The World Economic Forum (WEF) provides a good opportunity to promote the African continent, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday.

South Africa is hosting the 23rd World Economic Forum on Africa 2013 in Cape Town on May 8-10.

Under the theme "Delivering on Africa's Promise", the 23rd World Economic Forum on Africa will provide an important platform for regional and global leaders.

The event comes at a special time as Africa celebrates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union, Zuma said.

The gathering brings together heads of state and government, eminent persons and captains of commerce and industry from Africa and the world.

Participant will deliberate on matters affecting the global economy, with a special focus on Africa. Nine heads of state and government are attending the gathering, including Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who is on a visit to South Africa.

"We welcome this opportunity to showcase our beautiful country to the world once more. We also have an opportunity to demonstrate to investors, the competitive advantages of our economy. We are rated highly on areas such as infrastructure development, financial markets, technological readiness, business sophistication and innovation," said Zuma.

South Africa will use the forum to promote the National Development Plan and work to attract investments in the six job drivers -- agriculture, mining and beneficiation, manufacturing, the green economy, infrastructure development and tourism, said Zuma.

"We extend a warm welcome to all delegates and wish them a fruitful and enjoyable stay in our country," Zuma said.

The Geneva-based WEF is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agenda.