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The following is a listing of events taking place in the UK and overseas this month. For further information, please contact the organisers directly.
1-2 October - Piracy and legal issues: reconciling public and private interests, Chatham House, London
Piracy off the Somali and West African coasts, and in South East Asia, continues to be a serious problem. Different actors – including governments, navies, ship owners and ship operators - have different interests in dealing with the problem. The conference will consider the legal constraints applicable to these different actors and seeks to give a voice to, and reconcile, the sometimes conflicting interests of governments and the commercial sector. The conference will be addressed by leading practitioners and experts in these areas, but it will be fully participatory and set against a running 'true to life' scenario, with ample time for discussion.
Speakers include: Rudiger Wolfrum, former President of ITLOS, Agustin Blanco-Bazan, IMO, Ronny Govinden, Attorney General of the Seychelles, Ambassador Hiruy Amanuel, IGAD, Stephen Askins, Ince and Co. There will be a charge of £375 (£175 for government departments, NGOs and Chatham House members) for this conference.
5-6 October - Mining and Mineral Processing Optimization, Johannesburg, South Africa
With Trainer, Gerald Whittle, Managing Director, Whittle Consulting Pty Ltd, Australia, the course is designed for mining and mineral processing executives, senior managers, technical staffs and consultants – anyone who makes decisions that affect the mining and mineral processing value chain.
It is suitable for senior managers who wish to understand the drivers of value in their business and identify existing opportunities for enhancing performance and for technical staff who wish to apply these techniques in their work. Targeted job roles include: Mining Managers, Mining Engineers, Mining Analysts, Geologists, Process Engineers, Resource Managers/Analysts, Ore Resource Managers, Mine Planners, Plant Managers, Metallurgists, Project managers and other mining professionals involved in feasibility studies, development or operations.
www.salvoglobal.com/mining.asp
8 October onwards – Not Black and White, The Tricycle Theatre, London
Three Black playwrights look at the state of Britain at the end of the first decade of the 21st century. The 3 plays: Category B by Roy Williams, Seize the Day by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Detaining Justice by Bola Agbaje.
This autumn The Tricycle is offering Not Black and White - a season of three new plays by three of our finest contemporary playwrights. Bola Agbaje, Kwame Kwei-Armah & Roy Williams offer perspectives on the nation at the end of the noughties. The season runs from 8 October until 19 December. Not Black & White
9 October - Africa International: agency and interdependency in a changing world, Chatham House, London
A Chatham House Africa Programme Conference in collaboration with BISA Africa and International Studies Working Group.
This workshop will explore African political agency in the international system and the ways in which African state and non-state actors shape a range of interdependent relationships between Africa, the UK and other western powers. It will bring together scholars working in the field of International Studies and UK-based policy makers in order to highlight the contributions that leading academic research can make to our understandings of African agency in the international system and the key UK foreign policy concerns that are raised.
Entry to this workshop is open to experts and interested individuals upon application to the email address below. Places are limited & Chatham House reserves the right to restrict access to any of its meetings without notice or explanation. If you would like to attend please email Tighisti Amare at tamare@chathamhouse.org.uk stating your name and affiliation.
Coming Up...
2-4 November - Retail Banking Africa 2009, Cairo, Egypt
With a population of over 900 million people, Africa is certainly the land of opportunities for retail banks. From people in the low income sector to the high net worth individual, Africa has it all for making a profitable retail banking business.
Jacob Fleming presents its inaugural retail banking conference in Africa as Retail Banking Africa 2009. The event's theme is "Building Africa's most Lucrative Retail Bank". The event brings together over 80 retail bankers from the Africa's leading retail banks giving them a platform to discuss on key issues as addressed above. This is also a platform where overseas banks can cash in an opportunity to expand their networks into Africa's emerging markets and especially target that unbanked population.
Jacob Fleming welcomes senior retail bankers from Africa to the region's first dedicated retail banking conference Retail Banking Africa 2009 to explore trends and opportunities in becoming Africa's leading retail bank.
Key speakers include Dr. Cecilia Ibru, Group Managing Director & CEO Oceanic Bank International, Nigeria, Ebrahim (Ebi) Ahmed Patel, Chief Executive Officer FNB & WesBank Islamic Finance, South Africa, Najmul Hassan, Chief Executive Officer Gulf African Bank, Kenya, Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, Managing Director & CEO Jaiz International Inc., Nigeria, Terry Moodley, Chief Executive / Personal & Business Banking, Africa, Standard Bank Group, South Africa, Thandeka Mbabama, Managing Executive / Entry Level Banking ABSA Bank, South Africa.
T: +971 4 609 1581 F: +971 4 609 1589 E: anthony.permal@fleminggulf.com
http://www.jacobfleming.com/conferences/Retail-Banking-Africa-2009
10 October - Third Annual 2009 Woodson Barrow Role Model Luncheon, London
In celebration of Carter G. Woodson 'The Father of Black History' and Dame Jocelyn Barrow OBE c-a-n-i Academy presents the third annual 2009 Woodson Barrow Role Model Luncheon. The 2009 Woodson Barrow Role Model Luncheon will bring together various speakers and individuals who have one thing in common - they are all successful adults. The young people who attend the event will mix and socialise with celebrities and successful people in their respective fields. Role models who will motivate and inspire the young people present to strive for success.
To see a video review and pictures from the 2008 luncheon click here http://www.theacademycic.com/2008review.htm
10 October – Annual Black Women in Business Gala Awards, World Trade Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The organization is celebrating their fifth anniversary and has changed the name of the organization to Ethnic Business Women Netherlands (EZVN). The prime minister of the Netherlands and his wife will attend the awards ceremony and celebrate with the EZVN its achievements.
The event is attended by many well – known celebrities from the political world as well as by several ambassadors. Many top Dutch businesses, that have diversity as a priority, are also represented. Besides a packed programme full of entertainment with top artists and an extensive dinner, you will have the opportunity to network and to establish contacts with many distinguished professionals from the United States, Great Britain and France.
For the past five years EZVN has grown to be the platform of black female entrepreneurs and the expert on diversity for the government and the business world in the Netherlands. With the cooperation of several European female network organisations, with a common membership of more than 5,000 women, the organisation tries to create greater accessibility for all black women in business across the world, enabling even more positive social and economic contributions to the GDP of their respective countries. In order to improve, stimulate and support the importance of woman’s networking, another aim of the EZVN is to connect Black Women Business Networks globally through a virtual network platform. To book:
10-11 October - Options and Issues in Global Development Course, Dublin, Ireland
A two-day workshop for people interested in volunteering overseas in a developing country. This workshop provides a chance for those thinking of volunteering overseas or working for global development to meet with others and consider the options available. The sessions will explore:
The course will be facilitated by a group of returned development workers. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet with returned volunteers and development workers. The workshop is participatory and is designed to explore the issues in a way that will encourage action on development issues from a justice and equality perspective. Venue: Irish Aid Centre, O'Connell Street. Booking: Download a copy of the booking form here or for more information, please contact Kate at 01- 478 3490 or email kate@comhlamh.org.
11-13 October – Human Capital Innovation in Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals 2009, Cairo, Egypt
In the face of the global economic slowdown and oil price shocks, whether your organization is either thinking about or has initiated layoffs, downsizing, rightsizing, staff cuts, or managed redundancy, for the first time in the history, it is human capital that is linked to the success of organizations. The quality of people and the competencies of the future will be critical factors in corporate vitality and survival of organizations.
Fleming Gulf "Human Capital Innovation in Oil, Gas & Petrochem 2009" is an ideal opportunity for the industry and HR leaders to put heads together to carve out a mutually acceptable strategy to sail through these troubled times virtually unaffected and strong. The forum will equip industry leaders and HR professional with the armory to deal with the people related issues raised by current economic turmoil. It will also expose you to innovative methodologies and instrument that will address short-term imbalances and build strong foundations for long-term prospects.
http://www.jacobfleming.com/conferences/hr/Human%20Capital%20Africa-1-1
13 October - The Different Leaders Annual Global Conference, London
The Different Leaders Annual Global Conference is set to be a high impact, interactive leadership conference with phenomenal speakers and facilitators from around the world.
Diversity remains a high agenda topic for businesses in the private and public sector with a real desire to make change. This conference aims to bring together key leaders and managers of global talent, diversity and HR, with Different Leaders - Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Leaders - from the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA, to discuss, explore, engage and build successful 21st century high performing inclusive organisations.
The Different Leaders Annual Global Conference will serve to raise your game and skillfully using your unique strengths as a Different Leader to deliver results, share experiences, learning from and having access to a global network of successful Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Leaders, inspire Leadership excellence, developing drive, self belief and motivation and understand how best to lead the ‘majority’ as a Different Leader, create high performing inclusive organisations, where diverse talent is valued, led and empowered to maximise organisational success, influence and shape Young Different Leaders – the next generation and seek inspiration from Different Leaders, be challenged by your peer group, explore opportunities to do business, connect and find evidence of good practice to take back to your organisation.
http://www.dlaglobalconference.com
15 October - INGO Aid Funded Business Workshops, London
SMEs can tap into the aid-funded market, as well as large multinationals. In fact, there are a number of programmes that seek to foster economic co-operation via investment and partnerships, and that are specifically aimed at SMEs.
Such programmes offer assistance to enable a firm to explore whether a market is a viable place to set up a joint venture or another form of partnership. Many SMEs have found aid-funded business a good way of establishing a foothold in a new market, with mitigated risk. The opportunities are very real and allow many SMEs to increase their overseas growth. Some of the barriers to entry into developing markets are also more easily overcome through aid-funding. What do I get out of these workshops? A clear understanding of what Aid Funded Business is all about, Workshops are run by experts in the business, Practical help in getting started, and Opportunities to be part of consortiums.
15-18 October – Vinspired Lake of Stars Festival 2009, Malawi
This year, Lake of Stars is being sponsored by v, The National Young Volunteers Service. Vinspired Lake of Stars enters its sixth year and is again set to be one of the most talked about festivals on the global music scene. From a simple idea to promote tourism in a part of the world little heard of and to unite diverse musical and cultural backgrounds, the event has established itself as one of the most respected projects of its kind.
The four day festival, which will be located at the stunning Nkopola Lodge on the southern shores of Lake Malawi, promotes Malawian artists and provides travellers and locals alike with the opportunity to enjoy fantastic live music in an exotic and beautiful location whilst directly contributing to the country's economy. For many the festival is the focal point of travelling around this beautiful part of Africa, forming part of an itinerary spanning across what Malawi has to offer. This is an experience for those ready for a real adventure; an event that brings together music-lovers from all over the world to one of the most stunning locations imaginable – from dusty towns and isolated rural villages to the majestic peaks of Mount Mulanje, over to the stunning Lake Malawi itself, shimmering in the evening sunlight, and vast rolling landscapes of raw and untouched beauty. For more info: www.vinspired.com
Coming Up...
2-6 November – Africa Oil Week, Cape Town, South Africa
The 16th Annual Africa Oil Week 2009 is the world's largest and most significant exploration and development event on Africa for the global oil exploration and gas-LNG industry Calendar, with key African Government decision-makers, State and National Oil Company delegations, with senior oil executives drawn from across the African oil and gas value chain.
This is the global event par excellence, consistently acclaimed on the industry's international calendar. As the premier management event in and for the African Continent, Africa Oil Week stands apart as the foremost deal making environment for the African exploration business.
Register your Delegate participation now at:
http://www.petro21.com/events/index.cfm?id=454
&CFID=875990&CFTOKEN=86327935
20-21 October – E Commerce Exp, London
E Commerce Expo is largest event in the UK that's dedicated to selling online. We've moved to Earls Court so that everything is on one floor and you get FREE entry to the entire conference programme when you visit. With over 130 exhibiting companies and FREE entry to all conference sessions, E Commerce Expo will update you on everything that's new in e-commerce in just a few hours.
There will be over 130 exhibiting companies including Bazaarvoice, Coremetrics, Email Vision, Finansec, Gomez, Home Delivery Networks, Maginus Software, PayPal, Sitemakers, Tamba Internet, Webcredible.....and many more. Companies speaking at the conference include Thorntons Chocolates, ebay, Hilton Hotels, Ministry of Sound, IBM, Lastminute.com, Argos....and more. Don't miss out on Googles' University sessions which will be taking place on both days of the exhibition. There is a lot to see and a lot to learn at E Commerce Expo!
https://www.ecommerceexpo.co.uk
22-23 October – China Africa Business Summit 2009, Cape Town, South Africa
China over the last decade has become the key development partner to many nations in Africa and is having a visible impact upon economic growth across the continent. As well as enhancing bilateral trade between Africa and China The Summit will endeavor to bring the successful relationship currently existing between Chinese and African governments down to businesses in Africa in the form of Joint Ventures, Private Public Partnerships, Agencies, Project Finance, Skill and Technology Transfers and major and minor investments including into SMEs.
The Summit kicks off with an Opening Gala Dinner which features a line-up of esteemed business leaders, including an address by President Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa and business leaders from both continents.
The Summit will feature six plenary sessions focusing on important issues challenging development in Africa including the continent's participation in the global economy. There will also be 2 Panel Discussions between Chinese business leaders and political and business leaders from Africa looking at the impact of Chinese investment upon development in Africa, China Africa Trade Relations, Capacity for new Chinese investment in specific sectors, Systems to monitor and publish Chinese investments on a national basis which could be used as a guide for other African countries seeking similar input. http://www.mbendi.com/corpafrica/events
23 October - Electric Africa, Annual Seminar of the Association for Black Engineers UK (AFBE-UK), London
The Association for Black Engineers UK (AFBE-UK) holds its annual seminar hosted by The Ernst & Young Black Network (EYBN) at Ernst & Young, London.
This seminar is to discuss sustainable development in Africa in relation to energy supply. The debate aims to identify the current challenges as well as the potential opportunities for development of the power industry in Africa. The focal point will be to discuss economic viable solutions affordable to the African society.
Keynote speakers for the evening are Patrick Clarke, Director of Connections at EDF energy, Dr Peter Mason, Technical Director for international dams and hydro power and Mark Tomlinson, senior Fellow at the World Economic Forum’s Energy Poverty Action. An introductory speech on Energy will be delivered by Patrick Clarke. Dr Peter Mason will review the topic from an engineering perspective and Mark Tomlinson from an investment and finance perspective.
24 October - Zimbabwe Business & Investments Conference UK 2009, Coventry, UK
The Zimbabwe Business and Investments Conference UK 2009, hosted by the Zimbabwe Investor Magazine, is aimed at exploring business and investments opportunities in Zimbabwe as the country positions itself as one of the leading emerging economies especially coming out of the global recession.
The Zimbabwe Business & Investments Conference UK 2009 is a one day event on the 24th of October 2009. 
The event's panel of speakers will cover the various sectors of the economy combining expert business and investment opinions with specific opportunity presentations. Delegates are as such expected to leave with enough to make well informed decisions.
The Zimbabwe Investor Magazine is sponsoring a business association for Zimbabwean owned Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom, The British Zimbabwean Enterprise Council (BZEC). The association will have its official launch at the Zimbabwe Business & Investments Conference being hosted by Zimbabwe Investor Magazine in the UK West Midlands city of Coventry on the 24th of October 2009. http://www.zimbabwebic.org
26 October - 2nd SCORE4africa Awards, London
The SCORE4Africa awards celebrate the huge contribution football makes to African development. The inaugural SCORE4Africa awards were held at the House of Lords on Thursday 16th October 2008.
African footballers contribute through remittances, investments, charity support, peace work, and financial support of their extended families and communities. Football (and sport) contributes by cementing social and national cohesion, providing employment, helping in education and skills training provision, and providing inspiration and joy.
SCORE4Africa will also facilitate the creation of a new alliance, emphasising the role of the wider African Diaspora, for the continent. 'The beautiful game' is Africa's pre-eminent sport, a universal language that brings people together. In the build up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - a global sporting event of immense significance-African footballers are important ambassadors for how football is changing the world for the better. http://www.score4africa.org
27-29 October – Bioenergy Markets West Africa, Ghana
The inaugural Bioenergy Markets West Africa conference and exhibition will bring together key players from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region with global industry experts. This event is a new edition to the Bioenergy Markets Series which is now in its 4th year and has been attended by over 6000 high calibre delegates to date.
Attend to: Gain an in depth understanding of the West African bioenergy market, understand the policy support and stage of development in each country, learn which bioenergy feedstocks are available in each country, listen to experts share their predictions on future market growth and identify investment opportunities in the region. Participate in a series of interactive panel discussions and help shape this fast moving market.
http://www2.greenpowerconferences.co.uk/v8-12/
Prospectus/Index.php?sEventCode=BF0910GH
28-29 October – Investing in sub-Saharan Africa, Abuja, Nigeria
While there is an Economic slowdown globally, capital is flowing into sub-Saharan Africa in an unprecedented scale. The economies are currently experiencing robust growth, reinforced by an increasing interest from international investors. It’s hardly surprising that sub-Saharan Africa is seeing a dramatic increase in funds being raised for investment there. Sub-Saharan Africa will see more focus from the financial sectors.
Investing in sub-Saharan Africa Forum will identify where the opportunities lie and provide a platform for investors, financers & government officials to augment African trade and investment, and to build new business partnerships. The focus of the Forum will be on strengthening linkages between economies in order to promote new investment.
Key speakers include Jorim Schraven, Manager Financial Institutions, Africa Finance for Development (FMO), Netherlands, Dr. Peter Ankrah, Director - New Business, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana, David Dimiba, Portfolio Manager, Africa Renaissance Capital, UK and Herve Assah, Country Manager, African Development Bank, Nigeria.
http://www.jacobfleming.com/conferences/
Investments/West/Africa/-1-1
30 October – You're Beautiful, Woman! - Dinner and Book Launch of 'Vicissitude' with Helen Tucker, Luton
Helen Tucker will be talking about her new book ‘VICISSITUDE’ and giving tribute to those who have been successful in their careers.
PLUS!! Helen will be launching her acclaimed award winning Career Development Programme™ one of the fastest-growing career coaching programmes that has been making an impact since 1996. Join her for an evening of inspiration, motivation, & networking. Ticket £15 inclusive of food and signed copy of her book!
http://urbeautifulwoman.ning.com/events/dinner-book-launch-of
31 October – RECON Community Leaders Awards, Bernie Grant Arts Centre, London
The RECON award was initiated in the year 2004 to recognise and encourage dedicated and hard working people within the communities. The unique aspect of this year's event is that it is being organised as one of the Diaspora initiatives aimed at supporting the Obama Presidency as it deepens its engagement with Africa in its quest for a global mandate.
Hon. David Lammy MP, is supporting this event. DJ Abrantee of Choice FM will be host MC. Previous recipients of this Award have been: Baroness Valerie Amos- First Black Woman Cabinet Minister; and Leader of the House of Lords, Nicky Gavron- Former Deputy Mayor, Isaac Osei – Former Ghana High Commissioner to the UK & Northern Ireland, Kwame Kwei-Armah - Playwright & Actor, among others.
Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach, Road, London N15 4RX at 7pm-11pm.
October 31 – British Nigeria Law Forum Gala Dinner & Dance, London
The British Nigeria Law Forum is holding a Gala Dinner & Dance. The special guests of honour include His Excellency, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida OFR, Nigeria High Commissioner to the Court of St. James and The Honourable Olasupo Shasore SAN Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Nigeria. The event starts with a drinks reception, followed by a 3-course Caribbean dinner and entertainment. Start Time: Saturday, October 31 at 6:00pm.
For more details and to book: http://bnlfgaladinner.eventbrite.com/?ref=elink
For further information, please contact the organisers directly.
PLEASE NOTE: ReConnect Africa accepts no responsibility for any of the events described above and/or any dealings with the event organisers.
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