The ReSURGEnce Conference Durban got underway in the City on 17 July. It was offi cially launched by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba and stakeholders on 15 July. The conference runs from 17 to 21 July at the Durban ICC.
THE highly anticipated ReSURGEnce Conference Durban kicked off on a high note on 17 July. The conference was hosted by eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with New York Christian Times and the African Global Networks. It was held under the theme ‘Moving the needle forward towards economic emancipation’. The conference took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 17 to 21 July. It featured several empowerment opportunities and conference engagements which were led by global and local esteemed sectoral experts.
The conference drew a global delegation of about 100 people from the United States of America, and another 170 people from different parts of the world. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said they are positive that partnerships created through the conference will facilitate knowledge sharing, skills transfer, resource mobilisation, and market access. Mayor Xaba said the projected total delegation of 8 580 that attended various verticals of the weeklong ReSURGEnce Conference Durban is anticipated to have a direct spend of R82 million to the City’s economy, with a contribution of R203 million to the GDP. “Around 700 jobs were created as well as a major boost to the accommodation sector through the conference.” ReSURGEnce Convener and New York Christian Times Publisher Reverend Dennis Dillon said: “The diverse global and African business leaders attending the conference will not only enhance the knowledge exchange door that has been opened, but will bring about sound investment and black economic empowerment opportunities through the networking sessions and meetings that are set.” Some of the topics that dominated discussions included exploring innovative ways to integrate African economies into the global market, sister cities collaborations to advance investment, and economic growth through cross sectoral and private-public partnerships.
Unpacking investment African opportunities as well as trends and insights on economic growth also took centre stage during the conference. The business delegation held several meetings with businesses in a bid to forge partnerships. Furthermore, site visit to various mega developments such as the Oceans uMhlanga Development were held. Delegates also visited some of the City’s tourist attractions. Some of the esteemed sectoral experts that led the conversations included Ayo Tometi, Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and Co-Creator of BlackLivesMatter; Senator James Sanders Jr, New York State Senator; President of the World Economic Congress Dr Alexander Chisango; and Eric Darko, who is the Board Director of the Ghana Investment Fund.
Local panellists included Mojabeng Manthata, Head of Municipalities, Cities, and Waterboards at the Development Bank of Southern Africa; Dr Nthabiseng Moleko who is a Development Economist; Sihle Ngcamu from Trade and Investment KZN; Chairperson of the Edison Power Group Vivian Reddy; and Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group.
