NEWS

President Jacob Zuma will use the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, as a platform to call for the world's top economies and business to invest in South Africa's and Africa's infrastructural projects for the long term economic growth of the continent.

 

Zuma left South Africa last night to travel to that country.

 

According to the Presidency, he will invite international business to invest in government's multi-billion rand infrastructure programme which will change the country's social and economic landscape on completion.

 

The African continent was currently a leading investment destination for good returns and sustainable socio-economic growth.

 

"As the leading economy in Africa, South Africa remains the strategic platform to accessing one of the world's fastest growing regions. South Africa supports growth in Africa through regional integration and direct investment."

 

The President said he would also use the forum to promote the country's National Development Plan (NDP) - a vision of the nation South Africa strives to be by 2030.

 

The National Development plan seeks to redress South Africa's triple challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.

 

The NDP will ensure all South Africans have access to quality services when it comes to education and health. It will also entrench a social security system covering all working people, with social protection for the poor and other groups in need, such as children and people with disabilities. It will also see South Africa play a leading role in continental development, economic integration and human rights.

 

A key aspect of the NDP is infrastructure development - a key project within the New Growth Path framework, which is part of the National Development Plan.

 

"The President champions the African Union's North-South infrastructure development corridor, running from Durban to Dar-es-Salaam, which he will also promote in Davos," it said.