This year, 2007 has started as a successful year for us, as we have several activities happening within the 13 priority sectors of the NEPAD Business Foundation. Through these sectors, we have been able to put into action our vision of making Africa a powerhouse that is economically, socially and politically stable to facilitate the sustainability of its people. We have also created essential dialogues between the private and public sectors to promote highways for the essential development in any given society.

We are also encouraging more organizations to join the NEPAD Business Foundation, to enable us to work together for the growth of the various African country economies by creating synergies between the public and private sectors in Africa. Our membership drive has already taken off and various companies have demonstrated their desire to affiliate to the NBF.

One of our key projects is the African Leadership Programme (ALP). Through the ALP, we intend on mentoring and grooming emerging young leaders in Africa, for Africa. This aligns with the NBF’s mission of delivering sustainable projects for the benefit of Africa’s people and the prosperity of the African continent. The delegates for this programme are from the private, public and NGO sectors in Africa. The ALP intake has now been extended to the 20th May and the registration will be closed on 23rd April 2007. for further details on this programme please contact the Programme Manager, Wendy carter at Wits Business School on +27 11 717 3569 or carter.w@wbs.ac.za or view the NBF website: www.nepadbusinessfoundation.org

The NBF Business Guide is also another key initiative, which will be launched later in the year during the World Economic Forum. This business guide will include relevant information on the development of NEPAD through it various stakeholder groups, which include the NEPAD, DTI, DFA, NBF and DPSA.

Furthermore, the NBF is focusing on project delivery from its various sectors and to enable carry out this process, a Project Management Office will be set up. The PMO will facilitate essential collaboration within the various industry sectors of the NBF.

As the year moves let us work together for the growth and sustainability of our African continent through the NBF.