The World Economic Forum’s 25th meeting on Africa is set to kick off in Cape Town, this morning.

Themed “Then and Now: Reimagining Africa’s Future”, the meeting is the largest ever in the region.

The meeting, which will end on Friday, will be attended by more than 1 000 leaders from business, politics, academia, civil society and media.

“This year’s meeting will also feature a high-level session on critical subjects aimed at showcasing opportunities in Africa which is one of the fastest growing regions in the world,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said on Tuesday.

According to Williams, it is all systems go to welcome the meeting.

Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom will welcome delegates with a cocktail reception this evening with President Jacob Zuma hosting the official welcome Mokete/Gala dinner on Thursday.

The programme will also include a plenary session featuring President Zuma and other leaders which will be moderated by WEF Founder and head Professor Klaus Schwab.

South Africa is open for business

Alongside the meeting, the Grow Africa Investment Forum, which started on Tuesday, will bring together leaders engaged in the Forum-led Grow Africa food security initiative.

Another high-level summit will focus on mobilising financing for cross-border infrastructure.

South African Ministers will participate in key sessions during the meeting, Williams said.

“South Africa values the importance and contribution that the World Economic Forum provides in creating economic opportunities for growth and development in the country and the continent.

“The WEF on Africa will also showcase that South Africa is open to business.”

For the first time, WEF on Africa will host live press conferences and briefings aimed at enabling public engagement with the forum on important conversations around Africa’s future growth and sustainability.