Pretoria - The Gauteng Provincial Government is set to use the forthcoming Gauteng New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Summit as a platform to promote regional integration in Africa.
According to acting Premier of Gauteng Qedani Mahlangu, the provincial government and other stakeholders will also seek to forge partnerships with other African countries during the summit, which is expected to take place in March, with a view to growing the economy.
"We will also be making sure that African countries work with each other in addressing the challenges they are facing. We are looking to improve the quality of life of our people," said Ms Mahlangu.
According to Ms Mahlangu, the summit will also be aimed at deepening democracies.
NEPAD is a strategic framework for Africa's renewal and is designed to address the current challenges facing the African continent.
Among other things, NEPAD promotes good governance as a basic requirement for peace, security and sustainable political and socio-economic development.
Delegates attending the Gauteng NEPAD Summit will include observers from International Economic Development Agencies, representatives from across Africa, as well as private sector investors and product buyers from 53 African countries. Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is also expected to participate.
Together they will establish the first ever African Economic Development Agencies Secretariat office.
Exhibitors at the summit stand to reap a multitude of rewards, with business and other opportunities up for the taking.
The event is also set to showcase African opportunities and encouraging face to face dialogue between opportunity givers and opportunity takers and further enhances discussion among renouned African economic development practitioners.
The summit will further showcases the first African Trade and Investment Expo with more than 200 stands displaying products and services from more than 42 African countries.
