Theme: The Role of the African Diaspora in Transforming Business in Africa

Venue: The World Bank, 1850 Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.
Meeting  Room 2-220

Date: Wednesday, September 19, 2012

2:00pm-2:30pm: Opening Remarks By: Colin Bruce, Director for Strategy and Operations – Africa Region at the World Bank

2:30pm-3:45pm: ‘Discussion of the African Diaspora Marketplace as an Africa Union Legacy Project’

Moderator: David J. Saunders, Managing Director, Constituency for Africa.

Discussion of the success of the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) Initiative and perspectives on the way forward with strategies for engaging and empowering the African Diaspora.

Panelists: Dr. Frannie Leautier, Executive Director, African Capacity Building Foundation, Alex Dixon, Vice President for Africa, Small Enterprise Assistance Fund; Alexandre Laure, Junior Professional Officer, Private Sector Development at the World Bank; and Romi Batia, Diaspora Outreach Manager, US Agency for International Development.

3:45pm-4:30pm: Group Discussion Session: David J. Saunders as the moderator

Discussion on innovative ways to expand opportunities with the African Diaspora Marketplace Initiative throughout the African Diaspora.

4:30pm-4:50pm: Conclusions and Next Steps: David J. Saunders.

4:50pm-5:00pm: Closing Remarks By: Melvin P. Foote, President  & CEO, Constituency for Africa.