The African Centre for Economic Development hosted the inaugural African Transformation Forum in collaboration with the host government, in Kigali, Rwanda.

From March 14th – 15th 2016, the International Centre for Leadership Development Nigeria (ICLDNG) joined with other civil society organizations, private sector representatives and government officials throughout Africa, in launching the new African Transformation Forum (ATF). ICLDNG was represented by its Executive Director, Felix Iziomoh.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning for Rwanda, Mr Claver Gatete, chaired the opening session, followed by Mr K.Y. Amoako, President of the African Center for Economic Transformation and Mr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The first objective of the forum was to facilitate knowledge-sharing and peer-learning across Africa between the public and private sectors.

The discussion fell into two categories: coordinated development and implementation of national development plans, catalyzing transformation within critical sectors, particularly extractives, manufacturing, agriculture, skills development, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, infrastructure and regional integration.

The second objective was to launch the Coalition for Transformation in Africa, a new leadership network organized in chapters, each addressing a specific area of economic development.
The President of Rwanda, His Excellency Mr Paul Kagame, was at the event and gave the keynote address on Day 2.

Speakers from international organizations, CSO’s, government and business sectors enriched the forum and learning process.