Pretoria - Agriculture development and the fight against malaria took centre stage on the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa on Wednesday.
African leaders from 26 countries have launched a fresh drive to eliminate malaria using a combination of bed nets, insecticides and medication.
"We believe that if we cover everybody in Africa with bed nets, insecticides and medication by the end of this year, we will have zero deaths or near zero deaths from malaria in Africa by 2015," said Ray Chambers, a UN special envoy for malaria.
The envoy said African countries and international organisations must grasp the opportunity of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to advocate the fight against malaria and accelerate actions of confronting the number one killer of children under five on the continent.
Malaria is taking a heavy toll on Africa's economic and social development. It not only kills a child every 30 seconds, but also contributes to the vicious cycle of poverty.
The Global Malaria Action Plan estimates that malaria costs Africa $12 billion each year in direct economic losses, and much more in lost productivity.
Eleven African heads of state and government, including President Jacob Zuma, are attending the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa, to discuss strategies in the aftermath of the economic downturn.
Zuma is accompanied by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel.
South African business leaders are also at the meeting.
According to panellists at the opening plenary, Africa urgently needed to build partnerships if it is to unlock the continent's immense growth potential.
Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania, called for partnerships at local, bilateral and international levels to help overcome the many obstacles faced by African nations.
"Africa's potential is immense in terms of human and natural resources. It is a contradiction that Africa remains poor.
"Poor as we are, our capacities are limited. We need partnerships with the private sector to invest in the development of the continent; we need Official Development Assistance, infrastructure and services. We badly need foreign direct investment," the President said.
Ajai Chowdhry, Chief Executive, Sasol, South Africa, pointed to Africa's rich human capital and the need to make it more productive. Africa's population of one billion is a "huge opportunity."
"You've got the people, the market and the resources. It is a huge opportunity for Africa to become an engine of growth globally," said Davies.
Kuseni Douglas Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual, South Africa, noted that 60 percent of Africa's population is young people who are resources, not problems.
"If we can focus on harnessing the potential of young people, and the potential of women, it will have a powerful impact," he said.
Participants are expected to exchange ideas on Africa's growth strategy, the continent's response to the global economic crisis, infrastructure development, and peace and security, among others.
