By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The 56th World Economic Forum has gone underway in Davos, Switzerland. The forum brings global leaders as well as the business and policy community as South Africa are in attendance for this year’s instalment.
Last year saw South Africa being removed from the Grey List by the Financial Action Task Force as South Africa had begun implementing a 22-item reform programme.
The progress of South Africa reforming its economy was further affirmed when the European Union had removed South Africa from the list of high risk third country restrictions which will be effective from Thursday 29 January 2026.
This reaffirms South Africa’s position as a reliable and ever growing economic player as well as affirms that South Africa’s governance framework is presenting growing confidence amongst the international stage.
South Africa’s energy sector has ensured that the country has experienced 300 consecutive days without load shedding as well as Eskom beginning the year with an additional 4400MW of available generation capacity which shows a significant improvement from last year’s figures.
Operation Vuliendela has also been a pivotal figure in making economic amendments for South Africa as 220 GW of private sector renewable energy projects are fully underway and 72GW in development stages.
South Africa’s agenda at this year’s World Economic Forum is to leverage the platform to reinforce macro-economic stability and to highlight their strides in economic development over the last year.
South Africa also intends to leverage acceleration in structural reforms, asserting regional leadership, and securing partnerships which will further enhance investment and sustainable growth.
The platform will also reinforce confidence in South Africa from high economic countries to engage in partnerships with the country as well as remind the global stage that South Africa is no longer a high risk state.
South Africa will also champion the removal of barriers and the harmonisation of customs procedures. South Africa participating in the World Economic Forum will signify a turning point in economic growth for the nation, especially if the South Africa states their agenda with conviction and confidence.