Cape Town Enters Final Quarter of 2025 with Record Investments and Jobs
Piece by James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth
Cape Town is entering the final quarter of 2025 with record levels of investment, job creation, and economic growth, according to new figures released by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos.
Announcing the results in the wake of Heritage Day, Vos said the city was not only celebrating its cultural diversity but also its economic resilience, with billions of rands in new investment and thousands of jobs created despite global and domestic headwinds.
“Cape Town’s economy is withstanding shocks because it is built on collaboration, sound governance, and the determination of Capetonians,” Vos said. “These achievements are proof that when local government and the private sector work together, we can create jobs, attract investment, and drive innovation.”
Billions Invested, Thousands of Jobs Created
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the City’s high-growth sector programmes – run through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – facilitated R4,6 billion in investment, well above the R3,8 billion target. Job creation also far exceeded expectations, with 10 214 new jobs against a target of 2 200.
A further 2 674 people were trained, more than doubling the annual target. Vos noted that this represented a significant return on the City’s R51 million funding contribution for the financial year.
Among the highlights:
- CapeBPO created more than 9 185 new call centre jobs and attracted R3,2 billion in investment.
- UVU Africa hosted 37 events reaching 5 500 people, trained township entrepreneurs, and co-launched the Biotech Growth Coalition, positioning Cape Town as a hub for health innovation.
- GreenCape facilitated R331,8 million in green investment, created 252 jobs, supported nearly 80 SMMEs, and spearheaded projects in e-waste and urban waste management.
- Wesgro enabled 64 trade declarations and 1 639 jobs, while the Made in the Cape programme connected 245 exporters with 37 buyers across 16 countries.
Cutting Red Tape
Vos also highlighted progress in making it easier to do business in Cape Town. Through the City’s Ease of Doing Business initiative, turnaround times for water connections were reduced from 17.2 days to 11.6 days, while wayleave applications for infrastructure works now average just 2–8 days.
“Alongside attracting investment, we are committed to cutting red tape so businesses can grow faster,” Vos said.
‘Engaging Directly with Business’
Vos added that his hands-on approach was vital in ensuring the City’s strategies translated into real opportunities.
“I especially value engaging directly with businesses, whether on their factory floors or in their boardrooms, to see firsthand the innovation and craftsmanship driving this city forward,” he said. “This also ensures that we are reaching into more sectors, unlocking further opportunities, and growing more jobs for Capetonians.”
Resilient and Inclusive Growth
Looking ahead, Vos said the City was confident that Cape Town’s economy would continue to set the benchmark nationally.
“Collaboration, innovation, and a passion for people lie at the heart of Cape Town’s economic story,” he said. “By uniting local government and the private sector, we are setting the benchmark for building an economy that can withstand shocks and stresses, and more importantly, create prosperity that reaches every community.”
