Enterprising Africa

Moderator:  Mr. Eric Kacou, CEO, Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners

Panelists:

• Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Uganda
• S. E. Mme Bouare Fily  Sissoko, Ministre de l’Economie, des Finances et du Budget, Mali
• Hon. Alexander Bwalya Chikwanda, Minister of Finance, Zambia
• Mr. Felix Bikpo, CEO, African Guarantee Fund
• Mr. Ashish Thakkar, CEO, Mara Group

Rapporteur:  Mr. Mouhamadou Niang, Ag. Director, Private Sector Department, AfDB

Description:

It is increasingly recognized that solutions to Africa should not exclusively come from an increase in development assistance funds, but also from practical bottom-up solutions aiming at enabling local private sector hatching – and more particularly the SME sector that has proven to be a very effective engine to growth and job creation in more advanced countries. The private sector and African enterprise are major drivers of growth and job creation – particularly the SME sector. The objective of the event is to promote education and cultural change by stimulating enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and educating a mass audience in the basics of business planning and the realities of starting a business. The event will therefore discuss in detail capacity and skills development for young African entrepreneurs; gender disparities and economic opportunities for marginalized groups; youth empowerment to create viable businesses and job opportunities; technical advice and tips to operate successful businesses; and mentorship and coaching opportunities.