Inclusive growth, 4IR the focus of 28th World Economic Forum on Africa
3 September 2019
Heads of state and business leaders from across the globe are in Cape Town for the 28th World Economic Forum on Africa from 4 – 6 September 2019.
The conference takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre under the theme ‘Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and will address the African Union’s Agenda 2063 regional strategic priorities under four programme tracks:
- Innovation: Readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Cooperation: Sustainable Development & Environmental Stewardship
- Growth: Digitalization & Competitive Industries
- Stability: Leadership & Institutional Governance
The discussions will focus on key industries and build on the launch of the first African Affiliate Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa.
South Africa is once again honoured to host this globally important gathering and we look forward to learning from partners and counterparts how best to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth that creates employment and enables us to improve the living conditions of all South Africans.
“Now more than ever, South Africa needs to create opportunities that will empower young people. At the same time, the Forum allows South Africa to showcase the broad range of programmes we have put in place and actions we have taken to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement.
The World Economic Forum is also expected to launch the Africa Growth Programme at WEF Africa, a new platform to bring enterprises together with investors and institutions, helping them secure smarter funding. Among the 29 entrepreneurs heading to the meeting are fintech start-up Flutterwave and Evergreen, a Tanzanian company recycling waste plastic into furniture.
Helping guide talks on Africa’s regional priorities will be: Sipho M Pityana, Chairman of AngloGold Ashanti in South Africa; Arancha Gonzalez Laya, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Geneva; Jeremy Farrar, Director of the UK-based Wellcome Trust; André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman of Roche, Switzerland; Ellen Agler, CEO of The END Fund; Jim Ovia, Chairman of Nigeria’s Zenith Bank; and Alex Liu, Managing Partner and Chairman of AT Kearney.
Follow the discussion on the WEF Africa website. Sessions will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
