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Seminar:

AFRICAN INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS: UNLOCKING GROWTH POTENTIALS IN AFRICA

Date: 13 December, 2006

Venue: ACP secretariat, 451, Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

Programme:  click here to download the programme

Presentations:  >>> more

Highlights:  >>> more

Recent history continues to show that Africans from the continent and Africans in the diaspora are making incredible and fascinating contributions in all sectors of industry and society.  Against all odds, many continue to master the art of innovation and exceptional creativity while constantly developing and producing the best products, techniques and practices crucial for the economic and social growth of Africa and the international community.  Despite the increase in achievements it appears that the terms “African” and “Innovation” or “Invention” is still incompatible.  

Lack of support and in many cases lack of awareness stifles invention, innovation and impoverishes the economic growth of many African countries.   Join us as we feature a diversity of leaders with thought provoking & cutting-edge dialogue on invention and innovation for Africa.

 This seminar will seek effective action points to bridge the gaps that hamper the progress of invention and innovation for Africa. The seminar will also seek to provide a platform for recognition of inventors and innovators of African origin that are presently making discoveries, inventions and innovative contributions in diverse sectors for the benefit of Africa and the international community.   

Distinguished Speakers include:

•  Dr Seyi Oyesola, of Global Medical Systems, co-inventor of the "hospital-in-a-box" - solar-powered portable operating theatre which can be set up within 10 minutes and can also run on pedal power and be used in developing countries and disaster zones.

• Dr Alexandra Graham, of LaGray Chemical Company, the inventor and pharmaceutical executive with an outstanding commitment to pioneering a sustainable approach to self-sufficient drug manufacturing, distribution and quality control to help solve Africa’s healthcare problems. (tbc)

• Beatrice Gakuba, of Rwanda Flora, the innovative floriculturist with her vision to reduce poverty in her native country, Rwanda. Beatrice’s thriving flower farm and rose export business has grown into creating jobs for over 200 rural women in Rwanda.

• Alfred Watkins, of the World bank is currently the Science and Technology program director,  responsible for the banks efforts to boost the science and technology capacity of developing countries.

• Harry De Backer is an international official working for the European Commission (Brussels, Belgium) where he is responsible, within the European Development Fund, for new technologies. This includes ICT, Science and Technology, Space applications and earth observation.

• Andre Heitz, is the Director of the Brussels office of the World International Property Organisation (WIPO)

• Daan Dutoit is a minister at the South African Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, responsible for science and technology activities.

• Dr. John Kakule is an expert at the ACP secretariat (Brussels, Belgium) on Education, Science, Technology, Information technology, health and Employment.

 Discussions will focus on: 

• Access to Knowledge Transfer

• Intellectual Property Management & Exploitation

• Access To Finance, Investment & Equity for African inventions and innovations

 Who should attend?

• Members of the African Diaspora

• Representatives of international, academic and diplomatic institutions

• Representatives of civil society groups

• Media & Think Tanks

• Policy Makers, Relevant Government Departments and Agencies

• Entrepreneurs from all Sectors

• Intellectual Property Organisations

• Private & Public sector organisations

• Banks, Financial Institutions, Investment and Manufacturing Companies

• Education Institutions, Researchers and Academics

 Venue: ACP Group Secretariat, 451 Avenue Georges Henri, 1200 Brussels, Belgium

 Date:   13th December, 2006                    

 Time:  14h - 18hrs

 Organisers:

This conference is being organised in collaboration with Global Women Innovators and Inventors Network, London (www.gwiin.org)

 For more information please contact:

Vincent Okele, African Axis.

Tel: +32 2 2533008 s Fax: +32 2 2533931

Email: vinokele@africanaxis.org

      Or

 Bola Olabisi, Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network

Tel: +44 20 85919964 Email: office@gwiin.com 

To register for this event: Download the registration form