South Africa
Western Cape
Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
The Agribusiness Investment Unit, a joint initiative funded by the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism and endorsed by the Western Cape’s official Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro), was launched in Stellenbosch on 1 September 2009.
Issued with the mandate of attracting domestic and foreign direct investment into the Western Cape agricultural sector the unit was established to renew interest in this dynamic industry. The fledgling division will fall under the wing of both Wesgro and the Department of Agriculture as these two major players in the agri-world align their vision to develop and promote this burgeoning sector.
The Agribusiness Unit aims to source agricultural investments worth R150 million in its first year, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde, said at the launch. He said that the benefits of cooperation between departments are so obvious; it is difficult to fathom why it has never been done before. Cooperation in this instance will share knowledge where it is needed most, but also save money as work is not duplicated, Winde said. “I want to urge all of you present today to help promote the Western Cape as an attractive investment option. We are certainly not ‘sleepy old Cape Town’ anymore”, Winde said.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gerrit van Rensburg, said that agriculture contributes to more than 40% of all exports from the Western Cape. As such, any investment in agriculture will significantly stimulate the economy, create jobs and contribute to food security.
The Agribusiness Investment Unit’s function will compliment Wesgro’s vision to promote the Western Cape as the leading business destination for local and international investment. Both Wesgro and the Department of Agriculture are committed to working together to benefit the agriculture sector and to show that different government institutions can work together towards a common goal.
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Lentswe Bhengu
Investment Promotion Manager: Agribusiness, Wesgro
+27 76 298 2629
Lentswe@wesgro.co.za
