16 January 2025 - The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is honoured to join President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African delegation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. This pivotal engagement highlights South Africa’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development while positioning Africa as a global leader in climate action and innovation.
In her remarks ahead of Davos, DBSA CEO Boitumelo Mosako reflected on Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s opening address at the Pre-WEF Breakfast Briefing. She stated, “Africa is actively shaping a collaborative, people-centred agenda for the Intelligent Age, harnessing innovation to drive inclusive economic growth and lead the charge on climate action. As the continent’s most industrialised economy and a key player in multilateral institutions, South Africa is committed to unlocking Africa's full potential, advancing regional integration, and contributing to global solutions for sustainable growth and resilience.”
The 2025 WEF theme, Collaboration in the Intelligent Age, aligns seamlessly with South Africa’s national priorities. The DBSA will use this platform to highlight Africa’s potential as a strategic global partner. Key areas of focus include accelerating the industrialisation and in-country beneficiation of critical minerals, which play a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering local value addition, and securing Africa’s position in global supply chains.
President Ramaphosa’s leadership at Davos also provides an opportunity to spotlight South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability. This theme underscores the nation's commitment to cooperative solutions, addressing systemic inequalities, and balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Davos has historically served as a platform for advancing South Africa’s strategic objectives. Milestones such as the $100 billion investment drive launched in 2018 and transformative initiatives like the Just Energy Transition Partnership, which mobilised $8.5 billion for decarbonisation efforts, demonstrate the country’s ability to attract meaningful global investments. The DBSA plays a critical role in extending the benefits of these initiatives through infrastructure development, energy transition projects, and advocating for inclusive economic growth. Hosting the Finance in Common Summit 2025 (FiCS 2025) further cements the Bank’s position as a leader in global development finance.
As an integral partner to the South African government, the DBSA amplifies Africa’s voice in global financial reform discussions, including debt sustainability, blended financing, and climate finance integration. These efforts ensure that Africa remains central to global decision-making and that transformative investments align with the continent’s unique opportunities and challenges.
Since its establishment in 1983, the DBSA has advanced regional integration through projects like the North-South Corridor, enhancing trade and economic connectivity. The Bank remains committed to fostering partnerships that unlock Africa’s potential and driving the shared global priorities that position the continent as a cornerstone of global development.
With its active participation at Davos, the DBSA underscores its mandate to transform Africa’s economic landscape. As CEO Boitumelo Mosako emphasised, “By working together with government and international partners, we can ensure that South Africa and Africa continue to lead on global platforms, attracting transformative investments and delivering sustainable solutions for generations to come.”
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About the Development Bank of Southern Africa
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI), wholly owned by the government of South Africa. Established in 1983, the DBSA is mandated to promote economic growth and regional integration by mobilising financial and other resources from national and international private and public sectors for sustainable development projects and programmes in South Africa, SADC, and the wider African continent. www.dbsa.org
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