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	Victor Petenkemani WABF 2007 Chair MBA/MA Class of 2008
	Ama Karikari WABF 2007 Vice-Chair JD MBA/Law Class of 2008

Welcome to the 15th annual Wharton Africa Business Forum—WABF 2007.

On behalf of the entire WABF Organizing Team, we thank you for participating in one of Wharton’s best annual traditions.

Organized on the theme “Africa Rising: The New Dawn of Trade and Investment in Africa”, this year’s forum aims at enabling attendees to become part of a wind of change that is setting Africa on the path of strong development and record economic growth.

As we were organizing this year’s conference, the words of Heraclitus, “nothing is permanent but change”, entered our minds. Indeed, the world is changing rapidly as technology is enabling unprecedented access to information and communication. Our beloved continent of Africa is certainly contributing to this trend with great strides: African farmers are using cell phones to better manage their supply chain while urban African professionals are engaging in data processing and other services for western markets.

It is our hope the 2007 WABF career fair tangibly reverse the brain drain and the business plan competition provides access to much-needed capital for the start-up of high-impact ideas. The fifteen innovative panels discuss topics that are current and critical to effectively compete in the global economy including outsourcing, climate change, infrastructure, good governance, venture capital, energy and many others. These panels represent unique learning opportunities for all of us.

In addition, the keynote speakers of the WABF 2007 are on the cutting edge of these positive changes. Euvin Naidoo of the South African Chamber of Commerce in America is a fantastic promoter of African businesses in the US. Mandé Sidibé of Ecobank and former Prime Minister of Mali is leading the effort to finance emerging African enterprises. Yibrah Tesfazghi is working on behalf of all GE’s businesses to develop new opportunities across Africa. Recognizing the importance of good governance, Akere T. Muna is leading the effort to increase transparency and therefore improve the investing environment of the Continent. Finally, H.E. Ambassador Amina Salum Ali will speak on behalf of the whole Continent as the Permanent Representative to the African Union’s Mission to the United States.

We have high hopes that this single day will help all of us, as lovers of Africa, raise the awareness of Africa’s investment, cultural and political renaissance and contribute to developing the continent beyond this New Dawn.

Yours Sincerely,

Victor Petenkemani, Chair                  Ama Karikari, Vice-Chair