The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has launched the annual #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge. The initiative aims to stimulate small businesses and/or ideas through skills development and innovation, contributing to job creation. ## New Challenge Categories Encourage Innovation
The Sentech Africa Tech Week Conference recently took place in Cape Town, bringing together key stakeholders from across the tech industry. The event aimed to explore new business opportunities in the African Tech industry and discuss the latest trends, insights, and best practices. One of the key topics discussed at the conference was the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (20202030).
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure has set a target of creating more than 15,000 jobs within the next three years. The department plans to achieve this goal through infrastructure development projects. The Roads Infrastructure branch expects to create around 4,500 jobs each year, while the General Infrastructure and Public Works branch aims to generate 650 jobs annually.
The N2 Wild Coast Road Project is a significant infrastructure project that has the potential to revolutionize South Africa’s transport industry. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is responsible for the project, estimated to cost R10 billion.
The Ashburton Interchange Project is set to revolutionize South Africa’s transportation system and create significant economic benefits. Here are some of the main advantages of this massive project. ### Enhanced Transport of Goods and Services
Cape Town, South Africa, will be investing R11bn in infrastructure, making it the largest infrastructure budget among all of the country’s metros. This announcement was made by Mayor Geordin HillLewis during a City Council meeting. The budget is part of the City’s plan to build a “City of Hope” for all its residents, regardless of their background or where they live.
Tourism is a crucial sector in Cape Town’s economy, with many small businesses relying on it for their livelihoods. The City of Cape Town recently organized a community conversation with Hout Bay tourism operators to support and strengthen the industry.
The City of Cape Town is proud to support once again the annual Suidoosterfees, which will take place from April 26 to May 1, 2023, at the Artscape. This festival has become a major cultural event on the Cape Town calendar and highlights the best of the region’s arts and culture scene.
The Oceans Mall, located in Umhlanga, KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, has been making waves in the retail industry since its opening in November 2022. The mall, developed by businessman Vivian Reddy, has been called the “Dubai in Durban” and has been described as a “game changer” for KwaZuluNatal.
The fifth annual Investment Conference in South Africa, recently held in Johannesburg, has been a resounding success. The gathering, aimed at promoting investment in the country, attracted investors from both South Africa and other parts of the world. Some leading industries that received investment commitments included mining and mineral beneficiation, the energy sector, industrial sector, advanced materials, chemicals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, infrastructure development, logistics, and social housing. With these sectors receiving significant investment commitments, the conference achieved its target of R1.2 trillion investments.
Streaming giant Netflix has pledged to inject R929 million into the South African creative industry, recognizing the potential of the country’s TV and film sector. Madeleine de Cock Buning, Netflix Vice President for Public Policy EMEA, views South Africa as an untapped opportunity for the company, having already created 7,000 jobs in the country. According to Buning, the TV and film industry has a significant impact on economic growth and jobs, playing a crucial role in the African economy.
