The Mystery of Capital
Real Estate in Africa – Constructing a Viable Foundation
Country Focus: Botswana – Treading the Economic Growth Path
Energy in Africa: Keeping the Lights On
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
Investing in Life: Healthcare in Africa
Private Equity in Africa – A Wharton Case Analysis
Re-branding Africa Through Media
Special Documentary: Africa Open for Business
The Mystery of Capital
Although five African stock exchanges ranked amongst the 10 best performing markets globally in 2003, African countries are primarily trading nations. This is partly because African entrepreneurs and organizations struggle to raise long term capital required to operate competitive and sustainable business ventures. Most businesses are funded from retained earnings, short-term bank facilities and personal loans/finances. This panel will identify and assess alternative solutions to accessing capital through various medium including capital markets, private equity and commercial lending.
Featuring:
Judith Aidoo, CEO, Caswell Capital Partners
Chief T.K. Ejangue, Chairman, Financial Markets Commission of Cameroon
Amaechi Ndili, CEO, Lionstone Company
Moderator: Prof. Philip M. Nichols, The Wharton School
Real Estate in Africa – Constructing a Viable Foundation
Africa's budding real estate industry presents unique opportunities but also huge challenges. In recent times, African property developers have achieved up to 100% return on capital invested in real estate projects. Middle class home ownership is on the rise, pointing to a growing need for both primary and secondary mortgage markets. We will shine a spotlight on various segments of the real estate market in Africa, underscore opportunities and troubleshoot issues for the benefit of entrepreneurs and professionals interested in the sector.
Featuring:
Isaac Chalumbira, Founder/CEO, Bell Property Management
Prof Marja Hoek-Smit, Director, Wharton Mortgage Finance Program
Amaechi Ndili, CEO, Lionstone Company
Jide Odusolu, CEO, Legacy Realties Ltd
Moderator: Lenka Dewa, Vice President, Rockwood Capital
Country Focus: Botswana – Treading the Economic Growth Path
Botswana has come a long way since gaining independence in September 1966. The country has achieved the fastest growth in per capita income in the world, with economic growth averaging 9% annually between independence and 1999. Additionally, Botswana has virtually no foreign debt and currently holds the highest sovereign credit rating in Africa. The Ambassador's representative will share some of the secrets of the country's success and its plans for the future.
Featuring:
John Moreti, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Botswana
Moderator: Prof. Scott Beaulier, Mercer University
Energy in Africa: Keeping the Lights On
African nations are taking lengthy strides towards boosting production of different fuels and forms of energy with the aid of modern technology. Liquefied natural gas production continues to grow, private sector power production is on the rise, new refineries are being introduced and the energy value chain has expanded dramatically. With these growth trends, there is a need for strong industry partnerships to create value and capitalize on these opportunities. This panel explores and analyses trends and shifting dynamics within Africa's energy sector.
Featuring:
Kamar Bakrin, COO, Ocean & Oil Holdings
Zimako Ibe, CEO, Zada Group
Prof. Bart Nnaji, Founder, Geometric Power
Moderator: Charlotte C. Keenan, Specialist, Jefferies & Company, Inc.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
Most managers in developed economies know that although market leaders tend to dominate their chosen sectors, pure arbitrage opportunities are rare. However, there are various examples of African entrepreneurs that have demonstrated visionary and strategic entrepreneurial leadership across the continent. These individuals inspire others with their ability to spot market opportunities, and arrange resources to create viable businesses in spite of significant challenges. Through their personal stories, panelists will provide invaluable insights on how to recognize gaps in the marketplace and lead or partner with others to establish profitable ventures.
Featuring:
Gbenga Oyebode, Managing Partner, Aluko & Oyebode
Herman Chinery-Hesse, Founder/Chairman, The SoftTribe
Talla Kebe, Vice President, Performances Management Consulting
Moderator: Bob Chalfin, President, The Chalfin Group, Inc.
From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
Many social commentators say that the mass emigration of Africa's human talent to developed countries significantly hinders the continent's development. The negative impact of this exodus of human capital makes headline news. However, the benefits of this emigration are often ignored. Does this climate prevent African nations from benefiting from the world-class experience gained by Africans in the Diaspora? This panel takes a balanced view, recognizing both the merits and demerits of this phenomenon. It will also explore creative avenues for leveraging the skills of Africans to help create value in their home economies.
Featuring:
Dr. Titilola Banjoko, Chair, FindajobinAfrica.com/AfricaRecruit
Claudiane Johnson, Consultant, Careers in Africa
Awo Quaison-Sackey, Founder, AQ Solutions
Dr. Mercy Tembon, World Bank
Moderator: Prof. Saikat Chaudhuri, The Wharton School
Investing in Life: Healthcare in Africa
In this panel we explore the economic climate in Africa's healthcare sector: what is working, what needs to change, and what concrete steps stakeholders can take to accelerate growth in the industry. A key issue that will be addressed is the challenge of striking a balance between social responsibility and the drive for profits. What successes have we seen in managed healthcare systems, alternative medicine (neutraceuticals), and big pharmaceuticals around the world and how can these be remodeled for the African context?
Featuring:
Dr. Theodore Burden, Healthcare Resources Foundation
Dr. Chamberlain Diala, Senior Associate, Abt Associates
Dr. Kodzo Gbewonyo, CEO, BioResources International Inc.
Michael Van Vleck, CEO, Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals
Moderator: Dr. Hans-Peter Kohler, University of Pennsylvania
Private Equity in Africa – A Wharton Case Analysis
This panel presents and analyzes a live private equity transaction in Africa. Led by a Wharton private equity faculty member, professionals from Emerging Markets Partnership (EMP), and other sector experts, the case study will provide situational context for investments in Africa and then develop key insights and best practices for such transactions. This will be a useful discussion for those interested in careers or other opportunities in Africa-focused private equity.
Featuring:
Kevin Johnson, Co-Founder, Liberty Global Partners
Papa M. Ndiaye, Director, Emerging Markets Partnership
Moderator: Prof. Stephen M. Sammut, The Wharton School
Re-branding Africa Through Media
The media industry in Africa has grown in leaps and bounds over the last two decades. Entrepreneurs and investors have committed tremendous resources to establish radio & television stations, music & movie production studios and print media that showcase Africa's endearing attributes and artistic brilliance. Africa is calling for balanced and fair reporting by international media and these individuals have made strides in creating African media companies to shift the power dynamics. What are some of the challenges they face and how have they been able to create sustainable media enterprises?
Featuring:
Lemmy Adebula, Founder, TransAfrica Media Holdings
Hubert Danso, Managing Editor, Africa-Investor Magazine
James Makawa, Founder/CEO, The Africa Channel
Moderator: Laolu Akande, NA Bureau Chief, The Guardian Newspaper
Africa: Open for Business
Featured at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival, World Economic Forum, AGOA summit and G8 summit, this widely acclaimed and award winning documentary moves beyond stereotypes and focuses on the realities of operating a business in Africa and opportunities for potential investors. Frustrated with one dimensional and degrading media images of Africa, Carol Pineau aims to present to the world "The Africa You Never See."
This screening is brought to you in collaboration with the Nigerian Business Forum (NBF).
Brief Closing Remarks by:
Carol Pineau, Producer/Director, Africa Open for Business
CNN "Inside Africa" frequent contributor
James Makawa, CEO, The Africa Channel
Q&A moderated by:
Ade Famoti, President, Nigerian Business Forum
