Informal traders take centre stage at Africa Investment Forum
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has vowed to pay particular care to small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in the continent's efforts to integrate the informal and formal economies.
Speaking on the first day of the Africa Investment Forum in Sandton on Monday, Makhura said the government recognises that the informal sector is a large part of employment across the continent.
"Africa's greatest resources are its people, its youthful population and the entrepreneurial and resilient women of Africa.
"Promoting and funding small, micro and medium enterprises in which millions of women and young people are involved is crucial for the success of our continent."
The Investment Forum, which follows hot on the heels of the South Africa Investment Conference, is dedicated to advancing projects, raising capital and accelerating the financial closure of deals.
Organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the South African government and key partners, the second edition of the forum, will take place from place between Monday and Wednesday.
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"We view the Africa SMME champions as a critical player in unlocking finance and other bottlenecks to unleash the power of the small, medium and micro enterprises throughout our continent," Makhura added.
He also emphasized the role and responsibility of governments to attract private sector investment.
"African governments should focus on creating the right environment and governance culture for attracting, facilitating and catalysing private sector investments."
Last week South Africa secured more than R363 billion at South Africa's second investment conference.
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