The Forum

However, despite the substantial progress made in economic recovery, this growth is largely due to donor-financed imports, which has increased investor confidence. The existing program is predominantly donor -driven policies with an aim to stabilize the country. The key challenges facing Sierra Leone is a sustainable growth plan as  is there is a likelihood of a reduction in donor funding, a common occurrence in post - conflict countries. Steps are now being taken to ensure that Sierra Leone is able to take the transition from being donor dependent to being a fully functioning income generating nation. This reduction will impact on the economy negatively, causing a drastic reduction in foreign direct investments.

As an alternative, African governments, including international organisations such as the World Bank and DFID have awakened to the development potential of the Diaspora. The Diaspora is increasingly being recognized as an instrument of change, as with any post - war country, as is the case of Sierra Leone, they are a ready and stable source of funding for the reconstruction process. With this in mind DFID, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, recently participated in a very successful consultative meeting with members of the Sierra Leonians in Diaspora (SLD), in June 2005, facilitated by AfricaRecruit, an action plan to have a follow up investment conference was agreed for March 2006 in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Investment forum 2006 will be taking a critical look at the enormous potential for the enhancement of economic and business relations between Sierra Leone and other countries of the world. With her enormous natural resources and young population, the conference will highlight Sierra Leone as an investment destination.

The conference is designed to showcase Sierra Leone as a as a key destination for foreign investments and discussions will center around steps that the Government of Sierra is taking to promote sustainable development in the economy.

It offers the opportunity to assess the business environment of the country as well as having a first hand view of the nation post conflict and to establish relationships with key public and private sector decision-makers.

Formal Opening and Keynote Speech by His Excellency, President T. Kabbah

Invited speakers include:
  • The Hon Dr Kadi Sesay, Minister of Trade & Industry (Chair)
  • Dr Mohan Kaul, Director-General, CBC
  • Dr Ishmael Yamson, Chair, Standard Chartered Bank, Ghana and Board Member, CBC
  • Dr Mohamad Chambas, Executive Secretary, ECOWAS
  • Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu, NEPAD Steering Committee
  • Private and Public Sector
  • Donor Community
  • Members of the Diaspora

Workshop

Aimed at alerting the Diaspora to the opportunities in areas such as SME's, project financing, franchising and future developments, for example the proposed stock market. Presentations from Diaspora members or organisations already investing in Sierra Leone in which they address opportunities, challenges and potential solutions;

  •  Public-Private sector capacity building, business development
  • Wealth and job creation through Diaspora investment,
  • Establishment of a Diaspora Information Bureau for investors
  • SME’s
  • Project Financing
  • Future opportunities e.g. stock market
  • Cutting-edge innovations in social-benefit finance, including those by private investors
  • How to harness market forces for social good through the creation of a stock market and longer-term investment funds that factor in social and environmental risks

The Forum is a unique opportunity for business leaders to strengthen ties and develop new partnerships and strategies with the government of Sierra Leone and other stake holders.

The Conference will bring together senior African executives from both the public and private sectors of tourism, donor agencies, educators, policy makers, leading-edge practioners, entrepreneurs, future leaders of the industry - and senior representatives of related sectors including environment, culture and economic development.

Panel discussions are interspersed with coffee breaks, workshops, keynote addresses, debates, meals and receptions.

 

    
 
 
 
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