Thursday, June 24, 2001.
It was an eventful day for the African Leadership Magazine as it held the 6th edition of its annual US-Africa Business and Policy Forum.
This edition which held virtually had in attendance, policymakers and business leaders from both the USA and Africa space. The event which had over 42 countries represented was declared open by Dr. Ken Giami, Chairman of the African Leadership magazine group. In his opening remarks, Dr. Giami stated that the US. Africa forum seeks to continuously provide insight and chart the course forward on increasing the frequency and quality of investments, trade and policy relations between the US and Africa. He said this year’s edition was very timely and important as experts have underscored the need for the Biden presidency to reset its engagements with Africa in terms of trade policy, climate action, defence corporation amongst others. America’s relationship and engagement with Africa are expected to advance across multiple fronts than what it used to be.
Dr. Giami cited the growing population of Africa as a unique strength that should put the continent at the forefront of the US investment agenda, an agenda that should be characterised by equal partnership, sustainable development and trade rather than aid. He added that the United States may not have engaged adequately and correctly with Africa as it should as the current bilateral trade between the US and Africa has decreased from 31billion dollars as it were in 2019 to a paltry 12.7 billion dollars by 2020, a situation that has created room for other players and interest to gain a stronger foothold on Africa, despite the US being a long-time traditional partner.
Other speakers at the event included H.E Dr Teka Gebreyesus, State Minister of Ethiopia Ministry of Trade and Industry, Dr. Jakkie Cilliers, Jakkie Cilliers, founder and the former Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies, Mr. Ini Ebong, executive director, First bank of Nigeria, amongst others.
(Visit African Leadership Magazine on Facebook at: https://fb.watch/6l7EKDBaG1/ to watch the full event).
A major highlight of the event was the awards presentations to notable individuals and institutions in the Africa space.
First bank of Nigeria plc. was recognized as the African Bank of the Year for its innovative banking approach and commitment to efficient service delivery in carrying out its activities.
Dr. Ken Giami, while presenting the award referred to the bank’s ‘commitment and focus as a key factor in its excellent method of service delivery.
Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, appreciated African Leadership Magazine for its recognition and referring to the award as a ‘treasure’ to the bank
Other awardees at the event are Mrs Nana Ama Poku, the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM); Prof. John Kennedy Opara, the Chairman of CSS Group; Prof. Mohammad B. Abubakar, the MD of Galaxy Backbone Ltd; and, Mr. Peter Cole Chiori, the MD/CEO Ocean Glory Commodities Ltd.
