History of the Cape IT Initiative (CITI)
CITI was born in June 1998 when a group of business people - seeing the potential to seize the advantages of the Western Cape and enhance the existing IT cluster - convened a gathering under the banner of a Cluster Muster. At that meeting a strong consensus for action emerged and the foundations of the organisation were laid. The election of a board and the appointment of an employed executive team followed, ensuring the organisations sustainability and effectiveness. CITI’s founders hoped to create a linked network of Western Cape IT players, increase the attractiveness of the Cape as an IT location, stem the loss of professional skills to Gauteng and overseas and attract inward investment.

About the Cape IT Initiative
The Cape IT Initiative is a networking and cluster development agency that brings together people, ideas and capital to grow the Western Cape, South Africa’s ICT sector. CITI’s goal is to promote Cape Town as a global IT hub and gateway into Africa, thus facilitating the creation of jobs and prosperity through IT. Operating on a business-like basis, the organisation is answerable to its paid up members and IT businesses and stakeholders.
The organisation is registered in South Africa as a Section 21 company (Association incorporated not for gain, with no shareholders.)

Vision
The Western Cape ICT cluster is regionally and internationally recognized for excellence, innovation, and investment and employment opportunities.

Mission
To stimulate and support the growth and development of the ICT cluster in the Western Cape.

Main stakeholders

• Local ICT SMEs
• Cape Town based ICT Start-ups
• Local Black owned ICT companies
• Large local firms
• City of Cape Town and Provincial Government of the Western Cape

CITI also interacts with national government, educational institutions and international firms to promote the interests of
ICT companies.

Cape IT Iinitiative’s capabilities and expertise

Cape IT Initiative's Success:

• Cape Town produces the highest number of ICT success stories in Africa;
• CITI is a well-regarded brand both nationally and internationally;
• The number of ICT companies in the Western Cape grows from year to year; and
• Total turnover in the ICT cluster grows from year to year.