Nigeria Content Online

Some African and global leaders will be participating in the 21st World Economic Forum (WEF) in Cape Town, South Africa to chart a new course on Africa’s development.

The Forum, to be hosted by South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, between May 4 and 6, will feature more than 900 participants from over 60 countries, including Nigeria, deliberating on the theme: “From Vision to Action, Africa’s Next Chapter.”

Business leaders and government and civil society representatives would explore opportunities and risks facing the continent’s development, with primary focus on three thematic pillars: Shaping Africa’s Role in the New Reality; Fostering Africa’s New Champions of Growth; and Building Partnerships for Inclusive Development.

Apart from the formal launch of ‘The Africa Competitiveness Report’ by the World Bank to highlight the continent’s progress over the past year as well as identify major recommendations to African leaders and its international partners, participants will examine the region’s position in the new reality and identify opportunities to accelerate and sustain its transition to inclusive, investment-driven growth.

Others who have also confirmed their interest in the forum include, former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo; Faure Gnassingbé of Togo; Armando Emilio Guebuza (Mozambique); Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania); Raila Amolo Odinga (Kenya); Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon) and Morgan Tsvangirai (Zimbabwe).

Those expected

Regional and international leaders expected to feature include former Secretary-General, United Nations, Kofi Annan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn; Vice-President, Africa Region, World Bank, Obiageli Ezekwesili; President, African Development Bank (ADB), Donald Kaberuka, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, Anand Sharma.

“Africa is poised for take-off. Sub-Saharan Africa is already one of the top performing regions in the world. Having come through the economic global crisis with resilience, the international community is interested in its growth opportunities. The World Economic Forum on Africa will be an opportunity for key leaders from the region and beyond to discuss how this growing confidence in Africa’s potential can be translated into action and results,” Director, Head of Africa, WEF, Katherine Tweedie, said.

Seven young social activists from South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, under the aegis of the British Council’s Global Changemakers initiative are expected to join other in creating awareness among decision-makers’ on the key global agenda, to help spread best practices in youth-led development.

Global Changemakers is a network of young social entrepreneurs and community activists from 110 countries world-wide who come together to build their skills, share ideas, and work together on projects that directly impact the lives of those in their communities.

Managing Director, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Robert Orya, said in Abuja at the weekend that the Nigerian contingent hopes to utilise the opportunity to build on the country’s rising investor rating on the heels of positive outcome of the recent elections by unleashing an aggressive drive for foreign investments in key sectors of the economy.