Irene V. Nambi
2 November 2009
Kigali — President Paul Kagame is set to deliver a key note speech today at the first annual 'Private Equity in Africa' summit to be held at the London Stock Exchange, in the United Kingdom.
The summit is intended to highlight the growing opportunities for private sector investors in Africa, and brings together key investors in emerging markets along with international organisations.
According to a statement from the President's Office, Kagame will speak on "the role of private investment in delivering economic and social prosperity in Africa: Rwanda's story."
"President Kagame will underscore the continent's under-reported progress, particularly in recent decades, which has seen investment opportunities grow while risks decrease," the statement from the President's Office reads.
The summit is organised by the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), in conjunction with the Financial Times and its new publication, This is Africa.
Kagame will highlight profitability of investing in the continent's emerging markets.
The high level summit will attract close to 125 guests representing the largest Private Equity Funds in Africa, alongside a number of the world's largest Hedge Funds, Investment Banks and Sovereign Wealth Funds.
Representatives from the international public sector and development institutions will also be present.
During his two-day stay, Kagame is also scheduled to visit Imperial College London, a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, and the only UK university to focus entirely on science, technology, medicine and business.
He will also tour key university facilities and meet with the Imperial College Rector - Sir Roy Anderson and Professor Peter Piot, director of the newly established Institute for Global Health (and former executive director of UNAIDS from 1995-2008).
"The visit to Imperial College is expected to strengthen the growing partnership between Rwandan institutions and the university in areas of education, training and research, with particular emphasis on health, science and technology," the statement said.
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Bring all those richess back to Africa !!!!!
It is incredible that businesses and even higher educaiton institutions encourage the visit of a President whose dubious past and actions cast a shadow over his intentions to serve the people of Rwanda.
Engaging with other nations in trade and collaboration and contribute to boost their economic growth is a very noble objective but the opportunity should be taken to promote stronger governance and justice, to ensure the benefits and rewards will be extended to all rwandas and not only fill the pocket of a few fortunate ones placed in the right positions.