Zuma to lead high-powered delegation to World Economic Forum

President Jacob Zuma will lead a high powered government delegation to the World Economic Forum on Africa meeting in Cape Town from June 3-5‚ the Presidency said on Sunday.

It said the president will be accompanied by 12 ministers and a deputy minister‚ five provincial pemiers and five mayors of metropolitan municipalities as well as several business leaders to showcase South Africa and explore opportunities at the meeting.

Under the theme “Then and Now: Re-imagining Africa’s Future”‚ the 25th World Economic Forum on Africa will convene African and global leaders from government‚ business and civil society to take stock of progress over the last 25 years‚ share insights on the present landscape and identify innovative approaches to accelerate inclusive growth while bringing about sustainable development in the future.

The participants include vice-presidents‚ prime ministers‚ former heads of state and government‚ ministers as well as chairmen and CEOs of global companies‚ the Presidency said in a statement.

“South Africa will use the WEF to showcase the country’s attractiveness as a business destination and that of the African continent in general. The President and his delegation will engage business leaders in various sessions to share the competitive advantages and respond to questions raised. The meeting will also be used as an important listening forum by government to take notes on issues of concern to business. These will be taken forward in government’s formal interface with South African business‚ the Presidential Business Working Group‚ Presidential Small Business Working Group and the National Consultative Forum on the Mining Sector‚” the statement added.

It said South Africa will market the country within the context of the National Development Plan‚ a long term plan to develop an inclusive economy‚ create jobs‚ enhance the capacity of the state and promote partnerships throughout its society.

 “The aim of the NDP is to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. It also commits the country to invest in a strong network of economic infrastructure designed to support the country’s medium and long-term economic and social objectives.

“The NDP also highlights the importance of Africa in South Africa’s development.”

South Africa‚ the statement continued‚ seeks investment in the following job drivers which will be marketed during the WEF;

• Infrastructure development

• Agriculture‚ forestry and fisheries

• Mining and beneficiation

• Manufacturing including the incentives provided by government in various sectors for investors

• The green economy

• The ocean economy

• Tourism

 “South Africa will showcase the ocean economy which is promoted through the Operation Phakisa delivery model. Four priority sectors have been selected as New Growth Areas in the ocean economy‚ with the objective of growing them and deriving value for the country and creating jobs‚” the Presidency said.

It said these were:

a) Marine transport and manufacturing activities (such as coastal shipping‚ trans-shipment‚ boat building‚ repair and refurbishment);

b) Offshore oil and gas exploration;

c) Aquaculture;

d) Marine protection services and ocean governance.

“We are pleased and honoured that WEF has chosen our country to host West Africa this year. Both government and the business community welcome the opportunity to showcase our country. South Africa is open for business. The South African delegation will emphasise this message to business from both Africa and the world and showcase the enormous opportunities in our country‚” said President Zuma.

South Africa is hosting two major events this month. When the WEF Africa meeting ends‚ the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union will take place on 7-15 June 2015.