CNBC Africa at the World Economic Conference on Africa

Tue, 26 May 2009

CNBC Africa will once again bring viewers front row seats to the World Economic Forum on Africa from Cape Town, South Africa, 10-12 June 2009.

As one of the most important events on the African business and markets channels calendar, World Economic Forum on Africa this year will look at the “Implications of the Global Economic Crisis for Africa".

“WEF is probably the single biggest gathering of opinion leaders in the world of economics in Africa this year, and therefore we regard it as critical to cover as an event for business television viewers on the continent”, says Gary Alfonso, CNBC Africa's chief operating officer.

Faced with the prospect of a prolonged economic slowdown, global leaders are assessing the health and future of their respective economies. The birth of a new era is calling for an overhaul of governance and financial systems and a return to responsible and accountable leadership.

At this critical juncture, the 19th World Economic Forum on Africa provides an important platform for world leaders to address the global and regional implications of the crisis and develop a new roadmap for Africa’s future. The launch of the 2009 Africa Competitiveness Report will provide valuable insight for these deliberations. Discussion will focus on the impact of the crisis on Africa’s traditional drivers of growth including foreign capital flows, demand for oil and commodities, and infrastructure development. A key focus will be on Africa’s investment climate and identifying practical solutions to foster better business practices and greater investment across the continent.

Economic deliberations will be closely linked to important social and environmental issues including food security, climate change, healthcare and education. With one year to the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we explore the economic and social impact of this major international event.

Co-Chairs at this year’s World Economic Forum: 



Kofi Annan, Secretary-General, United Nations (1997-2006) and Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum


Soud Ba'alawy, Executive Chairman, Dubai Group, United Arab Emirates


Jiang Jianqing, Chairman of the Board, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, People's Republic of China


Graham Mackay, Chief Executive, SABMiller, United Kingdom


Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director, World Bank, Washington DC