Nordic House Cape Town

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Nordic House Cape Town

Nordic House aims to become both a commercial and cultural hub for Nordic interests in Cape Town. Contact us for more information! Please share with us!

To stay updated, write to [email protected] and we will add you to our email list. Are you a Nordic company that wants to start up or already in Cape Town? Are you a South African company that wants to explore the Nordics? Do you have ideas for what Nordic House should offer in terms of culture?

01/08/2025

From Nordic Vision to South African Reality!

Did you know? Laura Lykkegaard, Founder of Nordic House, was part of the core team that brought H&M to South Africa, helping the global retail giant navigate its market entry from strategy to store launch.

Today, South Africa’s retail and fashion industry is booming:

- Apparel market worth USD 5.8B and growing at 4.6% CAGR.
- 3,,400+ Shoprite stores and 5,800+ Pepkor outlets showcase massive reach.
- Retailers like Mr Price and TFG report 6–8% quarterly sales growth.
- Luxury goods expected to grow 7% by 2027.
- A young, style-driven population is driving demand for both local and international brands.

With scale, influence, and evolving consumer trends, South Africa is one of the most exciting growth markets for global retail.

At Nordic House, we know how to make it happen:

- Insider market knowledge
- Deep operational expertise
- Proven track record with global brand launches

Thinking about expanding your brand into Africa? Connect now and make your market entry as successful as H&M’s.

Contact us at: [email protected]

29/07/2025

🌍 Expand Your Nordic Business into South Africa today!

At Nordic House, we help Nordic businesses seamlessly enter and thrive in the South African market. With over 30 years of experience, we provide tailored support to:

- Identify market opportunities
- Build strategic partnerships
- Connect with investors and key industry leaders
- Legal & Regulatory Support
- Financial & Tax Planning
- Custom Business Services designed to fit your needs
- And so much more!

From market entry strategy to ex*****on, we are your trusted partner for sustainable growth in South Africa and across the African continent.

Find out more here: nordichouse.co.za/business-services

Contact us now on: [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

25/07/2025

🇸🇪🇿🇦 An afternoon to Remember in Cape Town 🇸🇪🇿🇦

Yesterday marked a proud and historic moment: the grand opening of the new Swedish Consulate at Innovation City, Cape Town. And what a celebration it was!

Over 200 distinguished guests gathered to witness this milestone, including Members of Parliament, diplomats, business leaders, and members of both the Swedish and South African communities. It was a vibrant afternoon filled with connection, collaboration, and pride in what we can achieve together.

We were especially proud to see so many Nordic House members in the room, a testament to the strength of our growing community and the deep-rooted ties between the Nordics and South Africa. It was a truly special moment to share together.

The event also marked the official appointment of Carl Fredrik Sammeli as Sweden’s Honorary Consul in Cape Town, a bold entrepreneur and passionate connector between our two nations. His wife, the author Marie Sammeli, an inspiring force in her own right, stood proudly beside him as we welcomed this exciting new chapter.

And finally, we said a heartfelt farewell to Ambassador Håkan Juholt , a true statesman whose warmth, wit and wisdom have made a lasting impact during his time in South Africa. A special thanks to Sara Radu of Business Sweden, whose moving tribute reminded us all of the legacy Håkon leaves behind. Tack Håkon. You will be deeply missed, and your legacy will live on.

A big thank you to everyone who made the afternoon so meaningful. The atmosphere and hospitality were of world-class quality.

Here is to deeper connections, shared visions, and a future shaped by innovation and friendship.

22/07/2025

Cape Town? Best city in the world? AGAIN?!

We are starting to feel a bit sorry for all other cities at this point…

Cape Town has just been voted Best City in the World (for the 7th time!) by 20,000+ Telegraph readers, because apparently, the Mother City just does not know how to quit winning.

Earlier this year, Time Out also named Cape Town #1 on Earth.

Conde Nast's top 10 best cities and also the best city in the world for food.

Africa’s Leading City Destination by the World Travel Awards.

Kirstenbosch Gardens received TripAdvisor’s Global Top Destination award.

Cape Town airport was named the best airport in the world in 2025 by AirHelp (top marks for timeliness & customer experience).

Also, the design capital of the world and so much more!

97% of locals say it makes them happy. The other 3% were probably stuck in traffic on the M3.

Here is to the beaches, the views, the wine… and yes, the WIND.

What do YOU love most about Cape Town? Drop it in the comments.

We will go first: Everything!

18/07/2025

This Friday, we honour Mandela Day, a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference.

At Nordic House, we will be donating our time alongside so many others across South Africa, contributing in big and small ways that we hope add up to a significant impact. Importantly, this time should be dedicated every day, not just today, which is what we strive to do too.

We also want to shine a light on one of our inspiring members, Breadline Africa, which has been transforming the lives of children since 1993. By providing safe spaces for learning and growth, they empower young South Africans to shape their futures and uplift their communities. It is more than classrooms. It is about building a fairer, brighter South Africa for all.

This Mandela Day, let us all step up, show up, and be part of the change. 🇿🇦

(Images courtesy of Breadline Africa and The Foundation Guide)

16/07/2025

Today in 1661… Sweden changed the world of money forever.

On 16 July 1661, Stockholm’s Banco issued Europe’s first banknote, a bold move to replace Sweden’s massive copper coins (some weighing up to 20 kg!) with lightweight paper promises.

It worked… until it did not.

Over-issuing notes led to the bank’s collapse, but also sparked the founding of Sveriges Riksbank, still standing today as the world’s oldest central bank.
From copper plates to credit cards, it all started here. A Nordic story of innovation, risk, and the power of trust in business.

Learn more: The Story of Europe’s First Banknote – Sveriges Riksbank - https://www.riksbank.se/en-gb/about-the-riksbank/history/historical-timeline/1600-1699/first-banknotes-in-europe/

11/07/2025

Another warm and wonderful winter Nordic Second Thursdays in the books!

This month, we gathered in the premium lounge at Chefs Warehouse Canteen. The perfect cosy spot to escape the Cape Town chill and connect over good food, great conversation, and plenty of laughs.

A special shout-out to our Finnish friends! We had four new faces in attendance, a new record for us! 🇫🇮 Let us keep growing your Nordic representation.

As always, we loved seeing new faces mixing with our regulars, talking business, pickleball, opportunities, life, love, and everything in between.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Here is to keeping the Nordic spirit alive, no matter the season!

09/07/2025

Is your company ready to tackle a significant strategic challenge this year?

We invite forward-thinking businesses to participate in the 2025 DTU Executive MBA Consultancy Programme. DTU stands for the Technical University of Denmark, ranked second only to MIT!

This is a unique, FREE, chance to work with senior executives from one of Europe’s top eMBA programmes.

Participants are seasoned professionals specialising in innovation, business development, and technology management, ready to deliver real impact.

Interested? Email us at [email protected] to learn more.

Do not miss out!

07/07/2025

Cape Town Nordics - July Social!

Calling all Nordics, Nordic friends, and those who feel at home in the North. Join us for July’s Nordic Second Thursdays, our monthly chance to catch up, connect and unwind.

There are no speeches, no programme, just good company, great conversation and a cosy spot in the city to meet familiar faces and new ones alike.

Pop in on Thursday, 10 July, at Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street. Bring a friend, bring a colleague or come solo and leave with new connections.

🗓️ When: Thursday, 10 July
🕕 Time: From 18:00
📍 Where: Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, 91 Bree Street
💬 Entry: Free, just settle your own tab

Whether you are here for a while or here to stay, you are part of Cape Town’s Nordic circle, and we would love to see you there!

Questions? [email protected] | nordichouse.co.za

02/07/2025

🇩🇰 Job Opportunity at The Royal Danish Embassy 🇩🇰

The Royal Danish Embassy in Pretoria is looking for a new Consular Officer to join its team by 1 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

- Permanent position with excellent benefits
- Scandinavian language required
- Based at the Embassy in Pretoria
- Application deadline: 18 July 2025

If you are detail-oriented, proactive, and eager to support Danish citizens abroad, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Apply now: Send your application to [email protected] with the subject ‘Application for Position as Consular Officer’.

More information can be found here: https://sydafrika.um.dk

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Please share with anyone in your Nordic network who might be a fit!

Tak!

01/07/2025

Step Back in Time Nordic Style!

The oldest cities in the Nordics are not just places, they are stories etched into stone, whispered through cathedrals, castles, and cobbled streets.

🇮🇸 Reykjavík (1,155 yrs) – Born of Vikings and volcanic shores
🇳🇴 Tønsberg (1,154 yrs) – Norway’s oldest trading post
🇩🇰 Roskilde (1,045 yrs) – Home to kings and a UNESCO cathedral
🇸🇪 Sigtuna (1,045 yrs) – Sweden’s first town, still full of ruins and runes
🇫🇮 Turku (796 yrs) – Medieval charm meets archipelago beauty

Which ancient city would you explore first?

Tag a fellow history lover and start planning your Nordic time travel.

23/06/2025

Happy Sankt Hans!

Today, the midsummer magic burns bright across Denmark and Norway.

In Denmark, one can expect an atmospheric evening of bonfires, speeches, and song. Families and friends gather near beaches and lakes, singing the classic “Midsommervisen” as flames rise into the sky, symbolically driving away evil spirits. It is a night of warmth, togetherness, and tradition.

In Norway, a celebration rooted in folklore and nature. Bonfires light up fjords and mountain valleys, with communities coming together for picnics, games, and dancing. In some regions, young people still decorate flower crowns or leap over the flames for good luck.

Whether you are watching the fire reflect on the water, sharing stories under the endless twilight, or simply pausing to celebrate Nordic heritage, Nordic House wishes you a magical Midsummer's Night!

(Images courtesy of www.scandification.com and Getty)

Address

Cape Town

Telephone

+27836601007

Website

http://www.nordichouse.co.za/

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