Western Cape Technology Sector Market Intelligence Report 2025
Overview
The Technology Sector Market Intelligence Report 2025 is a comprehensive research initiative commissioned by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT). It provides a detailed analysis of the province’s dynamic and evolving tech ecosystem, offering insights to guide policy, investment, and ecosystem development.
This report is a foundational tool for understanding the current state, challenges, and opportunities within the Western Cape’s technology sector, and for shaping strategic interventions that support inclusive, sustainable growth.
Western Cape Technology Sector Market Intelligence Report
The report was developed to:
- Bridge critical gaps in sector intelligence and data.
- Benchmark the Western Cape against leading African and global tech hubs.
- Identify strategic growth areas and export opportunities.
- Provide actionable recommendations for government, industry, academia, and funders.
It supports the broader goals of the Growth for Jobs Strategy, where technology and innovation are key enablers of economic competitiveness and job creation.
Key Focus Areas
Technology Sector Deep Dives
The Western Cape strives to evolve as a digital innovation leader in Africa. This is underpinned by emerging technologies reshaping industries and economic activity. This Market Intelligence Report covers the assessment of nine high-potential tech verticals in the Western Cape, each with strong economic relevance and global growth potential:
Technology Deep Dives
Additionally, the assessment focuses on priority technologies with growing relevance in the province. These key digital technologies were specifically selected due to their potential to impact multiple industries and drive innovation in the Western Cape’s technology ecosystem and economy.
The analysis of this study focused on the Western Cape Province, encompassing key areas of concentration such as Cape Town and Stellenbosch, widely recognised as major centres for technology innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa. While the report primarily analysed the local technology ecosystem within the province, it was not confined solely to the region. The study was further informed by broader national trends across South Africa and incorporated insights from other African tech hubs, such as Nairobi in Kenya and Lagos in Nigeria, to provide regional context. Additionally, it draws best practices and comparisons from international counterparts with comparable economies to South Africa, offering a well-rounded perspective on global competitiveness.
Western Cape Technology Sector Market Intelligence - Executive Summary 2025
Who will benefit from this report
This report is designed to support a wide range of stakeholders across the tech ecosystem:
- Government departments and policymakers – to inform strategic planning, policy development, and investment prioritisation.
- Corporates and MSMEs – to identify market opportunities, benchmark performance, and explore innovation pathways.
- Startups and entrepreneurs – to understand sector dynamics, access support mechanisms, and align with emerging trends.
- Academia and research institutions – to guide curriculum development, research focus areas, and industry collaboration.
- Funders and donors – to identify high-impact investment opportunities and support ecosystem development.
- Municipalities and local authorities – to align smart city and digital infrastructure initiatives with sector needs.
Each group will find insights and recommendations to help unlock growth, improve competitiveness, and foster collaboration.