The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Africa will be attended by Heads of State and Government, global leaders from business, civil society as well as government

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 28, 2017/APO/ -- 

President Jacob Zuma will lead South African delegation to the World Economic Forum in Africa to be held from 03-05 May 2017 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, in Durban, under the theme “Achieving inclusive growth: responsive and responsible leadership.”

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Africa will be attended by Heads of State and Government, global leaders from business, civil society as well as government to discuss important issues relating to the achievement of inclusive economic growth globally and with specific focus on Africa.

“South Africa is honoured to host this illustrious gathering of global leaders on behalf of the African continent and we look forward to sharing our insights and homegrown successes with the rest of the continent and the world.

As a host country, we look forward to a meaningful dialogue and innovative ideas from stakeholders across the continent and the world

As a host country, we look forward to a meaningful dialogue and innovative ideas from stakeholders across the continent and the world on accelerating partnerships and boosting regional integration for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable growth,” said President Zuma.

The President said he was pleased that WEF in Africa 2017 would focus specifically on issues that include education, skills and employment; entrepreneurship; energy; infrastructure and development finance; combating, adapting to and building resilience against climate change; and science, technology and innovation.

The President said the WEFA meeting has come to South Africa at the right time. “As a developing constitutional democracy that is defined by triple challenge of inequality, poverty and employment, South Africa believes that radical economic transformation is imperative to accelerating inclusive growth and eradicate these long standing challenges. Our international partners and investors appreciate this historical need as they know it is key to long term sustainable development for the South African economy,” said President Zuma.   

President Zuma will be accompanied by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and the following key members of the government delegation:

• Minister of Finance: Mr Malusi Gigaba
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
• Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Mr Jeff Radebe
• Minister of Trade and Industry: Dr Rob Davis 
•  Minister of Economic Development: Mr Ebrahim Patel
• Minister of Public Enterprises: Ms Lynne Brown
• Minister of Water and Sanitation: Ms Nomvula Mokonyane
• Minister of Small Business Development: Ms Lindiwe Zulu
• Minister of Energy: Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi
• Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services: Dr Siyabonga Cwele
• Minister of Environmental Affairs: Ms Edna Molex
• Minister of Arts and Culture: Mr Nathi Mthethwa
• Minister of Tourism: Ms Tokozile Xasa
• Minister of Health: Dr Aaron Motsoaledi
• Minister of Science and Technology: Ms Naledi Pandor
• Minister Higher Education and Training: Dr Blade Nzimande
• Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Sifiso Buthelezi

The President will also be accompanied by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Willies Mchunu; MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala; Executive Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Ms Zandile Gumede; as well as high delegation of business leaders.

Distributed by APO on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information.