World Economic Forum on Africa Keywords:, Ethiopia, New York Forum-Africa, Gabon

Two major international events took place on the African continent in the first half of 2012. These are the next World Economic Forum on Africa (WEFA) in Addis Ababa (May 9-11) and the first New York Forum Africa (NYFA) in Libreville (June 8-10). They attracted participants not only from African countries, but also from other regions of the world: hundreds of political and public figures, political scientists, economists, financiers and experts from dozens of countries. Discussions focused on the present and future of Africa, its place and role in modern processes in the global world.

International political and business circles are increasingly discussing the continent's development trends. The organizers of both conferences note that Africa is on the verge of radical economic transformation. African business leaders and politicians see Africa as a continent of great new opportunities and believe that this region can become one of the world's poles of economic development in the future.

Statistics show that the " African lions "are trying to catch up with the"Asian tigers" in terms of economic growth. After a period of deceleration during the crisis years, African economies are now showing signs of recovery. Moreover, the source of acceleration in a number of countries is not only and not so much raw material exports. The contribution of agricultural production, manufacturing, construction, trade and services to GDP is becoming increasingly large. In Africa, among the leaders in GDP growth in 2011-2012 are Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia. On average for the continent, from 3.4% (2011 estimate), it is projected to reach 4.5% in 2012 and 4.8% in ^2013.1 These are relatively favorable indicators against the background of the overall difficult situation in the global economy.

However, if we take into account the annual population growth of about 2%, the increase in GDP per capita in Africa will be insignificant - by 2.5% in 2012-2013. For many countries of the Black continent, improving the economic situation will not mean eliminating the gap between developed countries and overcoming poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy, and is unlikely to ensure the achievement of the "Millennium Development Goals" proclaimed by UN member States and international organizations and especially relevant for the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.²

At the same time, the African continent is both a huge labor force and natural resources, which gives an impetus to the inflow of investment in the future and further development of the region. It is important that the increase in industrial production, intensification in the agricultural sector, economic growth and structural transformation of the agricultural system in Africa are accompanied by measures to protect the environment, the introduction of "clean", "green" technologies. ³

These tasks are difficult to complete, but they need to be solved. These issues were discussed at international forums in Addis Ababa and Libreville.

"AFRICAN DAVOS "

The World Economic Forum on Africa is one of the regional offshoots of the Davos Forum and is held as a preparatory stage before the annual meetings in Switzerland. The WEFA for Africa is organized in different countries of the continent. This year it was held for the 22nd time, and the venue was the capital of Ethiopia-the country, so-

However, in recent years, the economy has shown rapid growth. The summit in Addis Ababa is dedicated to discussing the ongoing economic, political and social transformations in Africa. The main topics of the forum are ways of economic development and investment in the African continent. The agenda also includes issues related to job creation, good governance and the environment.

WEF Africa Project Manager Elsie Kanza (Tanzania) expressed the hope that the forum's discussions would help to reflect on the political, economic and social progress that has been made in Africa in recent years. Progress that needs to be used to generate new ideas and an action plan to ensure continued sustainable, inclusive growth.

In 2012, the WEF for Africa gathered over 700 participants from 70 countries - representatives of business, government agencies, civil society, academia, the media, and artists. The forum was attended by the heads of several States and Governments: Nigeria, Gabon, Djibouti, Gambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe. World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Abdouli Janne, Chairman of the African Union Commission Jean Ping, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Rajiv Shah came to Addis Ababa from among the world's political and economic heavyweights. Minister of International Cooperation, Head of the Canadian International Development Agency (USA) Beverly Oda, Minister of Agriculture of Saudi Arabia Fahd bin Abdurrahman bin Suleiman.

Five of the forum's seven co-chairs are African. These are prominent political and public figures Ghanaian Kofi Annan, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Rwandan Donald Kaberuka, Chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Monla Hlala, Executive Director of the international insurance group Prudential plc Ivorian Tidjan Thiam and a native of Ethiopia Bekele Geleta, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The forum was also co-chaired by Deputy Chairman of the China Investment Corporation Gao Siqing (China) and President of Walmart Stores Doug McMillon (USA)⁴.

The summit in Addis Ababa was attended by WEF Founder and President Klaus Schwab. He expressed very figuratively his feelings about the change in the general mood prevailing in Africa over the past two decades - "from cynicism, which was replaced by skepticism, and then realism, to the current pragmatic optimism."

Many influential politicians and economists, however, point out that Africa still faces acute, unresolved problems, and economic growth is not a panacea for the ills that plague the continent. The head of the AfDB, D. Kaberuka, insists that economic growth must be accompanied by structural changes in the economy, without which African countries will remain vulnerable to external shocks.⁵

The forum focused on the need to focus states ' efforts on developing the health care system, education and support for the younger generation, and creating more favorable conditions for small and medium-sized businesses. The critical problems of poverty and income inequality were addressed. One of the main ideas expressed at the summit is that Africans must take responsibility for their future, for the fate of the continent, and it is necessary to raise a new generation of leaders from among young Africans.

Within the framework of EEF-2012, 26 sections were organized, where a wide range of issues were discussed. One of the sections was devoted to African leaders, the role that they can and should play in the fight against inequality, poverty, corruption, in the processes of regional integration, and in positioning Africa on the world stage. The main participants of the meeting were Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (now deceased), Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Nigerian President Good Luck Jonathan and Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula. They agreed that honesty, foresight, clear priorities, responsibility, and perseverance are the qualities that make it possible for them to be successful.

a modern leader must be present so that the country can adequately respond to challenges, overcome structural problems and achieve sustainable development.

The section presented traditionally relevant ideas for Africa concerning the role of the leader in the modern political process.

Meles Zenaoui said that the country's leader should be ready to say " no "when making a decision that does not meet the long-term interests of the state and the continent as a whole:"it is impossible to please everyone...".

Ali Bongo Ondimba noted that to create a strong economy, first of all, it is necessary to build strong state institutions. At the same time, another important task should not be relegated to the background - the formation of "one nation with one goal" within the state...We, as Africans, need to work together to create a unified Africa, but one that consists not of weak States, but of strong ones... To achieve this, leaders must not put themselves above the law, but must obey it."

Goodluck Jonathan made an important addition, referring to the continuing trends in a number of African countries towards turning the power of the head of state into authoritarian regimes: "Sometimes our leaders put themselves and their interests above the interests of the state, and some leaders remain in power for too long... You need to have enough courage and strength to work for the good of the country."

Nahas Angoula reminded that African States and their leaders still face difficult challenges. One of them is " the actions of external forces trying to undermine African leadership. We are talking about transformation... but there are still fundamental problems that we have not yet solved. Our colleagues want us to remain exporters of raw materials and importers of finished products. We want to be treated fairly... Trade should be mutually beneficial..."⁶.

For most countries of the continent, the current topic is the efficient use of natural resources. As noted at the Addis Ababa Forum, 70% of export revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa come from natural resources, such as oil, metals, and minerals. It was suggested that Governments and mining companies should be aware of their social responsibility. While managing the revenues generated from the export of raw materials, the leaders of African States should invest these funds in diversifying the economy and creating a broad base for subsequent sustainable growth.⁷

However, the downside of rapid economic growth is the depletion of natural resources and damage to nature. Therefore, it was quite logical for the forum participants to address the topic of environmental protection. The problem of depletion of natural resources, as well as environmental problems, is faced by both agrarian Ethiopia and Gabon, which is rich in minerals and forests. The Gabonese President believes that finding a balance between economic development and environmental protection is a top priority for Africa.⁸ Of course, these issues could not be ignored, especially on the eve of the Rio+20 conference (June 20-22, 2012, Rio de Janeiro), dedicated to sustainable development and environmental issues. Ecology also became one of the topics at the New York Forum-Africa, which was held in the capital of Gabon.

GREEN GABON

The NIFA in Libreville turned out to be no less representative than the meeting in the capital of Ethiopia. Over 600 guests from more than 50 countries gathered in Gabon: influential experts, economists, businessmen, politicians and statesmen. Among them are representatives from Benin, Mali, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, China, the United States, France, Canada and other countries, as well as from the African Union and the UN.

The New York Forum organizer, entrepreneur Richard Attias, a specialist in PR and hosting major international events, and one of the founders of the Davos Forum, called Africa a" continent of Opportunities". "Even

Given the difficulties faced by some countries, this economic growth cannot be denied. Enterprises of the Old and New Worlds, which are currently facing big problems, may find a platform for development and growth in Africa, " he said.⁹

NYFA organizers presented the results of the forum's discussions in the form of a declaration - a kind of" roadmap "or" laboratory of ideas " - to the G20 summit in Mexico (June 18-20, 2012).

The main issues raised during the Libreville forum are generally similar to those discussed a month earlier in Addis Ababa: ensuring sustainable economic development and better governance, educating young African leaders, and creating a new attractive image of Africa in the world. Among the key topics of discussion are economic growth ("this is a reality, not a myth", as the summit organizers have repeatedly noted) in African countries, finance, business models, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, natural resources, energy, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, "human capital", urbanization, regional integration, Africa's relations with the United States and China, foreign investment, security and governance challenges, a new generation in politics and business, and the role of the African diaspora in contemporary processes on the continent ¹⁰.

The host of the forum, Gabon, is officially positioned as a stable and resource-rich country with a fast-growing economy, "ripe" for investment. The Government has developed the "le Gabon Emergent" program, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on raw materials, improve the competitiveness of industry and services, and make the country attractive to investors. Among the main points of this plan are the conservation of biological diversity and the development of ecotourism ("Green Gabon"), as well as the development of health, higher education and science, media and information technology. ¹¹

Thanks to the 2012 African international forums, the host countries of Ethiopia and Gabon have received widespread and intense attention.

But at the same time, the forums were another informational occasion for critical statements, in particular, against the leader of Gabon - Ali Bongo Ondimba. Opponents of the Gabonese leader focus not only on the country's acute environmental problems, but also criticize the very fact that the summit is being held in Libreville, which, in their opinion, is only a large-scale and expensive PR exercise that has nothing to do with the real needs of Gabon.¹²

Moreover, the format of meetings such as those held in Addis Ababa and Libreville raises questions among some observers about the concrete results, the real benefits of these forums for specific regions and States, and how much the roadmaps and recommendations developed at these conferences are in demand.

In response to the skeptics, Ali Bongo Ondimba said:: "Contrary to the opinion of those who consider such gatherings nothing more than casual tourism, we were actually able to exchange views and provide important opportunities for businesses in our country... All of this is in the best interests of the Gabonese people. " ¹³

In general, it seems that the holding of such major international events indicates a constant and growing interest in the African continent, the expansion of the agenda, the range of topics and issues raised in connection with Africa at the global level. This growing focus on Africa's challenges and prospects is also a reflection of the intense competition for influence on the continent between the European Union, the United States, and China.

Both WEFA and the New York Forum-Africa are prestigious venues for meetings, exchange of ideas and dialogue. But the choice of venue for their holding every time and this year is not accidental. It is a symbol of recognition of the fact that both Ethiopia and Gabon play an important role in the system of international relations in the region.

¹ African Economic Outlook 2012 -http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/en/o utlook/forecast/

^{Matsenko I. B.} 2 Africa: Implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (part 1) / / Asia and Africa Today. 2012, N 8.

³ Economic Development in Africa Report 2012 - http://unctad.org/en/Publications-Library/aldcafrica2012_embargo_en.pdf

⁴ Over 700 Leaders from 70 Countries will Convene this Week in Ethiopia www.weforum.org/related-news/103926

⁵ Opening of World Economic Forum on Africa Declares Continent Needs to Prioritize Economic Transformation - www.weforum.org/related-news/103926

⁶ Africa's Leadership - www.weforum.org/events/ world-economic- forum-africa-2012?idsessions=103926

⁷ Beyond Minerals: Africa's Future Economy - http://www.weforum.org/events/ world-economic-forum-africa-2012?idsessions -103926

⁸ Africa's Green Agenda http://www.weforum.org/sessions/summary/ africas-green-agenda

⁹ Will Africa save the business world? -http://ru.euronews.com/2012/06/09/confere nce-aims-to-boost-business-in-africa/

¹⁰ NYFA G20 Declaration http://www.ny-forum-africa.com/en/nyfa-declaration

¹¹ About Gabon - http://www.ny-forum-africa.com/en/about-gabon

¹² Leading Gabonese activists arrested over forum protest - http://news.yahoo.com/ leading-gabon-activists-arrested-over-forum-protest-t45824232.html

¹³ New-York Forum Africa: le succes serait au rendez-vous... - http://gabonreview. com/blog/new-york-forum-africa-le-succes-serait-au-rendez-vous-dapres-les-organisa -teurs/#axzz1yQEnVT1E

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