Africa Day and the 10^th Anniversary of NEPAD…

Midrand, 22 May 2011 – Africa Day will be celebrated – across the continent and in the Diaspora – on Wednesday the 25^th of May 2011, under the theme: “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development’’.

The NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency will join the African Union (AU) and the rest of the continent to observe the Africa Day on 25 May 2011.

Several fora and cultural-oriented activities to mark the Day have been organised at the headquarters of the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Day will be marked by the presence of the Chairperson of the AU, Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial, the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of the NEPAD Agency and some African Heads of State and Government, representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Ministers and other high-level officials from attending the Africa- India Summit which ends on the morning of the 25^th of May.

At the level of the NEPAD Agency, the Day will more specifically be used to reflect on the contribution that NEPAD plays in the further development of our continent and its people. It is in this regard that the Day and indeed the whole week will be used to kick-start the Agency’s efforts at reflecting on the work of NEPAD after 10 years and the future outlook of NEPAD.

It is in this regard that South Africa’s Department of International relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the NEPAD Agency will therefore be hosting a special discussion forum on Africa’s Economic Emergence with a focus on NEPAD. The session will be held in the Multipurpose Centre, DIRCO, OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday the 24^th of May 2011 from 09:30-12:00. The session will be accompanied by an exhibition showcasing NEPAD that will run up to the 25^th of May.

On the actual Day itself, the NEPAD Agency will also participate in:

-       the AFRICA Expo which is being hosted by the Africa Institute of South Africa;

-       the Brand Africa 2011 Global Launch.

During the course of the week the NEPAD Agency will also mark the Africa Day and also the 10^th Anniversary of NEPAD through the launch of (phase 2 of) the African Science Technology and Innovation Indicators Initiative (ASTII) (23-25 May) and also through the NEPAD Rural Futures Strategic Briefing (25-26 May) – all of which are taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In addition, a specific media interview that will be looking at NEPAD and its role in Africa will also be conducted by Prof. Mzobanzi Mboya on Lesedi FM whilst Prof. Richard Mkandawire will speak to SABC News on NEPAD, Africa and the global economy.

Wherever you are – we hope that you will join us in marking Africa Day during these events and also participate in reflecting on NEPAD after 10 years and also in shaping the debate on the future role of NEPAD in Africa’s economic and political emergence.

We would also like to use this opportunity to unveil the 10^th Anniversary logo (see image) of the NEPAD Agency and to encourage you to join us in marking the 10 years of NEPAD by clicking here for regular updates.

NEPAD Agency Communications Team.