Western Cape Business 2023

A unique guide to business and investment in the Western Cape, the 2023 edition of Western Cape Business is the 16th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2005, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Western Cape. The Western Cape has several investment and business opportunities. In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, a special feature focuses on how the province’s Special Economic Zones have the potential to shift the energy debate in the Western Cape. The Atlantic Special Economic Zone is positioning itself as a greentech hub and wants to attract manufacturers in the renewable energy sector and automobile component manufacturers for the electronic era. It is encouraging tenants to reduce carbon emissions and use renewable energy. Up the coast at the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone, the provincial government has not given up hopes of persuading national government to site a gas plant there, but in the meantime the race for green hydrogen might have supplanted the original wish. An expert from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provides insights into green hydrogen in a two-page article.

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Following the announcement by the City of Cape Town that residents could get cash for power, national company Versofy Solar received 1 500 enquiries in the month of January. Credit: Versofy Solar right. The Western Cape is taking the lead on that front with Premier Alan Winde recently stating that the province is looking into ways in which private businesses can be provided with the necessary support to ramp up more investment into alternatives. The province has always emphasised the importance of intensifying and expanding the green energy drive by boosting relations with local and international partners. South Africa has the potential to attract more green investments by implementing policies and initiatives that promote the use of clean energy and sustainable development. This could include setting clear renewable energy targets, providing lucrative financial incentives for clean energy development and creating a predictable regulatory environment. By implementing policies and initiatives that promote clean energy and sustainable development, South Africa can accelerate the massive rollout of renewable energy, crucial to end the crippling loadshedding crisis. But this will require a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves the government, private sector and civil society. Only then can SA build a much more attractive environment for green investors, accelerate the drive to a low-carbon economy, and end loadshedding which has become the biggest handbrake on the economy. ■ From 2024 Golden Arrow will add 60 e-buses to its fleet every year. Credit: Nick Fordyce/ GreenCape. WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2023 12

WECBOF makes it happen! The Western Cape Business Opportunities Forum (WECBOF) provides a platform for businesses to establish and maintain contact with fellow entrepreneurs; to have access to opportunities, information and training; and to have representation on a number of relevant forums of government and other associations focussed on growing and enhancing the commercial sector, with a specific focus on small-, medium-, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). WECBOF is widely recognised and respected as a powerful voice for business in the Western Cape; we are a provincial service organisation with our focus and attention firmly on the national and international business pulse. CALL US TODAY. +27 21 946 2519 office@wecbof.co.za www.wecbof.co.za www.facebook.com/wecbof/ @wecbof A powerful voice for business. Where entrepreneurs excel.