WEF in Africa event a boost for city
DURBAN is gearing up to welcome more than 3 000 visitors this week for the World Economic Forum in Africa, which is scheduled to take place from May 3–5 at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).
The delegates include 21 heads of state, forum member companies, representatives from the government, international organisations, civil society, academia, media and the arts.
Under the theme Driving economic transformation in Africa through inclusive growth models, the forum will comprise a three-day programme that will include high-level sessions, working lunches, workshops and televised panels. There will be a number of exciting side events that are also scheduled to take place in the city during the conference. Among them will be the leadership breakfast on Thursday, which will focus on the role of South Africa and other key African markets in Africa’s developmental agenda.
The Presidency will also host a cultural event.
The Made in Africa 2017 fashion, arts and culture pop-up market is scheduled to take place under the theme Designed in Africa. Made in Africa. For the World.
The programme will include exhibitions, panel discussions and master classes, and a fashion and cultural showcase.
The ethekwini Municipality and provincial government will also host the youth breakfast discussion on Thursday. The breakfast will engage with young leaders on the role the youth can play in helping Africa to achieve “inclusive growth”. Participants will include the WEF young global leaders and global shapers, local young professionals and students.
Acting deputy manager for economic development and planning Phillip Sithole said there were numerous benefits for the city as the host of the prestigious event.
“These include the estimated 3 000 visitors expected to travel to Durban for the conference, as well as significant trade, investment and tourism marketing opportunities.
“A number of high-profile investors are coming to our city and international media will be covering the event. It is a good opportunity to change perceptions of the city and attract investment,” he said.
The South African delegation attending the forum will include businesspeople, cabinet ministers, provincial MECS and the city’s leadership, among them ethekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
The WEF Africa conferences in 2019 and 2021 will also be hosted by Durban.