The First Believe In Africa Day 2014

By December 25, 2014Blog, News, Uncategorized
GUIDING THE WORLD TO BELIEVE IN AFRICA’S FUTURE Washington, D.C. -August 8, 2014-Washington, DC’s highly anticipated and successful Believe in Africa Day was held with a crowded room of more than 400 government and business leaders on Sunday, August 3, 2014 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. Believe in Africa Day, organized by Angelle B. Kwemo, Founder and CEO of Believe in Africa, was created because of Kwemo’s vision to present an African response to African issues, to promote the role of the diaspora and the private sector in Africa’s economic growth. Believe in Africa Day was timely as it brought together key players on the African continent who believe that the time has come for all the sons and daughters of Africa to be involved in the resurgence of their beloved continent. This is Africa’s New Deal. Her riches, her willingness and the maturity of her people create fertile soil for new seeds to grow. Believe in Africa Day is a conduit for these burgeoning economies. Believe in Africa Day was an event organized by “Africans For Africa”, where Africans are eager to share their vision for their beloved homeland with the rest of the world. The event was focused on sharing information and seeking viable partnerships with their U.S. counterparts to help make their vision for Africa, a reality. The Believe in Africa Day speakers included prominent men and women in various leadership positions throughout the continent. Each speaker spoke in unison about the significance that the event was making in the history of the continent. MEMORABLE SPEECHES: H.E. Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Finance for the Republic of Cameroon, speaking on behalf of H.E. Paul Biya, said, “Some people thought that Africa has started to a bad start, others have claimed that Africa doesn’t have enough. But today things have changed. Africa not only started, but it started well. For us, Africa is the land of the future. This not just Believe in Africa Day, it is Believe in Africa century’. See the video here: Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, kicked off the opening day ceremony by stating, “We know Africa is rich, but we want African people to be rich as well.” See the video here: Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and President of the African Union commended Believe in Africa for hosting Believe in Africa Day. The Mayor of the District of Columbia, The Honorable Vincent C. Gray and Governor Martin O’Malley Governor of the State of Maryland, commended Angelle Kwemo for her leadership and issued an official proclamation declaring August 3, 2014 as “Believe in Africa Day.” They encouraged other states to do the same. See the video here: In his video message, Congressman Bobby L. Rush presented welcome remarks stating “Africans are master of their own destiny …” see the video here: Prominent leaders like H.E.Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea ; H.E Hery Rajaonarimampianina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and M. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank, served in active roles while moderating panels on energy, infrastructure, technology development and banking. Emphasizing the role Africans should play, he said: "A country that relies on others to finance development is ordained to fail." Adding "changing Africa's perception is step one for encouraging investment" in the continent.” H.E. Alpha Conde’s speech: H.E. Hery Rajaonarimampianina speech: Mr. Donald Kaberuka’s speech: Ambassador Jean Baptiste Natama, Africa Union Commission sent a powerful message to the youth. This was the first time that Africans among other Africans shared their visions and activities in those sectors in a high-level dialogue on each subject See the video here: Tony O. Elumelu, CEO of Heirs Holdings stated, “I am a great believer in the power of vision. It is fundamental to any achievement, to greatness- but only when accompanied by action and follow through. The name of the ‘Believe in Africa’ organization is very apt for this moment in time. I believe in a brighter future for the next and coming generations of Africans. I believe that the private sector has an important role to play in advancing the well-being and economic development of the continent. I call this “Africapitalism”. He commended the African diaspora for speaking up and encouraged them “to believe in Africa by filling the constituency vacuum in U.S. policy towards Africa”. He added “You must actively engage and help to shape U.S. policy towards the continent and ensure that it is continually elevated as a priority.” You can read Mr. Elumelu's Message here: Remarks For The ‘Believe In Africa’ Awards Dinner