In 2005, when the UK last held the Chair of the G8, the Commission for Africa drew together a comprehensive and practical mix of measures to create a strong and prosperous Africa, and the G8 agreed an ambitious package of support to accelerate the region’s development.
The Commission for Africa also marked a step change in how the private sector was engaged as a partner in development. In the wake of the Commission for Africa, a group of companies came together to form Business Action for Africa, as a business-led platform to drive advocacy, engagement and action in support of Africa’s future.
Produced by Business Action for Africa, in partnership with the Initiative for Global Development, the New Africa Report (published as an online series this week on Business Fights Poverty) makes clear that there has been significant progress in Africa, together with a far greater recognition around the positive role that business can play in securing long-term growth and development in the region.
To coincide with the 2013 G8 Summit, join me and a panel of experts to share your views on the following questions:
- Since the landmark Commission for Africa and Gleneagles G8 in 2005, what are the key areas of change and progress in Africa’s journey to secure more sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and where do gaps persist?
- What have we learned about how best to engage the private sector in Africa’s development?
- How can African governments and institutions further unlock business’s contribution, and how will the current G8 agenda help to accelerate further progress?
RIchard Gilbert is Deputy Director of Business Action for Africa.
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