S. Africa looking forward to meaningful dialogue at WEF on Africa: Zuma

As the host country for the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, South Africa is looking forward to a meaningful dialogue and innovative ideas from stakeholders across the continent and the world, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

South Africa wants the forum to accelerate partnerships and boost regional integration for Africa's inclusive and sustainable growth, Zuma said.

Zuma said he will lead the South African delegation to the forum to be held from Many 3-5 this year in Durban under the theme: "Achieving Inclusive Growth: Responsive and Responsible Leadership."

The forum will be attended by heads of state and government, and global leaders from business and the civil society to discuss important issues relating to the achievement of inclusive economic growth globally and with specific focus on Africa.

"South Africa is honored to host this illustrious gathering of global leaders on behalf of the African continent and we look forward to sharing our insights and homegrown successes with the rest of the continent and the world," Zuma said in a statement distributed by his office.

According to Zuma, this year's WEF on Africa will focus specifically on issues that include education, skills and employment, entrepreneurship, energy, infrastructure and development finance, combating, adapting to and building resilience against climate change, science and technology and innovation.

Africa is facing a mixed outlook for growth. The economic growth forecast for the continent over the coming year is expected to be lower than the five percent average of the past decade, according to the WEF.

Despite this, a number of African countries are growing above six percent per annum and foreign direct investment inflows continue to rise.

Overall, the divergence of Africa's economies makes it imperative to address the challenges posed by a growing unemployed youth population and climate change, among others, the WEF said.

Zuma said the forum comes to South Africa at the right time.

As the host country, South Africa -- the only African G20 economy -- is championing reforms to eradicate extreme poverty and promote shared growth nationally, regionally and globally.

"As a developing constitutional democracy that is defined by triple challenge of inequality, poverty and employment, South Africa believes that radical economic transformation is imperative to accelerating inclusive growth and eradicate these long standing challenges," said the president.

He said South Africa's international partners and investors appreciate this historical need as they know it is key to long term sustainable development for the South African economy. Endit