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Victoria Ruzvidzo in Cape Town, South Africa
The 25th World Economic Forum on Africa began here yesterday, with at least 1 250 delegates expected to attend as the continent and its international partners converge to map the way forward under the theme: “Then and Now: Re-imagining Africa’s Future”.

The main programme begins today anchored on the pillars of marshalling resources, enabling markets and inspiring creativity as Africa becomes an increasingly important region in the global economy.

Cape Town was a hive of activity for much of yesterday as business people, politicians, the academia, civil society and the media streamed into the resort town for the three-day meeting, the largest ever in the history of the forum.

A number of Heads of State and Government and other high ranking officials from the continent are expected to attend.

Zimbabwe hosted the forum in 1997, then called the Southern Africa Economic Summit and its theme was: “A New Growth Opportunity”.

The list of the delegation from Zimbabwe was not immediately available last night, but several Government ministers, business leaders, the academia and civil leaders often attend the annual event now hosted alternately between Cape Town and another capital chosen towards the end of the meetings.

WEF director of media relations Oliver Cann said all was set for the meeting, one of the most important on Africa’s calendar.

“By learning lessons from the past and bringing together the greatest minds of the present, the forum is committed to acting as Africa’s trusted partner in transformation as it faces the challenges that will shape its future,” he said. Of particular interest is the fact that more women and the young are participating at the forum’s meetings than before.

These previously marginalised groups are now regarded as major agents of change as Africa seeks to realise its potential that has been lying dormant for a long time.

The Africa Investor, a specialist investment and communications firm yesterday held an infrastructure and investment conference on the sidelines of the WEF where emphasis was put on private and public sector partnership if Africa was to build adequate infrastructure.

The continent needs about $100 billion annually for infrastructure development, but it has only managed to raise half the amount, emphasising the need for smart partnership between governments and the private sector if meaningful progress is to be made.

Yesterday, the WEF indicated that the Marshalling Resources pillar would explore the scope and diversity of available resources to support Africa’s sustainable development, highlighting the diminishing role of traditional aid and the growing prominence of investment.

Furthermore, opportunities and challenges regarding the shift from state-led to private sector-led inclusive growth would be under the spotlight under the Enabling Markets pillar.

The Inspiring Creativity Framework would examine human-centred solutions aimed at improving lives, particularly by leveraging art, design, science and technology.

Sub-regional meetings for Southern Africa, East Africa and Central and West Africa will be held tomorrow as citizens zero-in on issues specific to their areas.

Social issues such as health, education and the environment will also be up for discussion in various break away sessions slated for the next three days.

The significance of cross border commerce, the growing importance of the informal sector in economies, harnessing resources and the continent’s industrialisation will also come under discussion.

The forum ends tomorrow.