BY NEW BUSINESS ETHIOPIA REPORTER
The New Security Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Kenya, has launched a new initiative to involve business in a major dialogue about modern security and its implications for commerce, industry and investment in Africa.
Usalama ni Harambee – the Africa Forum on Business and Security’ will bring together international political figures, business leaders, security professionals, NGOs and academics for a two-day conference in Nairobi, Kenya on the 13th and 14th of September 2012 to discuss our common interest in Africa’s security.
The Forum, which will be attended by participants from all over Africa and beyond, will be a unique occasion, offering participants the opportunity to meet and network with key decision-makers and experts.
The Forum will set out to help identify ways in which different parties involved can work together more effectively to develop new solutions.
Among notable personalities that have confirmed attendance is the Vice-President of South Sudan, HE Dr Riek Machar, who will join senior ministers from Kenya and other African countries. Dr Machar has been a key figure in developing the fledgling economy of the world’s newest state since it attained independence from Sudan just over a year ago.
“The Africa Forum on Business and Security is taking place at a very interesting and important time for Africa,” says Peris Wanjiru of conference organisers ICWE. “Many African economies are growing at six or seven per cent a year. The one thing that can hold us back now is a failure to address the security challenges that confront us. This ground breaking, pan-African dialogue between the public and private sectors will make a real difference.”
The conference will focus on dealing with persistent problems, attracting investors, protecting vulnerable sectors and securing growth. It will also consider the immense opportunities for African business in delivering security, investment, skills and jobs.
A key feature of the forum will be a focus on new initiatives to unite African businesses and organisations in creating a stable security environment that encourages growth. It will examine the nature of modern security and its implications for African countries, organisations and businesses. It will also analyse a range of new threats and vulnerabilities and consider the strategies, policies and technologies that can create effective solutions.
