Harvard’s Africa Business Conference

The theme, "Integrating Africa into the Global Economy", reflects a belief that recent developments on the continent are part of a permanently changing paradigm. In this new world, global human and electronic networks, transnational capital flows, and dedicated human activity are binding Africa to the rest of the global economy in unique and interesting ways.

 

“Open for Business: Integrating Africa into the Global Economy� is the theme for the 2007 Africa Business Conference.

The Africa Business Club’s 9th annual event will bring together 800 business professionals, policy makers, and students at the Harvard Business School campus on February 16 – 18th to discuss and debate new approaches and strategies to develop African economies and businesses not just as national actors but as part of the global economy.

The theme, “Integrating Africa into the Global Economy”, reflects a belief that recent developments on the continent are part of a permanently changing paradigm. In this new world, global human and electronic networks, transnational capital flows, and dedicated human activity are binding Africa to the rest of the global economy in unique and interesting ways.

For the first time both private and public investors are focusing on Africa and professionals and other workers are exploring and capitalizing on professional options at home, leveraging resources across and beyond Africa.

The two day conference will have three outstanding keynote addresses by: Simon Harford, Head of Actis West Africa, a leading international private equity investor in emerging markets with US$3.4 billion funds under management and which has been active in Africa for some 50 years; and, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President, Africa Development Bank. Dr. Kaberuka also chairs the Boards of the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund.

The conference will also feature an innovative keynote interview with Nancy Barry, Former President of Women’s World Banking and Dr. Jennifer Riria, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Women Finance Trust, Women World Banking affiliate, moderated by Harvard Business School Professor Eric Werker.

Ms. Barry is currently working on several enterprise solutions to address global poverty. These addresses will complemented by over fifteen panels featuring accomplished professionals with tremendous domain knowledge specific to conducting business in Africa. The panel topics offer a variety of important subject matters that lend to interesting and insightful discussion, including but not limited to: “Private Equity – Beyond Capital Accessâ€?, “Non-Governmental Organizations – System building in a non-profit contextâ€?, “International Trade and Investment – Emerging Globalizationâ€?, and “Telecoms in Africa: What Next.â€?

Other events include a major entertainment evening starring a major recording artist. During Friday, several sessions for prospective students are also planned in the Africa Business Club’s continuing efforts to increase the number of African students at Harvard Business School.

The conference will be held on the Harvard Business School campus in Boston, MA February 16 – 18th. Additional details and registration are available at www.hbsafricaconference.org/2007

The Africa Business Club is a Student Club at Harvard Business School, led by students in the MBA program. Its mission is to increase the awareness of business opportunities on the African continent within the Harvard Business School and the wider community.

 

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