Investing in Africa's expansion

With Africa's first-ever soccer World Cup under way, the future of the continent is promising. Business is booming, and it is appropriate that tournament host South Africa will also be staging the inaugural Africa Leadership Retreat, in July 2010. Several eminent names in African politics will be there.

Mamadou Toure, founder of the Africa Leadership Retreat (ALR) and Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation, says: "Africa has experienced major growth in telecommunications, particularly in the mobile banking sector, and this has brought the continent on par with its global counterparts." These sectors have flourished into a multi-billion dollar industry in Africa. Mo Ibrahim, founder and chairman of Zain (formerly Celtel), was able to sell the  telecommunications company for $3.4bn.

Confirmed delegates to the ALR include: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, richest black person on the Forbes list and founder of the Dangote Group (Nigeria); former Mozambique first lady Graca Machel; former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo; Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga; Crown  Prince of Norway Haakon Magnus; Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai; and Mohamed Ibrahim, founder of Zain.

The ALR is an opportunity to set new benchmarks for the sustainable expansion of the African continent. Pravin Gordhan, the South African Finance Minister and former Commissioner of the SA Revenue Service, will facilitate a workshop themed 'Setting a regulatory framework adapted to the needs of the continent'. Representatives of civil society will include African businessmen like Sir Sam Jonah, former President of Anglo Gold Ashanti; and Nicola Brewer, British High Commissioner in South Africa, who will propose a blueprint vision for Africa for 2020.

Africa has phenomenal potential for growth. According to a report by global consulting firm McKinsey, published in June, Africa's real GDP rose by 4.9% every year from 2000 through 2008. To maintain this growth, more regional integration has to be promoted so that regions can trade freely with one another.

Joy Aderele, delegate at ALR and executive director at the Centre for Training & Strategic Studies in Nigeria, says: "To change the face of Africa's future, it is important to involve the participation of young people". African governments have to assist young entrepreneurs in starting businesses that will create employment. Joy is also an author and is completing her Master's in psychology at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

The inaugural ALR will take place in South Africa from the 4th to the 13th of July 2010, in Johannesburg (Sandton Convention Centre), Durban (Zimbali Lodge) and Cape Town (Table Bay Hotel).

One hundred and twenty four delegates have already confirmed participation. Every session will last a full day; there are four sessions in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and three in Durban.

The cost is US$7,000 per person for Johannesburg and US$5,700 for both Durban and Cape Town. To book your seat and add your voice in creating a better Africa, please visit www.africaleadership2020.com

For more information please contact:
Oscar Tshifure
Vuma Reputation Management
Tel: 087 941 3497
Cell: 082 966 0828
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