The Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer, welcomed the sustained growth of the horse export industry in the province, highlighting its contribution to job creation, rural development, and overall economic growth.
The growing horse export sector in the Western Cape strengthens South Africa's agricultural economy. Recently, 31 horses were exported from Cape Town International Airport to France. Ivan Meyer, the Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape, noted that this growth is an indicator of strong animal health systems and the province's global competitiveness.
The latest consignment was dispatched on June 30th after passing the mandatory quarantine period at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station, a key facility enabling South African horses to access international markets. According to Meyer, the successful export demonstrates the Western Cape's ability to meet stringent international biosecurity requirements. He stated: 'The successful export of these horses demonstrates the Western Cape's capacity to comply with the strict animal health and biosecurity standards required by international markets. It also enhances our province's reputation as a reliable global supplier of high-quality horses.'
The horse industry remains a significant economic factor, supporting approximately 177,000 jobs nationwide and adding over 7 billion rand to South Africa's gross domestic product. The Western Cape serves as the country's leading centre for purebred horse breeding and acts as a gateway for the entire horse export potential. The province's strategic importance is underscored by its status as a zone free from African Horse Sickness, which is internationally recognized in Cape Town, granting local breeders and exporters access to profitable overseas markets.
Meyer clarified that the industry's development extends beyond mere export, providing employment across various sectors, including veterinary services, training, logistics, and breeding. He added: 'The continuous expansion of horse exports not only strengthens our agricultural economy but also supports livelihoods throughout the entire value chain—from breeders and trainers to logistics and veterinary services.'
The Western Cape government has committed to maintaining world-class biosecurity standards and expanding market access to ensure the long-term sustainability of the horse sector. With additional consignments expected in the coming months, the industry is poised to further contribute to job creation, rural development, and export-driven economic growth in the province.
