African Development Forum 2012: Africa driving its own growth

The inaugural African Development Forum (ADF) entitled, ‘Africa: Driving its Own Growth’ will be held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on Tuesday, 29 May 2012. The Forum aims to generate discussion around the recent growth rates seen in some African countries and the implications of these for broader development. It will be held with the support of the Royal African Society, Centre of African Studies and will be chaired by Professor Stephen Chan, OBE and Rolake Akinkugbe. We anticipate that the ADF will be attended by members of the African business community, development professionals and academics.

The Forum, which is entirely organised and run by postgraduate students, will examine the distinctive ways in which information and communications technology, financial services, agro-production, and oil and gas are driving growth in Africa. It will also challenge the notion that economic growth is inherently beneficial to all, by exploring some of the wider social and environmental implications of growth.

The aim is to relate issues of doing business in Africa with those of sustainable development. By bringing together businesspeople and development professionals, instead of discussing these issues in two separate spheres, we aim to offer participants a more nuanced framework from which to analyse Africa’s future.

The African Development Forum will be held on Tuesday 29 May 2012 from 4 p.m. onwards in the Brunei Gallery at the School of Oriental and African Studies (Russell Square, London). Registration is required.

For more information, please visit our website.