WESTERN CAPE INVESTMENT AND TRADE PROMOTION AGENCY (WESGRO) 

HEAD: FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI)

CLOSING DATE: 26 JUNE 2026

This is a permanent position subject to the successful candidate signing a Performance Agreement.

A probation period applies.

Reference Number: HFDI/05/27

Purpose of the Job:

The Head: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will provide strategic leadership in positioning Cape Town and the Western Cape as a globally competitive investment destination. The successful incumbent will lead the enhancement and implementation of foreign investment promotion strategies aimed at attracting new international investment into the Western Cape.

The role will focus on:

• Promoting Cape Town and the Western Cape as an investment destination,

• Facilitating investments into Cape Town and the Western Cape

• Managing and enabling a team to achieve the two objectives listed above

• Ensuring long-term knowledge and expertise development for FDI attraction at Wesgro

• Enhancing current and building new relationships with key stakeholders including, investors, government stakeholders, financial institutions, multinational organisations and industry role-players

Requirements:

• A Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field (post-graduate qualification or MBA advantageous).

• Minimum of eight years' experience in investment promotion or a related field (investment promotion, economic development, consulting, business development, investment banking, corporate finance, account management or related environment) with at least two years at senior management level.

• Sound knowledge of economic policy, industry structures, and investment trends.

• Expertise in international investment dynamics, marketing strategies, and communication techniques.

• Knowledge in international law, cross-border tax systems, trade agreements, and global markets is highly valuable.

• Strong understanding of key sectors within the Western Cape economy, including but not limited to: Green Economy, Manufacturing (particularly Green component manufacturing), Food & Beverage (including agriculture), Logistics, Services and Life Sciences & Health.

• Valid Code B driver’s licence and passport.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic leadership and investment promotion capability.

• Strong stakeholder management and networking skills.

• Business development and client relationship management capability.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

• Strong commercial and economic analytical capability.

• Ability to develop and implement investment strategies and sector growth initiatives.

• Strong project management and operational management capability.

• Ability to engage confidently with high-level stakeholders, including CEOs, Boards, Ministers and international investors.

• Strong people leadership and team management capability.

• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage multiple strategic priorities.

• Strong report writing, presentation and policy interpretation capability.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.

• High levels of professionalism, diplomacy, integrity and accountability.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Enhance and implement Wesgro’s Foreign Direct Investment strategy in alignment with the Agency’s strategic objectives.

• Promote international investment into Cape Town and the Western Cape.

• Facilitate investments into Cape Town and the Western Cape by providing a suite of services to investors, including but not limited to market intelligence advice, assist with site location identification, refer investors to professional service providers (such as law firms, banks, other advisory firms), assist with strategic matchmaking to potential JV partners, funders, and other partners, support policy advocacy initiatives.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government departments, financial institutions, embassies, trade organisations, chambers of commerce and private sector stakeholders.

• Provide leadership and direction to the FDI team team.

• Conduct market analysis, sector research and investment trend analysis to identify growth opportunities.

• Lead and participate in inward and outward investment missions, events and stakeholder engagements.

• Develop high-level investment promotion materials, presentations and reports.

The successful candidate will report to the Chief Foreign Direct Investment Officer

How to apply: Email your most recent CV to vacancies@wesgro.co.za.

** Quote the full position title to this advert in the subject line of your email.

* Reference: HFDI/05/27

Closing date: 26 June 2026

Direct all enquiries to Sara Jacobs: Head: Human Resources, on 021 487 4881

Should you not have received any response from us within 14 days after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.