Cape Town Launches Ease of Doing Business Index to Streamline Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth

by
1 min read
ease of doing business infrastructure investment Cape Town

The city of Cape Town is taking significant steps towards improving its business environment by launching the Ease of Doing Business Index. The initiative is a response to feedback from the private sector, which identified the ten critical indicators required for the city to improve. The ten indicators will track the ease of doing business in the city, with a focus on facilitating infrastructure investment and economic growth.

Ten Critical Indicators for the Ease of Doing Business Index

The Ease of Doing Business Index is set to track ten critical indicators that will help to make Cape Town the easiest place to do business in Africa. The indicators are building plan approvals, getting land use rights, getting electricity, connecting to the water network, rates clearance certificates, informal trading permits, digitisation of city services, permissions to lay fibre internet cables and pipelines, public land transfers, and obtaining a business license.

A Culture Change and Digital Transformation in the City

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis highlighted the importance of making the city more efficient, responsive, and digitally accessible during the Index’s launch at City Hall. The government aims to simplify and expedite various processes, including development approvals, infrastructure investments, and connections to essential utilities.

Progress and Future Developments

The City of Cape Town is already making significant strides in enhancing its business environment, including automating property rates clearance certificates, speeding up water connections for businesses by 75%, and upgrading the online Development Applications Management Portal. The city also plans to end load-shedding over time by buying power on the open market, improving the electricity connection process through online applications for normal and small-scale embedded generation (SSEG), accelerating the rollout of fibre internet, pipelines, and utility cables, and digitizing the Business Licence system for City Health approvals.

Paving the Way for Economic Growth and Job Creation

With the Ease of Doing Business Index, Cape Town aims to pave the way for economic growth and job creation in Africa, serving as a benchmark for the city’s progress in streamlining its business processes and improving its overall business environment. It will enable Cape Town to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to make it even more attractive for investors and entrepreneurs.

Cape Town’s Ease of Doing Business Index has the potential to create significant positive impacts for the city and its economy, and its success may inspire other cities in Africa and beyond to adopt similar approaches to fostering a more business-friendly environment. As the city continues to progress in its Ease of Doing Business Index, it will be essential to monitor its results and learn from its successes and challenges.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

stormers urc
Previous Story

Stormers Ready to Break Attendance Records for URC Semi-Final

events entertainment
Next Story

Cape Town’s Successful Events Season and Plans for the Future

Latest from Blog

racism slavery

A Disturbing Incident: Recollection of Slavery in a High School Incident

Students at a Cape Town high school were involved in a disturbing mock auction that resembled scenes from slavery. The incident, filmed and circulated on social media, triggered investigations by school officials and widespread indignation. A spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the students’ actions were not in line with the values and principles of the department or the school. The incident highlights the need for ongoing dialogues about racial equality, mutual respect, and education on the lasting effects of historical crimes such as slavery.

ireland vfs global

The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals

South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.

electric fence south africa

“Spearheading Safety: South Africa’s Revised Electric Fence Regulations”

South Africa’s Bureau of Standards has updated regulations for electric fences, with new rules requiring the use of premiumgrade materials, regular inspection schedules and enhanced testing methods after installation. The SANS 10222–3: 2023 Edition 5.1 requirements also include revised standards for warning sign placement and joint installation. Failure to comply with the standards can result in the denial of insurance claims, while consumers can request the Electric Fence System Installer number from installers and report improper conduct to the Department of Labour.

homelessness cape town

The Unfolding Homelessness Crisis in Cape Town’s Central Business District

The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.

south africa democracy

Examining the Path of Democracy: South Africa’s Transformation Over Thirty Years

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the need for scientific and evidencesupported strategies to handle socioeconomic complexities, identified key issues integral to the nation’s developmental dialogue, including countering the impacts of climate change, capitalizing on the advantages of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and supporting peace initiatives on the continent. The conference reflected on the struggles, achievements, and aspirations of a nation striving to uphold principles of justice, equality, and social transformation.