Five African Leaders to Attend World Economic Forum

Johannesburg — Five African Heads of State have confirmed their attendance for the Word Economic Forum (WEF) scheduled for next week.

"Heads of State who had confirmed their participation included Presidents Jacob Zuma, Kenya's Raila Amolo Odinga, Lesotho's Pakalitha Mosisili, Rwanda's Paul Kagame and Zambia's Rupiah Bwezani Banda," said WEF Director Head of Africa Katherine Tweedie.

She was briefing media on Friday ahead of the three-day WEF which kicks-off on Wednesday in Cape Town.

Ms Tweedie said "almost the whole South African cabinet" as well as over 800 participants from 50 countries were going to attend the forum.

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi are among some of cabinet members expected at the forum.

Deputy Prime Minister of Zimbabwe Arthur Mutambara is also expected.

She added that she looked forward to the dialogue between stakeholders particularly in times of transitional governments.

The forum would present an important platform for world leaders to address the global and regional implications of the financial crisis as well as develop a roadmap for Africa's future.

WEF will also celebrate the one year kick-off of the 2010 World Cup to be hosted in South Africa. (Buanews)