Program
INVEST IN THE ENERGY CONTINENT
ABOUT THE FORUM
The business and political leaders that will gather in Libreville at the end of August 2015 will engage in intense, collaborative sessions to draw up a road map – for individual businesses as well as national policy-makers – as a guide and spur to action. The New York Forum AFRICA 2015 will build on previous years’ discussions to focus on the concrete measures that will be needed to drive Africa’s transformation in its next stage of development.
You can read the policy recommendations from 2014 here.
The New York Forum AFRICA is the only pan-African business summit to be held in Africa in 2015.
Gabon is also the host nation for the 14th AGOA Forum (to be held at the same time as the NYFA in Libreville) – the first time the Forum will be held in Central Africa. AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) was signed into law by President Clinton to expand and deepen trade and investment relations between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States, and to encourage economic growth and development. Having the two events together will increase the scope of the NYFA’s discussions, giving participants access to an unprecedented level of US public sector officials and CEOs.
DAY 01 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
PRE-FORUM SESSIONS
THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S PEOPLE
9:30 – 13:30
PRE-FORUM SESSIONS: AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT
PLENARY TENT
This year, the NYFA will again host the African Citizens’ Summit to reflect the importance of the continent’s youth in its economic development. These special sessions will be designed in collaboration with young people based on the results of the Train My Generation survey, the only truly pan-African canvas of the opinions of 16 – 25 year olds, which was launched by the NYFA 2014.
These vital debates around education and employment for young people will be critical for what will be the youngest continent in the world, and experiencing a huge demographic bulge which could power Africa into its next generation of growth. This ‘demographic dividend’ however will only be enjoyed if Africa’s youth get the support they need with the right policies and priorities in place from both government and the private sector.
As the conversation continues, listening to and learning from Africa’s youth will be more important than ever.
Sessions will be run with young African talent as co-moderators, co-interviewers,
and co-panellists.
AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT ACTIVITY TRACK
9:30 – 10:00
OPENING SPEECHES
OPENING OF THE AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT
The African Citizens’ Summit was launched at the New York Forum AFRICA last year, giving a platform to students, job-seekers and young entrepreneurs, and the chance to ask questions to political, civil and business leaders. One year on, what are the main issues concerning young people in Africa? Have we seen any changes – positive or negative – from last year’s Summit?
10:00 – 11:00
joBs
GIVE ME A JOB!
UNESCO estimates that less than 5 per cent of Africans enrol in formal technical or vocational training programmes – yet there is a huge deficit in qualified local labour across all sectors.
As a result, skilled foreigners have to be recruited, or companies have to reassess their operations – both of which stunt Africa’s growth. Why is there such a disconnect? And is it the government’s responsibility to generate these jobs?
11:00 – 12:00
CITIZENSHIP
WHAT’S MY ROLE IN SOCIETY?
Today’s young Africans, who are both highly educated and technologically connected, have both the skills and the tools to drive the continent forward to the next stage of its development. This group will provide the next generation of political and civil leaders with a new vision of their country and the continent – a continent that is experiencing a huge demographic bulge that could power Africa into its next generation of growth – if Africa’s youth gets the support it needs with policies and priorities from government and the private sector. How can this generation engage with its leaders and help shape its own future?
12:00 - 12:15
FUTURE FLASH
FUTURE FLASH
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
12:15 – 13:15
EDUCATION
FROM EDUCATION TO ENTERPRISE: GIVE ME A CHANCE
Give me an education and I’ll give you the world
Sub-Saharan Africa is the region with the highest number of people involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity, with Zambia and Nigeria topping the world rankings. Africa also leads the world in the number of women starting businesses, with almost equal numbers of male and female entrepreneurs, with women outnumbering men in Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia. What steps need to be taken to ensure people starting their own businesses have the best possible chance of success?
16:00 – 19:30
OFFICIAL OPENING SESSION
THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S LEADERSHIP
PLENARY TENT
The New York Forum AFRICA follows the 14th AGOA Forum, hosted by Gabon and held for the first time in Central Africa. The two Summits will join together to host one ground-breaking session.
16:00 – 16:30
OPENING SPEECHES
OPENING SPEECHES
The New York Forum AFRICA community of business, finance, policymaker and political leaders met for the first time in Libreville two years ago. What projects, ideas, initiatives, and business emerged in the 12 months since we last met?
Welcome and special address
16:30 – 17:15
AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE
african HEADS OF STATE: our continent, our legacy
No more time to lose!
African leaders face challenges from numerous fronts: how to harness economic growth, stimulate job creation, increase political stability, and handle the transition to democratic systems. How will they navigate change on the most rapidly-changing continent in the world? And how can they generate economic growth and the increasing urbanisation of their countries while managing carbon emissions and building sustainable, environmentally-conscious development to improve their nations for the next generation?
17:15 - 17:45
ADDRESSES FROM LEADERS
17:45 – 18:25
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
18:25 – 19:15
EMERGING ECONOMIES
HOW TO BUILD AN EMERGING ECONOMY
No more time to lose!
Creating a sustainable, peaceful, prosperous society is top of every leader’s agenda today, whether in the private sector or in government. How can we work together to build a legacy that leaves our country and community better off than today? How do we communicate the urgency of this need for change?
19:15 - 19:30
award
PRESENTATION OF THE INAUGURAL AFRICAN START-UP AWARD
20:00 – 22:00
OFFICIAL DINNER
By invitation only
DAY 02 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES
09:00 – 09:40
MINISTERS
THE MINISTERS’ DEBATE
The key for Africa now is to increase the economic opportunities available, rather than merely dividing them. And by creating value-added processes in the supply chain, Africa can create jobs revenue. It is not enough to sell natural resources, when much of the profit is being made overseas by the conversion of those natural resources. The blossoming of information and communication technologies further adds to the huge potential for the transformation of African economies. Which economies are the ripest for diversification? Which sectors are the targets of government initiatives for growth? And how have diversification plans been hit by the fall in oil prices?
09:40 - 10:20
SESSION CEO SESSION
CEO PANEL
In its October 2014 report, the World Bank projected robust African GDP growth in the coming years, in contrast to weak global growth. This growth is attributed to improvements in political stability, an influx of investors drawn to the possibility of high returns, and increasingly peaceful, stable regimes. How has this had an impact on business growth – and expansion – for the private sector?
10:20 - 10:30
SPEcial announcement
10:30 - 11:10
Leadership in action
How can we encourage women to venture into new frontiers like science and technology?- How can we support them through mentoring and encouragement, so they can give back through the private and public sectors?
11:10 - 11-25
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
11:25 - 12:00
HEAD TO HEAD: AFFORDABLE ACCESS
POWER TO THE MASSES: AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO ALL
We need power please!
The growth in the African middle class has led to a rise in demand for energy; but the expansion of power grids across the continent lags too far behind demand. Africa needs a new energy model (including distribution channels) to bring power to the masses.
But how do you persuade the population to try something new – especially in rural areas where there is a lack of access to information? Is the solution to Africa’s immediate power requirements the growth of the “pay as you go” energy model, or radically different financing and payment options like microloans?
12:00 - 12:15
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
Followed by a signature
12:15 - 12:25
FUTURE FLASH
FUTURE FLASH
The NYFA will showcase a number of African inventions – created and built on the continent – to demonstrate some of the groundbreaking ideas to come from Africa.
12:25 - 13:00
HEAD TO HEAD
GREEN IS THE COLOUR OF SUCCESS
With $50 billion in annual investment going into Africa, there is an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the private sector and build Africa into a green continent.
How can we scale up innovation in green businesses so we also maximise their job creation potential? How can we optimise the collaboration between entrepreneurs and lead innovators and ‘big business’? What can be done to harness the power of the informal economy in the battle against climate change? What new innovations in energy tech will represent change for the most people in Africa?
13:00 – 14:15
NETWORKING LUNCH, MARKETPLACE
14:30 – 16:00
TASKFORCES: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The New York Forum Taskforces are highly interactive, small discussion groups that will be focused on defining tangible opportunities and solutions. The outputs will be a set of practical, actionable steps for organizations’ leadership teams that will be prerequisites or catalysts for success in the near and long term. Our expert facilitator will move participants into small groups, to identify opportunities and challenges on the topic. Taskforces will also include remarks from leading experts on the topic. To jumpstart the discussions, moderators will facilitate participant dialogue. At the close of the session, the summarized list of opportunities will be discussed and participants will vote on them.
This year, we are assigning sectors only: taskforce participants will work together to select the issues within that sector that they would most like to address in the taskforce
TASKFORCE 1
LIBREVILLE ROOM
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
powered by Harvard Kennedy School
Electrification will have a significant effect on employment levels in the short term (within five years), raising employment by enabling micro-enterprises. Yet less than 10% of sub-Saharan rural households have access to electricity with an overall access rate below 25%. Under existing scenarios, that number will increase to about 50% by 2030 – how can we increase access to electricity further and quicker?
TASKFORCE 2
PORT GENTIL ROOM
WATER AND SANITATION
powered by Harvard Kennedy School
Despite the discovery of significant underground aquifers in several regions of Africa, as much as 40% of the continent’s population lacks access to clean water. People in rural areas are worst affected with only a quarter of the rural population in sub-Saharan Africa having access to proper sanitation. It is estimated that every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates $4 in increased economic opportunity. Are there ways to jumpstart water infrastructure? How can the public and private sectors work together to solve Africa’s water dilemma?
TASKFORCE 3
ALBERT SCHWEITZER ROOM
MAKING FORESTS SUSTAINABLE
Powered by Tropical Forestry Alliance
Demand for industrial agricultural commodities such as soy and palm oil is predicted to increase by 30% by
2020. What are the prospects for sustainably produced industrial commodity crops such as palm oil in Africa, and
what are the implications for local economies and forests? What is the role of the private sector in creating demand
for sustainable products through its supply chains? What are possible solutions to overcoming barriers in creating
sustainably produced agricultural commodities in Africa?
14:15 – 16:15
SPECIAL SESSIONS
THE CLIMATE SOUTH INITIATIVE
PLENARY TENT
Following on from the morning session on natural resources, and concluding with the sessions on innovation, the NYFA will host special breakout sessions from the Climate South Initiative (CSI), focusing on alternative energy, investment, innovation, and green city strategies. CSI will offer a platform for proactive leaders (private and public sector) from the South to convene to discuss our common future as it relates to the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The CSI sessions will consist of two focused workshops and culminate in a plenary discussion on the main NYFA stage.
WORKSHOP 1
GREEN STRATEGIES FOR CITIES AND REGIONS
Cities and regions do not need to wait for global climate agreements to be reached, and can start acting immediately with nimble policies designed to encourage energy efficiency and tackle climate change affordably.
What examples on policy innovation can be learned from regions around the world? How can these be scaled up to be implemented by cities across Africa?
WORKSHOP 2
FOOD SECURITY AND LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Powered by London School of Economics
The wealth of the African continent lies in its land, with two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population relying on land activities such as agriculture, freshwater fishery and forestry for their livelihoods. But we need to prioritise the reduction of tropical deforestation associated with the sourcing of commodities and turn to a more market-driven approach.
16:00 – 16:30
COFFEE BREAK
16:30 – 16:45
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
16:45 – 17:30
IN CONVERSATION: DIGITAL
THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION
Broadband access in Africa is modifying all sectors of the African economy, and triggering a radical transformation of society, from mobile banking, to healthcare diagnosis apps. Implementing new technologies is one of the top investment priorities for African CEOs – so represents a huge opportunity for African entrepreneurs and start-ups as well as international players.
17:30 - 17:45
FUTURE FLASH
INVENTED AND MADE IN AFRICA: A label for 2015
The NYFA will showcase a number of African inventions – created and built on the continent – to demonstrate some of the groundbreaking ideas to come from Africa.
17:45 – 18:35
REVERSE INNOVATION
REVERSE INNOVATION: AFRICA’S BIG OPPORTUNITY
We have an abundance of genius; we just need trust and support!
The other huge national resource in Africa – outside of mining and energy – is its capacity for innovation, which continues to generate new products, ideas, services and revenues that place African inventors at the forefront of emerging technology. Reverse innovation – trickle-up innovation that is developed in the emerging world and exported to the rest of the world – that focuses on “need” not “want” represents ever-increasing potential for African businesses. With need as the mother of all invention, how can Africa continue to grow in areas of healthcare, energy, mobile communications and finance innovation – and how can governments and the private sector fast-track this growth?
19:00 – 21:00
NETWORKING AND CULTURAL EVENING
DAY 03 - SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S PEOPLE
09:00 – 10:50
REPORT BACK: AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT
PLENARY TENT
This year, the NYFA will again host the African Citizens’ Summit on the opening day of the Forum. For the first time, we will ask back students who played a role in the ACS to join leaders from the public sector and from business on the main stage to report back with the results of their discussions 48 hours before.
AFRICAN CITIZENS’ SUMMIT SESSIONS
09:00 – 09:50
REPORT BACK
REPORT BACK: CAN WE FIX IT?
FROM WHERE WILL THE JOBS COME?
Powered by the African Citizens’ Summit
The discussions held during the African Citizens’ Summit focused on jobs, education and opportunities. A panel of students report back on the outcomes of their discussions and challenge business and government leaders to deliver real change.
09:50 – 10:50
DEBATE
IS THE AFRICAN EDUCATION SYSTEM BROKEN?
Powered by the African Citizens’ Summit
Deliver students that are qualified for the jobs that are available
Does the African education system deliver young people that are equipped for the jobs available? Is there enough funding available for vocational training and apprenticeships to get young people into work as quickly as possible?
10:50 – 11:05
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with uniquepersonalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas andvision, and their proposals for Africa.
11:05 – 11:45
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
CREATING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW AFRICA
Powered by the AAIL
A clear, effective and transparent legal framework is essential for the ongoing development of Africa’s finance sector, as well as the empowerment of its financial regulators.
11:45 - 12:05
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
12:05 – 12:45
INVESTMENT
BEYOND THE BOOM
Africa’s recent economic boom – and its healthy forecasts – have been built on predictions of robust prices for oil and gas. Finance ministers predict that the drop in oil prices could see economic growth decrease a percentage point. How to we encourage investment in Africa at a time of fluctuating oil prices – or has the continent diversified enough of their economies to weather the storm?
12:45 – 14:00
LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK
14:00 – 15:30
TASKFORCES DAY 3
HUMAN RESOURCES
The second day of task forces address key issues brought up in the 2014 Train My Generation survey, an initiative of the New York Forum AFRICA. These issues, raised by an entire generation of under-26 year olds across Africa, are fundamental to developing the next generation in the workforce – and tomorrow’s corporate leaders. You can read the full survey results here: http://bit.ly/1KuSTpp
TASKFORCE 4
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Powered by Columbia University SIPA Pan-African Network
ALBERT SCHWEITZER ROOM
Three quarters of respondents in the Train My Generation survey were interested in starting their own business, seeking either to develop their own idea or work for themselves. Ambition was also high, with over half of the entrepreneurs questioned saying that in 10-15 years they see themselves running a business of 15-40 people. But there are significant barriers to starting new businesses, including access to start-up capital, support for start-ups from the government, and high levels of bureaucracy and red tape. How do we reduce these barriers to the next generation of entrepreneurs?
TASKFORCE 5
SOCIAL MEDIA
Powered by SOAS, University of London
LIBREVILLE ROOM
In the 2014 Train My Generation survey, the most common source of information for young Africans was the internet and social media, which was more popular than television and newspapers combined. How can we increase the standards and regulation of social media (if it is indeed possible) to ensure that we are receiving accurate and relevant information?
TASKFORCE 6
THE RIGHT TO WORK
Powered by AAIL
Assisted by London School of Economics and SOAS, University of London
port gentil ROOM
For the millions of Africans working in the informal sector, they don’t have access to employee rights such as sick pay, unemployment benefit, and workers’ protection. How can we work together to persuade the informal sector that moving to the formal sector is the best long-term choice; and how do we make this move more appealing?
OFFICIAL CLOSING SESSION OF THE NEW YORK FORUM AFRICA 2015
THE ENERGY OF AFRICA’S IMAGE
16:00 – 18:45
PARTNERSHIPS WITH AFRICA
PROFITS MUST EQUAL JOBS
PLENARY TENT
Over the past two days of the NYFA, we have looked at Africa’s key exports and value – energy, natural resources, innovation, and its human capital. The closing session of the NYFA will focus on looking at the partnerships for African countries and corporations that will deliver economic stability and growth in the continent.
And, how do we ensure the private sector gives back to the public sector and to communities and share the wealth?
16:00 – 16:15
IN CONVERSATION
IN CONVERSATION
PLENARY TENT
These conversations, held at intervals during NYFA, are in-depth dialogues with unique personalities – across business, politics and culture – covering their careers, their ideas and vision, and their proposals for Africa.
16:15 – 16:55
HEAD TO HEAD: EAST AND WEST
AFRICA: THE BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
Economically and geographically, Africa lies between the East and the West: how can the continent continue to build trade relationships overseas, to deliver economic benefits for all?
16:55 - 17:25
Egypt the future
EGYPT THE FUTURE: THE NEW AFRICAN CHAMPION
Egypt is not only a high potential market in itself but also a gateway and partner to wider markets. An example of a nation that has diversified its economy, Egypt has also implemented key reforms, including gradual lifting of energy subsidies, tax reforms, amendments and implementation of investment laws and regulations. The Suez Canal - Egypt’s gift to the world - was an USD8 billion investment to facilitate and increase trade at the global and regional level. What can African economies learn from Egypt’s successful reform and diversification? How can Egypt provide capital, technology and partnership to African businesses?
17:25 – 17:45
LEADERSHIP
THE LEADERSHIP ROADMAP: THE YEARS AHEAD
Jobs, climate change, security, financial stability
You see ebola, terrorism, unrest, poverty; we see growth, peace, leadership, and energy.Major challenges facing Africa in the next 48 months include falling oil prices, civil unrest, alack of jobs, climate change, national security, the economic impact of environmental policies,and ongoing food scarcity. How can these leaders prove their countries have upward growthmomentum, rather than countries stricken by poverty and starvation? How are today’s leaders– public and private sector – addressing these challenges? And what are the potentialconsequences if we don’t act quickly enough?
17:45 – 18:00
MUSIC
IN CONVERSATION
Plato said that music gave wings to the mind and flight to the imagination. But music is also ahuge asset in education and in the lives of young people – and it is also creates many business opportunities.
18:00 – 18:15
YOUTH
THE YOUTH Commitment
The discussions held during the African Citizens’ Summit focused on jobs, education andopportunities. A panel of students and young leaders report back on the outcomes of theirdiscussions and challenge business and government leaders to deliver real change.
18:15 – 18:30
SPECIAL ADDRESS
18:30– 18:45
CLOSING
CLOSING SPEECH
H.E. ALI BONGO ONDIMBA, President, Gabonese Republic
18:45