World Economic Forum On Africa Kicks Off in Cape Town

The 23rd World Economic Forum on Africa kicked off on Wednesday, May 8 on the theme "Delivering on Africa's Promise".

The three-day event in Cape Town, South Africa, is expected to draw regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to discuss the continent's integration agenda and a renewed commitment to sustainable growth and development.

On the morning of Thursday, May 9, the first full day of conference meetings, African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka is scheduled to participate in a discussion entitled "Building with the BRICS", alongside South African President Jacob Zuma; Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Power in India; and representatives from the International Monetary Fund and World Economic Forum in Africa.

The BRICS session is expected to examine how collaboration with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa can empower Africa to deliver on its promise of growth and economic transformation.

The conference program will focus on three key themes: Accelerating Economic Diversification, Boosting Strategic Infrastructure and Unlocking Africa's Talent.

Among the highlights is the global launch of the Africa Competitiveness Report 2013, a joint AfDB, World Bank, World Economic Forum publication. This year's publication will focus on regional integration, trade and infrastructure as key elements to unlocking the continent's potential.

AfDB Vice-President and Chief Economist Mthuli Ncube will present the chapter written by the Bank during the launch, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 9 at 10 a.m. SAST.

This year's Forum on Africa is co-chaired by Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Frannie Léautier, Executive Secretary of The African Capacity Building Foundation; Frans van Houten, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Royal Philips Electronics; Mustafa Vehbi Koç, Chairman of the Board, Koç Holding; and Arif M. Naqvi, Founder and Group Chief Executive, The Abraaj Group.