(DURBAN) When the first of more than 1000 delegates, expected at this World Economic Forum Africa gathering in Durban, began arriving on the eve of this conference the temperature was 25 degrees and the locals said it was chilly. Most who live this close to the Indian Ocean are use to 30 degrees plus for most of the year.

For the next three days, in Durban, the interest in the economies of Africa is likely to be running hot.

Organisers say more than 100 countries from around the world will be represented at this year’s WEF Africa compared to 70 at last year’s WEF in Rwanda. Some of the surprise attendees this year is the German Finance Minister – who is bringing a plane load of CEOs with him- and the deputy leader of Singapore.

There will also be a strong contingent of African leaders in Durban. Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will attend his first WEF since Tanzania in 2010. Yoweri Museveni, the leader of Uganda, has also confirmed along with Edgar Lungu of Zambia and King Mswati of Swaziland.

For more read:

World Economic Forum Preview: Africa – a hub of opportunities, waiting to be unlocked!