Africa in Davos 2015: 4 Things to expect.

Dialogue and exchange between all stakeholders in society is critical to chart a course through this complex terrain. In this regard, the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum – taking place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21-24 January – provides an unparalleled platform.

Leaders from across business, government, international organisations, academia, civil society, culture and the arts will explore these shifts through four thematic tracks:

GROWTH AND STABILITY

Economic recovery after the financial crisis has been mainly the result of expansionary monetary policy. While this has prevented economies from falling apart, the chances of misapplication are high, including

excessive risk-taking, the build-up of asset bubbles and capital outflows that inflate assets and potentially destabilise other economies.

CRISIS AND CO-OPERATION.

Emerging economies are growing more powerful and assertive, both regionally and globally – yet rather than a repeat of uni- or bipolar hegemony a concert of interdependent and stronger regions seems to be the most likely scenario.

SOCIETY AND SECURITY

Social instability occurs when political systems fail to adjust to change. Growing economic inequalities and deepening polarisation indicate this is a major risk. Advanced and emerging economies alike need new ways of responding to shifting demands without further weakening social cohesion.

How can excessive wealth and income inequality be tackled while stimulating growth and innovation? Are democratic institutions sinking deeper into decision-making paralysis, hindering meaningful action when it comes to addressing rising inequality and other societal and environmental challenges?

INNOVATION AND INDUSTRY

Technological, demographic and economic forces are profoundly transforming industries and markets in areas such as health care, financial services, energy, manufacturing and retail. At the same time, concerns over low productivity growth are increasing, and large firms face criticism for maximising short-term gain at the expense of long-term wealth creation and social benefit. From the sharing economy to the internet of things, how can businesses disrupt rather than be the disrupted? How should businesses respond to systemic and emerging threats to their strategy and operations?