The Eighth International Forum on African Perspectives jointly Organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), will take place on 27 June in Paris, France. The forum will be attended by high-level personalities from government, the private sector and the civil society to discuss issues of importance to Africa's economic and social development.

The AfDB will be represented by President Donald Kaberuka and the Chief Economist, Louis Kasekende. Mr. Kaberuka will open the forum with Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary General and Stefano Manservisi, European Commission Director General for Development, Mr. Kaberuka will also participate in a round table discussion with the Ministers of Finance of Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria on the theme "Africa: A New Emerging Markets Frontier?"

Mr. Louis Kasekende will make a presentation on "African Economic Outlook" with the OECD Development Centre Director, Javier Santiso.

The AfDB Manager in charge of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Sibry Tapsoba, will also make a presentation on the theme "Investing in Africa's Youth: The Challenge of Skills Development".

The International Forum on African Perspectives has grown to become the largest and most important annual event on Africa in France. Discussions are based on the findings of the African Economic Outlook, a comprehensive joint AfDB-OECD report published every year on the economic, social and political development of the continent.

CONTACT : Yvan Cliche - Tél. : +216 71 10 23 87 - E-mail : y.cliche@afdb.org