Overview

We will be highlighting a number of issues that are central to positioning Africa's for sustainable growth and development. One of our panels will address opportunities to invest in industries that provide basic human services such as energy service delivery, real estate, and affordable transportation. We will also offer a panel focusing on venture capital and private equity firms on the continent in order to address current challenges in obtaining for budding and current entrepreneurs.

How Can Private Equity and Venture Capital Foster Economic Development in Africa Given the Current Global Crisis?

   

With the uncertainty of the current market many investors are choosing not to invest their cash.  Is this an opportunity for Private Equity and Venture Capital in Africa?    What are the best opportunities for investment in Africa ?  How will these investments foster economic growth?  We will examine Private Equity activity in Africa by observing its impact on development. 

 

Our Panelists include experts that have extensive on the ground experience in Africa ’s Private Equity industry. Our experts will share their view on the hottest industries in Africa and how they have managed to hedge Africa ’s unique risks.  Additionally we will discuss the untapped market potentials in Africa and the challenges and/or opportunities of raising funds given the global economic recession.

 

Anthony Siwawa	Managing Director	Ventures Partners of Botswana	Botswana
Nkosana Moyo	Vice President	Africa Development Bank	Zimbabwe
Robert Fogler	CEO	Thousands Hills Venture	Rwanda/US
Wagane Diouf	Managing Partner	Mecene Investment	Senegal/South Africa

From Challenge to Opportunity: Investing in Basic Infrastructure

The question on every investor's mind is whether there is money to be made in infrastructure in Africa. The answer is yes, there is money to be made. There is currently a world wide boom in demand for mineral resources which represents immense opportunities for Africa. However before Africa can efficiently export its minerals there is a need for proper infrastructure to get the minerals from the mines to the booming markets like China and India. Furthermore many African countries with stable governments like South Africa have witnessed encouraging economic growth over the past few years but the infrastructure has not changed to reflect this. There is a need for investors who can update outdated infrastructure and keep the infrastructure functional.

Joseph O. Okpaku	President/CEO	Telecom Africa International Corporation	Nigeria
Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa	Founder and Executive Director	Transitional Trade	Zambia/Uganda
Nozipho January-Bardill	Chief Spokesperson	MTN Group	South Africa