Dear WABF participant,

On behalf of the Wharton Africa Student Association (WASA), it is a great pleasure to welcome you to the 12th Wharton Africa Business Forum The Wharton Africa Business Forum (WABF) is a part of the Wharton Global Forum. The Wharton Global forum provides an environment for business leaders and scholars to engage in dialogue about business developments across regions that including Africa, Asia, Europe, India, Latin America and West Asia.

The 2003 WABF (Reinventing Business in Africa) discussed the challenges associated with building African Multinational Corporations ("MNCs"). In continuing with that discussion, we will evaluate development in the environment in which they would operate and compete in. This year's WABF theme, "Business in Africa: New Game New Rules," would explore recent fundamental changes in the ways business is conducted in Africa.

More specifically, it would provide an environment that fosters the initiation of conversations amongst accomplished and aspiring business men and women and brilliant scholars. These discussions will provide fresh insight about the New Game; how the forces in play (government policies that are de-emphasizing the public sector, the depth, quality and complexity of the capital and labor markets and the role of technology in reshaping the terrain) are transforming the business landscape and driving change across all levels. The forum will also highlight how the New Rules are making the old players rethink their business models and how the new players are embracing the risks, challenges and opportunities resulting from these changes.

Issues to be discussed include the establishment of African MNCs, the creation and sustenance of wealth amongst Africans, the mechanisms that are reversing the African brain-drain syndrome and also improving the standard of living and the viability of Africa as an outsourcing destination. We will also discuss how new and old players can better position themselves to exploit the opportunities created by the "Aging Population Crisis" in developed countries. Finally, the forum will also host the third edition of the Africa Business Plan Competition.

I am truly sanguine that the forum will be as active as possible in enriching the discussions of the "New Game" and the New Rules," and also help to facilitate a stimulating exchange of ideas. I therefore hope that you can join us on the 20th of November in Philadelphia to make this occasion an exciting and memorable one.

Olufemi Ogunseinde