Air Markets Accessibility
City of Cape Town: Gateway to Global Opportunities
Amidst global economic shifts, Cape Town stands resilient and poised to capitalise on emerging opportunities in both air access and connectivity. The city thrives as an intersection for trade and travel, harnessing its strategic advantages to navigate through global challenges.
Cape Town Air Access serves as the centre for international route development in the Western Cape, a testament to the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders including the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Airports Company South Africa, and tourism entities such as Cape Town Tourism and South African Tourism. Together, the mission is to foster route retention, expansion, and the establishment of new connections, ensuring seamless accessibility to and from Cape Town.
Fuelling this mission are tangible successes. Since September 2022, the Cape Town Air Access team has facilitated the addition of seven new airlines and seven new routes, bolstering international passenger traffic and solidifying Cape Town’s status as a global aviation hub. As we look ahead to the 2023/24 summer peak season, Cape Town International Airport anticipates serving 31 destinations worldwide, with a remarkable 25% year-on-year capacity increase, translating to over one million inbound seats during this period.
Recognition for excellence is not uncommon for Cape Town International Airport. In 2023, the airport secured the title of Best Airport in Africa at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, marking the eighth consecutive year of this accolade. Additionally, accolades such as Best Airport Staff in Africa and a commendable position as the 16th most punctual airport globally underscore Cape Town’s commitment to service excellence.
Beyond the confines of the airport, Cape Town’s allure as a destination remains unparalleled. Honours such as Africa’s Leading City Destination and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination by the World Travel Awards reaffirm Cape Town’s magnetic appeal. Furthermore, being recognised as the Most Affordable Long-haul Destination in the World underscores Cape Town’s accessibility and value proposition to travellers worldwide.
Ports Market Accessibility
City of Cape Town: Navigating the Seas of Commerce
Nestled within the iconic Table Bay and boasting a rich heritage, Cape Town’s harbour stands as a beacon of trade and connectivity, embodying centuries of maritime legacy.
Strategic & Economic Significance
Since its establishment by the Dutch in 1652, Cape Town’s harbour has evolved from a vital victualing station into a modern cargo port facilitating trade between Europe, the Western Hemisphere, the Middle East, and Australia. Fuelling South Africa’s economy, the port has witnessed steady growth, with exports and cargo handling seeing notable increases in recent years. Serving as a pivotal gateway for regional imports and exports, particularly agricultural products from the Western and Northern Cape, the port has become synonymous with efficiency and reliability.
Infrastructure & Expansions
Cape Town’s harbour infrastructure is a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation. Boasting two main terminals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including deep-sea berths and extensive ship repair capabilities, the port is primed to accommodate vessels of varying sizes and types. Collaborative efforts between Transnet National Ports Authority and the private sector have led to ambitious expansion projects, enhancing the port’s capacity and efficiency. Planned expansions, such as those at the Cape Town Container Terminal, will further bolster the port’s capabilities, positioning it as a global leader in maritime trade.
Competitive Advantages
Beyond its physical infrastructure, the Port of Cape Town enjoys strategic advantages, including robust rail and road connections and proximity to the central business district. Its adjacency to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, a renowned tourist destination, underscores Cape Town’s appeal as a multifaceted economic hub. Additionally, the port’s proximity to essential amenities, such as yacht clubs and marinas, further enhances its allure to maritime stakeholders and visitors alike.
African Markets
City of Cape Town: Connecting Africa
As globalisation reshapes economic landscapes, South Africa’s strategic positioning within regional economic alliances underscores its pivotal role in fostering balanced trade relations both locally and globally.
Cape Town & Regional Integration
Nestled at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town stands as a gateway to the continent, facilitated by its membership in prominent regional economic bodies such as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). These partnerships, coupled with South Africa’s strategic location, position Cape Town as a premier investment destination and a conduit to Africa’s thriving market of over one billion people.
Trade Dynamics
Cape Town’s trade prowess extends beyond its borders, with robust trade links established across the African continent. In 2022, African markets emerged as Cape Town’s primary export region, . Leveraging preferential trade agreements and strategic alliances, Cape Town has cultivated strong trade relations with Africa, fuelling economic growth and fostering regional integration.
Exports to Africa
Cape Town’s exports to Africa continue to thrive, with key sectors driving growth and diversification. In 2022, exports to the continent totalled R45.97 billion, highlighting Africa’s status as the largest destination region for Western Cape exports. From refined petroleum oils to packaging goods, Cape Town’s exports cater to diverse African markets, reflecting the city’s adaptability and resilience in navigating regional trade dynamics.
Investment Outflows
Cape Town’s investment footprint extends beyond its borders, with outward foreign direct investment (FDI) into African markets shaping the continent’s economic landscape. Over the past two decades, African markets have emerged as key destinations for outward FDI from Cape Town, with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Namibia attracting significant capital inflows. From the food and beverages sector to software and IT services, Cape Town-based companies are driving innovation and economic development across the continent.
Cape Town Business Hub
As Africa’s gateway, Cape Town’s allure as an investment destination is unparalleled. With a robust industrial base and a conducive business environment, Cape Town offers a unique blend of first-world infrastructure and emerging market opportunities. The city’s strategic location, coupled with favourable market access to African and global markets, positions it as a leading services destination within South Africa and beyond.
For more information, please reach out to our investment facilitation team.
