| Date: | March 26–27, 2010 |
| Location: | New York, NY, USA |
TrustAfrica’s executive director, Akwasi Aidoo, was the gala keynote speaker on Saturday night, March 27, at Columbia University’s seventh annual African Economic Forum in New York. The theme was “Africa Turning Golden: How a Continent is Moving Forward.”
The African Economic Forum is held annually at Columbia University. It is a joint initiative of the SIPA (School of International and Public Affairs) Pan-African Network, the African Business Club, and the African Law Students Association.
After seven years, the forum has grown to be the largest Africa-focused event at Columbia University. Each year, it strives to highlight opportunities and challenges through stimulating discussion, insights and strategies for a prosperous Africa. This year it will focus on the theme: “Africa Turning Golden: How a Continent is Moving Forward.”
Here is how the organizers described the event:
“Our generation has witnessed remarkable changes that revolutionized our thinking with respect to African growth and development. Today, we seek to highlight the rebirth of the beautiful African minds that have emerged as a result of these changes. Together we can engage, discuss, and propose new ways to build Africa’s new frontier and inspire the way we view economic sustainability on the continent.
“We are delighted to welcome you to Columbia University’s campus, in the heart of New York City, where dreams are born and this new African revolution begins. Our panelists and speakers are engaging, passionate, socially driven and entrepreneurial and prepared to address some of the most pressing questions facing Africa’s future. We invite you to celebrate with us throughout this year’s events, from engaging panels and keynote speeches to our exciting fashion show and closing gala. As part of our unique audience, your participation in this year’s forum will help continue to move Africa forward.”