The Daily IIJ

There has been growing debate about the global financial crisis and whether Africa can really take advantage of the situation and the challenges of the continent in this regard. This however necessitated the World Bank and Inwent to organize this year’s International Business Forum under the theme “Global Crisis – Africa Challenges”

The conference brought together over two hundred representatives from business, business-driven organizations and their stakeholders and also connected opinion leaders from mainly Africa and other parts of the world with young professionals.

The occasion also underlined the need for a better integration into the global economy and for the recognition of the bearings of climate change. Participants at the three-day event also presented practical ideas and recommendation for the development of Africa.

During deliberations, participants who also included a large number of Inwent alumni shared their experiences on issues from women empowerment, economic statistics, and effects of the economic crisis on the fragile situation in Sub Saharan Africa among others.

Honestly, the statement that touched me the most from the conference was the fact that: “Africa is rich but Africans are poor.” Indeed, it is an open secret that Africa is rich but the international community has continuously viewed the continent as the poorest and has continuously seen its people as the most poverty stricken in the world. So for me, this truth coming out of such an internationally recognized conference is remarkable.

Going through the conference, I came across the bulk of ideas, solutions and recommendations that emerged from the various working groups of the conference and this I strongly believe should help Africa and its people to determine their own agenda. The energy and enthusiasm exhibited at the conference is an indication that the third Interdisciplinary Alumni Conference to be held in South Africa should be a more practical and focus looking one.

One essential challenge to Africa that was never mentioned in the deliberations was the sustainability of aid inflows to the continent in the mist of this crisis. Believe me or not most African states especially the fragile ones still need aid to help them cope with the crisis. Perhaps it is an indication that Africa is growing out of the aid syndrome.

All in all, it was a very good conference, focused and practical solutions were also given by the participants. I will simply say it was a mark of intellectual and professional friendship, thanks to Inwert.