Summit concludes, drawing attention to Africa’s potential

The Global African Investment Summit – COMESA & Government of Rwanda, attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 55 countries, saw two days of in depth discussions and panels focused on economic integration, strengthening Pan-African trade and increasing investment across the continent. The summit culminated in the signing of a number of high profile deals and partnerships.

The proceedings commenced with a Presidential panel attended by President Museveni of Uganda and His Excellency, President Paul Kagame. In his opening remarks, President Kagame highlighted that Africa can no longer remain a story about huge potential that never materialises. His Excellency then went on to state: “There is nothing we are waiting for, and nothing we lack. Let’s work together across sectors and borders with the right mind set of urgency and build the Africa we want.”

Attended by more than one thousand delegates, including government ministers, high net worth investors and heads of business from 34 African nations and 21 international countries including the UK, France, Germany, US, India, China and the U.A.E, the summit was the catalyst for a number of deals and partnerships, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The MOU will enable AWF and COMESA to work closely to ensure the conservation of wildlife habitats while Africa implements its development agenda.

Francis Gatare, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), lead the Rwanda project presentation, a demonstration of the countries latest bankable projects in key growth sectors including ICT, manufacturing and agribusiness. He stated: “The summit was conceived to take the promise of investment in the Tripartite Free Trade Area from mere potential to reality, with a view to enhance the movement of people, goods and services so that regional integration can truly take place.”

Co-organisers of the summit, COMESA, reported that the conference had been very successful. Secretary General, Dr. Sindiso Ngwenya commented: “We knew that by bringing together the business community and policy makers we would address the same concepts that the member states of the COMESA area are striving towards – the sustainable development of the region.”

Paul Sinclair, Director of Africa, for dmg :: events added: “The summit was a resounding success, with delegates doing real business and making significant business connections. Deals have already been agreed and signed off, a testimony of the influence of the summit.”