The successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has had Afro-pessimists eating their words, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

Speaking at the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) summit in Pretoria on Friday, Zuma said it is vital that Africans capitalize on the new-found interest in their continent.

"The stereotypes have been shattered. At last, the world has seen Africa in a positive light."

Zuma said it is important for the SACU to strengthen economic integration and coordinating mechanisms to be ready to take advantage of the successful international marketing of the continent.

"We must also take advantage of the shifts in the global economy," he added.

According to Business Day newspaper in South Africa, he said that SACU has great potential to advance the economic integration agenda of the region.

"It has come a long way since it was established in 1910 by colonial Britain. The era of democracy that led to the signing of our 2002 agreement affirmed the common histories and cultures that transcend national borders. Our people are tied not only by history and geography, but also by family and blood ties."

Zuma added that African markets are attractive to development partners in the North and the emerging South, including the international private sector.

"We keep emphasizing to the world in every global forum that Africa is open for trade and investment. The environment is being created for sustainable economic growth and development," Business day quoted Zuma as saying.

Africa needs an organization that moves swiftly and responds timeously to the challenges that the continent faces, he said.

"We cannot afford to be complacent. We have the opportunity to place the Southern African region on a growth path that will in the long-term benefit all the citizens of this area. That is why we need to act decisively," he added.