| About the Launch |
|
GAUTENG NEPAD SUMMIT LAUNCH RELEASE The Gauteng NEPAD Summit, which takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre between 3-5 March, is undoubtedly the most important event on the African business calendar. The Summit will focus on promoting regional integration on the continent at a time when the need for such initiatives is more pressing than ever. It will see the coming together for the first time ever of a wide range of African business leaders from Trade, Investment and Economic Development organisations. An initiative of the Gauteng Economic Development Agency (GEDA) and the Gauteng Provincial Government, the Summit will also be attended by African government representatives and observers from International Economic Development Agencies. Discussions at this prestigious event will culminate in the establishment of the first ever African Economic Development Agencies Secretariat Office. This office will not only enhance African trade and investment opportunities but will also promote foreign direct investment into Africa on a scale not previously seen on the continent. Africa today is a continent filled with opportunity. And there is no more exciting platform on which to explore that opportunity than the Gauteng NEPAD Summit. NEPAD’s rationale is short and simple: it is a development plan that aims to promote sustainable and self development. It seeks to liberate Africa from its history of underdevelopment, poverty, war and corruption. In essence, the Summit aims to take the NEPAD agenda forward by highlighting the myriad business opportunities available across Africa today and explore ways to best capitalise on them. It is the first ever NEPAD Summit at sub-national level, following various national events, and takes the NEPAD agenda forward towards practical implementation and sharing of opportunities. The Summit will focus on, among other things, infrastructure, energy, ICT, Agro-processing, mining and mining equipment, planning and coordination. GEDA, on the other hand, remains the first point of contact for smart investors and entrepreneurs who want to unlock value in Gauteng and beyond. Since its inception GEDA has generated investment totaling over R10-billion. This equates to an average rate of between R1.5-billion and R1.6-billion per financial year. Gauteng, for its part, has continued to strengthen its position as the economic engine of the country and the continent, by contributing nearly 43 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Summit comes at a time when the province is moving full-steam ahead with preparations for the 2010 World Cup, certain to be the biggest event ever staged in Africa. The event is widely seen as an African World Cup, and Gauteng’s role in hosting this massive occasion is pivotal to its success. The Summit also occurs at a time when Gauteng is forging ahead with its Global City Region (GCR) initiative, which enhances the province’s advance as a competitive global player. Representatives from all African Economic Development Agencies will attend this critical Summit, as will representatives from their international counterparts. It is Africa’s chance to plan the way ahead, and to expand business across the continent in the years and decades to come. |