Investors considering Cape Town can now turn to an AI-powered digital concierge for help navigating the city’s investment landscape.
The City of Cape Town has launched Maya, a 24-hour investment concierge designed to help businesses from around the world navigate municipal processes, identify opportunities, access business support programmes and connect with relevant City officials and industry bodies.
The launch formed part of the City’s new international investment campaign, Cape Town. Built for Business, which aims to position the Mother City as a leading business destination in Africa.
Maya is available in eight languages, including Afrikaans and isiXhosa. The platform was developed by the City’s Economic Growth Directorate’s Economic Development and Investment Department.
According to the City's mayoral committee member for economic growth, Alderman James Vos, the initiative is intended to make dealing with the government more straightforward for prospective investors.
“Innovation in government doesn’t need to be complicated. It simply needs to solve real problems, save people time and make it easier to do business,” said Vos.
Vos shared that the platform’s name was inspired by Maia from Greek mythology, a figure associated with growth and new beginnings.
Positioning Cape Town for investment
The campaign will promote Cape Town across more than 60 cities in key investment markets, including North America, Europe, South America, Africa, China, India and the Middle East.
The City says the campaign will highlight reforms aimed at creating a more competitive investment environment, including its Ease of Doing Business programme, Business Support Policy and Manufacturing Support Policy.
The City has also advocated for wider economic reforms, including an Open Skies aviation policy and greater private-sector participation in the Port of Cape Town.
Vos said the City’s Special Purpose Vehicle programme facilitated just under R16 billion in new investment during the last financial year, with partnerships focused on sectors including technology, business process outsourcing, marine manufacturing and the visitor economy.
According to the City, the campaign is also backed by the City’s R120 billion infrastructure investment programme over the next decade, which includes investment in water security, energy resilience and transport networks.
The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of Invest Cape Town, which supports investors and promotes Cape Town as a globally competitive business destination.
“Cape Town isn’t just open for business, it’s built for business,” said Vos.
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