LEADERS TO CONVENE IN DAR ON ENABLING AFRICAN BUSINESSES

Although recent growth rates in Africa are celebrated in policy and development circles, significant challenges remain with regard to realising the potential of the private sector in Africa.  Enabling businesses to enhance the competitiveness of the continent, create employment opportunities and enhance Africa’s economic growth and sustainable development will be the focus of the African Leadership Forum this year.

The Forum, which will take place on the 28th-29th July, is the third in a series of annual high-level meetings convened by H.E. Benjamin W. Mkapa, former President of Tanzania, with the support of UONGOZI Institute.

According to a statement released by UONGOZI Institute, the African Leadership Forum 2015, with the theme of ‘Enabling African Businesses to Transform the Continent’, will bring together more than 100 key influential leaders and thinkers across the continent, including former Heads of State and leaders from business, government, civil society and academia.

Former Presidents H.E. Joaquim Chissano and H.E. Armando Guebuza of Mozambique, H.E. Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia and H.E. Bakili Muluzi of Malawi are also set to attend the Forum.

“The forum builds on the success of the inaugural dialogue in 2014 on Meeting the challenges of Africa’s transformation and the dialogue in 2015 on Moving towards an integrated Africa”, said the statement, “this year’s event will provide a platform to deliberate on the obstacles preventing African business from flourishing, and what needs to be done about them.”

The African Leadership Forum 2016 will begin with a public plenary on the 28th of July where Mr. Sipho Nkosi, former President of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa will deliver the Keynote Address.

At the end of this one-day event, it is expected that an official statement from participants will be produced, with recommendations on the way forward