07 May 2014 The World Economic Forum on Africa will hold its 24th edition from the 7th to the 9th of May 2014 in Abuja, Nigeria. The forum has traditionally held in Cape Town, South Africa, its regional headquarters. However, the 2014 edition is moving to Nigeria in recognition of its growing economic status as Africa’s largest business opportunity.
The theme of this year’s forum is Forging Inclusive Growth, Creating Jobs, and will see over 1,000 leaders from across politics, business and civil society attending the event. Premier LiKeqiang of China and eleven African heads of state and government are expected as well as President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and senior members of the Nigerian government.
WEF Africa 2014 will be chaired by the former UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, who will also make a presentation during the Private Sector Session. In addition, President/CEO Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chair of the Executive Board, Femmes Africa Solidarite, SwitzerlandBineta Diop; Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, UK Dominic Barton,Chairman/CEO, Heineken Netherlands, Jean-Francois van Boxmer, Chairman, TelKom Group, South Africa Jabu Mabuza; Founder/Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, India Sunil Mittal and Vice Chairman, General Electric, Hong Kong John Rice will also be co-chairs of the event.
About 67 speakers from 26 countries will make presentations during the forum and the Nigerian President, President Goodluck Jonathan as well as members of his cabinet, will also present speeches at the event.
There will be arena sessions, interactive and one on one sessions; all expected to drive conversations and provide the opportunity for leaders to share their insights on the transformation and growth of Africa.