This week, African leaders from all spheres will meet up in Durban at the
World Economic Forum’s annual Africa meeting (WEF Africa 2017). They will be
joined by global business leaders, non-governmental organisations and many
others who want to observe and help shape the continent’s future.
This year’s theme, “Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and
Responsible Leadership” is a fitting follow on to the meeting held last year in
Kigali.
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Last year the focus was on how Africa can benefit from the massive
technological changes happening in the world – termed The Fourth Industrial
Revolution. The discussions highlighted the need for leaders and regulators to
adapt and embrace these changes in order to allow the continent to benefit.
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In order to improve and grow manufacturing on the continent, an enabling
environment is key and this was highlighted during last year’s sessions.
Reliable electricity, good transport infrastructure, efficient ports and
borders - plus an enabling business environment are just some of the many
things that are needed before local innovators and entrepreneurs can compete
effectively on a world stage.
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The World Economic Forum will launch its Africa Competitiveness Report
during this year’s meeting and this should enable governments and leaders to
focus on areas that need improving in their countries and regions.
Fittingly, many sessions at WEF Africa 2017 will focus on industrialisation and
unlocking the industrial corridors across the continent.
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Last year Makhtar Diop, the Vice President for Africa at the World Bank,
had the following words for the delegates, “implementation, implementation,
implementation”. It emphasised how important leadership is for getting
things done. These thoughts lead into this year’s theme of responsive and
responsible leadership.
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Read also: WEF is a chance to woo investors
The final words at WEF Africa 2016 went to South Africa’s then Minister of
Finance, Pravin Gordhan.
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He suggested to the organisers that more sessions need to be devoted to
measuring the implementation of good policies, rather than discussing policy.
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Hopefully WEF Africa 2017 can live up to these expectations and truly show
that the continent is on a growth path that will benefit all of its people.
Paul Clark is a Fund
Manager and Africa specialist at Ashburton Investments. His opinions do not necessarily
reflect those of Independent Media.
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