On April 13th and 14th 2012, Columbia University will hold its 9th African Economic Forum. The conference seeks to highlight opportunities and challenges through stimulating discussion, insights and strategies for a prosperous Africa. It is organized by three of Columbia University’s premiere graduate programs: Columbia Graduate School of Business, Columbia Law School, and Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, and is the only one of its kind at a top tier institution

This year’s theme is “Africa Reclaiming Africa”. Africa, for long, has been forced to accept the economic and socio-economic “status quo” as its future across its respective nations. Africa has been tied to foreign aid; subjected to decades-long, incumbent presidential rule in many countries; and dependent on natural resources to spur economic growth. The tide is now turning – residents are increasingly expressing the need for change while leaders and policy makers are pushing for self-sufficiency.

The 2012 AEF provides an exciting opportunity to celebrate the professionals, entrepreneurs, and financiers intimately involved with helping Africa reclaim Africa. It will feature speakers like Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank Governor of Nigeria, Omamore Boyo, the Deputy CEO of Oando Plc, Amina Salum Ali, the Ambassador to the US from the African Union.

For more information and registration, visit www.aef2012.com

*Courtesy of Columbia University's African Economic Forum