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The 20th World Economic Forum on Africa Kicks Off in Tanzania

   Michael Onyiego | Nairobi 05 May 2010
   The  co-chair of the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa 2010, Joergen
   Ole Haslestad, centre, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Photo: AP

   The  co-chair of the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa 2010, Joergen
   Ole  Haslestad,  centre,  speaks  during  a  joint press conference at
   Mlimani  City  Conference  centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, ahead of
   the opening session of the forum later in the day, 05 May 2010

   The  20th World Economic Forum on Africa is underway in Dar es Salaam.
   The event brings scholars and leaders from around the world to discuss
   new  strategies  for  Africa's  growth  in the aftermath of the global
   financial crisis.

   The  Forum has gathered nearly 1,000 participants from 85 countries to
   participate  in  discussions  on  Africa's  economic  future  and  its
   prospects for growth.

   Heads  of  state  from across the continent will be participate in the
   discussions  during  the  next  three  days,  including  South African
   President  Jacob  Zuma,  Kenyan  Prime  Minister Raila Odinga, Rwandan
   President   Paul   Kagame,   and   Zimbabwean  Prime  Minister  Morgan
   Tsvangirai.

   Founder  and Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab,
   right,Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, left

AP

   Founder  and Executive Chairman of World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab,
   right,  speaks  in  a  plenary  session  on 'unlocking Africaâs Growth
   Potential'  during  the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa at Mlimani
   City  Conference  Centre  in  Dar  es  Salaam,  Tanzania, as Tanzanian
   President, Jakaya Kikwete, left, watches, 05 May 2010

   International   business   and   political  leaders  such  as  African
   Development   Bank   President   Donald   Kuberuka   and  World  Trade
   Organization  Director-General Pascal Lamy will also contribute to the
   forum.

   The  theme of the 2010 meeting is Rethinking Africa's Growth Strategy.
   Though  many  regions  are  still  experiencing  economic contraction,
   Africa  is recovering from the global financial crisis and the IMF has
   indicated the continent will grow by 4.5 percent in 2010.

   Speaking  before  the  event,  World  Economic  Forum  Africa Director
   Katherine  Tweedie said the meeting provides an opportunity to fortify
   Africa's growth.

   "And  I  think  as  we  come  through  the economic crisis, Africa has
   surprised  many  with  its  resilience  and  a  faster  than  expected
   recovery," said Tweedie. "So key sessions throughout the course of the
   three  days  will  be  looking  at the drivers behind Africa's growth,
   including  the  social  factors  that  help  underpin  the  future for
   Africa."

   The  forum  will also address potential inhibitors of future progress,
   including  access  to education, healthcare and investment capital, as
   well as peace and security in a continent that is continuously plagued
   by conflict.

   The  World  Economic  Forum  is  a Geneva-based foundation that brings
   together  business,  political, intellectual and cultural leaders from
   around  the  world  to  discuss  issues  confronting the international
   community.  This  the  first  time the gathering has been held in East
   Africa.

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