Cape Town has secured a major endorsement from the global technology sector, with UK-based fintech ClearScore naming the city its second global tech hub outside London, reinforcing the Western Cape’s growing reputation as a destination for international investment.
The expansion marks a significant step in the company’s long-term growth strategy, with its Cape Town headquarters on Loop Street set to support key global functions, including engineering, product development, and data analytics. The office will also continue to drive commercial and marketing operations for the South African market.
ClearScore first established a presence in Cape Town in 2017, making it the company’s first international office outside the United Kingdom. Since then, it has grown into a major player in the local credit marketplace, building a substantial user base and expanding its service offering.
The latest investment is expected to grow the Cape Town team to around 120 employees over the next 12 to 18 months, further strengthening the city’s role within the company’s global operations.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Justin Basini said Cape Town has played a central role in the company’s international success.
“South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, has been an important part of the ClearScore growth journey for many years. Cape Town is the first place we opened an office outside the UK, and it has played a central role in our success ever since,” he said.
“As we invest in the next stage of growth, Cape Town is becoming our second major tech hub outside London, with the team here helping build technology that will support our future, including our agentic artificial intelligence ambitions and wider platform capability.”
The company currently serves more than 6.6 million South African users and is targeting growth to over 7.5 million by the end of the year. It also reports more than 45,000 credit transactions per month, reflecting strong demand for digital financial services.
Regional leaders have welcomed the expansion as a clear vote of confidence in the Western Cape’s investment environment.
Wrenelle Stander, Chief Executive Officer of Wesgro, said the decision signals more than just market growth.
“What makes this especially significant is that it is not simply a market-expansion story, but a signal that globally relevant technology can be built from here,” she said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde added that the province’s appeal extends beyond technical skills.
“Companies need places where they can grow with confidence, and people want places where they can build careers and quality lives,” he said.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos said the investment reinforces the city’s position as a business and technology hub.
“Cape Town’s role in this story is clear: we are a city where innovation, infrastructure and real energy come together to create opportunity,” he said. The expansion reflects a broader trend of international companies choosing Cape Town as a base for scalable operations, supported by a strong talent pool, modern infrastructure, and a competitive business environment. As global firms continue to invest in the region, the Western Cape is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in the international digital economy.
Credit: Cape Business News.
