The 5th Annual Commonwealth Africa Summit (CAS) is going to take place in London from 12 – 15 March 2018, focusing on how to achieve shared prosperity and common good for Africans and how Africa’s growing youth population can transform the continent
More than 300 global thought leaders from Africa and other parts of the Commonwealth and friends of Africa are expected to attend the event.
Under the theme of common good, the summit seeks to promote the benefits and interests of all through improved collective action for the common good of humanity within and outside the commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit aims to provide an opportunity to contribute to reimagining what the continent might be, as well as an opportunity to network, strategise and mobilise valuable resources among the international leaders.
“Africa must leverage on its relationship with other parts of the world to enrich and develop her countries. Constituting the highest bloc of the commonwealth member countries undoubtedly provides a strategic advantage with a huge development potential that must be fully explored,” said Chad Blackman, co-chair of the 2018 Summit steering committee.
“More than two billion of the world’s seven billion people live within the commonwealth. With many of its member states still developing or yet to develop appreciably, the potential for the future is obvious if the trade and collaboration within the commonwealth is increased and this will be at the forefront of conversations in London,” Blackman added.
“The Summit will Feature a CAFI Forum on Africa Political Future. The Forum with the theme, Opening the space, taking the place is hosted as part of a series of conscious efforts and action plans to fulfil the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 of an Africa whose youth shall be socially, economically and politically empowered,” said Atieno Opondo, a senior member of the steering Committee.
The CAFI Forum will provide a high-level platform for dialogue on how African countries can create more space for younger people in elected public offices by formulating recommendations that will culminate into sustainable youth friendly policies and regulations. The forum will also provide a unique opportunity for youth leaders and aspiring young leaders in Africa to network and exchange views on Africa’s political future, while also creating a mentoring platform for the ageing African leaders to inspire a younger and better succession.
The Commonwealth Africa Summit is a high level, multi-stakeholder event that annually brings together government and business leaders from the Commonwealth and allies to facilitate dialogue and action on issues ranging from trade and investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, economic development, Security and counterterrorism, Energy and Power amongst other relevant issues in Africa.
