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As the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) opens in Davos, Switzerland, African delegations have been departing the continent to join their peers at the five day meetings.

The meeting has been convened under the theme “Rebuilding Trust”. According to WEF, the theme of the meeting aims to restore collective agency, and reinforce the fundamental principles of transparency, consistency and accountability among leaders.

The WEF annual meeting comes on the backdrop of a myriad of global challenges, including the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts.

According to organizers, more than 300 public figures will participate this year, including more than 60 heads of state and government.

Zambia’s delegation arrived in Davos on Sunday, comprising top government officials and industry experts.

The delegation led by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane also includes Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, State House Principal Private Secretary Bradford Machila, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Affairs Pamela Nakamba and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning Danies Chisenda.

Nigeria’s vice president Kashim Shettima also led a delegation to Switzerland on Sunday night.

Ahead of 2024 meeting, the president of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, said last week that the gathering could prove to be a springboard towards solving the world’s biggest crises.

“At a time when global challenges require urgent solutions, innovative public-private collaboration is necessary to convert ideas into action,” said Brende.

“The Forum provides the structure for developing research, alliances and frameworks that promote mission-driven cooperation throughout the year,” he aded noting that the meeings “will serve as an accelerator of that cooperation, deepening connections between leaders and between initiatives.”

According to the WEF2024 register, Kenyan President William Ruto is expected to attend the meetings as well.