from French and German companies, totaling over R200 million between January 2021 and June 2024, which have bolstered the region’s economy and created hundreds of jobs. French Consul General Sophie Bel and German Consul General Tanja Werheit echoed their nations' dedication to continued investment, particularly in infrastructure, education, technology, and the green economy.

Meyer also outlined his new priorities for the next five years, focusing on agriculture, food security, and market access. He stressed the Western Cape's ambition to triple exports by 2035 to R450 billion and to increase private sector investment to 20% of GDP.

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