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

President Jacob Zuma is leading a South African delegation to the WEFA being held from 3 to 5 May 2017 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, under the theme “Achieving Inclusive Growth: Responsive and Responsible Leadership”.

“South Africa is honoured 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.

“As a host country, we look forward to a meaningful dialogue and innovative ideas from stakeholders across the continent and the world on accelerating partnerships and boosting regional integration for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable growth,” said President Zuma.

The President said he was pleased that WEFA 2017 would focus specifically on issues that included education, skills and employment; entrepreneurship; energy; infrastructure and development finance; combating, adapting to and building resilience against climate change; and science, technology and innovation.

The President said the WEFA meeting had come to South Africa at the right time. “As a developing constitutional democracy that is defined by the triple challenges of inequality, poverty and employment, South Africa believes that radical economic transformation is imperative to accelerate inclusive growth and eradicate these long-standing challenges. Our international partners and investors appreciate this historical need as they know it is key to long-term sustainable development for the South African economy,” said President Zuma.