The central message of this document is that, in the context of the twin processes of political democratisation and economic globalisation, Pretoria has the potential to become 'Africa's rising star'. Pretoria already has much going for it in terms of physical and cultural infrastructure, local and metropolitan finances and capacity, its physical proximity (at least) to the new state, and its proximity to the emerging commercial and industrial hub of South Africa (Midrand/Sandton/Johannesburg). In this regard, it is better placed than most South African cities to mount a strong local economic development strategy.