Stellenbosch has set its sights on becoming one of the innovation capitals of Africa. It’s a goal that is certainly audacious. The historic Western Cape town appears detached from much of South Africa, let alone the rest of the continent. Its exclusive wine estates, pristine Cape Dutch business district and predominantly Afrikaans signboards and hoardings convey a world far removed from Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lagos.

Conrad Sidego, however, believes Stellenbosch has just the right alchemy to propel the town to the forefront of innovation in Africa. Sidego, executive mayor of Stellenbosch, readily promotes the town’s pedigree.