South Africa to Host World Economic Forum Spring Summit in 2027

South Africa has been selected to host the World Economic Forum (WEF) Spring Summit in April 2027, marking a major milestone for the country and the African continent in global economic engagement. The announcement was made at the recent WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where government leaders and business representatives from around the world gathered to discuss pressing economic, technological and geopolitical issues.

The decision to bring the Spring Summit - sometimes referred to as “Spring Davos” - to South Africa demonstrates renewed confidence in the nation’s ability to convene global leaders and to help shape international dialogue. The forum is expected to draw heads of state, CEOs, investors, civil society representatives and thought leaders to engage on complex global priorities, advance public‑private partnerships and promote strategic development across Africa and the world. The announcement came from South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, during an official function at Davos. He emphasised that South Africa’s role as host reflects its position as Africa’s most industrialised economy and a key voice of the Global South on issues ranging from climate diplomacy and energy transition to digital transformation and regional integration.

South Africa’s delegation in Davos also highlighted the progress the country has made on structural reforms aimed at stabilising key sectors of the economy, boosting investor confidence, and expanding trade and infrastructure capacity. Led by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana alongside ministers responsible for industry, tourism and trade, the delegation used the platform to showcase improvements in energy reliability, logistics, and financial credibility - all steps intended to signal readiness for increased global engagement. The return of a major WEF gathering to South African soil comes nearly eight years after the last Africa‑focused summit was held in the country, and follows a successful hosting of the G20 Summit in late 2025 - another first for the continent. Hosting Spring Davos will provide an opportunity to further position the country as a gateway for investment, trade and international cooperation in Africa, while also providing a significant boost to the tourism, meetings and events sectors.

Plans for the 2027 summit are still being developed, with Johannesburg or Cape Town expected to be the host city once final decisions are confirmed. The summit is expected to be a strategic platform for advancing inclusive economic growth, enhancing multilateral partnerships, and reinforcing Africa’s role in global economic governance. The announcement at Davos underscores South Africa’s continuing ambition to leverage high‑profile global forums as catalysts for economic reform and international collaboration, while strengthening the country’s footprint in the world’s economic deliberations.