Cape Town - Africa needs to work as a collective to realise the opportunities that have arisen as a result of the global economic crisis, says President Jacob Zuma.
Speaking at the closing plenary of the 19th World Economic Forum on Africa on Friday, President Zuma said the continent needed to work as a collective to see through the crisis, adding that the crisis presented opportunities for the continent.
"Yes I agree that Africa seems to have more opportunities given what it has in the continent," he told delegates, who had gathered at the closing of the three-day forum.
The President however said the challenge that comes with opportunity is whether leadership is able to see the opportunities.
"The challenge again comes back to the leadership. Are we able to see the opportunity? Are we able to utilise what we have as structures?" asked the President.
He also emphasised on the operation of regions, adding that they should enhance the development of the continent as a whole.
He said that the crisis affected the entire continent, adding that the resolution should come from everyone.
"What I've taken away is that the crisis which we are faced with affects all of us and there are initiatives to discuss the ways and means to try and address this crisis. There must be partnerships so that we resolve the problems," said Mr Zuma.
The World Economic Forum on Africa has attracted over 800 participants from 50 countries.
Five African leaders have taken part in the meeting.
They are Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Lesotho's Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosislili, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, newly-elected South African President Jacob Zuma and his Zambian counterpart Rupiah Bwezani Banda.
Participants of the forum tried to seek practical solutions to foster better business practices and greater investment across the continent.
