SA: Statement by the Presidency, South African Ministers to attend World Economic Forum on Africa Summit in Nigeria (05/05/2014)

5th May 2014 By: Motshabi Hoaeane

SA: Statement by the Presidency, South African Ministers to attend World Economic Forum on Africa Summit in Nigeria (05/05/2014)

President Jacob Zuma will send three Ministers to represent South Africa at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa Summit in Abuja, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 7-9 May 2014.

African political and business leaders (both international and from across the continent) will discuss innovative structural reforms and investments that can help sustain the continent’s growth, create jobs and prosperity for all.
The Ministers who will attend WEF on Africa are Dr Rob Davies (Trade and Industry), Mr Pravin Gordhan (Finance), and Mr Lechesa Tsenoli (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs).

“The summit in Abuja takes place against the backdrop of a much improved outlook for economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. In its most recent regional economic outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa will pick up from 4.9 per cent in 2013 to 5.5 per cent this year, an acceleration which the IMF ascribed to improved prospects in a large number of countries in the region,’’ said Minister Gordhan, the lead Minister on WEF.
WEF on Africa, which is hosted on an alternating basis by South Africa and other fellow African nations, will focus on forging inclusive growth and job creation, both topics of considerable interest and much relevance for Africa’s socio-economic development.

“Africa has remained at the centre of our foreign policy. We have also prioritised the promotion of regional economic integration, infrastructure development, intra-African trade and sustainable development in the continent. The World Economic Forum is an important platform to take this agenda forward, especially as it enables Africa to interact with the world to promote growth and development", said President Zuma.