Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has welcomed the inclusion of the Port of Cape Town in a national government initiative to explore private-sector partnerships for ports and freight rail lines.

The government’s Request for Information (RFI) process aims to gauge market interest in co-managing port operations and improving infrastructure.

The RFI must be completed online and can be accessed through the Department of Transport’s website or directly at www.psp-rfi.co.za. The portal will remain open for eight weeks, from 24 March to 9 May 2025.

“We are relieved to see Cape Town’s port included in this initiative,” said Hill-Lewis.

“The City has long advocated for private sector involvement, and I appreciate Minister Barbara Creecy’s commitment to making this happen. This is a crucial step toward securing the investment and expertise needed to improve the port’s efficiency.”

Currently ranked as the least efficient port in the world by the World Bank, the Port of Cape Town has been a significant hurdle for regional economic growth and job creation.

Hill-Lewis stressed the urgency of private investment and management to unlock the port’s potential and transform it into a key regional shipping hub.

The government has set an August 2025 deadline to formalize the procurement process for private partners, with the Development Bank of Southern Africa playing a role in coordinating efforts.

Hill-Lewis emphasized the importance of sticking to these timelines to prevent delays.

According to research from the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism, increased private sector participation at the port could generate an additional R6 billion in exports, create around 20,000 jobs, and contribute over R1.6 billion in tax revenue within five years.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, highlighted the need for significant infrastructure investment to reduce disruptions caused by strong winds—a key concern raised by businesses.

“When the port is inefficient, exporters are forced to reroute goods to Durban or Gqeberha, incurring high costs. The private sector has shown willingness to assist, and we are monitoring the RFI process closely,” Vos stated.

“We hope this leads to a joint operation model with private partners and much-needed infrastructure upgrades. The City stands ready to support and expedite any related projects within our scope.”

The initiative is seen as a critical opportunity to improve port operations, boost trade, and drive economic growth in Cape Town and beyond.