The Friends of Africa Economic Development Conference held on the 5th of October 2013 at the Ball Room of the Sheraton Hotel And Conference Centre, Toronto.
Pre- Conference Meetings
The Conference started with Pre-conference infrastructure development strategy meetings of the Public Sector delegates from Nigeria and the Ontario government on the 4th of October 2013 at The Persian, Westin Prince, Toronto. Leading the Ontario government was MP Micheal Coteau, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, while his counterpart in the Economic, Investment and Trade Ministry; Mr. Debo Ajayi led the Nigerian delegation.
Economic Development Conference
The Economic development conference opened on the 5th October 2013 with welcome remarks delivered by the Premier of Ontario, represented by PA Monte Kwinter of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The High Commissioner of Nigeria, Consular General of Ghana- HE, Kodjo Mawutor and Consul General of Uganda- HE Navin Chandaria and President Casa Foundation all brought good will remarks from Africa.
The full day event witnessed a gathering of professionals, business owners and public sector leaders from various parts of Nigeria, Canada and the USA participating at the roundtable sessions on the theme Transforming Africa. Presentations focused on opportunities for business development in Africa and Ontario. All Presentations and Communiqué are available on Casafoundation website-Details below.
Private Sector Speakers:
Navin Chandaria- President of Conros Corporation, USA & Canadaand Director at Element Capital- A Toronto Stock Exchange listed Private Equity Fund with investment Focus on Africa.
C. J Shah- Managing Director of Midland Galvanizing Steel-Africa, Asia. A Steel manufacturing plant started in 1975, which grew to employ10, 000+ staff in Nigeria, Kenya & Hong Kong.
Lucien Bradet- President, Canadian Council on Africa discussed the giant strides made by Canadian businesses in Africa
Olutoyin Oyelade-President of Casa Foundation spoke on the recent investment ventures in Africa and how businesses can leverage these opportunities to expand.
Public Sector Speakers:
PA Monte Kwinter- MP, Minister of Financial Institutions 2007, Chair, Ontario Trade and Development Council discussed policy and growth opportunities in Ontario for business owners.
Debo Ajayi-represented the Governor of Ekiti (who was inadvertently absent due to an air mishap) and presented business development opportunities and Partnership for Professionals in Southern Nigeria.
Jim Karygiannis- Federal MP, Chair of house committee on Nigeria, Coptics Egypt and democratic republic of Congo reported ways to collaborate for growth in Africa.
Business Integration Roundtable featured:
HE Kodjo Mawutor- Consular General of Ghana, who spoke on business integration initiatives by the Economic and Trade departments of African embassies, focusing on Ghana.
HE Navin Chandaria- Consul General of Uganda presented a paper on opportunities for Small business owners in Kenya and Uganda. Umar Nataala- Minister of Economic Development, Nigeria High Commission was also at the discussions.
Friend of Africa (FOA) Awards 2013
Dr.Tanya Pelcher- Herring, renowned Speaker with the US anchored the Friend of Africa awards.The Consular General of Ghana- HE Kodjo Mawutor presented the following shortlisted nominees to participants for induction into the Friend of Africa- Hall of Fame:
1. Ms. Betty Makoni
2. Dr. Mary- Anne Chambers
Dr. Mary- Anne Chambers emerged the Friend of Africa- 2013 and was presented with the Award.
Full Details and Reports of the FOA 2013 Conference do click the following links:
Registration is required to access conference documents. Click the ‘register’ link on: www.casafoundation.ca
