More than 300 global and African thought leaders, eminent and emerging leaders from Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth, and friends of Africa will converge at the 5th Annual Commonwealth Africa Summit on March 12th – 15th 2018 in London, United Kingdom. The event will spark new thinking on how to achieve Shared Prosperity and Common Good for Africans and how Africa’s growing youth population can transform the continent.
Under the theme: Common Good, the summit conversations seeks to promote the benefits and interests of all through improved collective action for the common good of humanity within and outside the commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit provides an opportunity not just to contribute to reimagining what the continent might be, but an opportunity to network, strategize and mobilise valuable resources so as to bring the Africa Dream to fruition. Vukuzenzele! Let's Get Up and Do It! says Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, Chairman Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund
Past speakers at the CAS Summit have included HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey; Lord Watson of Richmond; Lord Ahmed of Rotherham; Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green; Simon Walker, Director General of the British Institute of Directors (IOD); Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council on Africa; Dr. Caroline Harper CBE – CEO Commonwealth Sightsavers; Sorious Samora; Mr Tonye Cole – CEO Sahara Energy; Ministers of Government, Ambassadors and many other Global Leaders.
Among speakers expected this year are 3 Former Presidents, 2 Current Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers from Africa and the Carribean, First Ladies, Ministers of Government and Governors of Central Banks.
“Africa must leverage on its relationship with other parts of the world to enrich and develop her countries. Constituting the highest bloc of the commonwealth member countries undoubtedly provides a strategic advantage with a huge development potential that must be fully explored”, says Chad Blackman, the Co-Chair of the 2018 Summit steering committee. The numbers associated with the Commonwealth are staggering. More than two billion of the world’s seven billion people live within the commonwealth. With many of its member states still developing or yet to develop appreciably, the potential for the future is obvious if the trade and collaboration within the commonwealth is increased and this will be at the forefront of conversations in London”.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit is a high level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from the Commonwealth and allies to facilitate dialogue and action on key and relevant issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, Security and counterterrorism, Energy and Power amongst other relevant issues in Africa. The event, annually as part of activities to celebrate the Commonwealth Week in London, is organised by the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, to provide a veritable platform for the generation of new ideas, trade agreements, business relationships and investments.
The Day 2 of the 2018 CAS Summit on March 14th will feature the CAFI Forum on Africa’s Political Future
“Over 100 key players in the African youth development sector will meet on the side-lines of the Summit to deliberate on reshaping the agenda for youth participation in political leadership on the continent” says Atieno Opondo a senior member of the steering Committee. “The Summit will Feature a CAFI Forum on Africa Political Future. The Forum with the theme: Opening the space, taking the place is hosted as part of a series of conscious efforts and action plans to fulfil the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 of an Africa whose youth shall be socially, economically and politically empowered through the full implementation of the African Youth Charter, An Africa of 2063 that will have full gender parity, with women occupying at least 50% of elected public offices at all levels; an aspiration achievable with the youth”.
The CAFI Forum will provide a high-level platform for dialogue on how African countries can create more space for younger people in elected public offices by formulating recommendations that will culminate into sustainable youth friendly policies and regulations. The forum will also provide a unique opportunity for youth leaders and aspiring young leaders in Africa to network and exchange views on Africa’s political future, while also creating a mentoring platform for the ageing African leaders to inspire a younger and better succession.
Overall, “the CAS summit will include presentations from various leaders and speakers and will feature first-hand experiences and interactions from government and business leaders in the continent, while providing credible opportunities and encouraging foreign investments” says Seeke Adams, CAFI Events Manager.
The Summit will also feature a Gala and Award Dinner to celebrate the contributions of Eminent and Emerging leaders to Africa’s growth story; as well as One to One Business meetings between investors and Entrepreneurs.