Mayor Hill-Lewis Advocates for US Investment in Cape Town

Cape Town's Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, is on a strategic mission in the United States to court investors and foster business relationships that could unlock new opportunities for Cape Town's economy. Recognizing the United States as a pivotal economic ally, Mayor Hill-Lewis is actively engaging with prospective investors to showcase Cape Town as a bright prospect for foreign direct investment (FDI).

As a dynamic metropolis, Cape Town has drawn the attention of prominent global companies such as Microsoft, Roche, and Amazon that have chosen to invest in the city, contributing to its economic vitality and the creation of job opportunities for the local populace. The message from Mayor Hill-Lewis is clear: the influx of FDI from the U.S. is a cornerstone for Cape Town’s future growth, sustainability, and the ambition to significantly reduce unemployment figures by encouraging more Capetonians into the job market.

During his visit to Washington, D.C., Hill-Lewis is slated to engage with influential policymakers and business leaders, sharing his insights on rapid urbanization in Africa at the Woodrow Wilson Centre and exploring investment partnerships at the Corporate Council on Africa. His itinerary also includes discussions in New York with the Business Chamber of International Understanding (BCIU) and an encounter with New York City's mayor, Eric Adams.

Cape Town is poised to outpace other South African cities in terms of infrastructure investment, with an ambitious agenda focusing on critical sectors such as water and sanitation. The city has witnessed a considerable job market expansion, surpassing other metropolitan areas in job creation over the previous year. The strategic semigration of businesses to Cape Town is supporting the growth of key industries including business process outsourcing, information and communications technology (ICT), film production, agri-business, and a thriving tourism sector.

The City's government emphasizes its performance-driven professional civil service, adhering to the principles of accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes. The city also aims to pioneer energy security initiatives, aspiring to be the first South African city to end reliance on Eskom and load shedding.

Tourism in Cape Town continues to set records, with a surge in overseas visitors contributing to job creation in the sector. December saw 317,000 international tourists, and the total visitor count for 2023 is forecasted at a staggering 2.9 million, making the industry a beacon of economic hope for many local communities.

With a packed schedule, Mayor Hill-Lewis will proceed to London for further engagements that include meetings with London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, and collaborative talks with the SA Chamber of Commerce UK. This tour underscores the tireless pursuit of sustainable economic expansion and securing Cape Town's position as a leading destination for global business investments.