The World Economic Forum has announced that more than 900 participants from 60 countries will participate in the 21st World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, 4-6 May 2011. Jacob G. Zuma, president of South Africa, will host the meeting, where participants will gather to deliberate under the theme From Vision to Action, Africa’s Next Chapter.

"Africa is poised for take off,” said Katherine Tweedie, director, head of Africa, World Economic Forum. "Sub-Saharan Africa is already one of the top performing regions in the world. The region came through the economic crisis with resilience and the international community is interested in its growth opportunities.

The World Economic Forum on Africa will be an opportunity for key leaders from the region and beyond to discuss how this growing confidence in Africa’s potential can be translated into action and results.

A venue to explore opportunities

The World Economic Forum on Africa offers an opportunity for business, government and civil society to explore opportunities and risks facing the continent at this important juncture.

The meeting has three thematic pillars: Shaping Africa’s Role in the New Reality; Fostering Africa’s New Champions of Growth; and Building Partnerships for Inclusive Development.

The launch of The Africa Competitiveness Report on the morning of 4 May ahead of the official opening of the meeting will provide valuable insight for the discussions.

The meeting will begin with a highly interactive brainstorming session designed to engage the Forum’s Africa community and kick-start the debate.

A collaborative exercise will examine the region’s position in the new reality and identify opportunities to unleash, accelerate and sustain its transition to inclusive, investment-driven growth.

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