DANISH MINISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION IN CHATHAM HOUSE

Entitled “Private Sector-led Growth in Africa – Obstacles, Opportunities and Dilemmas on the Road Ahead”, the debate concerned the question of development in Africa and how a dynamic and well-functioning private sector is central to the achievement of sustainable economic development in Africa and is closely linked to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals.


Left to right: Michael Foster, HE Berhanu Kebede, Ulla Tørnæs & Dr Mo Ibrahim

In her speech, the minister presented some of the key recommendations springing from the work of the Africa Commission, including one of the most crucial concerns, namely the creation of employment for Africa's growing young population. The Africa Commission has worked to draw these issues to the attention of donors, African governments and essential Pan-African institutions.

Together with her fellow panelists, African entrepreneur and Member of the Africa Commission Dr. Mo Ibrahim and British minister for International Development Michael Foster, Ms Tørnæs inspired the ensuing debate on private sector development and entrepreneurship in Africa.

Despite being a very early morning activity the event gathered substantial attendance. The event thus provided an excellent platform for Minister to increase awareness on key Africa Commission recommendations amongst the London-based resource base on Africa.
During her short visit to London, Ms Tørnæs also gave an interview to BBC World Service which was broadcast all over Africa.

To hear a recording of the event, click this link: http://www.chathamhouse.org.uk/research/africa/research
_events/view/-/id/1349/