100 Countries Represented at World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town

More than 1,000 leaders in their field from 100 countries – including 10 African heads of government or state – are gathering in Cape Town for the 28th World Economic Forum on Africa from tomorrow until Friday, according to the WEF.

Attendees at #WEFAfrica2019 will, according to the WEF, be spread across the fields of business, government, academia, civil society, media and the arts, and the theme of the meeting is “Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” The WEF said in a statement on Tuesday that “Sub-Saharan Africa’s future prosperity hinges on the ability of its leaders to create inclusive, sustainable growth at a time of rapid transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

A major focus of the meeting will be the recently launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Geneva-based WEF said the Cape Town meeting would also highlight improving the funding and regulatory environments for start-ups; developing new partnerships for re-skilling and upskilling workers; and identifying opportunities for green growth.