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
PRIORITIES FACING AFRICA
Every year The Foundation for the Development of Africa lists or prioritises a number of issues (or the lack thereof) that impact profoundly on Africa's development?
The 2006 List includes:
1) PARTICIPATION
2) COMMUNICATION
3) PPP - PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
4) GOOD GOVERNANCE
5) INTERACTION WITH NEPAD
6) ACCESS TO MARKETS
7) CIVIL SOCIETY
7) INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
8) CAPACITY BUILDING - SKILLS TRANSFER
9) CORRUPTION
10) THE IMAGE OF AFRICA
11) QUALITY
12) ACCESS TO FINANCE
We will address each one of these issues over the next few weeks and also present them as topics for our regular FDA Networking Functions.
PARTICIPATION
Allowing for a Process of Participation has once again topped our list for the third year running. Last year (2005) we launched the PPP (Process of Positive Participation) campaign alongside our popular 'HOW CAN I SUPPORT AFRICA' campaign (http://www.isupportafrica.com/isagen/index.htm) and will continue to drive this PPP initiative where lacking or nonexistent - here we have to reprimand the NEPAD Secretariat for remaining illusive and exclusive in ALL their endeavors. At a meeting with a number of senior executives from the NEPAD Secretariat, (this was on 15 December at 16H00, just before NEPAD closed for Christmas) Professor Firmino MUCAVELE confirmed that interaction with the private sector (business) and civil society was a priority of the NEPAD Secretariat. I have reason to believe that Professor MUCAVELE will stand good to his word and may have to seriously consider a "spring clean" - somewhat out of season - to rid this important NEPAD initiative of deadwood and useless endorsements.
See http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/nepad/index.htm
COMMUNICATION - Or the lack thereof
A close second in Africa's priority list - it is reassuring that so much is currently been done to address the communication (telecoms) backlog. Yet keeping our people informed remains a major problem. I go to great lengths to stay informed and then go the extra mile to keep others informed and I still miss out on crucial issues like the recent Civil Society meeting held in Khartoum, Sudan on the 22nd of January 2005. A press release just received claims that 100 civil society organisations attended the African Civil Society Organisations (CSO) meeting declaring support to their mother body, the African Union - for more detail on this CSO meeting - see:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/africa_development/other_africa_issues/index.htm
I find it difficult to believe that I was unaware of this important meeting. Communication is essential - more so in a democratic society hence our effort in 'showcasing' CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENT SERVING AFRICA' - see:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/africa_upcoming_events/index.htm
While on the topic of COMMUNICATION two events taking place may be worth your while exploring:
ENDORSED BY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
21-23 February, Sandton, South Africa (Sandton Convention Centre) A TERRAPINN EVENT - Satcom Africa 2006 - Africa's most important satellite, telecommunications and technology conference and exhibition.
Contact Shiri-Lee NOACH on +27 11 516-4040
Email: shiri-lee.noach@terrapinn.co.za
Website: www.terrapinn.com
ENDORSED BY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
22-24 March, Cape Town, South Africa (Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel) A WSO - The World Summits Organisation EVENT - DIGITAL AFRICA O6 SUMMIT - In collaboration with the South African Department of Communication 2006 Digital Africa Summit - "Leveraging ICT Opportunities and Investment" will bring together governments, operators, regulators, carriers and heads of business responsible for ICT implementations and strategy around Africa to discuss the challenges of ICT, in particular telecoms, whilst also looking at e-Government ICT and Public-Private Partnerships.
Contact Elaine TURNER, Conference Director on +44 (0) 20 7253 5440
Email: et@worldsummits.com
Website: www.worldsummits.com/
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SERVING AFRICA - It is our intention to assemble the biggest database of products and service available to Africa. As announced in December 2005 we have launched this new service on our website - see:
http://www.fdapartners.net/products_services/index.htm
This section has now reached number one spot when searching for "products services serving africa" on www.google.com, among some 10,800,000 WebPages.
It may be in your interest to participate as a FDA PARTNER - see why:
http://www.fdapartners.net/com/why_participate.htm
We need you to support our efforts - please participate:
http://www.foundation-development-africa.org/fda_info/how_then_can_i_support_fda_africa.htm
Please add your name to a growing list of names proclaiming - "YES! I support Africa" - see:
http://www.isupportafrica.com/isagen/names/index.htm
Take care
