Western Cape
Western Cape grew 8.7% over the decade to R666.8B GDP—South Africa's fastest-growing province, attracting Gauteng emigrants fleeing infrastructure decay.
Western Cape emerged as South Africa's fastest-growing province, with its economy reaching R666.8 billion in 2024 after 8.7% expansion over the decade (outpacing Gauteng's 7.7%). Cape Town's legislative capital status combines with tourism, wine, financial services, and technology to create economic diversification that mining-dependent provinces lack. GDP per capita of R88,805 approaches Gauteng levels, making Western Cape the second-wealthiest province. The Democratic Alliance governs here—the only province not controlled by the ANC—creating a natural experiment in alternative governance that attracts Gauteng emigrants fleeing infrastructure decay. The 2024 GDP growth of 0.7% (third-highest) reflects service sector strength benefiting from tourism boom and domestic consumption. Cape Town's water crisis (2017-2018 'Day Zero' threat) demonstrated climate vulnerability, yet the province adapted faster than load-shedding-plagued peers. The Stellenbosch wine lands and Franschhoek attract high-value tourism while agricultural exports (citrus, wine) contribute to trade balance. By 2026, Western Cape's growth trajectory depends on whether infrastructure can absorb population inflows without replicating Gauteng's congestion failures.