by Isi Esene

Abuja, Nigeria has been selected to host then next edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) next year.

This was disclosed yesterday by the minister of finance and co-ordinator of the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who expressed Nigeria’s readiness to host the continent.

She said that the choice of Nigeria was appropriate given its position and huge economic potential.

Okonjo-Iweala who was speaking at the closing of the 23rd edition in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday, said, “I think we epitomise a lot of things about Africa. We have the excitement, the passion, the entrepreneurship, the private sector drive and the glow for the future.

“But we also epitomise all of the difficult challenges of the continent such as infrastructure deficit, governance issues, corruption and transparency,” she said.

According to her, a combination of these opportunities and challenges in one country makes Nigeria the most exciting place to be on the continent.

The Director General, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Frank Nweke Jnr, said that Nigeria was excited to be the host of the 24th edition of the WEF.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan had already mandated the team to organise a successful forum.