Cape Town - Four of Africa’s fastest-growing companies have been invited to join the Global Growth Companies community at the World Economic Forum on Africa as regional finalists.
Companies were shortlisted and selected on the strength of their potential to become global economic leaders and were drawn from a broad spectrum of sectors, including infrastructure, oil and gas and aviation. The Global Growth Companies (GGC) community currently consists of more than 390 companies from around the world.
The regional finalists for Africa were:
* Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia) - The national flag carrier of Ethiopia, serving more than 80 international destinations.
* Meikles Limited (Zimbabwe) - One of the largest conglomerates in Zimbabwe, with over 100 years of history.
* PPC Ltd (South Africa) - The leading supplier of cement and related products in Southern Africa.
* Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited (Nigeria) - An indigenous fast-growing petroleum producing company.
In a statement, the World Economic Forum said the four companies had been given the opportunity to join the larger GGC community and that this was the first stop on their journey towards the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in September, in Dalian, China, where the Forum would recognise and honour the selected 2015 class of GGCs.
“GGCs are fast-growing companies with the potential to become global economic leaders,” WEF said. “Representing a broad cross-section of industry sectors, the nominees share a track record of exceeding industry standards in revenue growth, promotion of innovative business practices and demonstration of leadership in corporate citizenship.”
David Aikman, Managing Director and Head of New Champions at the World Economic Forum, said: “The World Economic Forum is proud to recognise these four companies, which are at the forefront of driving responsible economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurship in Africa. We look forward to the active and dynamic role they will play at our meeting in Cape Town, working with the region’s leaders to foster inclusive, sustainable growth in the region.”
Together with Social Entrepreneurs, Technology Pioneers, Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Young Scientists, GGCs make up the New Champions, a World Economic Forum community of pioneers, innovators and creative disruptors, WEF said.
Selection as a Global Growth Company gave enterprises an opportunity to join the existing GGC community. These companies contributed to the Forum’s meetings, projects and knowledge products, which in turn supported them on their path to achieving responsible and sustainable growth.
ANA