Johannesburg, South Africa – 22 May 2022: Minister of Human Settlements & the Head of Cabinet Economic Cluster, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, is leading a high-level delegation of over 37 business and institutional leaders, representing South Africa at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Switzerland.
Taking place in Davos, Switzerland from 22-26 May 2022, the Meeting will bring together nearly 2,500 leaders who will discuss and explore solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges including economic shocks stemming from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, global collaboration, climate change.
This is an opportunity for the South African delegation to engage with global counterparts on country’s contribution to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic as well progress in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), which aims to promote industrial growth and infrastructure investment.
The rollout of the ERRP has put South Africa in position to stimulate its economy and attract investment.
“The ERRP has allowed South Africa to emerge stronger from the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, hence our economy rebounded by 4,9% in 2021 after slipping into a recession in 2020. Further investments in logistics-related infrastructure like energy, water, telecommunications, ports, and rail will support economic recovery,” said Sithembile Ntombela, Acting CEO of Brand SA.
Ntombela said the collaboration between government and the private sector was critical to sustaining the economic recovery, which was underpinned by policy reforms implemented to reduce cost of doing business and to support investors looking to grow their footprint in South Africa and across the African continent.
“In Davos, we will convey to our global counterparts that South Africa is a low-risk, attractive investment destination that has a potential to give investors sustainable, long-term returns. South Africa is also a location of choice for multinationals looking to expand across the continent and take advantage of our country’s growing ecosystem that supports innovation, technology, and fintech,” explained Ntombela.
In Davos, Team South Africa will also sell investment opportunities that exist in our country and update delegates about the progress that has been made in implementing the five-year investment drive, which has since raised R1.14 trillion, which is 95% of the 5 year target. These investments are spread across sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and ICT.
The success of South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing programme has been underpinned by the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, which are the largest and most advanced in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is manufacturing Covid-19 vaccines, boosting the supply of jabs needed to vaccinate Africa’s population.
The multi-sectoral delegation that will represent South Africa at WEF 2022 comprises of leaders from industries such as financial services, mining, agriculture, health, amongst others, will help sell South Africa as an attractive business destination.
Amongst the South African corporate leaders who will represent South Africa is Patrice Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chairman of African Rainbow Minerals, Patrick Khululekani Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Rene Parker, Chief Executive Officer of RLabs, and many others.
Broadcast journalist Nzinga Qunta said she was looking forward to moderating discussions at the WEF meeting, where she will interact with thought leaders and corporate leaders to share experiences.
“Participating at a high-level event like the WEF is exciting because as a South African, I will be part of shaping global conversations with CEOs, world leaders, and charity organisations.
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Issued by Brand South Africa
Notes to the Editor
Contact: Risuna Mayimele
Email: risuna@brandleadership.com
Mobile number: 071 481 2765
About Brand South Africa
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation, to improve its global competitiveness. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship.
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