As a value add to members, the NBF regularly hosts events, forums, executive breakfasts and networking cocktail functions where members can gain insights from top South African speakers and business leaders, and network with other industry and government professionals. For upcoming functions, please consult the Events section on our website.

NBF Executive Forum with Reverend Frank Chikane (21 September)

Reverend Frank Chikane, a key aide to President Thabo Mbeki, addressed the forum on the African Renaissance – its historical background, how it led into the NEPAD ideology and the practical implementation of NEPAD and its relevance to the private sector. The NBF will host a follow up forum with Reverend Chikane in April 2007.

Reverend Frank Chikane

NBF Networking Forum with Clem Sunter (16 November)

Leading organizational strategist and speaker, Clem Sunter, addressed key executives at the offices of Werksmans Attorneys on the topical and very important subject of China. From his practical experience, Mr Sunter revealed the "game plan" China has for investing in Africa, and suggested the potential impact this will have on Africa as well as China’s impact on the global economy.

African Business Leaders Forum (18 & 19 October)

Business in Africa hosted their 4th Annual Conference (endorsed by the NBF) with the focus on "Leadership for Growth". Over 200 Pan-African delegates attended, and NBF executives Dr Reuel Khoza, Lynette Chen, Geoff Rothschild, Roelof van Tonder and Demetri Pappadopoulos addressed delegates on pertinent issues facing the African continent. Dr Khoza chaired a lively session on African Leadership, and launched his exemplary leadership book, Let Africa Lead, at the forum. For further details please visit www.businessinafrica.net

Canadian Senate meeting held in October

Recently members from the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Canadian Senate held a roundtable discussion with the NBF board and Sector Heads to establish and investigate the development and security challenges facing Africa. The delegation visited 3 African countries namely, Kenya, Senegal and South Africa. Key points discussed included the development of the private sector with a view to understanding what has determined the economic success in South Africa, challenges posed to African development by corruption (and how the NBF are addressing this through NEPAD initiatives for good governance) and the opportunity for international commerce as a catalyst for growth.