International Forum on African Perspectives 2008

The OECD Development Centre and the African Development Bank hosted the 8th International Forum on African Perspectives on Friday June 27, 2008 at the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Employment. An international community of people working on and passionate about Africa’s future came out in record numbers (over 500) to participate. They listened to rich discussions and exchanged with panellists who included the Secretary-General of the OECD, the President of the African Development Bank, Ministers of Education from Mali and South Africa, and executives from France Telecom, ArcelorMittal, Mozal and BT among others.

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The first panel, Africa: A New Emerging Markets Frontier? looked at the continent’s macroeconomic outlook and the investment landscape. The second, Investing in Africa’s Youth: The Challenge of Skills Development , explored the special theme of the 2008 AEO, specifically which skills are needed for African development and what are the best techniques for developing them.

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Opening Remarks by

• Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank
• Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD

Presentations:

• Investment : a new driver? by Javier Santiso
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• Africa continues steady growth by Louis Kasekende
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• Technical and Vocational Skills Development by Kenneth Ruffing and Sibry Tapsoba
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In the media:

• Listen to the RFI report
• Watch Donald Kaberuka's interview on France 24

Some of our speakers: 

Angel Gurría
Secretary-General of the OECD

Donald Kaberuka
President of the African Development Bank

Javier Santiso
Director of the OECD Development Centre

Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor Minister of Education, South Africa

Ibrahima N’Diaye
Minister of Labour and Vocational Education, Mali

Nolitha Fakude
Executive Director, Sasol, South Africa

Pierre Henri Coffi
President, Réseau des fonds de formation professionnelle de l’Afrique de l’Ouest

Jean-Michel SEVERINO
Chief Executive Director, Agence Française de Développement

Mishal Husain

Journalist and Broadcaster

Olivier Campenon
President E*MEA, BT

Moustapha Sourang
Minister of Education, Senegal

Neil Harvey
CEO, Africa and New Markets, Renaissance Capital

Raitt Marshall
General Manager, Mozal

Louis Keumayou
Journalist and President of the Association de la Presse Panafricaine