in conjunction with NYFA 2015
  CSI at NYFA
Join the Conversation
  • “If you are doing something that you really love, it is not work.”- Barclay Paul Okari
  • “What keeps you going [as an entrepreneur] is the need to see your idea come to fruition.”- Kwame Abrokwa
  • “African youth - there will not be the expected growth without your dreams. You need to create your job. In the DNA of Africans, the entrepreneurship gene is there.”- Karl Miville de Chene
  • “Let’s do everything to make sure youth are key stakeholders and are included.”- Michaëlle Jean
  • “Europe needs to do more in Africa so that African students can return to help their countries of origin.”- José Manuel Barroso
  • “The country cannot develop without you. Each of you has the opportunity to reach and accomplish your dreams. The continent of Africa is the continent of the future.”- H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba
  • “Africa’s strong economic growth (5 percent) is thanks to its youth, which will be the main source of production and innovation in the coming years.”- Lionel Zinsou
  • “Talent does not exist everywhere. The only difference between countries is access. Without having access, nothing will happen.”- Garry Kasparov
  • “African women have arrived.”- Isabel dos Santos
  • “There’s a preconceived idea on Africa which is totally obsolete. Africa is now the future.”- Laurent Fabius
  • “Ambition is a key factor in transformation. The will to transform a country has to be accompanied by action”- Hafid Elalami
  • “All the research shows that investing in women is a good investment”- Cherie Blair
  • “The 21st century is the century of Africa.”- Vincente Fox
  • “This Forum is a perfect example of Gabon's engagement as a future-thinking country, searching for innovative solutions to the challenges facing Africa in its economic growth.”- Alassane Ouattara
  • “Africa is now open to all investors. Its leaders are willing to preserve the continent’s resources and willing to engage in a win-win partnership.”- Macky Sall
  • “Together, we want to encourage young women to venture into new frontiers, and learn that they can achieve anything.”- Sylvia Bongo Ondimba
  • “Technology is spurring innovation, and the so-called "demographic dividend" has brought change.”- Nouriel Roubini
  • “We Africans must do business with each other.”- President F.W. de Klerk
  • “We need to have a competitive economy and proper legal environment to create enterprise, which in turn creates jobs.”- Jean-Louis Billon
  • “We need peace for security but we also need justice and accountability.”- Fatou Bensouda
  • “Given technology in tough environments, people will do more with that technology than its engineers could have ever imagined.”- Jared Cohen
  • “You look at Africa the biggest impediment is our not being able to work together. It’s very simple.”- Kola Karim
  • “If you get the politics and the policies right, the economics usually follow.”- Lord Mandelson
  • “The G.D.P. of african countries has been rising swiftly, but we must take into account issues like access to water supply, education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment.”- Olusegun Obasanjo

Program

INVEST IN THE ENERGY CONTINENT

ABOUT THE FORUM

The business and political leaders that will gather in Libreville at the end of August 2015 will engage in intense, collaborative sessions to draw up a road map – for individual businesses as well as national policy-makers – as a guide and spur to action. The New York Forum AFRICA 2015 will build on previous years’ discussions to focus on the concrete measures that will be needed to drive Africa’s transformation in its next stage of development.

You can read the policy recommendations from 2014 here.

The New York Forum AFRICA is the only pan-African business summit to be held in Africa in 2015.

Gabon is also the host nation for the 14th AGOA Forum (to be held at the same time as the NYFA in Libreville) – the first time the Forum will be held in Central Africa. AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) was signed into law by President Clinton to expand and deepen trade and investment relations between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States, and to encourage economic growth and development. Having the two events together will increase the scope of the NYFA’s discussions, giving participants access to an unprecedented level of US public sector officials and CEOs.

DOWNLOAD AGENDA

DAY 01 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

PRE-FORUM SESSIONS

THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S PEOPLE

9:30 – 13:30

PRE-FORUM SESSIONS: AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT 

PLENARY TENT

This year, the NYFA will again host the African Citizens’ Summit to reflect the importance of the continent’s youth in its economic development. These special sessions will be designed in collaboration with young people based on the results of the Train My Generation survey, the only truly pan-African canvas of the opinions of 16 – 25 year olds, which was launched by the NYFA 2014.

These vital debates around education and employment for young people will be critical for what will be the youngest continent in the world, and experiencing a huge demographic bulge which could power Africa into its next generation of growth. This ‘demographic dividend’ however will only be enjoyed if Africa’s youth get the support they need with the right policies and priorities in place from both government and the private sector.
As the conversation continues, listening to and learning from Africa’s youth will be more important than ever.

Sessions will be run with young African talent as co-moderators, co-interviewers,
and co-panellists.

AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT ACTIVITY TRACK

9:30 – 10:00

OPENING SPEECHES

OPENING OF THE AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT

The African Citizens’ Summit was launched at the New York Forum AFRICA last year, giving a platform to students, job-seekers and young entrepreneurs, and the chance to ask questions to political, civil and business leaders. One year on, what are the main issues concerning young people in Africa? Have we seen any changes – positive or negative – from last year’s Summit?

Michaëlle JEAN
Secretary-General, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie

10:00 – 11:00

joBs

GIVE ME A JOB!

UNESCO estimates that less than 5 per cent of Africans enrol in formal technical or vocational training programmes – yet there is a huge deficit in qualified local labour across all sectors.
As a result, skilled foreigners have to be recruited, or companies have to reassess their operations – both of which stunt Africa’s growth. Why is there such a disconnect? And is it the government’s responsibility to generate these jobs?

Neila BENZINA
CEO, Business & Decision
Tunisia
Yostina BOULES
Managing Director, Taqa Solutions
Egypt
Charles Alexis BOUKINDA
Corporate Communication & CSR Director, Airtel Gabon
Gabon
Barclay Paul OKARI
CEO and Founder, Impact Africa Industries
Kenya
Kwame ABROKWA
Managing Director, Avinture Group
Ghana
Karl MIVILLE DE CHENE
President, Ivory - Canadian Council for Business Development
Canada

11:00 – 12:00

CITIZENSHIP

WHAT’S MY ROLE IN SOCIETY?

Today’s young Africans, who are both highly educated and technologically connected, have both the skills and the tools to drive the continent forward to the next stage of its development. This group will provide the next generation of political and civil leaders with a new vision of their country and the continent – a continent that is experiencing a huge demographic bulge that could power Africa into its next generation of growth – if Africa’s youth gets the support it needs with policies and priorities from government and the private sector. How can this generation engage with its leaders and help shape its own future?

Samir ABDELKARIM
Founder, Founder and Blogger, StartupBRICS.com
France
Aisha KARANJA
Executive Director, The Green Belt Movement
Kenya
George NJENGA
Current and Founding Dean, Strathmore University
Kenya
Chude JIDEONWO
Managing Partner, Red Media Africa
Nigeria
Andy Roland NZIENGUI NZIENGUI
President, Youth Council
Gabonese Republic

12:00 - 12:15

FUTURE FLASH

FUTURE FLASH

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

Barclay Paul OKARI
CEO and Founder, Impact Africa Industries
Kenya
Karl MIVILLE DE CHENE
President, Ivory - Canadian Council for Business Development
Canada

12:15 – 13:15

EDUCATION

FROM EDUCATION TO ENTERPRISE: GIVE ME A CHANCE

Give me an education and I’ll give you the world

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest number of people involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, with Zambia and Nigeria topping the world rankings. Africa also leads the world in the number of women starting businesses, with almost equal numbers of male and female entrepreneurs, with women outnumbering men in Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia. What steps need to be taken to ensure people starting their own businesses have the best possible chance of success?

Kingsley BANGWELL
Founder, Youngstars Foundation
Nigeria
Issam CHLEUH
Founder & CEO, Africa Impact Group
United States
Bunker ROY
Founder, Barefoot College
India
Olukorede ADENOWO
Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank
Nigeria
Magatte WADE
CEO, Tiossan
Senegal
Omar BEN YEDDER
Group Publisher, IC Publications
United Kingdom

16:00 – 19:30

OFFICIAL OPENING SESSION

THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S LEADERSHIP

PLENARY TENT

The New York Forum AFRICA follows the 14th AGOA Forum, hosted by Gabon and held for the first time in Central Africa. The two Summits will join together to host one ground-breaking session.

16:00 – 16:30

OPENING SPEECHES

OPENING SPEECHES

The New York Forum AFRICA community of business, finance, policymaker and political leaders met for the first time in Libreville two years ago. What projects, ideas, initiatives, and business emerged in the 12 months since we last met?

Welcome and special address

Richard ATTIAS
Founder & Executive Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates
Morocco

16:30 – 17:15

AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE

african HEADS OF STATE: our continent, our legacy

No more time to lose!

African leaders face challenges from numerous fronts: how to harness economic growth, stimulate job creation, increase political stability, and handle the transition to democratic systems. How will they navigate change on the most rapidly-changing continent in the world? And how can they generate economic growth and the increasing urbanisation of their countries while managing carbon emissions and building sustainable, environmentally-conscious development to improve their nations for the next generation?

17:15 - 17:45

ADDRESSES FROM LEADERS 

SPEAKER PROGRAMME 25.08 KH website


17:45 – 18:25

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

José Manuel BARROSO
11th President of the European Commission (2004-14) and Prime Minister of Portugal (2002-04), European Commission
Portugal
Lech WALESA
President (1990-95), Former President Poland (1990-95)
Poland

18:25 – 19:15

EMERGING ECONOMIES

HOW TO BUILD AN EMERGING ECONOMY

No more time to lose!

Creating a sustainable, peaceful, prosperous society is top of every leader’s agenda today, whether in the private sector or in government. How can we work together to build a legacy that leaves our country and community better off than today? How do we communicate the urgency of this need for change?

Andrés PASTRANA ARANGO
President (1998-2002), Former President of Colombia
Colombia
Lech WALESA
President (1990-95), Former President Poland (1990-95)
Poland
Keping LI
Vice Chairman, President & Chief Investment Officer, China Investment Corporation
China
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK
John KUFUOR
Founder, John Kufuor Foundation and President of Ghana (2001-2009)
Ghana

19:15 - 19:30

award

PRESENTATION OF THE INAUGURAL AFRICAN START-UP AWARD

20:00 – 22:00

OFFICIAL DINNER

By invitation only


DAY 02 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES

09:00 – 09:40

MINISTERS

THE MINISTERS’ DEBATE

The key for Africa now is to increase the economic opportunities available, rather than merely dividing them. And by creating value-added processes in the supply chain, Africa can create jobs revenue. It is not enough to sell natural resources, when much of the profit is being made overseas by the conversion of those natural resources. The blossoming of information and communication technologies further adds to the huge potential for the transformation of African economies. Which economies are the ripest for diversification? Which sectors are the targets of government initiatives for growth? And how have diversification plans been hit by the fall in oil prices?

Gagan GUPTA
President, Olam Gabon
Gabonese Republic
Regis IMMONGAULT TATAGANI
Minister of Economy and Investment Promotion,
Gabonese Republic
Yves MANFOUMBI
General Coordinator, Emerging Gabon
Gabonese Republic
Mark - Alexandre DOUMBA
Investment Specialist,
Gabonese Republic
Leod-Paul BATOLO
Director, Moanda Complex
Gabonese Republic
Sedji Armel MENSAH
General Administration, Nkok SEZ Administrative Authority
Gabonese Republic
FABRICE NZE-BEKALE
CEO, Société Equatoriale des Mines
Gabonese Republic

09:40 - 10:20

SESSION CEO SESSION

CEO PANEL

In its October 2014 report, the World Bank projected robust African GDP growth in the coming years, in contrast to weak global growth. This growth is attributed to improvements in political stability, an influx of investors drawn to the possibility of high returns, and increasingly peaceful, stable regimes. How has this had an impact on business growth – and expansion – for the private sector?

Jean-Louis EKRA
President and Chairman of the Board, African Export-Import Bank
Egypt
Musabbeh AL KAABI
CEO, Mubadala Petroleum
United Arab Emirates
Dominic BARTON
Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Co
United Kingdom
Amadou DIALLO
CEO, DHL Freight
Senegal
Ebenezer ESSOKA
Vice Chairman for Africa, Standard Chartered Bank
South Africa
Ciro Antonio PAGANO
Executive Vice President Sub Saharan African Region Department, Eni
Italy
Alan KASUJJA
Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC Newsday, BBC
Uganda

10:20 - 10:30

SPEcial announcement

Ivor ICHIKOWITZ
Founder and Executive Chairman, Paramount Group
South Africa

10:30 - 11:10

Leadership in action

How can we encourage women to venture into new frontiers like science and technology?- How can we support them through mentoring and encouragement, so they can give back through the private and public sectors?

Getachew ENGIDA
Deputy Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Ethiopia
Rahama WRIGHT
Founder and CEO, Shea Yelen and Member, President Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa
Ghana
Rainatou SOW
Founder & Executive Director, Make Every Woman Count
United Kingdom
Tiguidanke CAMARA
Chairman & CEO, Tigui Mining Group (TMG)
Guinea
Elizabeth TCHOUNGUI
Journalist,
France

11:10 - 11-25

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

Jean-Louis BORLOO
President of Energies for Africa, Former, Energies for Africa
France

11:25 - 12:00

HEAD TO HEAD: AFFORDABLE ACCESS

POWER TO THE MASSES: AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO ALL

We need power please!

The growth in the African middle class has led to a rise in demand for energy; but the expansion of power grids across the continent lags too far behind demand. Africa needs a new energy model (including distribution channels) to bring power to the masses.

But how do you persuade the population to try something new – especially in rural areas where there is a lack of access to information? Is the solution to Africa’s immediate power requirements the growth of the “pay as you go” energy model, or radically different financing and payment options like microloans?

Ruben ATEKPE
Executive Chairman, Merchants Company of West Africa (MECOWA)
Ghana
Pam C. NAMAI
CEO/ Managing Director, African Energy Association
USA
Bunker ROY
Founder, Barefoot College
India
David WELCH
Senior Vice President and Region President EMEA, Bechtel
USA
Ibrahima CHEIKH DIONG
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Consulting and Trading
Senegal

12:00 - 12:15

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION 

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

Followed by a signature

Étienne GERNELLE
Editor, Le Point
France
Annick GIRARDIN
Minister of State for Development and Francophony,
France

12:15 - 12:25

FUTURE FLASH

FUTURE FLASH

The NYFA will showcase a number of African inventions – created and built on the continent – to demonstrate some of the groundbreaking ideas to come from Africa.

Valerie DAVID
Directeur Développement Durable, Eiffage Construction
France

12:25 - 13:00

HEAD TO HEAD

GREEN IS THE COLOUR OF SUCCESS

With $50 billion in annual investment going into Africa, there is an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the private sector and build Africa into a green continent.
How can we scale up innovation in green businesses so we also maximise their job creation potential? How can we optimise the collaboration between entrepreneurs and lead innovators and ‘big business’? What can be done to harness the power of the informal economy in the battle against climate change? What new innovations in energy tech will represent change for the most people in Africa?

Patrice FONLLADOSA
President and CEO Africa and Middle East, Veolia
France
Thierry LEPERCQ
CEO, Solairedirect
France
Harry VERHAAR
Head of Global Public & Government Affairs, Philips Lighting
The Netherlands
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK
Peter BALLINGER
Managing Director, Africa – Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
USA

13:00 – 14:15

NETWORKING LUNCH, MARKETPLACE


14:30 – 16:00

TASKFORCES: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The New York Forum Taskforces are highly interactive, small discussion groups that will be focused on defining tangible opportunities and solutions. The outputs will be a set of practical, actionable steps for organizations’ leadership teams that will be prerequisites or catalysts for success in the near and long term. Our expert facilitator will move participants into small groups, to identify opportunities and challenges on the topic. Taskforces will also include remarks from leading experts on the topic. To jumpstart the discussions, moderators will facilitate participant dialogue. At the close of the session, the summarized list of opportunities will be discussed and participants will vote on them.

This year, we are assigning sectors only: taskforce participants will work together to select the issues within that sector that they would most like to address in the taskforce

TASKFORCE 1

LIBREVILLE ROOM

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

powered by Harvard Kennedy School

Electrification will have a significant effect on employment levels in the short term (within five years), raising employment by enabling micro-enterprises. Yet less than 10% of sub-Saharan rural households have access to electricity with an overall access rate below 25%. Under existing scenarios, that number will increase to about 50% by 2030 – how can we increase access to electricity further and quicker?

Yostina BOULES
Managing Director, Taqa Solutions
Egypt
Bunker ROY
Founder, Barefoot College
India
Ibrahima CHEIKH DIONG
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Consulting and Trading
Senegal

TASKFORCE 2

PORT GENTIL ROOM

WATER AND SANITATION

powered by Harvard Kennedy School

Despite the discovery of significant underground aquifers in several regions of Africa, as much as 40% of the continent’s population lacks access to clean water. People in rural areas are worst affected with only a quarter of the rural population in sub-Saharan Africa having access to proper sanitation. It is estimated that every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates $4 in increased economic opportunity. Are there ways to jumpstart water infrastructure? How can the public and private sectors work together to solve Africa’s water dilemma?

Patrice FONLLADOSA
President and CEO Africa and Middle East, Veolia
France
Karine DE LA GUERONNIERE
Founder and CEO, AKFA
France
Américo FERREIRA
Member of the Board, Águas de Portugal International
Portugal
Amadou DIAW
Founder & President, ISM Group
Senegal


TASKFORCE 3

ALBERT SCHWEITZER ROOM

MAKING FORESTS SUSTAINABLE

Powered by Tropical Forestry Alliance

Demand for industrial agricultural commodities such as soy and palm oil is predicted to increase by 30% by
2020. What are the prospects for sustainably produced industrial commodity crops such as palm oil in Africa, and
what are the implications for local economies and forests? What is the role of the private sector in creating demand
for sustainable products through its supply chains? What are possible solutions to overcoming barriers in creating
sustainably produced agricultural commodities in Africa?

Samuel AVAALA AWONNEA
CEO, Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited
Ghana
Harrison KARNWEA
Managing Director, Forestry Development Authority
Liberia
Emmanuel Pierre Jonathan NGOM
NATIONAL CORDINATOR OF SMALLHOLDER OIL PALM, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Cameroon
Odigha ODIGHA
Chairman, Cross River State Forestry Commission
Nigeria
Gagan GUPTA
President, Olam Gabon
Gabonese Republic
Sandra RATIARISON
Conservation Director, WWF Gabon
Gabonese Republic
Lee WHITE
Executive Director, National Agency of National Park
Gabonese Republic
David HOYLE
Director, Proforest
United Kingdom
Saah DAVID
REDD+ Coordinator, Forestry Development Authority
Liberia
Noel Nelson MESSONE
Minister of Water and Forestry Gabonese Presidency, Ministry of Water and Forestry Gabonese Presidency
Gabonese Republic


14:15 – 16:15

SPECIAL SESSIONS

THE CLIMATE SOUTH INITIATIVE

PLENARY TENT

Following on from the morning session on natural resources, and concluding with the sessions on innovation, the NYFA will host special breakout sessions from the Climate South Initiative (CSI), focusing on alternative energy, investment, innovation, and green city strategies. CSI will offer a platform for proactive leaders (private and public sector) from the South to convene to discuss our common future as it relates to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The CSI sessions will consist of two focused workshops and culminate in a plenary discussion on the main NYFA stage.


WORKSHOP 1

GREEN STRATEGIES FOR CITIES AND REGIONS

Cities and regions do not need to wait for global climate agreements to be reached, and can start acting immediately with nimble policies designed to encourage energy efficiency and tackle climate change affordably.

What examples on policy innovation can be learned from regions around the world? How can these be scaled up to be implemented by cities across Africa?

Jean-Jacques GUILBAUD
Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Committee Member, Total
France
Thierno Bocar TALL
Chairman & CEO, African Biofuel and Renewable Energy Company ABREC
Togo
Michel RENTENAAR
Climate Envoy to the Netherlands, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Netherlands
Michel GOSTOLI
CEO, Eiffage Construction
France

WORKSHOP 2

FOOD SECURITY AND LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Powered by London School of Economics

The wealth of the African continent lies in its land, with two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population relying on land activities such as agriculture, freshwater fishery and forestry for their livelihoods. But we need to prioritise the reduction of tropical deforestation associated with the sourcing of commodities and turn to a more market-driven approach.

Daniel COTTA
Business Development Director, Grégori International
France
William KWENDE
Chairman, Agritech Group
Burkina Faso
Albert SASSON
Director, Life Sciences & Biotechnology Section, Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology
Morocco
Leyth ZNIBER
CEO and Founder, Eiréné4Impact
Morocco
Dawood AZAMI
Senior Broadcast Journalist & Desk Editor, BBC World Service
UK
Leandre BOULOUBOU
General Coordinator, Graine
Gabonese Republic

16:00 – 16:30

COFFEE BREAK

16:30 – 16:45

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

Cina LAWSON
Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Government of Togo
Togo
Alan KASUJJA
Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC Newsday, BBC
Uganda

16:45 – 17:30

IN CONVERSATION: DIGITAL

THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

Broadband access in Africa is modifying all sectors of the African economy, and triggering a radical transformation of society, from mobile banking, to healthcare diagnosis apps. Implementing new technologies is one of the top investment priorities for African CEOs – so represents a huge opportunity for African entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as international players.

Cina LAWSON
Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Government of Togo
Togo
Koffi Fabrice DJOSSOU
Senior Director of Sales, ABS
South Africa
Ernest TEWELYO AKENDEGUE
General Manager, eDoleyCash
Gabonese Republic
Daniel JAEGER
Vice President Africa, Alcatel - Lucent Africa
South Africa
Bright SIMONS
President, mPedigree
Ghana

17:30 - 17:45

FUTURE FLASH

INVENTED AND MADE IN AFRICA: A label for 2015

The NYFA will showcase a number of African inventions – created and built on the continent – to demonstrate some of the groundbreaking ideas to come from Africa.

Carlos LOPES
Executive Secretary, UNECA - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Guinea-Bissau
Richard ATTIAS
Founder & Executive Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates
Morocco

17:45 – 18:35

REVERSE INNOVATION

REVERSE INNOVATION: AFRICA’S BIG OPPORTUNITY

We have an abundance of genius; we just need trust and support!

The other huge national resource in Africa – outside of mining and energy – is its capacity for innovation, which continues to generate new products, ideas, services and revenues that place African inventors at the forefront of emerging technology. Reverse innovation – trickle-up innovation that is developed in the emerging world and exported to the rest of the world – that focuses on “need” not “want” represents ever-increasing potential for African businesses. With need as the mother of all invention, how can Africa continue to grow in areas of healthcare, energy, mobile communications and finance innovation – and how can governments and the private sector fast-track this growth?

Samir ABDELKARIM
Founder, Founder and Blogger, StartupBRICS.com
France
Carlos LOPES
Executive Secretary, UNECA - United Nations Economic Commission for Africa
Guinea-Bissau
Verone MANKOU
Founder and CEO, VMK Congo
Republic of Congo
Denver PHIRI
Health Economics Specialist, GE Health Care
UK
Ivor ICHIKOWITZ
Founder and Executive Chairman, Paramount Group
South Africa
Alan KASUJJA
Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC Newsday, BBC
Uganda

19:00 – 21:00

NETWORKING AND CULTURAL EVENING

DAY 03 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S PEOPLE

09:00 – 10:50

REPORT BACK: AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT

PLENARY TENT

This year, the NYFA will again host the African Citizens’ Summit on the opening day of the Forum. For the first time, we will ask back students who played a role in the ACS to join leaders from the public sector and from business on the main stage to report back with the results of their discussions 48 hours before.

AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT SESSIONS

09:00 – 09:50

REPORT BACK

REPORT BACK: CAN WE FIX IT?
FROM WHERE WILL THE JOBS COME?

Powered by the African Citizens’ Summit

The discussions held during the African Citizens’ Summit focused on jobs, education and opportunities. A panel of students report back on the outcomes of their discussions and challenge business and government leaders to deliver real change.

Abdelmalek ALAOUI
Founder and Managing Partner, Guepard Group
Morocco
Melissa COOK
Founder and Managing Director, African Sunrise Partners and President Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa
USA
Jun LIU
Executive Vice President, AVIC International Holding Corporation
China
Andy Roland NZIENGUI NZIENGUI
President, Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK

09:50 – 10:50

DEBATE

IS THE AFRICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM BROKEN?

Powered by the African Citizens’ Summit

Deliver students that are qualified for the jobs that are available

Does the African education system deliver young people that are equipped for the jobs available? Is there enough funding available for vocational training and apprenticeships to get young people into work as quickly as possible?

Mossadeck BALLY
Founder & CEO, Azalai Group
Mali
Kingsley BANGWELL
Founder, Youngstars Foundation
Nigeria
Enzo Vincenzo FAZZINO
Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Gabon, UNESCO
Gabon
Moratuoa HLONGWA
Founder and Managing Director, Image Evolution Lesotho
Lesotho
Allon RAIZ
Founder and CEO, Raizcorps
South Africa
Alan KASUJJA
Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC Newsday, BBC
Uganda

10:50 – 11:05

IN CONVERSATION


These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with uniquepersonalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas andvision, and their proposals for Africa.

Elizabeth TCHOUNGUI
Journalist,
France
LIONEL ZINSOU
Primi Minister, Benin

11:05 – 11:45

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

CREATING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW AFRICA

Powered by the AAIL

A clear, effective and transparent legal framework is essential for the ongoing development of Africa’s finance sector, as well as the empowerment of its financial regulators.

Malick DIAWARRA
Journalist, Le Point
France
Stephen KARANGIZI
Director of African Legal Support Facility, African Development Bank
Zimbabwe
Jean-Luc KONAN
CEO, Groupe Cofina
Senegal
Vincent NMEHIELLE
Legal Council and Director of Legal Affairs, African Union Commission
Ethiopia
Sidonie OUWE
Attorney General,
Gabonese Republic
Pierre-Olivier SUR
Dean of the Bar, Court of Paris
France

11:45 - 12:05

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and   vision, and their proposals for Africa. 

Etienne MASSARD
Secretary General of the Presidency of the Gabonese Republic,
Michèle SABBAN
President, R20 Regions of Climate Action
France
Stephanie ANTOINE
TV Anchor, France 24
France

12:05 – 12:45

INVESTMENT

BEYOND THE BOOM  

Africa’s recent economic boom – and its healthy forecasts – have been built on predictions of robust prices for oil and gas. Finance ministers predict that the drop in oil prices could see economic growth decrease a percentage point. How to we encourage investment in Africa at a time of fluctuating oil prices – or has the continent diversified enough of their economies to weather the storm?

Madeleine BERRE
, DELOITTE
Isabella DA COSTA MENDES
Consultant, FKS Capital
UK
Jean-Louis EKRA
President and Chairman of the Board, African Export-Import Bank
Egypt
Christopher MARKS
Senior Advisor, African Development Bank
UK
Brian MENELL
Principal & CEO, Kemet Group
United Kingdom
Eleni GIOKOS
Journalist,
South Africa

12:45 – 14:00

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK

14:00 – 15:30

TASKFORCES DAY 3

HUMAN RESOURCES

The second day of task forces address key issues brought up in the 2014 Train My Generation survey, an initiative of the New York Forum AFRICA. These issues, raised by an entire generation of under-26 year olds across Africa, are fundamental to developing the next generation in the workforce – and tomorrow’s corporate leaders. You can read the full survey results here: http://bit.ly/1KuSTpp

TASKFORCE 4

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Powered by Columbia University SIPA Pan-African Network

ALBERT SCHWEITZER ROOM

Three quarters of respondents in the Train My Generation survey were interested in starting their own business, seeking either to develop their own idea or work for themselves. Ambition was also high, with over half of the entrepreneurs questioned saying that in 10-15 years they see themselves running a business of 15-40 people. But there are significant barriers to starting new businesses, including access to start-up capital, support for start-ups from the government, and high levels of bureaucracy and red tape. How do we reduce these barriers to the next generation of entrepreneurs?

Hamet AGUEMON
Founder, Hodari Partners
United Arab Emirates
Esmel Emmanuel ESSIS
General Director, CEPICI
Ivory Coast
Isabelle MACQUART
CEO, Hodea Agency To Innovate By Value -Be Black Business Angel
France
Allon RAIZ
Founder and CEO, Raizcorps
South Africa
Thomas VAN HALEN
Research Director, VC4Africa
South Africa
Mark - Alexandre DOUMBA
Director, Africa Middle-East Resources
Gabonese Republic
Eric BENQUET
CEO, Eben industry
Gabonese Republic

TASKFORCE 5

SOCIAL MEDIA

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LIBREVILLE ROOM

In the 2014 Train My Generation survey, the most common source of information for young Africans was the internet and social media, which was more popular than television and newspapers combined. How can we increase the standards and regulation of social media (if it is indeed possible) to ensure that we are receiving accurate and relevant information?

Bony DASHACO
CEO, Acmar Media Group
Cameroon
Tebogo DITSHEGO
Group CEO, Ditshego Media
South Africa
Chude JIDEONWO
Managing Partner, Red Media Africa
Nigeria
Thebe IKALAFENG
Founder & Managing Director, Brand Leadership Group
South Africa
Romanou KOUFERIDJI
President and CEO, Groupe Africoncept Broadcast Telecom
Benin
Kevin MEYET
CEO, I'm UP2YOU Agence de Story Telling et Stratégie Digitale

TASKFORCE 6

THE RIGHT TO WORK

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Assisted by London School of Economics and SOAS, University of London

port gentil ROOM

For the millions of Africans working in the informal sector, they don’t have access to employee rights such as sick pay, unemployment benefit, and workers’ protection. How can we work together to persuade the informal sector that moving to the formal sector is the best long-term choice; and how do we make this move more appealing?

Akinola AKINTAYO
Human Rights expert and lecturer, University of Lagos
Nigeria
Romy KLIMKE
Research Lecturer, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg
Germany
Didier PRINCE-AGBODJAN
Deputy Director, Institute for Human Rights Lyon
France
Eleni GIOKOS
Journalist,
South Africa
Amadou DIAW
Founder & President, ISM Group
Senegal
Vivien PEA
President, UJPDG

OFFICIAL CLOSING SESSION OF THE NEW YORK FORUM AFRICA 2015

THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S IMAGE

16:00 – 18:45

PARTNERSHIPS WITH AFRICA

PROFITS MUST EQUAL JOBS

PLENARY TENT

Over the past two days of the NYFA, we have looked at Africa’s key exports and value – energy, natural resources, innovation, and its human capital. The closing session of the NYFA will focus on looking at the partnerships for African countries and corporations that will deliver economic stability and growth in the continent.

And, how do we ensure the private sector gives back to the public sector and to communities and share the wealth?

16:00 – 16:15

IN CONVERSATION

IN CONVERSATION

PLENARY TENT

These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.

Dominic BARTON
Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Co
United Kingdom
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK

16:15 – 16:55

HEAD TO HEAD: EAST AND WEST

AFRICA: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

Economically and geographically, Africa lies between the East and the West: how can the continent continue to build trade relationships overseas, to deliver economic benefits for all?

Hamad ALMUTIB
Special Advisor, Saudi Fund for Development
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Miguel AZEVEDO
Head of Investment Banking Africa and Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Portugal, Citigroup Inc.
Portugal
Inyang EBONG-HARSTRUP
Deputy Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation
United States of America
Regis IMMONGAULT TATAGANI
Minister of Economy and Investment Promotion,
Gabonese Republic
Sid OULD TAH
President, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
Mauritania
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK

16:55 - 17:25

Egypt the future

EGYPT THE FUTURE: THE NEW AFRICAN CHAMPION

Egypt is not only a high potential market in itself but also a gateway and partner to wider markets. An example of a nation that has diversified its economy, Egypt has also implemented key reforms, including gradual lifting of energy subsidies, tax reforms, amendments and implementation of investment laws and regulations. The Suez Canal - Egypt’s gift to the world - was an USD8 billion investment to facilitate and increase trade at the global and regional level. What can African economies learn from Egypt’s successful reform and diversification? How can Egypt provide capital, technology and partnership to African businesses?

Naglaa EL EHWANY
Minister of International Cooperation, Ministry of International Cooperation
Egypt
Hisham FATHY
Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Gabonese Republic,
Egypt
Ibrahim MABROUK
Head of East & West Africa, Arab Contractor
Egypt
Osama Abdel SATTAR
Chairman and CEO, Memphis Company for Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industries
Egypt
Nik GOWING
International Broadcaster,
UK

17:25 – 17:45

LEADERSHIP

THE LEADERSHIP ROADMAP: THE YEARS AHEAD

Jobs, climate change, security, financial stability

You see ebola, terrorism, unrest, poverty; we see growth, peace, leadership, and energy.Major challenges facing Africa in the next 48 months include falling oil prices, civil unrest, alack of jobs, climate change, national security, the economic impact of environmental policies,and ongoing food scarcity. How can these leaders prove their countries have upward growthmomentum, rather than countries stricken by poverty and starvation? How are today’s leaders– public and private sector – addressing these challenges? And what are the potentialconsequences if we don’t act quickly enough?

Andrew ALLI
CEO, African Finance Corporation
Nigeria
Andrés PASTRANA ARANGO
President (1998-2002), Former President of Colombia
Colombia
Tom PELLETTE
Group President, Catepillar Construction
Karl MIVILLE DE CHENE
President, Ivory - Canadian Council for Business Development
Canada

17:45 – 18:00

MUSIC

IN CONVERSATION

Plato said that music gave wings to the mind and flight to the imagination. But music is also ahuge asset in education and in the lives of young people – and it is also creates many business opportunities.

Joel KATZ
Chair, Global Entertainment and Media Practice, Greenberg Taurig
Bob SANTELLI
President, Grammy Museum
US
Larry SIMPSON
Provost,
US
Alan KASUJJA
Senior Broadcast Journalist, BBC Newsday, BBC
Uganda

18:00 – 18:15

YOUTH

THE YOUTH Commitment

The discussions held during the African Citizens’ Summit focused on jobs, education andopportunities. A panel of students and young leaders report back on the outcomes of theirdiscussions and challenge business and government leaders to deliver real change.

Precieux MASSOUEME
President, Youth Association of CEMAC
Republic of the Congo
Fatima MOAHMED
Youth Advisor (Education), National Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Anushka Fatima NTOUTOUME
Vice President, National Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Magalie NGUEMA
Youth Advisor (Culture), National Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Fabrice NTCHANGO
Director of Employment and Economic Inclusion, National Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Andy Roland NZIENGUI NZIENGUI
President, Youth Council
Gabonese Republic
Richard ATTIAS
Founder & Executive Chairman, Richard Attias & Associates
Morocco

18:15 – 18:30

SPECIAL ADDRESS

Sylvia BONGO ONDIMBA
First Lady of the Gabonese Republic,
Gabonese Republic

18:30– 18:45

CLOSING

CLOSING SPEECH

final programme

H.E. ALI BONGO ONDIMBA, President, Gabonese Republic

18:45

FORUM ENDS

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Upcoming Richard Attias & Associates platform: 2eme Forum Économique de la Francophonie – Paris, France. 27 October 2015
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