Rome. An international meeting promoted by Harambee Africa International,
H. Entrepreneur Alliance, Acton Institute and TBN was held on September 9 at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. The meeting united young African entrepreneurs from four countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Tunisia) as well as representatives from organizations in the public and private sectors of Africa and aimed at exploring growth opportunities through entrepreneurial activity in Africa as a way to develop the continent.
Each year more than 160,000 African students leave their home country to go to prestigious European, American and Asian universities. These students represent a precious reserve of entrepreneurial talent and spirit, essential for competing alongside current world-wide challenges. In the last ten years, the six fastest growing economies were in Sub-Saharan Africa and, considering the present international crisis, Western countries are looking more and more to Africa as a strategic commercial and entrepreneurial outlet.
Each year more than 160,000 African students leave their home country to go to prestigious European, American and Asian universities. These students represent a precious reserve of entrepreneurial talent and spirit, essential for competing alongside current world-wide challenges. In the last ten years, the six fastest growing economies were in Sub-Saharan Africa and, considering the present international crisis, Western countries are looking more and more to Africa as a strategic commercial and entrepreneurial outlet.
Africa is thus very rapidly becoming a crossroad in globalization and until this reality transforms into lasting economic, social and political advantages for the African population, human capital in Africa, which is highly qualified and globally trained, needs support. According to Okendo Lewis, President and Founder of H. Entrepreneur Alliance, “the objective of this meeting was to strengthen a global network that pulls together young African entrepreneurs who are able to initiate concrete entrepreneurial projects in Africa through partnerships with public and private entities in the Western world”.
In addition to the theoretical analysis and in-depth examination made of the present international realm, “the meeting provided an important opportunity to initiate concrete efforts in favor of African development” as Kishore Jayabalan, Director of the European Acton Institute, mentioned.