Accelerating Productivity, Job Creation & Growth for Business Enterprises in South Africa

The Accelerating Productivity, Job Creation & Growth for Business Enterprises in South Africa, to be held on May 21, 2026, at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, is co-organized by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development and the African Union Development Agency – NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD).

Africa's economic transformation depends on higher productivity, innovation, and sustained job creation. South Africa — one of Africa's largest and most diversified economies and a G20 member — stands at a pivotal juncture. While strong policy frameworks for enterprise development exist, gaps in coordination and delivery have limited their impact at the firm level. 

This conference responds to that challenge by bringing together policymakers, economists, researchers, financial institutions, and industry leaders to advance a practical, evidence-based agenda for productivity, innovation, and job creation. Grounded in the Institute’s Africa Growth Program, discussions will focus on turning diagnostics into action and strengthening the policy delivery chain to support sustainable enterprise growth.