Zuma to push development at G20

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma will promote the need for enhanced growth, jobs, and infrastructure development in Africa when he attends the G20 summit in Cannes, France next week, his office said on Sunday.

He will also call for global governance reforms to reflect the interests of the African continent and the developing world.

The summit will be held between November 3 and 4.

"Our efforts must be channelled towards finding innovative ways to create jobs in most economies in the world - particularly the need to give hope and opportunities for the unemployed youth," Zuma said on the eve of his departure.

He said attention should be refocused on creating inclusive growth to address poverty. South Africa would also push for better response measures to curb currency volatility.

Issues to be discussed at the G20 include the global economic situation, reforming the International Monetary System, strengthening the financial sector, volatility of commodities' markets and their impact on food prices, and progress on the development action plan adopted during the last G20 Summit in Seoul, the Presidency said.

South Africa would call for strong action by Europe to act in implementing the already announced measures to prevent a global recession, act decisively in addressing measures that spur growth and refocus attention on strengthening the financial sector and agreeing on measures to help African countries transition to a greener economy.

In addition, South Africa wants to increase the voice and participation of sub-Saharan Africa in reforming the International Monetary Fund.

Zuma will also be calling for urgent measures to address food security and food price increases, according to the Presidency.