As the Western Cape Government we welcome the delegates attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa to Cape Town and the Western Cape next week.
We are delighted to be hosting leaders from around the world as they hold important discussions about the future of the continent right here in the Western Cape – the gateway to a rising Africa.
There is an abundance of investment opportunities in a variety of sectors that we’d like delegates to consider across Africa, South Africa and the Western Cape. There is more to Cape Town and the Western Cape than meets the eye. We are a beautiful place to visit but also a top business destination, and an economic powerhouse on the African continent.
The theme for the meeting, “Shaping Inclusive Growth and Shared Futures in the Fourth Industrial Revolution”, couldn’t be more pertinent to our time. I look forward to meeting with the delegates of WEF and engaging with them on the significant challenges that the continent faces, together with possible solutions.
In the Western Cape we continue to implement innovative programmes of action to build economic resilience, inclusion and growth to ensure job creation opportunities. However, there is always more that can be done and engagements such as these present a great opportunity for the sharing of ideas, especially with regards to skills development and opportunities for young people.
To this end, I also look forward to meeting with, and addressing, the Cape Town Global Shapers - an initiative of the World Economic Forum that brings together a network of inspiring young people under the age of 33 to address local, regional, and global challenges.
On the evening of the 6 September, these young people will be engaging in a meaningful dialogue on how youth can shape societies of integrity and accountability – a conversation I am sure we will learn much from.
We wish the delegates a pleasant stay and fruitful discussions.
May you be inspired during your stay in our beautiful province.