As South African President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares for the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, he is set to spotlight South Africa’s economic strategies and recovery efforts. The forum, a prestigious event where global leaders converge to discuss pressing economic and geopolitical issues, offers a vital platform for Ramaphosa and his delegation to engage in proactive dialogue about the country’s challenges ahead of the G20 Summit later in the year.
In his latest weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa reflected on the government’s approach to tackling the nation’s economic hurdles. He emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed the necessity of joint efforts in overcoming crises. “While South Africa has a rich history of dialogue and cooperation, our experience of the pandemic highlighted the importance of collaboration in saving lives and livelihoods,” Ramaphosa stated, stressing that this ethos of unity remains central as the nation continues its post-pandemic recovery.
At the core of South Africa’s recovery strategy is Operation Vulindlela, a landmark initiative that Ramaphosa has championed. Launched during his State of the Nation Address, the operation aims to fast-track the implementation of critical structural reforms across key sectors of the economy. “Operation Vulindlela has brought together government departments and public institutions to focus on sectors like energy, logistics, telecommunications, and water infrastructure,” he explained. The initiative, which is a collaboration between the Presidency and National Treasury, is described by Ramaphosa as a “success story” that demonstrates how working across all levels of government can drive tangible progress.
The President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), another structure at the heart of these efforts, brings together leaders from various government levels to tackle common national challenges. Ramaphosa sees such collaborations as essential to driving change and addressing the urgent issues that face South Africa.
In Davos, President Ramaphosa will be joined by Dr Dion George, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, who will be one of eight South African ministers attending the forum. The WEF serves not only as a platform for economic dialogue but also for fostering global collaboration through public-private partnerships and meaningful exchanges among world leaders. This year, the forum’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” will address five key priorities: Rebuilding Trust, Reimagining Growth, Investing in People, Safeguarding the Planet, and Industries in the Intelligent Age.
Dr George, whose department plays a critical role in environmental policy, expressed his commitment to focusing on the themes of “Safeguarding the Planet” and “Reimagining Growth,” areas that align with South Africa’s pressing environmental and economic goals. “As the current President of the G20, this is a crucial opportunity to elevate the development priorities of Africa and the Global South, particularly on issues like climate change,” Dr George remarked.
For Ramaphosa and his ministers, the WEF serves as an essential prelude to the G20 Summit, where global collaboration on economic recovery and climate change will take center stage. Discussions at the forum will focus not only on advancing international economic partnerships but also on reinforcing climate agreements established at COP29. South Africa’s participation in these talks is crucial for advancing a more inclusive and sustainable approach to addressing global challenges.
As the world anticipates the developments from this year’s WEF, it is clear that President Ramaphosa and his team are positioning South Africa to take a leading role in shaping global economic and environmental discussions. With a focus on collaboration, growth, and sustainability, the Davos meeting promises to elevate South Africa’s priorities on the international stage, championing solutions that benefit both the country and the global community.
