Prominent South African film producer Anant Singh, who has just completed
production on the film adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk To
Freedom, was among the local delegates who attended the 23rd WEF (World
Economic Forum) on Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (9 to 10
May).
Singh participated in the session, Made In Africa, held on 9 May. Developed by the
Forum in partnership with CNN, the session explored how Africa could tap into local
innovation to launch globally recognised brands, while looking at the key issues which
the continent faces, such as access to regional and global markets, removal of supply
chain barriers and achieving quality standards.
Highlighting the potential of the creative sector to make a meaningful contribution to
Africa’s economic growth, Singh said: “Africa currently contributes less than 1% to the
global creative economy. The United Nations has identified the huge potential of the
creative sectors in developing countries, and Africa needs to urgently address
challenges, and take advantage of the opportunities. Unlike in Africa, the creative and
cultural economies have now become leading sectors in the developed world. The
continent must harness this potential and create economic value that will have an
enduring benefit for its people.’
Joining Singh in the session were Xavier-Luc Duval (Vice Prime Minister and Minister
of Finance and Economic Development, Mauritius), Jubril Adewale Tinubu (GCEO,
Oando Plc), Robyn Curnow (CNN Africa correspondent), Rich Lesser (global CE and
president, The Boston Consulting Group) and Tabitha M. Karanja (CE, Keroche
Breweries Ltd).
Commenting on the Forum, Singh said, “It presented an ideal opportunity to further
the collaboration between South Africa and other African countries producing content,
especially Nigeria. I found it encouraging that Africa’s potential as the driver of
economic growth is finally being acknowledged by the rest of the world. This is clear
from the large number of Forum delegates from African countries, North America,
Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Multinationals have finally recognised that Africa is
the place in which to invest and benefit from the future economic growth our
continent brings.
For me personally, it was really exciting to attend the 23rd WEF on
Africa which, judging from the large number of delegates, has turned out to be the
best attended ever. Congratulations to Professor Klaus Schwab and his team on yet
another successful Forum event.’
