Top stories from day one of the World Economic Forum on Africa 2017

1. Addressing the problems of apartheid

South Africa’s recently appointed Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba, outlined what he meant by a “radical transformation” of Africa’s biggest economy.

“We have not paid enough attention to developing a productive economy in the township and rural areas,” he said. “The special problems of the apartheid system have not been addressed sufficiently.” In this context, he said, “you must understand the impatience for speedy change, for significant change.”

2. Does Africa have a 'leadership vacuum'?

Lindiwe Mazibuko, a South African politician and former leader of the opposition, thinks it does. In a session on leading in an era of disruption, she called for a new generation of leaders to do a better job of addressing the continent’s challenges.

“Africa has a leadership vacuum … the current crop of Africa’s leaders have failed to deliver, yet we’re asking what these same leaders can do to make it better.”

“We need a different line of understanding of what leadership in an African society is, beyond politics and business, into the non-profit, into civil society, into churches, schools, communities. We need to redefine leadership.”

3. Three ways to make rich Africa work for poor Africa

Elsie Kanza, the World Economic Forum’s Head of Africa, explains what inclusive growth means for Africa, and points to three priorities for leaders as they attempt to create fairer societies.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam and a Co-Chair of the meeting, also drew attention to growing inequality, and lambasted unfairness. “Those who pick up the tab of climate change are those who didn’t cause it,” she said.

4. The future of jobs in Africa

Young Africans – educated, connected and rapidly multiplying in number. Almost 20 million of them join the workforce every year. But will they be qualified for tomorrow’s jobs? The answer, according to analysts the World Economic Forum, depends on whether more people can be educated past primary school.

You can read more in the new report, here: The Future of Jobs and Skills in Africa.

In a session on leadership, Richard Lesser, Global CEO and President of BCG, said that education was the single biggest priority for Africa's future. "The ticking clock on education is relentless. It’s a couple of million kids a year that you lose if you don’t move forward," he said.

5. This man is turning Nigerian scammers into entrepreneurs

'Gbenga Sesan was told he was too stupid to use a computer as a kid. He now runs a social enterprise giving former fraudsters and other young Nigerians the skills they need to make a living out of technology - as a force for good.

'Gbenga was one of over 200 social entrepreneurs and other young leaders from around the world who came to our Solutions Summit, a meeting focused on coming up with concrete ideas for change.