Global Stability and Insecurity Series: Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Completing its Global Stability and Insecurity Series, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia sets its sights on exploring economic development and trade in and with Sub-Saharan Africa.

Top diplomats from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana, as well as the President of the Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce, will explore issues affecting their nations, and what the future might hold for these developing economies. Rwanda is one of the fastest growing economies in Central Africa, and has set goals to transform the country from a low-income, agriculture-based economy to a knowledge-based, service-oriented economy with middle-income country status by 2020. The Democratic Republic of Congo, while still recovering from a series of conflicts in the 1990s, has launched sectoral reforms to strengthen governance and transparency in the extractive industries and to improve the business climate Ghana’s near term economic prospects are good but challenges remain. Overall GDP is projected to rebound, and is expected to be driven primarily by an increase in oil production, gold output, and cocoa production. Despite oftentimes troubled pasts, there is promise in the economic development of these nations, and others, in Sub-Saharan Africa, and their relationship with the United States and other nations around the world. Panelists include: H.E. Mathilde Mukantabana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to the United States of America H.E. Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States of America H.E. François Balumuene, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States of America Dr. Christine Martey-Ochola, President, Sub-Saharan Africa Chamber of Commerce Not a member of the World Affairs Council? Call Margaret Keenan at 215-561-4700 ext. 222 to take advantage of Membership for discounted tickets to programs.