Tanzania will host the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa May 5-7 2010, which will be held for the first time in East Africa. President Kikwete will host the meeting, which this year explores the theme “Rethinking Africa’s Growth Strategy”. President Kikwete said: “Africa is a continent full of potential; Africa has been growing despite the economic instability that is facing the world today. We will have the opportunity to examine the strategy of Africa for today to ensure that there is a better tomorrow.”
The World Economic Forum has announced that nearly 1,000 participants from 85 countries will participate in the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa and the Forum’s Seventh Summit of Young Global Leaders will take place on 2-7 May in conjunction with the main event, whereby over 265 Young Global Leaders from over 70 countries representing business, government, civil society, arts and culture, academia, media and social entrepreneurs will participate. One day of the Summit will be devoted to “Learning Journeys”, which will give YGLs the opportunity to work with the Tanzanian government, civil society and private sector organizations on their challenges, innovations and models for social change.
2010 is a special year for both the World Economic Forum, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Africa meeting, and Africa, which is marking 50 years since the start of the independence movement that transformed the continent’s geopolitical landscape. Discussions will address how African nations are managing relations with key economic partners, with an increasing trend towards greater South-South cooperation. As Africa joins India and China in crossing the billion person mark, its young population, natural resources and market potential are catalysts for significant future growth and development. However, underlying blockages to social and economic progress must be addressed to harness this potential. Key issues include access to education, healthcare and affordable capital.
Debate will focus on new models of governance and a unified approach to ensuring peace and security in troubled areas and address how a more conducive business climate and regulatory reforms can encourage both local and international investment. In addition, the meeting is expected to discuss how can low-carbon, sustainable development plans can be designed for Africa’s economic drivers including its natural resources, agriculture and tourism.
The meeting continues a long-standing tradition of uniting African and global leaders to shape the agenda for the continent and in fact, the Forum’s Global Redesign Initiative, which allows business, political and civil society leaders to examine gaps in international cooperation and develop proposals to overcome some of these short-comings, will play a prominent role in this debate.
The meeting continues a long-standing tradition of uniting African and global leaders to shape the agenda for the continent and in fact, the Forum’s Global Redesign Initiative, which allows business, political and civil society leaders to examine gaps in international cooperation and develop proposals to overcome some of these short-comings, will play a prominent role in this debate.
More information on this annual meeting can be obtained on the WEF website.
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