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Are Africa’s Wealthiest Doing Enough To Help The Continent?

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Africa's richest give an estimated US$7bn every year to charity, says a 2014 report by the African Grantmakers Network; but the figures also hint that giving is unbalanced among those who can afford to make a difference.

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U.S. Embassy Hosts Women’s Business Seminar

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On June 9, the U.S Embassy in Yaounde hosted a women’s entrepreneurship seminar led by U.S. Speaker Ms. Angelle Kwemo, who is a Cameroonian American entrepreneur. The program was attended by 50 women from microfinance institutions, faith-based associations, and U.S. government exchange program participants, including from the Africa Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) and International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). Organized by Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Viban, the seminar welcomed the exchange of ideas between Cameroonian women entrepreneurs, and expanded their networks to promote partnerships for economic development. Welcoming the guests, Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II lauded their achievements and noted: “As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza has said, promoting the empowerment of women and girls, and welcoming their immense talents and contributions in all sectors, are essential to promote development in every nation. You exemplify that spirit by investing your energies and talents towards expanding private sector growth here in Cameroon, and greater job opportunities for your fellow citizens. Your work demonstrates that to promote the goals of ‘Vision 2035,’ citizens must contribute to Cameroon today. Angelle Kwemo’s story is similar to yours. As a native of Cameroon, she shares your passion to promote women’s entrepreneurship.” Ms. Viban introduced AWEP alumna Mrs. Josiane Mbakop, CEO of the microfinance MUDEF, who shared her experiences and lessons learned during the program in 2014. “Thanks to the economic principles we learned, we reduced the rate of credit default in our microfinance institute by 10%. African women now have tremendous opportunities to advance and we are fortunate to establish networks to mentor and help one another as well as young women interested in entrepreneurship as a career to contribute to their communities and to Cameroon,” she said. Ms. Angelle Kwemo lauded the group for their experience and openness to share their knowledge with Cameroonian women. Underscoring the immense opportunities for women to increase their leadership roles in enterprises, she urged them to overcome failures and face risks until they succeed: “Study after study has shown that the economic empowerment of women leads to poverty alleviation. Yet the business potential of women is far from being fully realized. Women entrepreneurs can improve their chances of success by networking, improving business skills, recruiting a mentor, and seeking greater access to capital.” Participants exchanged ideas on how to promote business growth and product exports from Cameroon to international markets. The event was closed by Cultural Affairs Specialist Gladys Viban, who encouraged each woman present to “light up the candles of the many women who were not present here at the seminar, and who will see in you an example to follow. Take advantage of all of the opportunities offered by the networks you have established, and from the U.S. Embassy through the programs we organize. Alone you can achieve something, but together we can achieve greater things.” Ms. Kwemo is the founder and chair of “Believe in Africa,” an African diaspora-led initiative founded by former U.S. congressional staffers and African-American leaders in the United States to empower young Africans, promote the role of the African private sector, harness the power of the African diaspora, educate policy makers and the public about African economic growth, and highlight the continent’s gradual rise in the global community. Ms. Kwemo is also the President & CEO of Astrategik Group, LLC. is a U.S./Africa based global consulting firm specializing in the provision of strategic advice to multi-dimensional entities, allowing them to effectively compete globally, and at the same time building in-roads into the US, Africa and other emerging markets. A native of Cameroon, Ms. Kwemo started her career in France at Bestaux Law firm. In Douala, Cameron, she served as the Chief of the Maritime Claims and Disputes Department, and later as the General Counsel for Bollore Technology Group and Geodis Overseas. Read the original article on Facebook : U.S. Embassy Hosts Women’s Business Seminar  

Elumelu Foundation selects inaugural 1,000 African entrepreneurs for $100m programme

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By Press Release The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is pleased to announce the selection of the first 1,000 African entrepreneurs for the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP). TEEP is a $100 million initiative to discover and support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over the next decade, with a target of creating one million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenues in the process. Over 20,000 African entrepreneurs from 52 countries applied to the programme, representing the creativity and potential on display across the continent. The initial 1,000 selected for the 2015 class are a remarkable group of entrepreneurs who are a testament to the ability of Africa’s own entrepreneurs to drive Africa’s growth and development. Speaking on the desired impact of the programme, Founder, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CON, commented: “The selection of these 1000 entrepreneurs brings us closer to our ultimate goal - to drive Africa’s economic and social transformation from within and to radically intensify job creation in Africa. Though I have never met or spoken to any of the winners, I am confident that due to the rigorous criteria and selection process, these entrepreneurs are Africa’s hope for the future. I will continue to invest my experience, time, influence, and resources to see them succeed. I am embarking on this journey with these entrepreneurs hopeful and inspired.” The winners represent 52 African countries and territories, as well as a multitude of value adding sectors ranging from agriculture to education to fashion and ICT. The top five countries in terms of numbers of winners are Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana. All five African regions – North, East, Southern, Central and West Africa are represented, as well as all major language blocs – Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic Africa. More than anything else, they epitomise the opportunity and promise of Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation appointed Accenture as an independent review consultant to thoroughly evaluate each application based on selection criteria approved by the TEEP Selection Committee. Following Accenture’s independent review, a meeting of the TEEP Selection Committee, made up of successful entrepreneurs and development experts from across Africa, was held today in Lagos to approve the final list of winners. The 1000 selected entrepreneurs will continue through the programme cycle over the next nine months. This cycle includes an intensive online training curriculum, mentoring, and participation in a two-day entrepreneurship boot-camp and the Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum. The over 19,000 entrepreneurs who were not selected will be invited to join the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Network where they will be able to further hone their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. Parminder Vir OBE, Director of Entrepreneurship at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said: “The high quantity and quality of applicants we have received is testament to the brilliant ideas and incredible talent that exists in abundance across Africa. The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme will give structure and support to these African entrepreneurs to develop themselves and to grow their businesses. Through TEEP, the ripple effects of the long-term investments in a new generation of Africapitalists will be felt throughout the continent.” Read the original article here : Elumelu Foundation selects inaugural 1,000 African entrepreneurs for $100m programme

Angelle Kwemo, promoting intra Africa trade and economic transformation

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I was recently at a friend’s place who invited few of his loved ones to his family for barbeque on a cool Sunday evening at Ikoyi and as we all ate, chatted and were having fun, my ‘date’ for this week is introduced to me and from the first word she uttered, I could decipher she was from a francophone country…gosh! I have always loved to speak French and till date I am wondering how it never happened, perhaps I just never took it seriously…I will certainly get on it sometime soon. Ok, back to my Lunch ‘date’ for this week. After spending some minutes with her, I knew I had to have an interview with her. I am always intrigued by people seeking to improve themselves and others irrespective of age, tribe, race, gender or religion hence the need to have her on this column. I introduce to you, Angelle Kwemo. Angelle Kwemo started her career in France at Bestaux Law firm. In Douala, Cameron, she served as executive in one of the largest French investor firm in Africa, as Chief of the Maritime Claims and Disputes Department, and later as the General Counsel for Bollore Technology Group and Geodis Overseas. As Chief of the Maritime and Claims Department at Bollore Technology Group, Angelle was one of the youngest executive at that time. According to her, “It was very rewarding in a sense that it put me in the heart of maritime and global trade, import export activities, customs and multimodel transportation issues. Handling claims gives you a great picture on how global trade works. I can say that during those five years, I learned about the reality of the African private sector, the importance of what was then called ‘informal sector’, an important fabric of African economies. That experience helped me when I later worked on public policy, having firsthand knowledge of the reality Africans are facing, from the farmers to small and medium size enterprise.” She says. Angella worked 7 years in the US Congress as legislative counsel for two members of congress including Rep. Bobby L. Rush, senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. She was instrumental in the U.S. Congress, playing a key role in policy formulation on issues affecting the global economy, coordinating the Middle East economic partnership, African Partnership for Economic Growth Caucuses including actively working for the passage of legislations to increase U.S. – trade relations and to improving the U.S. National export policies. Having served seven years in the US congress, she tells me of her experience “I was born, raised and worked in Africa and this was a plus during my years advising Congressman Bobby L. Rush. It helped me anticipate a little bit on policy change in Africa and better communicate with the African and corporate constituency. I worked on implementing my boss’s pan African vision by helping to draft and passing legislations including the Africa Growth and opportunity Act (AGOA), reauthorizations, recognizing the strategic and economic importance of Africa to the US, several legislations including the US export legislation, the African investment and Diaspora legislation, to mention a few.” She quips. Speaking further on her involvement at the US congress, Angella says “I am obsessed by the will to have a meaningful life and to have an impact on my generation. I consider myself extremely blessed with my career. It comes with a great deal of responsibilities. The late congressman Donald Payne and congressman Rush contributed a lot to what I have become today. They inspired me. Payne always tells me ‘don’t you ever forget where you are coming from’. That is why I have decided to launch Believe in Africa, (BIA) an African Diaspora -led initiative founded by former U.S. congressional staffers and African leaders and friends of Africa in the U.S., to empower young Africans, harness the power of the African Diaspora, educate policy makers and the public about African economic growth and highlight the continent’s gradual rise in the global community. Our main goal is to give back to our community. We want all Africans to fulfil their potentials. Our goal is to empower the African Diaspora, promote the role of the African private sector and help formulate African response to African issues.” “We did our kickoff event with ‘Believe in Africa Day’, with a high level dialogue and an award diner where we recognized congressional leaders who believe in Africa when nobody did, inspiring leaders like Heirs Holding and GE who are not only doing good business but also defining the model of mutually beneficial partnerships. We want to see this duplicated in the continent. Believe in Africa is the vehicle God is helping me to use to continue to advocate for US Africa relations and African economic development. By God’s grace, we had a very successful African led program. It is an African led organization in Washington DC because it is time for us to be the master of our own destiny. We need to take responsibility, even outside the continent and tell our own story, advocate for our own future. Nobody can do it better than us.” Angella elaborates. Kwemo is the founder and past president of the Congressional African Staff Association (CASA) aiming at educating members, senators and staffers on the positive progress of Africa. She has received a number of recognitions for her exemplary work in promoting Africa’s economic growth, including a citation from Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley, the district of Columbia public service award, the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business Leadership Award” by the Minority Business Magazine and was named as one of the “World Most Influential African in the Diaspora” by a Paris based Africa 24 Magazine. She regularly publishes articles and featured in the news, including Voice of America TV (VOA) France 24 TV, Africa 24 TV, China Daily, and Africa Report. Kwemo is founder and Chair of Believe in Africa and the advisory board member of the Congo Infrastructure Capital Management (CICM), the Congo Infrastructure Hedge Fund (CHIF), and the Brazil USA Africa Infrastructure Fund (BUSIF). She is also the MD/CEO of Rimsom Strategies. Kwemo holds a LLM degree in Economics Activity Law from the University of Rouen in France and an LLM degree in International Business Transactions and Human Rights Law from American University in Washington DC. Angelle was born in Cameroon from a very conservative Christian family. The last born of a family of six siblings in a very disciplined environment. She had to ‘report’ or be punished by five people before being corrected by her parents. “It put me in a lot of pressure in my early age. It inculcated in me a great deal the need for hard work, discipline and forced me to become independent” Angelle tells me and continues “while this was happening, it made me more observant of my parents especially my mother who like many African women, is ‘a silent hero’. She played a critical role in my father’s career and built up our entire family yet, women are not adequately recognised. My parents have a big influence in my life even till date. I thank God they are still alive and will reap the benefit of all their sacrifices to make us fulfil our potentials. I used the lessons I learnt from them to tutor my daughters. Children do not just do what their parents are telling them to do, they do what they see their parents doing. My parents are role models to me and I am trying hard to be the same for my daughters.” Says Angelle. Angelle has always been driven by passion, having learnt early enough in life that one will always excel if you do what you enjoy doing. “I am very true to myself and try to stay authentic. In my career, I led various initiatives, changing activities and having dealings with various countries. From practicing law, to corporate law, to public policy and now to entrepreneurial activities and advocacy. Those changes have always been driven by my quest for bigger challenges. I meet many people who always ask me the same question: ‘what is next?’ truth is I don’t know. I strongly believe, staying in one’s comfort zone is very dangerous. If you want to reach higher heights, you need to be ready to face big challenges. The same way you can not harvest your honey if you run away from the bees. This is what has driven my career. I have surrendered to my passion even if it sometimes forces me to swim against the current but it has not failed me.” Angella discloses. Rimsom Strategies is an international consulting firm that provides strategic and practical solutions to public and private sector clients seeking to do business between the emerging markets and the developed world. By offering government relations, financial advisory, international business development, public relations, advocacy, communications and capacity building services, they are able to transform needs into ideas and concepts which produce measurable business results and sustainable economic development. As MD/CEO of Rimsom, hear Angelle’s view on Nigeria’s economy and intended relationship with Nigeria. “Nigeria has become a big engine for the entire continent’s economic growth for many reasons including the size of its economy, its great potential and a business environment that enables the private sector to grow. The recent African Leaders summit hosted by President Obama last August has ushered US – Africa relations into a new paradigm, with a stronger private sector involvement. Rimsom Strategies wants to be the bridge between Nigeria and the US.” “We are also committed to serve as a bridge between Nigeria and other francophone countries. This falls under the general understanding that intra Africa trade can play a big role in the continent’s economic transformation as a whole. I am one of those who believe that Cameroon for example should take advantage of its proximity with Nigeria. I am doing that at a personal level. I am only 45 minutes (by flight) away from my home country. We have designed capacity building and non oil export programs to assist small and medium sized enterprises to meet international standards. If it works in Nigeria, it will work in other countries as we expand regionally.” Angella reveals. The summary of Kwemo’s anecdote centres on promoting intra African trade, global positioning for Africa among many others and she ends the dialogue telling me the challenges involved. In her words, “the challenges are inherent to the nature of my profession. Opportunities abound in Africa and here at Rimsom Strategies, we are receiving projects almost every week. Everyone is requesting for financial partners and they all need access to capital. At the same time, there is a rush by Americans seeking for business opportunities in Africa and we are therefore spending a lot of time to explain that Africa presents investment opportunities not just contract opportunities.” “Access to capital is a challenge. Also turning ideas into bankable project is paramount. Our job is to facilitate communication for both sides, especially as there are big cultural gaps. We want American firms to succeed in Africa and African firms to succeed in the global market helping them meet international standards. It is always challenging to serve as a catalyst. How do we service both in a cost effective way, having both sides exercise patience and teaching then to understand the process? You almost have to carry all the stress. At a personal level, it is not always easy as a woman but this is not discouraging at all to me. I have been a minority all my life. If you cannot climb a mountain, you go around it. The challenge is as big as the reward is. I have trust in my God. He will not give me a baby I cannot carry.” She concludes. Read the original article at: Angelle Kwemo, promoting intra Africa trade and economic transformation

Enjeux pour le Cameroun du sommet Etats-Unis-Afrique

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En raison de la convergence de vues entre les Etats-Unis et le Cameroun sur plusieurs questions prioritaires, la coopération bilatérale devrait sortir renforcée du sommet en cours à Washington. Investir en faveur des générations futures. Tel est le thème du tout premier sommet Etat-Unis-Afrique qui s’est ouvert hier à Washington D.C., par un symposium sur l’investissement, organisé par la diaspora africaine, et dont les travaux se poursuivent aujourd’hui notamment avec le Forum Etats-Unis-Afrique et une réunion sur Boko Haram. Dimanche déjà s’est tenue en prélude au sommet une rencontre dont le thème était «Believe in Africa Day». C’était sous le haut patronage du président Paul Biya. A cette occasion, une importante communication du chef de l’Etat dans laquelle il présentait les raisons pour lesquelles il faut croire au Cameroun et en l’Afrique a été lue par le ministre des Finances, Alamine Ousmane Mey. Ces assises qui n’ont rien de commun avec les sommets traditionnels comprenant des cérémonies d’ouverture et de clôture, ponctuées de discours et la publication d’un communiqué final, offriront aux participants l’opportunité d’échanges interactifs approfondis sur diverses questions d’intérêt commun. Au cours de ce sommet qui vise à renforcer les relations entre les Etats-Unis et l’Afrique, les débats tourneront autour des voies et moyens d’encourager le progrès dans des domaines que les Africains jugent d’une grande importance pour l’avenir du continent, à savoir : le développement des liens commerciaux et de l’investissement, le renforcement de la coopération sur la paix et la sécurité, la promotion des valeurs démocratiques et de la gouvernance, en vue de créer un environnement favorable pour la prochaine génération de l’Afrique. Une occasion idoine pour le président de la République, Paul Biya, promoteur de la diplomatie de présence et de participation active et les membres de sa suite officielle, d’échanger avec le président Barack Obama, les responsables de son Cabinet, les chefs d’entreprise des Etats-Unis et d’Afrique, des membres de la société civile américaine. Sur ces principaux sujets qui feront l’objet d’échanges approfondis demain au Département d’Etat, l’on observe une convergence de vues entre Washington et Yaoundé. Paix et sécurité Inséparables, les deux paradigmes sont considérés par les deux parties comme des préalables incontournables, le socle de toute véritable politique de développement et de progrès social. Sur ces questions cruciales, Yaoundé et Washington sont totalement en phase. Ce qui explique et justifie une coopération soutenue entre les deux pays dans ces domaines. Avec comme point d’orgue, la contribution américaine à la formation des militaires camerounais notamment dans les secteurs de la lutte contre le banditisme, de la sécurité maritime, ainsi que dans les opérations de maintien de la paix. C’est dans ce sillage qu’il convient d’analyser la visite au Cameroun en 2012 du général Carter F. Harm, commandant des forces américaines en Afrique. On se rappelle que le haut gradé américain avait alors été reçu en audience le 28 mars 2012 par le chef de l’Etat. La partie américaine apporte un appui très appréciable au Cameroun en vue d’un renforcement du dispositif de sécurité dans le golfe de Guinée, une zone où l’on a observé une recrudescence préjudiciable d’actes de piraterie ces dernières années. Symbole parmi d’autres de cette coopération, l’exercice de sécurité maritime conduit du 20 au 25 février 2013 dénommé «OBANGAME EXPRESS 2013». Tandis que se précise la mise en œuvre des résolutions du sommet CEEAC/CEDEAO/CGG sur la sécurité dans le golfe de Guinée tenu à Yaoundé les 24 et 25 juin 2013, une intensification de cette coopération est plus que probable. D’autant que sur l’hinterland, les forces de défense camerounaises mènent un combat sans répit contre la nébuleuse terroriste Boko Haram qui multiplie des exactions meurtrières. Démocratie et gouvernance A son propre rythme et selon ses spécificités, le Cameroun s’est investi depuis des années sous l’impulsion du président Paul Biya dans le chantier de l’enracinement de la démocratie et de la consolidation de l’Etat de droit. Un processus caractérisé par une modernisation constante des institutions, une meilleure prise en compte des droits de l’Homme, un perfectionnement du système électoral, une lutte acharnée et sans relâche contre la corruption et les auteurs d’actes portant atteinte à la fortune publique. Dans ce registre, la création et la mise en œuvre il y a peu d’une juridiction nouvelle, le Tribunal criminel spécial (TCS) a suscité un intérêt certain, côté américain, pour cette opération « mains propres » qui vise à restaurer le culte du respect de la chose publique. Avec déjà des résultats probants. De même, l’entrée en scène de l’organe indépendant en charge de l’organisation, du contrôle et de la supervision des élections, ELECAM, a suscité une profonde décrispation politique dans le triangle national. Ce qui a conduit de nombreux observateurs d’ici et d’ailleurs à relever, voire à saluer le caractère libre et transparent aussi bien de l’élection présidentielle d’octobre 2011 que des sénatoriales d’avril 2013, suivies six mois plus tard du double scrutin législatif et municipal du 30 septembre dernier. Ces avancées démocratiques palpables ont contribué à dissiper bien des malentendus, à aplanir des divergences entre Yaoundé et Washington. Dans cette mouvance s’inscrit la visite en février 2012 à Yaoundé de Madame Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, représentante des Etats-Unis auprès du Conseil de l’ONU pour les droits de l’Homme à Genève. Les présentes assises pourraient permettre à Yaoundé de bénéficier d’un soutien accru de Washington pour promouvoir la démocratie et la bonne gouvernance. Commerce et investissement Si le volume des échanges commerciaux s’est considérablement accru depuis 2011, la coopération économique entre les Etats-Unis et le Cameroun pourrait profiter du sommet de Washington dans la perspective d’une densification. On sait que les Américains ont mis en place depuis 2000 l’AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), une loi dont l’objectif est de favoriser l’expansion du commerce entre les Etats-Unis et les pays africains subsahariens. Il apparaît, à l’analyse, que le Cameroun n’a pas suffisamment tiré profit des opportunités offertes par l’AGOA. Au point que même si le volume des échanges entre le Cameroun et les Etats-Unis connaît une tendance haussière depuis 2011, il se situe cependant en deçà du potentiel des deux économies. L’un des principaux handicaps étant le nombre limité de. Read the original article at: Enjeux pour le Cameroun du sommet Etats-Unis-Afrique  

Believe in Africa Day

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Paris, le 24 juillet 2014 Sous le Haut Patronage de SE Paul Biya, Président de la République du Cameroun, l’Union Africaine avec le soutien d’AFRICA 24 TV, ont l'honneur d'annoncer la première édition américaine de la journée « Believe in Africa Day » (BIAD), le dimanche 3 Août 2014, au Newseum, à Washington, DC . La Conférence internationale, « Believe in Africa Day » se tiendra de 9 heures à 16 heures au prestigieux Newseum, situé au 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. La Conférence sera suivie à 18h30 par le dîner de gala inaugural au cours duquel seront décernés les Africa Awards. La Conférence mobilisera des chefs d’Etats, de Gouvernements, des hauts responsables politiques et économiques ainsi que des experts. Ceux-ci nous présenteront tout ce que l’Afrique peut nous offrir en termes d’opportunités d’avenir. La Conférence « Believe in Africa Day » 2014 regroupe de nombreux Chefs d’Etats de l’Union Africaine, de nombreux leaders économiques américains et africains, des investisseurs internationaux, des représentants des secteurs publics et privés africains, ainsi que des membres de la diaspora africaine. En outre, seront également présents à la Conférence « Believe in Africa Day » des partenaires stratégiques, avec notamment : Altrium international, Financia Capital, Stratégies Rimsom, Gumbi & Dechambenoit, New York Forum Institut, Richard Attias & Associates, Afrique 2.0, et bien d'autres. A propos : Believe in Africa Day (www.believeinafrica.us) est une initiative de la diaspora africaine fondée et dirigée par d'anciens membres du personnel du Congrès américain et les dirigeants africains aux Etats-Unis. Believe in Africa Day donne l’opportunité aux jeunes Africains, d'exploiter la puissance de la diaspora africaine présents aux Etats-Unis, et sensibiliser les décideurs et le public sur la croissance économique de l'Afrique et de souligner l’augmentation progressive du continent dans la communauté mondiale. AFRICA24 TV est la première chaîne Mondiale d’information pour l’Afrique. Plus d’informations sur : http://www.africa24tv.com/ PROGRAM & AGENDA OVERVIEW Venue: NEWSEUM Knight Conference Center, Newseum 555 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, Washington DC 20001 8:00 AM to 12 PM “Straight talk with African Business Titans: Building Strong Partnerships” ▪ Extractive Industries and Energy and Infrastructures Opportunities ▪ Agriculture and Agribusiness development, the New Era ▪ Banking, Technology & Financial Services Transformation 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ● Cameroon is Africa Open for Business ● Investments and Partnership Opportunities in Cameroon ● Conference Room: Media interviews throughout the day BELIEVE IN AFRICA AWARD GALA DINNER: “AFRICAN UNION, ONE VOICE, ONE VISION” Venue: Great Hall, Newseum From 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm LAUREATS : Les lauréats de « Believe in Africa Day » 2014 sont des Américains, des Africains et des membres de la diaspora regroupés dans les secteurs publics et privés. Les prix seront décernés pour récompenser leurs réalisations dans la promotion des relationsaméricano-africaines et leur contribution à aider les Africains à réaliser leurs projets. Si vous souhaitez plus d'informations sur« Believe in Africa Day » 2014 : www.believeinafrica Contact presse pour Africa 24 TV: Origine Communication Jennifer Bulcke – jennifer@origine-communication.fr - 01 75 32 31 29 Read the original article at: Believe in Africa Day  

« Believe in Africa Day» : Paul Biya, le parrain de la conférence aux USA

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La Conférence « Believe in Africa day » se tiendra le 03 août 2014 au Newseum, un prestigieux musée américain à Washington D.C, en marge plus précisément à la veille du sommet Etats-Unis–Afrique prévu les 05 et 06 août prochains. Parmi les chefs d’Etat invités à cette rencontre de haut niveau, figure le président camerounais, Paul Biya à qui a eu le mérite de parrainer ladite conférence. La conférence internationale « Believe in Africa Day » est initiée par d’anciens membres du personnel du Congrès américain et des dirigeants africains aux Etats-Unis. Cette initiative de la diaspora africaine aux Etats-Unis est soutenue également par l’Union africaine et la chaîne de télévision Africa 24. De nombreux chefs d’Etat et de gouvernement, opérateurs publics et privés, investisseurs, cabinets financiers, sont attendus à cet événement qui envisage de présenter tout ce tout ce que « l’Afrique peut offrir en termes d’opportunités ». Des exposés seront présentés sur les secteurs des ressources minières, énergie, agro-business et services financiers. Tout un après midi sera également consacré au Cameroun avec la présentation des opportunités d’affaires dans le pays. La boucle sera bouclée avec un dîner de gala avec des récompenses seront remises à des Africains, Américains, et membres de la diaspora ayant œuvré au développement des relations américano-africaines. Read the original article at: « Believe in Africa Day» : Paul Biya, le parrain de la conférence aux USA  

Cameroun : Enjeux du sommet Etats-Unis-Afrique – 05/08/2014

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En raison de la convergence de vues entre les Etats-Unis et le Cameroun sur plusieurs questions prioritaires, la coopération bilatérale devrait sortir renforcée du sommet en cours à Washington Investir en faveur des générations futures. Tel est le thème du tout premier sommet Etat-Unis-Afrique qui s’est ouvert hier à Washington D.C., par un symposium sur l’investissement, organisé par la diaspora africaine, et dont les travaux se poursuivent aujourd’hui notamment avec le Forum Etats-Unis-Afrique et une réunion sur Boko Haram. Dimanche déjà s’est tenue en prélude au sommet une rencontre dont le thème était «Believe in Africa Day». C’était sous le haut patronage du président Paul Biya. A cette occasion, une importante communication du chef de l’Etat dans laquelle il présentait les raisons pour lesquelles il faut croire au Cameroun et en l’Afrique a été lue par le ministre des Finances, Alamine Ousmane Mey. Ces assises qui n’ont rien de commun avec les sommets traditionnels comprenant des cérémonies d’ouverture et clôture, ponctuées de discours et la publication d’un communiqué final, offriront aux participants l’opportunité d’échanges interactifs approfondis sur diverses questions d’intérêt commun. Au cours de ce sommet qui vise à renforcer les relations entre les Etats-Unis et l’Afrique, les débats tourneront autour des voies et moyens d’encourager le progrès dans des domaines que les Africains jugent d’une grande importance pour l’avenir du continent, à savoir : le développement des liens commerciaux et de l’investissement, le renforcement de la coopération sur la paix et la sécurité, la promotion des valeurs démocratiques et de la gouvernance, en vue de créer un environnement favorable pour la prochaine génération de l’Afrique. Une occasion idoine pour le président de la République, Paul Biya, promoteur de la diplomatie de présence et de participation active et les membres de sa suite officielle, d’échanger avec le président Barack Obama, les responsables de son Cabinet, les chefs d’entreprise des Etats-Unis et d’Afrique, des membres de la société civile américaine. Sur ces principaux sujets qui feront l’objet d’échanges approfondis demain au Département d’Etat, l’on observe une convergence de vues entre Washington et Yaoundé. Paix et sécurité Inséparables, les deux paradigmes sont considérés par les deux parties comme des préalables incontournables, le socle de toute véritable politique de développement et de progrès social. Sur ces questions cruciales, Yaoundé et Washington sont totalement en phase. Ce qui explique et justifie une coopération soutenue entre les deux pays dans ces domaines. Avec comme point d’orgue, la contribution américaine à la formation des militaires camerounais notamment dans les secteurs de la lutte contre le banditisme, de la sécurité maritime, ainsi que dans les opérations de maintien de la paix. C’est dans ce sillage qu’il convient d’analyser la visite au Cameroun en 2012 du général Carter F. Harm, commandant des forces américaines en Afrique. On se rappelle que le haut gradé américain avait alors été reçu en audience le 28 mars 2012 par le chef de l’Etat. La partie américaine apporte un appui très appréciable au Cameroun en vue d’un renforcement du dispositif de sécurité dans le golfe de Guinée, une zone où l’on a observé une recrudescence préjudiciable d’actes de piraterie ces dernières années. Symbole parmi d’autres de cette coopération, l’exercice de sécurité maritime conduit du 20 au 25 février 2013 dénommé «OBANGAME EXPRESS 2013». Tandis que se précise la mise en œuvre des résolutions du sommet CEEAC/CEDEAO/CGG sur la sécurité dans le golfe de Guinée tenu à Yaoundé les 24 et 25 juin 2013, une intensification de cette coopération est plus que probable. D’autant que sur l’hinterland, les forces de défense camerounaises mènent un combat sans répit contre la nébuleuse terroriste Boko Haram qui multiplie des exactions meurtrières. Démocratie et gouvernance A son propre rythme et selon ses spécificités, le Cameroun s’est investi depuis des années sous l’impulsion du président Paul Biya dans le chantier de l’enracinement de la démocratie et de la consolidation de l’Etat de droit. Un processus caractérisé par une modernisation constante des institutions, une meilleure prise en compte des droits de l’Homme, un perfectionnement du système électoral, une lutte acharnée et sans relâche contre la corruption et les auteurs d’actes portant atteinte à la fortune publique. Dans ce registre, la création et la mise en œuvre il y a peu d’une juridiction nouvelle, le Tribunal criminel spécial (TCS) a suscité un intérêt certain, côté américain, pour cette opération « mains propres » qui vise à restaurer le culte du respect de la chose publique. Avec déjà des résultats probants. De même, l’entrée en scène de l’organe indépendant en charge de l’organisation, du contrôle et de la supervision des élections, ELECAM, a suscité une profonde décrispation politique dans le triangle national. Ce qui a conduit de nombreux observateurs d’ici et d’ailleurs à relever, voire à saluer le caractère libre et transparent aussi bien de l’élection présidentielle d’octobre 2011 que des sénatoriales d’avril 2013, suivies six mois plus tard du double scrutin législatif et municipal du 30 septembre dernier. Ces avancées démocratiques palpables ont contribué à dissiper bien des malentendus, à aplanir des divergences entre Yaoundé et Washington. Dans cette mouvance s’inscrit la visite en février 2012 à Yaoundé de Madame Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, représentante des Etats-Unis auprès du Conseil de l’ONU pour les droits de l’Homme à Genève. Les présentes assises pourraient permettre à Yaoundé de bénéficier d’un soutien accru de Washington pour promouvoir la démocratie et la bonne gouvernance. Commerce et investissement Si le volume des échanges commerciaux s’est considérablement accru depuis 2011, la coopération économique entre les Etats-Unis et le Cameroun pourrait profiter du sommet de Washington dans la perspective d’une densification. On sait que les Américains ont mis en place depuis 2000 l’AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), une loi dont l’objectif est de favoriser l’expansion du commerce entre les Etats-Unis et les pays africains subsahariens. Read the original article at: Cameroun : Enjeux du sommet Etats-Unis-Afrique – 05/08/2014  

Summit bids farewell to belittling aid

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US-Africa event dominated by trade and investment as new era dawns After repeated calls to make Africa a priority, many hoped that the 2014 US-Africa Leaders Summit would bring the US and Africa together in partnership. Indeed, the summit turned the page on a post-Cold War type of diplomacy that had been dominated by belittling aid and a paternalistic approach. The summit helped to usher the two continents toward stronger economic cooperation. It also created a platform for a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at reducing security threats. The agenda focused on security, democracy and governance. However, a trade and investment theme dominated, with more than 60 ancillary events that featured African leaders who shared information on business opportunities in their countries. As a result of these conversations, US President Barack Obama announced a $26 billion commitment to power development in Africa to provide electricity to lay the foundation for an African economic boom. A total of $33 billion was pledged and $14 billion worth of private deals were created during the summit. These actions were in response to the lack of US congressional passage of the Electrify Africa Act and re-authorization of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act before the summit. These investments are a far cry from China's $200 billion investment in Africa last year, which is more than double that of the United States. In fact, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said Africa presents enough opportunities for all players. While China and the US have two different approaches to investing in Africa, they are complementary. Africa's bright future will not depend on the amount of investments made, but on which investments can create jobs on the continent and secure long-term development. African leaders went to Washington accompanied by more than 200 African executives. Mutually beneficial partnerships are now the new models of engagement as seen by partnerships between Dangote Industries and Blackstone-backed Black Rhino with a $5 billion investment in infrastructure development; and Heirs Holdings, Symbion and General Electric, a venture that contributed to tripling the power capability in Nigeria from 150 megawatts to 453 MW in just six months. These success stories were made possible by the strong implementation of local content laws in Nigeria that allows the private sector to grow and due to improved power and investment regulations. Speaking to a crowded room of decision makers attending the Bloomberg Philanthropy CEO Forum, Paul Hinks encouraged his US counterparts to engage with local African business entities. Heirs Holdings CEO Tony Elumelu called on African government officials to "democratize power" by improving the investment climate, governance and their fiscal regime and energy regulations to allow long-term investment in a commercially viable power sector. He also called on them to contribute to the creation of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, to address the US employment challenge and Africa's security threat posed by 54 million new jobs that need to be created in Africa by 2020. This can be duplicated in all sectors. This is Africapitalism at full speed. Nevertheless, Africa's future still depends on Africans, not on China, the European Union or the US. Speaking at the Believe in Africa Day High-Level Dialogue organized by African diaspora leaders, M. Donald Kaberuka said: "A country that relies on others to finance development is ordained to fail." African leaders had expected to take part in the usual bilateral talks that they have attended in summits held in France, the European Union and China. However, the lack of such talks did not undermine the outcome of the summit. Their participation sent a clear message to the world that Africa is ready to enter the big leagues and that the summit was not just held to compete with the ones held by the Chinese or French. It is rather a loud proclamation of the strategic and economic importance the continent holds as stated in a resolution introduced by Representative Gregory Meeks of New York state in the US Congress. Nonetheless, the US still needs to contend with China, Europe and other emerging economies, including India and Turkey. The increase of positive south-south relations has already altered the traditional regional landscape. We are entering a new era for US-Africa relations. Obama deserves praise for igniting the spark for these new relations. It is our hope that other summits will take place, hopefully next time on African soil. The author is the managing director and CEO of Rimsom Strategies Ltd and founder and chair of Believe in Africa. Read the original article at: Summit bids farewell to belittling aid  

Washington: Pierre Goudiaby Atepa got the Africa Awards trophy

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In prelude to the USA-Africa Summit, the first edition of the international conference “Believe in Africa day” opened on Sunday, 3rd August with the award ceremony of “Africa Awards“, trophies were awarded to the best African public and private managers. Among the prize-winners, appeared the Senegalese architect, Pierre Goudiaby Atépa who will receive his prize during an official reception that will take place in Newmuseum, Washington. The ceremony will take place under the high patronage of the Cameroonian Head of State, Paul Biya, in the presence of some of his African counterparts among whom the Senegalese president, Macky Sall. It will thus gather several heads of state of the African Union, the several American and African economic leaders, international investors, representatives of the African public and private sectors, as well as members of the African Diaspora. Strategic partners mainly Altrium International, Financia Capital, Rimsom, Gumbi & Dechambenoit Strategies, New York Forum Institut, Richard Attias & Associates, Afrique 2.0. … will also attend the event. “Believe in Africa day” is an initiative of the African Diaspora founded and managed by the former staff members of the American Congress and the African leaders in the United States. According to the founders, the project aims at giving the opportunity to the young Africans to exploit the power of the African Diaspora present in the United States and at making sensitive decision-makers and the public on the economic growth of Africa. This by emphasizing on the progressive increase of the continent contribution in the walk of the world community. Read the original article at: Washington: Pierre Goudiaby Atepa got the Africa Awards trophy