Ghana Hosts 7th Africa Investent Forum

By Samuel Boadi

IN Its quest to strengthen linkages between African economies to underpin new trade and investment, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) will host the 7th Africa Investment Forum in Accra from February 8 – 10, 2010.
George Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIPC, told the media on Wednesday in Accra that the forum, to be co-hosted by the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), would bring together business and government leaders from Africa, Europe, North America and Asia, including the Presidents of Namibia, Rwanda and Togo among other special guests.
Additionally, there would be a 38-member delegation from Namibia, as well as delegations from Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and several other countries. Additionally, the Egyptian Minister for investment and the Kenyan Minister of Trade are all expected to attend the meeting.
Mr Aboagye said the forum would further provide a platform for countries to profile investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, oil and gas and manufacturing to an international audience of over 500 business leaders and investors.
“Particularly, it will bring investors and projects together to explore public private partnerships and facilitate business partnerships which support the economic growth that is required to enable African countries to realize their aspirations in the global economy of the 21st century.
He noted that it would provide excellent networking opportunities.
In addition to the main plenary sessions, specific investors’ roundtables will be held to discuss public private partnerships to improve infrastructure, trade and the movement of goods and services, the investment climate and access to finance.
“The event is an opportunity for the private sector and we hope all the business associations in the country would encourage their members to participate fully to reap the benefits of such an event.”
Keynote speakers for the forum include Kifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, Pascal Dozie, Chairman, Commonwealth Business Council/Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Lord Cairns (CVO CBE), Chairman, Zain Africa, Mahmoud Mohieldin among others.