Western Cape Futures Association (WCFA)
Forward Focused & Future ReadyBuilding a sustainable, innovative investment & Future-Ready Western Cape through cooperation, coordination and managed support.
Growth
Enabling strategic regional investment & development, enhancing industry partnerships, and supporting regional leadership and governance growth, WCFA is committed to positioning the region as an international capability provider.
Key Focus Areas
The Western Cape Futures Association (WCFA) is dedicated to securing the long-term economic and social resilience of the Western Cape and its communities.
Sovereign Capability & Technology Development
Establishing world-class test facilities, AI-driven digital infrastructure, and resilient logistics networks.
Sustainable Industry Growth
- Fostering energy and other renewable resources development
- Re-commercialising/reclaiming/re-purposing regional commercial & economic ‘dead-zones’
- Initialising co-locating/relocating of advanced manufacturing capacity and capability
Economic & Workforce Development
Creating high-value local job opportunities and fostering Indigenous enterprise participation.
Cultural Preservation
Strengthening Indigenous heritage and traditions.
Disaster Resilience & Climate Adaptation
Enhancing early warning systems and environmental monitoring.
Our Members
ABOUT WCFA
Driving Growth & Resilience
The Western Cape Futures Association (WCFA) is a not-for-profit, member-led organisation committed to advancing economic, environmental, and social prosperity across the Western Cape. WCFA achieves this by:
- Fostering strategic investment & partnerships to unlock economic potential.
- Supporting local Indigenous and non-Indigenous enterprise to ensure regional ownership and leadership in key industries.
- Attracting world-class technology, energy, and infrastructure projects to the region.
- Building long-term regional resilience by addressing workforce development, disaster preparedness, and digital innovation.
Our mission is to create a collaborative platform that attracts investment, promotes locally-led economic development, and establishes the Western Cape as a central capability hub for national and international trading partners.
INVESTMENT & TRADE OPPORTUNITIES
Unlocking the Western Cape’s Economic Potential
WCFA is actively working with government, industry, and research partners to develop new investment pathways. Key investment sectors include:
- Sovereign Capability & Defence Technology – Establishing the Multi-Domain Advanced Technology Test Ranges (MATTR) to position the region as a global leader in sovereign capability testing and innovation.
- Critical Minerals & Advanced Manufacturing – Expanding rare earth mineral transport and  & onshore refining to strengthen Australia’s sovereign supply chain and attract high-value advanced manufacturing industries.
- Renewable Energy & Hydrogen Economy – Leveraging geothermal and hydrogen production for clean energy exports and industrial growth.
- AI, Digital Infrastructure & Data Security – Establishing sovereign-controlled data cities to support AI research, cybersecurity, and defence applications.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Blue Economy – Enhancing Indigenous-led land & marine management to create carbon credit markets, eco-tourism, and sustainable aquaculture opportunities.
Want to invest in the Western Cape’s future?
What We Do
WCFA plays a key role in shaping the Western Cape’s economic and social future through Strategic Development Priorities:
Attracting & Retaining Investment
Securing sustainable investments that benefit local businesses and communities.
Driving Energy Self-Sufficiency
Supporting renewable energy innovation and implementation.
Creating a Thriving Region
Strengthening industries that create jobs and build resilient communities.
Leveraging Research & Innovation
Partnering with research institutions to advance cutting-edge technologies.
Enhancing Natural Assets
Promoting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
Expanding Trade
Strengthening economic ties with the Asia-Pacific and global markets.
Delivering Technological Innovation
Establishing the Western Cape as a hub for advanced technologies and digital solutions.
A future-proofed Western Cape that thrives as a resilient, technology-driven, and self-sustaining economic powerhouse.
INNOVATION & COLLABORATION
Connecting the Western Cape with Global Innovation
WCFA has partnered with Nectir, a leading innovation platform, to drive collaboration, research commercialisation, and technological innovation.
- Accelerating First Nations innovation & entrepreneurship
- Connecting regional businesses with global investors & research institutions
- Supporting sovereign industry development through AI & emerging technologies
Discover how Nectir is shaping the future of innovation:
Your WCFA Leadership
Jaime Gane
Chair
Born and raised in Weipa, Jaime Gane has been an integral part of the Western Cape community for decades. Her deep local connections, combined with her experience in business ownership and community engagement, give her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the region. She is passionate about ensuring Weipa’s long-term prosperity, fostering a strong local economy, and creating opportunities that encourage families to make Weipa their permanent home.
Michael Rowland
Deputy Chair
Michael Rowland has been a proud member of the Weipa community since 1986, when he and his wife relocated to the region for work. They soon made Weipa their permanent home, building their life and raising a family in Nanum. Michael has played an active role in the community for decades, contributing to a range of local organisations including the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce, Weipa Community Care, and the Weipa Sub-branch of the RSL. He also served as Chair of the Weipa Town Authority for 16 years. With deep ties across Cape York and the Torres Strait, Michael is a strong advocate for regional communities and remains committed to supporting Weipa’s growth and long-term success.
Jai Christie
Secretary
A Weipa local with a background as a diesel fitter and contractor, Jai Christie has worked across Cape York, the Northern Territory, and Papua New Guinea, gaining extensive experience in remote service industries. As the founder of JAI-MEC Rural Contracting Pty Ltd, Jai provides critical diesel fitting, air conditioning services, and tyre supply and repairs to businesses across the Western Cape. His firsthand knowledge of working in remote areas makes him a strong advocate for infrastructure development and business growth in the region.