The event, which follows hot on the heels of a successful inaugural symposium held in South Africa in 2010, will comprise four days of engaging workshops, lectures, specialist panel discussions, presentations, and high-profile strategies.
Africa 2.0 founder, Mamadou Kwidjim Toure said his organisation was looking forward to hosting another high-level outcomes-based symposium. He said the event provided an essential platform for the generation of ideas and commitments that would trigger dynamic home-grown solutions for the continent's growth and development.
"We are confident that the outcomes of this second symposium will go a long way in assisting us to meet our objectives as Africa 2.0. The format of the event allows for discussion and networking that will, amongst other objectives, enhance co-ordination among growth initiatives across Africa, create an enabling environment for the growth of vital sectors, enable open dialogue amongst key stakeholders, as well as involve civil society and the private sector in the development of an action plan for Vision Africa 2020", he said.
Discussions will centre around the following key focus areas:
The keynote address will be delivered by the prime minister of Kenya Raila Odinga. Former African Presidents, including Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and Festus Mogae of Botswana will participate in a Panel Discussion of Former Presidents.
Speakers and invited stakeholders will include Bismark Rewane (MD of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd), Habib Kagimu (chairman Tamoil East Africa), Mugo Kibati (CEO of East Africa Cables), Michael Joseph (CEO Safaricom), Nkosana Moyo (Board of Trustees - Investment Climate Facility), Thaksin Sinawatra (former prime minister of Thailand), Trevor Ncube (chairman of the Mail & Guardian), Charles Mbire (chairman of MTN Uganda), Arthur Mashiatshidi (CEO Wesizwe, Global Agenda Council for the future of Mining and Metals), Aminata Niane (GM of Apix), Thierry Tanoh (vice president IFC), David Bridgeman (African Union senior representative), Trevor Manuel (minister in the presidency, SA), Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki (CEO of NEPAD), and Peter Draper (EAC senior representative), amongst others.
The symposium will be accentuated by the Africa 2.0 Award Ceremony & Gala Dinner. This event, sponsored by MTN and the OCP Group and partnering with MTV Base, serves to acknowledge the achievements of African men and women who have effected positive change over the past decade, as well as to raise funds to sustain the implementation of the Vision Africa 2020 action plan over the next decade. The awards are a platform to recognize and commend those home-grown African children who have pushed the limit of the unknown or the Not-Yet-Done in the business, social and institutional field and contributed to the upliftment of the continent.
Africa 2.0 is an advocacy group of young Africans from across the continent who have a collective vision for Africa and are committed to finding sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing economic and social issues facing Africans today.