CEO Column: A Strategic Outlook for 2026
As we begin the 2026 business year, the Western Cape finds itself in a position of relative stability. While global markets face volatility due to geopolitical tensions and administrative instability, South Africa, and this province in particular, are entering the year with a more robust economic foundation.
Current data supports this optimistic shift. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has demonstrated sustained resilience, while the Rand has maintained relative strength, providing a welcome hedge against inflationary pressures. This stability is largely a result of enhanced public-private collaboration. Through focused reform programs, we are seeing structural improvements in energy and logistics, specifically regarding private sector participation in rail and port management.
The latter half of 2025 provided further evidence of this momentum. A defining milestone was S&P Global’s sovereign credit rating upgrade for South Africa—the first in nearly two decades—reflecting improved fiscal discipline and a narrowing budget deficit. Locally, the Western Cape has distinguished itself as a primary engine of this recovery. Recent data confirms the province contributed the lion’s share of South Africa’s net job growth over the past five-year cycle, with the agriculture sector in particular recording a robust 14% year-on-year increase by the end of 2025. Furthermore, our regional green economy continues to surge; Cape Town now hosts 70% of the country’s utility-scale renewable energy developers, attracting multi-billion-rand investments that secure our energy future.
However, we must remain pragmatic. Persistent challenges, particularly crime, continue to impact the cost of doing business and regional safety. Addressing these systemic impediments remains a core priority for the Chamber.
We are moving beyond policy advocacy into operational solutions. A key project for 2026 is our prototype Sustainably Located Industrial Manufacturing (SLIM) industrial park. This SLIM model aims to reduce operational costs by 20% through shared infrastructure and optimized utility management. We will communicate more about this project in due course.
The Chamber remains dedicated to fostering a competitive environment where business can thrive.
Another key priority for 2026 is to enhance our engagement with both our members and the broader business community. We are strengthening our communication channels and platforms, to more efficiently articulate our ambitions and deepen our understanding of where and how our help is needed.
To this end, we invite comprehensive feedback regarding our strategic initiatives and the key events shaping our economy. By way of example, we encourage your input ahead of next month’s national and provincial budget presentations.
We seek to understand your expectations and what you believe should be the government’s primary fiscal priorities. Please participate in our upcoming email poll—the first in a series of engagements designed to ensure our commentary remains an accurate and impactful reflection of our shared business environment.
John Lawson
CEO of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry