Pretoria - Today is the last day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa where delegates are exchanging ideas on Africa's growth strategy, the continent's response to the global economic crisis, among others.
President Jacob Zuma, who is also attending the forum today, will participate in a panel discussion and address the closing plenary session.
Zuma, who is flanked by several cabinet ministers and business delegates, held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines, his office said on Thursday.
Among others, he meet with the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal Lamy, where they discussed how to strengthen the multilateral trade system.
This is in regards to the finalisation of the Doha Development Round of negotiations and the challenges of regional integration in Africa.
Zuma also met with Kenyan prime minister, Raila Odinga, on strengthening political and trade ties between the two countries.
On Thursday night, Zuma attended a cultural soir,e hosted by the Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete.
Panellists at a plenary session have indicted that agricultural development is the most effective strategy for boosting economic growth in Africa.
They said stable policies in African countries and a business-friendly regulatory framework were seen as central to spur the continent's economic growth and investor confidence.
Speaking at the session, president of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, said constant policy change on the continent does not augur well for business confidence and foreign investment.
South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, said a debate on policy change in South Africa was a friendly debate that looked at find new ways of creating jobs and growing the economy.
Gordhan also took part in a panel debate on the outlook for business opportunities in Africa.
There have been perceptions that a debate on policy change among African National Congress alliance partners might scare-off foreign investors. But Gordhan said the debate was necessary to look into what was working and what was not.
WEF discussions will also address how a more conducive business climate and regulatory reforms can encourage both local and international investments and most importantly, how can low-carbon, sustainable development plans be designed for Africa's economic drivers including its natural resources, agriculture and tourism.
Nearly 1 000 participants from 85 countries are attending the forum, which is being held for the first time in East Africa.
