“There is a need now, more than ever, to explore how macroeconomic shifts are shaping the global agenda and how these trends are affecting Africa’s diverse economies,” said Katherine Tweedie, Director, Head of Africa, World Economic Forum.

“I am encouraged to see that over 800 leaders have chosen the 19th World Economic Forum on Africa as the key platform to address the implications of the global economic crisis for the continent. Most importantly, the meeting will facilitate interaction and dialogue that will allow our key leaders to address the immediate challenges posed by the crisis and fully explore the unique opportunities that Africa has at its doorstep in this new global arena.”

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 Africa Competitiveness Report 2009 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, the economic and social impact of this major international event will also be explored.

The meeting will kick off with a highly interactive session to engage over 350 leaders in a brainstorming exercise. Leaders will examine the current changing global landscape and determine the major challenges for which African countries need to be most prepared in the coming year.

The Forum has invited the public to help shape the debate and vote on the key challenges.