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"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA" FDA NEWSLETTER
MASS MAIL
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The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA proudly presents you with the following information that may add value to Africa's development. Please direct any correspondence to: info@isupportafrica.com
In 2001 the ABR (African Business Roundtable), an exclusive business membership initiative, headed by Mr. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (Nigeria), received endorsement from the NEPAD Secretariat as "the only representative of business" in Africa. This soon followed with the endorsement of the NEPAD BUSINESS GROUP also headed by Mr. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur (Nigeria).
In November 2004 Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu publicly acknowledged that the NEPAD Secretariat blundered by endorsing the ABR (African Business Roundtable) as "the only business representative" serving business in Africa.
In July 2002, at the AFRICAN UNION BUSINESS SUMMIT, held in Durban, South Africa, delegates were presented with another business organisation - NEPAD BUSINESS COUNCIL headed by Mr. Reuel Khoza (South Africa) - this initiative also received NEPAD Secretariat endorsement.
Besides threatening the fragile relationship between north (Nigeria) and south (South Africa) this NEPAD BUSINESS COUNCIL contributed very little to the development of Africa. The initiative launched the Business Covenants and Declarations on Business in Africa, signed into by some 180 business representatives (mostly South African) - then nothing. They also initiated the very exclusive, almost secretive NEPAD Industry Sector Groupings - then nothing. A name change, in early 2004, to the NEPAD BUSINESS GROUP (SOUTHERN AFRICA) confirmed this north/south conflict.
Now, in June 2005, we are introduced to the NEPAD BUSINESS FOUNDATION also spearheaded by Mr. Reuel Khoza of South Africa. Detail of this initiative was recently launched (June 2005) at the WEF (World Economic Forum) in Cape Town and their website proudly proclaims:
"The Foundation, which is endorsed by the NEPAD Secretariat, will contribute actively to the implementation of the NEPAD Action Programme by ensuring constant communication between the Secretariat and the business community, representing the interests and views of the private sector, and developing best practice standards in corporate governance for the entire region.
Membership to the NEPAD Business Foundation gives organisations the opportunity to interact and network with like-minded companies, whilst further giving them the chance to gain support for projects across the NEPAD region.
The benefits for being a member of the NBF would include:
A list of other benefits then follow!
Membership to the NEPAD BUSINESS FOUNDATION amounts to ZAR10,000.00 (around US$1500.00) for six months!
Once again Africa business is presented with another exclusive business club, endorsed by the NEPAD Secretariat, offering - only for those who can afford the excessive membership - access to political and official decision makers in Africa and constant communication with the (NEPAD) Secretariat.
Once again are the grassroots entrepreneurs and the people of Africa are excluded from participating in Africa's development, for not being able to afford the 6-monthly fee of $1500 to have access to "political and official decision makers" and/or "constant communication with the (NEPAD) Secretariat".
The NEPAD initiative belongs to ALL of Africa - not just a select few!
ALL of Africa must take hands and become united in her efforts to implement this important AFRICAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME.
It is very reassuring to know that the "Commission for Africa" is an all inclusive programme!
"For NEPAD to have real impact on the lives and livelihoods of African people -- all stakeholders including the private and public sector, and civil society -- must be mobilised to participate actively in the NEPAD process. The process has to effectively take-off at the national level, and then at the state and local government levels.
Areas that will be receiving particular attention include: intensifying the NEPAD advocacy programme to ensure that its activities are communicated to the grassroots; increased networking with the public and private sectors, including identification of NEPAD strategic partners; partnership with donor agencies and the international community operating in Nigeria; and closer working relationship with the continental office in South Africa and other NEPAD country offices in Africa, particularly within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)."
A full report on NEPAD NIGERIA is available on our website - courtesy NEPAD DIALOGUE - see:
Please send me your comments: peter@isupportafrica.com
See: http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/africa_development/other_africa_issues/index.htm
14 June 2005
14 June 2005
14 June 2005
14 June 2005
14 June 2005
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