Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Nigerian President, and over 18 Heads of State and Government are expected to join over 500 business and society leaders at the 3rd Commonwealth Africa Summit 2016 in London from the 14th to the 16th March to discuss the theme 'Shared Prosperity, Mutual Security'.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit, which is now in its third year, will convene Heads of Government,senior ministers, public sector leaders, the private sector, global investors,leading entrepreneurs, Africans in Diaspora, Stock Exchange Executives,Security sector professionals, Diplomats, senior executives and other stakeholders from across Africa and the Commonwealth in one place to discuss trade and investment, Power Generation in Africa, business and investment opportunities, counterterrorism, women’s empowerment, infrastructural development, Exploring mineral resources potentials, security and development –with special emphasis on Africa and will build on the inaugural programme held in March 2014 in London.
The Summit will explore increased collaboration between the Commonwealth economies in Africa, Asia, Australia,the Middle East and the Americas, aiming to to promote global economic development and map shifting patterns of co-operation between these economies and those of the mature industrialized countries, under the theme: Shared Prosperity, Mutual Security.
Aiming for high level dialogue between business and government leaders from Commonwealth countries in Africa and their counterparts across the glove, they look to provide a platform to showcase investment opportunities to a wider business community, all the while learning best practices on securing their homelands and borders.
Other speakers confirmed to speak at the Summit alongside Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other Eminent Commonwealth leaders includes British Peer Baroness Flather; Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury,Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament; Clive Carpenter, Vice Chairman Business Council for Africa; Dr Caroline Harper OBE, CEO Sight Savers Global; His Imperial Majesty Ooni of Ife Ojaja II; Michael Lake CBE Director, Royal Commonwealth Society; Clive Harridge Secretary General, Commonwealth Association of Planners; Professor Emmanuelle Auriol PhD,Professor of Economics, Toulouse School of Economics, France; Ben Burgers, CEO Microgrid USA; Matthew Brady, Doctor without BordersUSA; H.E Mrs Onari Duke, Country Director – Empretec UNCTAD, Nigeria; Mr.Tonye Cole, Chief Executive Officer, Sahara Group; Mr. Audu Ogbe, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture; Donald Duke, Former Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria; Mr. IfieSekibo, CEO/MD Heritage Bank Plc; Dr. Mrs. Mary Manzo, Public Speaker, Environmental Activist & Chief Executive Officer, Mary Elika Foundation; Eoghhan Mackie – CEO ChallengesWorldwide; Madeleine F White – Director of Impact, Challenges Worldwide andover 30 other Speakers/Panellist from across the Commonwealth.
As a mark of respect to the fallen Africans who died in the 2 World Wars, there will be a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Memorial Gate to mark the opening of the Summit. Customarily attended by distinguished Commonwealth leaders and former Prime Minister John Major, among other dignitaries. Guests will later converged at the Westminster Abbey to attend the Commonwealth Day Observance Service in the presence of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11 and the Duke of Edinburgh, senior politicians, High Commissioners, Commonwealth dignitaries and over two hundred VIPs.