President Ramaphosa arrives in Davos-Klosters for the World Economic Forum

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 22 January 2019, arrived in Davis-Klosters, Switzerland, where he will lead Team South Africa’s participation in the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled from 22 to 25 January 2019.

The 2019 WEF will be held under the theme “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution”. The annual gathering brings together heads and members of more than 100 governments, top executives of the 1 000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, and cultural, societal and thought leaders, among others.

President Ramaphosa will begin his programme on Wednesday, 23 January 2019, where he will Co-chair a session on Shaping Africa’s Agenda in the  Global Context and also address a session on Country Strategy Dialogue on South Africa.

The President will also on the same day attend the Alibaba Spring Festival Dinner hosted by Founder and Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group, Mr Jack Ma.

On Thursday, 24 January 2019, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa Investment Seminar to showcase successes of the first Investment Conference held in October 2018 and use the opportunity to communicate on the reforms government has initiated to improve ease of doing business, and enhance country’s profile as an investment partner of choice.

He will also make contributions during sessions on Europe and Africa: Towards a New Development Architecture; the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) Lunch: The World in the age of Globilization 4.0 and Africa’s Leadership in the Global Context.

The President will also during the WEF gathering meet with various investors showcasing South Africa’s investment and trade opportunities.

The WEF gathering provides a platform for Team South Africa to engage and update the international community, including investors, on the path of renewal and growth upon which the country has embarked.

The Davos discussions will explore how technological advances are impacting on or giving rise to new systems of health, transportation, communication, production, distribution, and energy, and the changes required in education and other programmes to prepare workers for this economic revolution and accompanying social changes.

The Forum enables Team South Africa to contribute to global dialogue on key issues facing humanity and to engage on key opportunities that are emerging.

Team South Africa comprises leadership of government, business, labour and civil society at large.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria