Panels

Educating New Leaders and the Role of African Universities

Universities are the repositories of knowledge, training and capacity building. Education, especially at the tertiary level, is vital to development, yet only a small percentage of Africa?s population is university educated. This figure is lower for women, and many who are university educated leave the continent to work abroad. African universities have suffered from years of chronic under-funding. How can they re-tool themselves to become the 21st century centers of knowledge capital and research? How can they partner with other universities to create networks and share information? This panel will examine the state of African universities and the contributions they are making to African development.

Capital Change: Market-based Philosophies For Social Good

What is the role of social entrepreneurship in Africa? How do we build a new generation of social entrepreneurs in Africa? What are the challenges and opportunities social entrepreneurs face in their field?

Social Entrepreneurs are change agents for society. They invent and disseminate new approaches to advance sustainable solutions that create social value. This panel introduces leaders that have used their entrepreneurial skills to promote a lasting change throughout Africa.

Harnessing Natural Resources for Domestic Benefit

Africa is a continent rich in natural resources that can be employed within Africa to meet energy needs, support industry, and foster social and economic development. However, resources such as oil, gas, ore, timber and diamonds are exported to the benefit of non-African countries, while African energy, infrastructure and development needs often are not being met. Local and renewable resources such as water, wind, and sun can contribute to energy production, and conservation of natural resources can lead to tourism and ensure resource availability in the future. With experts in mining, legal contracts, renewable energy and economic development, this panel will explore current and future efforts to invest in and capitalize on Africa's natural resources for domestic benefit.