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At least eight heads of state and government, including South African President Jacob Zuma, Malawian President Joyce Banda, President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and Swaziland’s King Mswati 111 are expected to attend the annual gathering.
Zimbabwe’s delegation is led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai while other Government officials include Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara, Industry and Trade Minister Welshman Ncube and Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Tapiwa Mashakada.
Private sector representatives include Dairibord Holdings chief executive Anthony Mandiwanza, Africa Sun Limited group chief executive Shingi Munyeza, RioZim chairman Elisha Mushayakarara and Agribank managing director Sam Malaba.
Zimbabwe has over the past few years been a subject of debate during the forum’s meetings, given developments on the economic and political fronts.
Indications yesterday were that a dinner would be hosted for Zimbabwe to deliberate on economic prospects and the impending harmonised elections.
Western media has often gone all out to attack the Zimbabwean Government and President Mugabe, in particular, at the slightest opportunity but positive developments in the country have seen the West beginning to take a softer stance.
During this year’s meeting, more than 850 delegates from Africa and beyond are expected to focus on how the continent can leverage on its
current position as an emerging powerhouse, while also taking advantage of the natural wealth and human capital.
Senior representatives from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are also in attendance.
The continent projects a 5 percent economic growth this year, but poor infrastructure, low foreign direct and intra-Africa investment, poverty and disease stand in the way of the continent achieving its full potential.
It is against this background that 600 business leaders and their partners in government, the academia and civil society will seek strategies to confront the challenges, while auditing those that have been implemented over the last few years.
With its theme — “Delivering on Africa’s promise” — this year’s three-day meeting is expected to deliberate on how the collaboration with the Brics can empower the continent, building intra-regional infrastructure links, identifying factors that accelerate investment, separating perception from reality with regards to investment, entrepreneurial development and how Africa can launch globally recognised brands to claim its fair share of the market. Brics is the economic group which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
A key strategy to sustainable growth will be the need to integrate women into decision-making and leadership positions.
Furthermore, the importance of agriculture, mining and education in developing socio-economic growth will also be discussed during break-away sessions at the forum.
WEF organisers are confident that the continent’s leaders will build on the successes in the last few years to take the continent to the next level.
“To build on its achievements, Africa’s leaders need to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness, foster inclusive growth and build resilience in a volatile global environment.
“Accelerating economic diversification, boosting strategic infrastructure and unlocking talent are critical success factors in this new leadership context,” said the WEF.
“Boosting Strategies Infrastructure: Steps to Prepare and Accelerate Public-Private Partnerships, From Global Frameworks to Regional Infrastructure Development in Africa” and the “Africa Competitiveness Report” are some of the research findings to be launched during this meeting.
The Schwab Foundation 2013 Africa Social Entrepreneurs Awards will be announced tomorrow.
The social entrepreneurs are innovators who implement practical and sustainable solutions to address challenges in health, education, the environment, job creation and access to technology.
Online Reporter