Established in 2017, the Investment Facilitation Branch focuses on facilitating investments within Cape Town, nurturing existing businesses, and attracting new ones. In 2020, the City launched the Business Retention & Expansion programme, which expanded from servicing the Atlantis area only, to across the City of Cape Town. In June 2023, the Atlantis Investment Facilitation Office within the Investment Facilitation Branch was officially renamed to the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Unit to better reflect its role in supporting Cape Town’s business growth.
Manufacturing Support Policy
Overview
The City of Cape Town’s Manufacturing Support Policy is a targeted initiative designed to attract job‑creating manufacturing investment into the city’s economy.
The policy creates an enabling environment for manufacturers by making it easier for businesses to establish, invest and operate in Cape Town. It provides a structured framework of financial and non‑financial support measures aimed at facilitating new investment and strengthening the city’s industrial base.
By focusing on new manufacturing activity, the policy supports the growth of a competitive, sustainable and inclusive manufacturing sector across Cape Town’s industrial areas.
Why it matters
Manufacturing is a key driver of economic growth, industrial development and employment creation.
The Manufacturing Support Policy supports this by reducing barriers to entry, improving ease of doing business, and encouraging new investment in the sector. In doing so, it helps unlock opportunities for expansion, innovation and job creation across the local economy.
Key features
- Targeted support measures
Financial and non‑financial support designed to facilitate new manufacturing investments - Focus on new investment
Supports new manufacturing projects that contribute to job creation - Sector-specific approach
Applies to businesses operating within general manufacturing - Location-based eligibility
Available to investors located within Cape Town’s 33 designated industrial areas - Enabling investment environment
Supported by efficient governance, reliable infrastructure, responsive service delivery and strong connectivity
READ: Manufacturing Support Policy
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E)
Overview of the BR&E Programme
The Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Programme is designed to support existing businesses within Cape Town’s industrial areas. It does so by facilitating targeted interventions(how) at business, sector, and precinct levels to promote stability, growth, and long-term competitiveness.
Why it matters
Established businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation. By supporting their sustainability and expansion, the BR&E Programme enhances operational efficiency and contributes to a more resilient and competitive industrial ecosystem across Cape Town.
Key Features
- Support for business retention and expansion initiatives
- Facilitation of strategic networking between investors, developers, and key stakeholders
- Identification of operational barriers that limit business growth
- Development of area-based and sector-specific support programmes
- Access to financial support frameworks for growth-oriented enterprises
The BR&E programme intends to support businesses across 33 industrial areas in Cape Town, reinforcing long-term investment viability and economic sustainability.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Programme
Launched in September 2020, the BR&E programme aims to support and expand existing businesses. It was initially rolled out in the Atlantis industrial area and has since extended to other areas such as Blackheath Industrial, Epping, and Airport Industria. The programme includes action team sessions, investment workshops, and engagement with stakeholders including companies like Eskom and Transnet.
Alien Vegetation Eradication Project
The Alien Vegetation Eradication Project linked to the National Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), addresses the spread of invasive species on unoccupied city land, preserving the local ecosystem and creating jobs. As of 2023, the project has positively contributed to the employment rate in Cape Town by creating 121 jobs with an investment of over R1 million.
Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ)
The Atlantis Special Economic Zone () was officially launched in December of 2018 with a focus on developing a Greentech manufacturing hub. The ASEZ is designed to attract export-focused Greentech investors and improve local economic growth. Recent initiatives include capacity-building sessions for community organisations and collaborations with local agricultural hubs.
Load Curtailment Programme
In response to the energy crisis, the City of Cape Town has implemented a Load Curtailment Programme aimed at large power users in industrial areas. This programme helps businesses maintain power during load-shedding by reducing energy consumption. Currently, the programme engages around 400 businesses in 16 areas across the city, promoting collaboration and sustainable energy management.
Success Stories and Impact
The BR&E Unit’s initiatives have yielded significant economic benefits and ease of business for the City of Cape Town. For instance, businesses in the Atlantis Industrial region saved over R11 million in the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year through incentives like waived building plan application fees and reduced electricity tariffs. These efforts highlight the importance of the Atlantis area as a dedicated manufacturing zone, contributing to Cape Town’s overall economic resilience.
The BR&E Unit plays a key role in building a strong economy in Cape Town. It helps existing businesses grow and brings in new investments, leading to more jobs in the city’s industrial areas. With its focus on managing the environment, saving energy, and working with the community, the BR&E Unit shows Cape Town’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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