World Economic Forum on Africa poised for take off

"Africa is poised for take off," said Katherine Tweedie, director, head of Africa, World Economic Forum. "Sub-Saharan Africa is already one of the top performing regions in the world. The region came through the economic crisis with resilience and the international community is interested in its growth opportunities. The World Economic Forum on Africa will be an opportunity for key leaders from the region and beyond to discuss how this growing confidence in Africa's potential can be translated into action and results."

A venue to explore opportunities

The World Economic Forum on Africa offers an opportunity for business, government and civil society to explore opportunities and risks facing the continent at this important juncture. The meeting has three thematic pillars: Shaping Africa's Role in the New Reality; Fostering Africa's New Champions of Growth; and Building Partnerships for Inclusive Development.

The launch of The Africa Competitiveness Report on the morning of 4 May ahead of the official opening of the meeting will provide valuable insight for the discussions.

The meeting will begin with a highly interactive brainstorming session designed to engage the Forum's Africa community and kick-start the debate. A collaborative exercise will examine the region's position in the new reality and identify opportunities to unleash, accelerate and sustain its transition to inclusive, investment-driven growth.

Heads of state to attend

Heads of state/government from Africa who have confirmed their participation include Faure Gnassingbé, president of Togo; Armando Emilio Guebuza, president of Mozambique; Jakaya M. Kikwete, president of Tanzania; Raila Amolo Odinga, prime minister of Kenya; Ali Bongo Ondimba, president of Gabon; Morgan Tsvangirai, prime minister of Zimbabwe; and Jacob G. Zuma, president of South Africa.

Other top regional and international leaders who will participate include Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, United Nations (1997-2006); Hailemariam Desalegn, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Ethiopia; Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili, vice-president, Africa Region, World Bank, Washington DC; Donald Kaberuka, president of African Development Bank (ADB), Tunis; Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; and Anand Sharma, minister of commerce and industry of India.

The co-chairs of the meeting who will help shape the agenda are:

• Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, chairman of the board, Nestlé, Switzerland; Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum; Global Agenda Council on Water Security
  
• Timothy Flynn, chairman, KPMG International, USA
  
• P. Mpho Makwana, chairman, Eskom Holdings, South Africa
  
• Linah K. Mohohlo, governor of the Bank of Botswana; Regional Agenda Council on Africa
  
• Rajiv J. Shah, administrator, USAID - US Government Agency for International Development, USA; Young Global Leader
  
• Jubril Adewale Tinubu, group chief executive, Oando, Nigeria; Young Global Leader.

For more information go to www.weforum.org/NR_AF11_PreMtgPress