The most recent GDP figures indicate enhanced performance in the Western Cape's agricultural sector.

Agriculture Sector Drives Economic Growth in South Africa and the Western Cape.

The latest data from Statistics South Africa, released on 4 March 2025, reveals that the agriculture sector rebounded strongly with a 17.2% growth rate in Quarter 4 of 2024. This impressive performance contributed to lifting South Africa’s overall GDP growth to 0.6% for the quarter and the year.  
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ivan Meyer, highlighted that the sector’s growth was fueled by increased activity in field crops and animal production, as extreme weather conditions subsided. He noted that this signals a positive outlook for the Western Cape’s fruit, grain, and livestock farming industries.  
Looking ahead to 2025, S&P Global forecasts South Africa’s economy to grow by 1.8%, with the Western Cape expected to outperform at 2.1%. Key drivers in the province include Agriculture (5%) and Trade (3.2%).  

Minister Meyer emphasized the importance of the Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy, which focuses on creating an environment conducive to economic growth and job creation. He also pointed out that the Western Cape’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) stood at 52 in Quarter 1 of 2025, surpassing the national average of 45.  
The Minister attributed the province’s resilience to effective governance and clear economic plans, which have resulted in record agricultural exports and increased production. Premier Alan Winde reinforced the sector’s critical role, noting that agriculture employs over 200,000 people in the Western Cape and remains a priority for economic recovery and job creation.  
The Western Cape government is committed to supporting rural and farming communities, leveraging global demand for agricultural exports, and exploring new markets in the Middle East, ASEAN countries, India, China, and Africa. A 5% increase in agricultural exports over five years is projected to create 22,900 new jobs in the region.