Looking towards agenda 2063 at WEF Africa 2015

4 June 2015

WEF Africa 2015 began on Wednesday, 3 June under the theme “Then and Now: Reimagining Africa’s Future.” Team South Africa was well represented on the first day of WEF Africa and boldly emphasised that South Africa is open for business on all platforms.

The day began with Minister Radebe participating, together with the Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Hanna Tetteh, in an interactive discussion on how competitive African nation brands can contribute to advancing Agenda 2063. The session was hosted by Brand South Africa. 

Both Ministers and the participants at large concluded the discussions saying that the time has come for African countries to implement policies which will contribute to changing the socio-economic conditions on our continent.  There was also a resounding call that Agenda 2063 must be brought to life through the implementation of national policies that support the pillars for growth and development.  This includes, amongst others, social issues like health, education and food security as well as those of infrastructure development.

South Africa’s commitment to the development of infrastructure is evidenced by President Zuma’s chairmanship of the African Union Program for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA). This committee is seized with amongst others, facilitating road, rail and air connectivity between countries on the continent which will contribute to:
•    Africa’s integration
•    Ease of movement of people, goods and services throughout the continent
•    The continent’s ability to attract inward flows of investment.

On the first day, South Africa in conjunction with WEF also co-hosted a welcome reception for all accredited participants to the Forum. At this Forum, Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom again emphasised that South Africa is open to all visitors and investors while offering a range of diverse experiences that would cater for all visitors.

Finally, Team South Africa concluded the day with President Zuma hosting a meeting of the Business Interaction Group (BIG).  As with similar engagements in the run up to WEF Africa 2015, there has been a willingness of both government and the private sector to work together to drive South Africa’s growth and development.  At the BIG meeting President Zuma once again reiterated that government is committed to creating an enabling legislative and policy environment for business to create jobs and grow the economy.

Day 2 of WEF Africa 2015 will again see Team SA participate in a range of activities.

This will include:
•    Minister Nomvula Mokonyane participating in a session entitled “The Future of Water”
•    Minister Derek Hanekom participating in a session entitled “Unlocking Africa”
•    Minister Ramathlodi participating in a session entitled “Africa Mining”

Follow Team South Africa’s programme during WEF Africa 2015 on Twitter #WEFAfrica15

Enquiries: Ms Phumla Williams
Acting Cabinet Spokesperson
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS)