NEPAD Initiators speak at 10th Anniversary Colloquium.
Two key NEPAD architects, ex Presidents Mbeki of South Africa and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria as well as Jerry Rawlings of Ghana will address NEPAD Colloquium on 28 March in Addis Ababa. PM Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia and the AUC Chairperson will also speak.
H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
As the Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC), will declare open the Colloquium. He will be presenting a keynote statement on “Unlocking Africa’s Growth Potential”. Prime Minister Zenawi is a leading advocate of the developmental state in promoting effective inclusive growth in Africa. As Chairperson of the African Union Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), Zenawi has championed Africa’s positions on global climate change as well as development effectiveness.
H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo
Former Nigerian President H.E. President Olusegun Obasanjo played a pivotal role in the regeneration and repositioning of the African Union through NEPAD. Chief Obasanjo is a high ranking member of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) and is Chairperson of the High Level Panel on Alternative Sources of Financing the African Union. He is deeply engaged in focusing world leaders' attention to Africa’s reforms and delivery of commitments to Africa. Since leaving office in 2007, PresidentObasanjo has supported peace, security and stability efforts on the continent. In particular, he recently served as the Special Envoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and lately to Senegal on behalf of the UN and AU/ECOWAS. He will deliver a keynote address on “NEPAD - Inspiring Change in Africa”.
H.E. President Jerry Rawlings
H.E Jerry John Rawlings is former President of the Republic of Ghana and now the African Union’s Special Envoy to Somalia. In this capacity, he is mobilising the continent and the global community to contribute more actively to the quest for peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia. President Rawlings is passionate about peace and security issues in Africa and will chair the Panel Session 1 on the “Relevance of the NEPAD vision for Africa’s present and future”. The ex-President will also share his insights on quality African leadership and state building.
H.E. President Thabo Mbeki
H.E President Thabo Mbeki was South Africa’s second post-apartheid leader. Largely credited with championing the “African Renaissance”, Mr. Mbeki is one of the key architects and major forces behind NEPAD. Since leaving office, he has been at the forefront of resolving conflicts and disputes in various parts of Africa. In addition to being a strong proponent of reinforcing democracy and respect for human rights in Africa, he has demonstrated commitment to finding African solutions to African problems in the spirit of African unity and solidarity. Mr. Mbeki will deliver a speech on “African Renaissance, New Solutions”
H.E. Dr. Jean Ping, AU Commission Chair
Dr. Jean Ping is the current Chairperson of the AU Commission, having assumed the role in 2008. A former Foreign Minister of Gabon, Mr. Jean Ping successfully oversaw the NEPAD integration into the structures and process of the African Union in January 2010. A strong believer in the four pillars of the AU strategy and NEPAD ideals, Dr. Ping spearheaded the transformation of the then NEPAD Secretariat into the NEPAD Agency, making the Agency an AU technical body. In his capacity as AUC Chairperson, Dr. Ping will deliver the opening remarks with focus on building an integrated and prosperous continent and mobilising domestic financing for AUC and NEPAD programmes and projects.
Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki - Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Agency
Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki is the Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Agency. A former Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of the Republic of Niger, Dr. Mayaki prioritised improved working relationship with the AUC as part of the integration process. A lead exponent of enhancing implementation capacities of development actors, the NEPAD CEO advocates the acceleration of Africa’s development goals through regional integration and driven by infrastructure and agriculture. He also champions Africa’s “Beyond Aid” agenda to achieve results-based development and better ownership. Dr. Mayaki welcomes participants to the Colloquium with the message: “Africansmust take charge of their own development”.
Dr. Amos Sawyer – Chairperson of Panel of Eminent Persons, APRM.
A former Interim President of Liberia, Dr. Amos Sawyer is currently the Chairperson, the Panel of Eminent Persons of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). He is the author of the book ’Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia’, published in 2005. In 2011, he was awarded the Gusi Peace Prize, a Philippines- based award recognising individuals working towards the attainment of peace and respect for human rights and dignity. Dr. Sawyer brings an added dimension to the panel discussion on the “Relevance of the NEPAD vision for Africa’s present and future” with the outlook of the full ramifications of good governance, leadership and ownership.
Mr. Erastus Mwencha- Deputy Chairperson, AUC
A former Secretary-General of COMESA, Mr. Mwencha is a key promoter of regional integration through the Regional Economic Communities as building blocks. In his current capacity as Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, he has been active in promoting key financial and administrative reforms through operational excellence in the Commission, as well as South-South Cooperation. Mr. Mwencha will chair Panel Session 2 and will provide insights to the discussion on “Pan-African Institutions as Change Agents”.
Hon. Dalmas Otieno Anyango, EGH, MP
Minister of State for Public Service, Kenya
Hon. Otieno is Chairperson of the African Minister of Pubic/Service and has been deeply involved in capacity development and development effectiveness in Africa. The Minister has constantly emphasised that development effectiveness, aid effectiveness and any form of effectiveness must begin at the national level in order to ensure buy-in and broader success at the national and continental levels. He will share perspectives from the lenses of national governments in implementing NEPAD.
Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary, UNECA
Mr. Abdoulie Janneh is the UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Addis Ababa-based Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The UNECA Chief is very dedicated to the ideals of the African Union and its NEPAD Programme. As UN DSG, he is proactive on enhancing partnership-building for Africa’s transformation through resource mobilisation and an all-inclusive development. Mr. Janneh, will be speaking on “10 years of dedicated UN system-wide support to NEPAD” and is also a high-level panellist.
Mr. Michel Sidibe, Executive Director, UNAIDS
Mr. Michel Sidibe, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has led its contributions to regional and country responses as well as in efforts at designing global policies, evidence, and M&E of the AIDS pandemic. His contribution to the panel discussions will mainly highlight the role of NEPAD and UNAIDS in halting the spread of AIDS in Africa and the need for social inclusivity.
Dr. Frannie Leautier, Executive Secretary, ACBF
Dr Frannie Leautier is Executive Secretary of the Harare-based African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). A Capacity Development Specialist and former Vice President of the World Bank Institute, Dr. Leautier will share her thoughts on mobilizing domestic resources and harnessing human and institutional capacity for NEPAD implementation.
Prof. Ben Turok
A member of the South African Parliament and Chairperson of the Network of African Parliamentarians, Prof. Ben Turok is a keen advocate of NEPAD. He has called for and at one time served as a leader of the NEPAD contact group of African parliamentarians. He speaks from the perspective of parliament on NEPAD at the discussions.
Mr. Newai Gebreab, Chief Economic Adviser to the Ethiopian Prime Minister
Mr. Newai Gebreab currently serves as Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Director of the Ethiopian Development Research Institute. He is also the Co-Chair of the NEPAD Steering Committee. Mr. Gebreab brings to the discussions a deep knowledge of NEPAD as both a strategy and programme of action for Africa’s renewal.
Prof. Valiant Clapper, UNISA School of Business Leadership
Prof. Valiant Clapper will share his thoughts on leadership and governance in Africa within the framework of the APRM and NEPAD. The Executive Director of the University of South Africa (UNISA) School of Business Leadership will proffer innovative ways to improve upon state and business leadership in Africa.
Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba
Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba, AUC Commissioner for Economic Affairs, has been central to economic policy formulation, coordination and harmonization in Africa through the promotion of African integration and development. An adherent of institutional capacity development, Dr. Mkwezalamba supported the establishment of Pan-African financial institutions and was active in the integration of NEPAD into the AU.
Dr. Namanga Ngogi
As the CEO of AGRA, Dr. Namanga Ngongi has extensive experience in agricultural development, peace and security issues. Under his leadership, AGRA has become an important player in Africa’s agriculture and food security landscape. He has undertaken several missions, including a study on food reserve systems in Africa and will share his thoughts on Agriculture and Food Security, especially the CAADP implementation.
Dr. Jakkie Cilliers
Dr Jakkie Cilliers is the Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies. At present most of Dr Cilliers` interests relate to the emerging security architecture in Africa as reflected in the developments under the banner of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union as well as issues around Africa’s future. Dr Cilliers serves on the International Advisory Board of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) in Switzerland and is a member of the board of advisers of the Center on International Conflict Resolution, Columbia University, New York.
Mr. Michel Halilu
Mr. Michel Halilu is the CEO of CTA. With a keen interest in Agroforestry and natural resources management, he brings to the panel an insight into developing the environmental assets of Africa for sustained development. As head of the CTA, he brings to the discussion insights on developing partnerships for NEPAD implementation.
Ms. Bience Gawanas
Ms. Bience Gawanas’ work as AUC’s Commissioner for Social Affairs involves advocacy and coordination of policies and programmes on social issues such as health, migration, population, drug control, vulnerable groups and employment. She is the sponsor for the AU Commission’s Institutional Transformation Project and member of the Global Task team on Improving Coordination Amongst Multilateral Institutions and Donors.
Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu
Prof. Wiseman Nkuhlu was the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEPAD, serving from October 2000 to July 2005. He played a major role in the elaboration of NEPAD policy framework and in promoting the programme both in Africa and internationally. He is currently Chancellor of the University of Pretoria and Chairman of Rothschild, an international investment company.
Hon. Simeon Ajibola
A member of the Nigerian legislature, Hon. Simeon Ajibola is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD. He has handled portfolios in revenue mobilization, water resources, upstream petroleum resources, security intelligence and agriculture in Nigeria. Senator Ajibola is bringing to the discussions innovative ways of raising domestic resources for NEPAD implementation.
Ms. Lillian Mbogo – Omollo
Ms. Mbogo – Omollo is Chief Executive Officer for NEPAD Kenya. She has extensive experience in building partnerships, stakeholder engagement and resource mobilization. She brings to the discussions the views of NEPAD National Offices and focal points
Dr. Jean Pierre Onvehoun Ezin
Dr. Jean Pierre Onvehoun Ezin is the AU’s Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology. He believes that the best way of Africa becoming becoming wealthy is through accessing science and technology and knowledge. Dr. Ezin has supported NEPAD in setting up African regional science and technology hubs and the publication of the African Innovation Outlook, an African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Initiative.
Professor Firmino Mucavele
Prof. Firmino Mucavele was the second CEO of NEPAD. An agricultural economist, he was also a special adviser to the president of Mozambique. A key NEPAD advocate, he was involved in the evolution of agriculture and trade programs, rural development financing and training in food security and nutrition programs in Africa and other parts of the world.
Dr. Hesphina Rukato
Dr. Hesphina Rukato is founding director of the Centre for African Development Solutions (CADS), a non-Governmental organisation working on sustainable development in Africa. She was Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Secretariat from 2005-2009, and Advisor, Environment and Tourism from 2002 - 2005. She has also published widely, including a recent book on: “Future Africa: Prospects for Democracy and Development under NEPAD”.
Amb.Stephen Olukorede Willoughby
With a career spanning more than thirty years in the Nigerian Foreign Service, Ambassador Stephen Willoughby served Nigeria and Africa in many capacities. The former Acting CEO of NEPAD was instrumental in shaping, developing and communicating NEPAD to key stakeholders across Africa.