A delegation from B20 South Africa will attend the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, in Davos, Switzerland, led by B20 South Africa Sherpa Cas Coovadia, along with co-chairpersons Mxolisi Mgojo and Nonkululeko Nyembezi.

This is as South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit and the Global Business Forum for G20 (B20) in November.

The B20 serves as the official private-sector engagement group of the G20, providing a crucial platform for business leaders to share their insights and influence G20 discussions.

South Africa's aim is to encourage participation from a diverse range of economies to foster inclusivity and collaborative strategies for tackling global challenges, which are essential for driving sustainable growth and prosperity, B20 South Africa said.

The country's participation is vital for highlighting its role in global affairs, as it takes on the presidency of both the G20 and B20, marking the first time these forums are hosted in Africa in their current forms.

“As we head to the WEF, the South African narrative is of increasing stability and growth. Our focus is on important topics such as trade and investment, digital transformation and sustainable energy transitions,” said Nyembezi.

“These priorities reflect our commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient global economy. By improving trade flows and keeping markets open, we can foster equitable growth that benefits everyone.

“Investing in strong financial systems and infrastructure will empower emerging economies, and leveraging digital innovation will unlock new global opportunities,” she said.

Further, the B20 South Africa delegation will also emphasise several key strategic priorities, including integrity and compliance, as well as education and employment.

These priorities are essential for sustainable development and are necessary to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market while ensuring a fair transition that leaves no one behind, she added.

South Africa's presence at the WEF is important for promoting global collaboration and addressing critical issues facing both government and the private sector. The country seeks to foster meaningful dialogues that will inform its policy recommendations across the eight B20 task forces, said Mgojo.

“Our participation in the WEF next week is an opportunity for the B20 South Africa leadership team to highlight the competitiveness of African businesses internationally while promoting policies that contribute to global stability and economic growth,” he said.