The Western Cape Government has opened applications for its Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP) to help businesses meet international standards and expand into new markets, following an earlier announcement of a broader Western Cape Export Strategy 2035.
The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, told Freight News that the ECEP was an existing initiative and was now entering its fourth year of implementation in the 2026/27 financial year. This year alone, a total of R5 million has been allocated to the programme. Meyer said the department expected more than 25 Western Cape businesses to benefit.
The programme is open to existing exporters, helping businesses overcome several barriers that often limit access to international markets. Businesses will be assisted with certification, regulatory compliance, specialised permits, product registration and internationally recognised standards such as FSSC, ISO, Halal and Kosher certification.
Businesses will also be able to receive support through access to e-commerce platforms and diversify into new markets.
"By assisting businesses to meet the necessary requirements of global markets, the programme enhances the competitiveness of Western Cape exporters and supports the expansion of export-led economic growth in the province," Meyer said.
Commenting on the announcement, Exporters Western Cape chairman Terry Gale said the success of such an initiative would ultimately depend on whether it equipped businesses with internationally recognised skills.
"The export advancement programme providing the correct skills that are accepted internationally is important. That is vital for us to move forward as an industry," Gale told Freight News.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the 2026/27 financial year, subject to the availability of funding.
