British Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the G8 business summit on Africa which will be held on the eve of the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland.
“By establishing a new platform for private sector cooperation on Africa, Business Action for Africa is providing government — both here in the industrialised world and within Africa — with a new channel to foster vigorous private sector engagement,” he said.
Part of the G8 programme of events and co-sponsored by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), the G8 Business Action for Africa Summit will bring together business leaders from Africa and across the G8. The results of the business summit, which will be held in London on July 5 and 6, will be transmitted to Blair as chair of the G8 summit.
The event will focus on the actions that the business community will take to support poverty reduction in Africa while helping to create a positive climate for business and investment in African countries. The Summit will send clear messages from business to G8 leaders assembling in Gleneagles and to African leaders, on the actions they need to take to promote Africa’s development.
During the event business leaders will launch Business Action for Africa, an international coalition of businesses committed to ending poverty in Africa. African and international businesses and business organisations are coming together under one banner to build on the momentum of the Commission for Africa and the 2005 G8.
Participating business is taking actions in support of three objectives:
- Influencing the policies of the international community and African governments to promote African growth and poverty reduction, by presenting a clear African and international business voice;
- Promoting a more positive, balanced view of Africa; and
- Developing and showcasing good business practice.
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Chairman of Anglo American plc (AGL) and chair of the G8 Business Action for Africa Summit, said: “The business community stands ready to play its full part in promoting a successful and prosperous Africa, in partnership with governments, civil society and donors.”
He added: “There will only be sustainable development in Africa if the increase in government aid flows is complemented by a resurgence of enterprise — foreign direct investment, yes but also a business enabling environment and trade regime for indigenous African businesses of all sizes. This is an opportunity for a diverse set of businesses with shared objectives for Africa to come together to speak with one voice, and act with one purpose — to showcase and spread good business practice, share ideas and work together for greater impact.
“We invite our peers in business — who share our sense of commitment and optimism towards Africa’s future — to join us.”-I-Net Bridge