The equine export industry in the Western Cape is experiencing significant growth, contributing to job creation, rural development, and economic expansion.

MEC Ivan Meyer highlighted that the recent export of 31 horses to France through Cape Town International Airport underscores the province's robust animal health systems and global competitiveness.

The successful export, which followed mandatory quarantine at Kenilworth Quarantine Station, demonstrates South Africa's ability to meet stringent international biosecurity standards.The industry supports approximately 177,000 jobs nationally and adds over R7 billion to GDP annually.

As the country's leading hub for thoroughbred breeding, the Western Cape plays a crucial role in equine exports, leveraging its African Horse Sickness Free Zone status to access global markets.Meyer emphasized that growth extends beyond exports, creating opportunities in breeding, training, veterinary services, and logistics.The government remains committed to maintaining high biosecurity standards to ensure the sector's long-term sustainability.