BUSINESS IN AFRICA: What next Africa? The Centre of African studies, SOAS, London is hosting a two day conference on Business in Africa. The themes will be focusing on aspects of business in the present and prospectus for the future. Knowing that 2010 was the year for 17 African countries to celebrate their 50 years of Independence and 16 elections took place throughout Africa, 2011 is the year to ask what next Africa? There is already a strong discourse on the role of business in development and the need for business to drive economic growth. We have recognised the need for businesses in the UK and worldwide to understand the climate in African countries. This conference will tackle the influence of government policy on the business climate, the ongoing link with India and China, the role of public sector and entrepreneurship and the role of natural resources for the future. Programme Thursday 23rd June 2011 - Day 1 – Governance (10am – 4pm) - Governance and Development - Corruption - Entrepreneurship - Corporate Sustainable Development Friday 24th June 2011 - Day 2 – Business (10am – 4pm) - China in Africa - Natural Resources - The role of Business in development Confirmed Speakers: Ann Bernstein (Centre for Development and Enterprise, South Africa) Karen Ellis (Overseas Development Institute) Dr Jonathan Di John (Lecturer in Political Economy, SOAS) Razia Khan (Standard Chartered) Lucy Corkin (SOAS) Tara O’Connor (Africa Risk Consulting) Professor Tunde Ogowewo (King’s College London) Dr James Suzman (Director of Public Affairs, De Beers Group) Mark Wade (Future Considerations/Former Shell - Head of Sustainable Development policy) Simon Quinn (University of Oxford) This is a ticketed only event (Lunch and Refreshments provided) £150 / day £75 / half day To apply please contact.