Gauteng has major role to play in Africa

Globally we may be in recession, but now is the time for Africa to step up to the challenge and become associated with economic development. That was the message from Gauteng Economic Development Agency chairman Victor Moche at the Gauteng Nepad Summit in Johannesburg last week. “This province may be landlocked but it has direct access to every port in the country. Much is being done to upgrade our rail networks while road infrastructure is a priority.” He said while Africa is usually seen as a continent where war, instability and turmoil reign, economic integration is now essential to prove to the world that there is much that is positive in Africa. “This Summit is a platform to mobilise our resources for the activation of the African economy – and in that Gauteng as a province plays a major role.” He said while imports and exports were being affected by the global economic meltdown, Gauteng remained committed to seeing businesses develop. “Gauteng is more than just the business engine of South Africa. It is the first place investors come to look for business opportunity.” He said it was therefore necessary that the province not only maintain infrastructure to allow for business to grow, but also introduce policies in the areas of economic production, investment and trade that will maximise opportunities for skills transfer and job creation.