What's on in March? Listing of events and activities.

The following is a listing of events taking place in the UK and overseas this month. For further information, please contact the organisers directly.

Commonwealth Technologies, the technology & outsourcing focused arm of the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), is delighted to present the first ever Africa Outsourcing Summit on March 2-3, 2009 at the Royal Automobile Club in London, UK.

The Summit comes at a very important time as the world of outsourcing is going through a major change. According to a recent McKinsey report, the global outsourcing market in 2008 is estimated to be worth USD 150bn with a potential of double that. Whilst there are dominant nations in the outsourcing arena such as India, Philippines, Mexico, and China etc there is a strong case emerging for African nations.

With vastly improved connectivity; proximity to key markets; multi-lingual skills; lower wage costs and suitable time-zones many African nations are now vying for a share of the global outsourcing business. This Summit, which is being organised alongside with CBC’s flagship Africa Business Forum July 4-5, will offer a platform to many such nations to showcase their attractiveness to European companies that are currently looking to expand their outsourcing options. To register: http://aos2008.eventbrite.com/

Do you live in London or plan to visit?

Check out the latest events happening across the City this month:

Amongst the ruins of the global financial system many prominent investment professionals are looking to Africa to produce the returns they need to keep ahead of the crowd in 2009. To address this need, specialist, Africa-head quartered fund managers Coronation are holding an exclusive half-day Africa Investment Conference to discuss opportunities in the equity markets of Africa.

This event is free to prospective investors and features a panel discussion and industry specialist speakers as well as a buffet lunch. "Over the past few years Africa's economies have enjoyed dynamic but also stable and sustainable development," says Coronation CEO Hugo Nelson. "Political and economic progress has occurred in a variety of areas, pointing toward a sustainable trend. History may show us that with many economies continuing to grow through domestic demand, the effects of the current global financial crisis may have been exaggerated in African equity prices. Regardless of one's short-term views, I am sure our conference will be a terrific opportunity for investors seeking to learn more about Africa as an investment destination." If you are interested in attending this event please follow this link to request an invitation.

The UK Higher Education International Unit and i-graduate, with the support of Universities UK and UKTI, present the second in the series of 'Rethinking Higher Education' conferences: Attracting International Research Students: Strategy and Practice. The conference will focus on the strategic importance of international research students to the HE sector and will assess how universities can position themselves to attract the brightest and best students to their campuses. We will gain insight from the approaches undertaken by competitor countries, including the United States and Australia, and consider new approaches to the issue of funding and scholarship provision. In particular the conference will draw on key findings from the recent report 'The UK's Competitive Advantage: The Market for International Research Students', which provides a snapshot and analysis of the international market for research students, a comparative picture of factors that influence where students choose to conduct research and strategic options for UK universities, sector agencies and the UK government to consider. There are a limited number of places at this event. Early booking is advisable. To register for this event, go to www.i-graduate.org/rethinkingHE

The Tour provides an outstanding opportunity for candidates to meet best business schools and make informed education and career choices, whilst offering the business schools an ideal chance to meet a highly targeted audience of the world's best young professionals. Only by attending the Fair, you will be eligible to apply for exclusive QS World MBA Tour scholarships. Scholarship fund is $1.6 m and includes scholarships from such schools as Chicago GSB, Wharton, IE, MIP, Ashridge and many more.

Meet face-to-face with the admissions officers and alumni of the world’s top business schools. Every QS World MBA Tour provides a unique opportunity to interact with admissions officers of leading business schools from all over the world.

Whilst Britain enters a recession Zimbabwe endures rampant death and disease. Who will heed their cry to relieve their suffering? As Zimbabwe's population continue to decline at alarming rates with a once estimated 11.6 million now fast declining by the day with approximately 5 million people in Diaspora. More than 2,400 have died of cholera in Zimbabwe with 46,000 suspected cases with 1,550 new cases reported every day (U.N.) with cases spilling over the borders to South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia as many as 60,000 people could be affected.

Thursday, 5th March 2009 Time: 06:30pm to 08:30pm (The H.O.P.E. Centre is on the first floor and does not have disability access). Admission is free and open to the public. Liberal Democrat Spring Conference, Harrogate 6th to 8th March 2009 Harrogate International Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5LA Zimbabwe Debate, Friday, 6th March from 08:00pm to 09:15pm (Fringe Event) Zimbabwe Debate, Saturday, 7th March from 1:00pm to 2:00pm (Fringe Event) Zimbabwe Prayer, Sunday, 8th March from 07:30am to 09:00am (Fringe Event) The Zimbabwe Debates and prayers shall all be held within the conference under "Fringe Events" in Queens Suite 8. Attendees to the Liberal Democrat Spring Conference must be registered. Please check the Liberal Democrat website for full details.

The naughtiest spider in folklore returns to the London stage, courtesy of Talawa Theatre Company. In Anansi and The Magic Mirror, our lovable rascal is up to his familiar samfie tricks. But this time it seems as if Anansi may have bitten off more than even he can chew. Something must give. Music, song, dance, storytelling and belly laughs galore. Talawa style. The kids can also visit Anansi at bebo, where in addition to learning about his Akan roots, they upload their own Anansi stories to the website and use the whiteboard to submit drawings.

Ghana's Independence is slowly rolling around and the usual suspects (including ourselves) are out promoting Ghanaian Independence Events! But we at the GBSN can't help but feel, that the meaning and poignancy of independence has been lost - which is a shame - especially in the year that Barack Obama became President of the United States.

So what should Independence mean to you? Well we can't tell you what it should mean to you, but the Ghana Black Stars Network are celebrating 52 years of Ghana's Independence by awarding Ghanaians in the Diaspora for their outstanding efforts and contribution. Click here for more information & ticket purchasing

Celebrate lives changed by the Bible at our Night of Worship with a special focus on Tanzania. Worship led by gospel artist Sonnie Badu and others. 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm. Westminster Chapel, Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6BS.

Bible Society exists to make the Bible heard. And through the Bible listening programme Faith Comes by Hearing many people can now literally hear God speak in their language. Join us at this event in celebrating lives that have been transformed by God's Word and help make the Bible's message available to those who still wait for it. Find out more about lives transformed by FCBH at www.biblesociety.org.uk/fcbh

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more. So make a difference, think globally and act locally!! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. http://www.internationalwomensday.com

Come and celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we also celebrate the second anniversary of WWEB (Women into Work, Education and Business). Enjoy the food, music, comedy and dance. An event for all the family. Book your tickets now. Grove Theatre, Grove Park, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4GP. Box Office 01582 60 20 80 Fax 01582 884199 Adult: £10| Concessions £7.50 (Children, OAP’s, Student) WWEB (Women into Work, Education & Business) www.wweb.homestead.com To book a stand call 07949038277 | Email:  dee.patrick@ntlworld.com

Dealing with today, planning for tomorrow. In the current climate, the effective deployment and implementation of resources and capabilities across organisations is a vital HR role. The CIPD Managing Through a Downturn Conference is your opportunity to learn from expert opinion and best practice case studies whilst challenging some of the preconceptions we hold about how to respond in a downturn.

Join us in Manchester or London to hear some of the strategic alternatives to redundancies and layoffs, while learning to adapt your business models to improve productivity. Book now and see how riding out the downturn can lead your business into tomorrow.

Journalist, adventurer and TV presenter Kate Humble will be giving a talk in the prestigious Ondaatje Theatre at the Royal Geographic Society in London. There will be a pay-bar open from 6.00pm with the talk beginning at 7.00pm.

For 10 years Kate had built up an obsession about travelling across the Sahara. That dream was to become a reality when she joined a group of Mali salt traders. Share her experiences from the five week trip that changed her life. Kate's talk will be supported by stunning photography and numerous anecdotes and will also cover some other African favourites such as Namibia and Madagascar. She may even dispense a few travel tips gathered during her extensive travels around this diverse continent.
http://www.eventelephant.com/katehumble

Bless Break and Share It Trust is a registered Christian charity which was founded in 2001. The charity's main focus is to help deprived orphaned children in one of the worse slum areas in the world situated in Kenya. We are in the process of building a children’s home situated on 5 acres of land. Due to the fact that the charity is solely dependant on the generous donations of our supporters and annual fundraising events, the building work has been constructed in stages. However those donations have allowed us to complete a section of the home allowing us to accommodate 14 children who moved into the home in December 2008. Further funds are urgently required to complete the home in its entirety.

Our next forthcoming fundraising event will be held on Saturday March 14th 2009 at Leyton Orient Football Club. If you require further information on the charity then please visit our website:  http://www.bbsi-trust.org/

Join us for this FREE workshop to help you make the Best of Now helping your business to survive. The workshop will cover: Creating business case, Considering options for the business, Forecasting and research to take your business forward, Tips on how to survive and change the business, Avoiding pitfalls, Business Diversification and how? There will also be an opportunity to network over a buffet dinner. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment! 5.30pm – 8.30pm Neighborhood Resource Centre, 177 Park Lane, Tottenham, N17 0HJ.
www.nlcc.co.uk/events/viewevent.cfm?id=570

The excitement throughout the world at the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the US has once more focused our attention on the value of inspired leadership.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation's launch of The Promise of Leadership Dialogue hopes to build on this enthusiasm for leaders who lead in the interests of all people, who are accountable and inclusive. This passion for leadership also comes at a time when nations are reeling from the global financial crisis and where, in many parts of the world, including our own continent of Africa, citizens are grappling with the consequences of poor leadership.

A range of past, present and future leaders will participate in The Promise of Leadership Dialogue hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation's Centre of Memory and Dialogue, part of a series that will continue to provide a safe space to tackle challenging issues.

It will be controversial. Some participants will be full of idealism and promise, others will carry with them the mistakes of their own leadership and still others will be searching for hope embodied in new dreams. We will keep away from predictable speeches and will encourage critical debate. Our discussions and the solutions they produce will be richer for it.

In the current climate, it may seem crazy to organise an event that brings together entrepreneurs from around the world to celebrate the role they play in stimulating sustainable economic development. WES is an event with a difference. There will be inspirational speakers of course. There will be research, thought-leadership and policy workshops that help vision the future beyond the global recession. But all the speakers and all the workshop facilitators have agreed to roll their sleeves up and work to help you address the challenges that you and the world face.

So this is an event for participants, whatever your background and wherever you are working in the world. Come along if you want to meet mentors, if you want to talk to investors about finance, if you want to meet potential partners, customers and suppliers or if you just want to network with entrepreneurs, thought leaders and policy makers from across the world. We know these are hard times for everyone. But we also know that entrepreneurs are the key to sustainable economic development wherever they are: from the smallest community in Sub-Saharan Africa to the world's largest global firms. Through innovation and through clear routes to sustainable growth, it is entrepreneurs who will change the world. The Zeitgeist calls for enduring action and WES provides you with the platform for this. Make 2009 the year to make-a-difference! To book your place, please go to:  http://www.wes2009.eventbrite.com

If you're looking for a new challenge and want to become your own boss, the Franchise Exhibitions could help make this a reality and offer new, instant business solutions. With events held around the UK and Ireland, you are sure to find an opportunity to suit your needs.

The franchise industry offers an enormous variety of businesses for sale, from a diverse range of industries and sectors. The Franchise Exhibitions therefore give you the perfect opportunity to research the options available, as well as being able to assess for yourself the benefits of running your own business as part of an established franchise brand. Although the failure rate in franchising is much lower than that in many other new businesses, there are still risks involved so it is essential to research the franchisor and the market thoroughly.
http://www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/exhibition-sub/london

The 13th year of In Celebration of My Sisters, hosted by Brenda Emmanus with a star studded line-up paying homage to International Women's Month and Mothers day. Featuring an inspirational speaker, dance, poetry, theatre, and musical finale.

With special guest appearances by Eddie Nestor and Carroll Thompson.

http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/873/shows/in-celebration-of-my-sisters.html

Speakers to include representatives from the Court, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights and African civil society. Against the backdrop of human tragedies in many countries of the continent, a new pan-African human rights court is about to open for business.

The advent of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights marks the third instalment in efforts since the Second World War to create regional human rights courts. This new Court innovates in important ways, including its ability to enforce socio-economic and collective or 'group' rights. On the eve of its first cases, this event aims to introduce the Court to a wider audience and explore the opportunities and many challenges it faces.

To register please email stating your name, affiliation and phone number: amartin@chathamhouse.org.uk

The 4th Equatorial Guinea Gas Conference will focus on Exploration, Infrastructure, Development and Joint Ventures. With the full support of Sonagas, G.E. and impressive EG Government delegation, this high profile event will gather top representatives from major international and independent E&P companies, service and shipping companies that are looking to operate in the country, as well as those who are well established and developing their partnerships further.
http://cwceg.com/

Our forests, home to an extraordinary range of biodiversity, and arguably one of our greatest safeguards against climate change, continue to be depleted at an alarming rate. How can we set about securing their future?

Chaired by explorer Paul Rose, the speakers are Dr. Mika Peck of the University of Sussex (Climate Change, Canopies, and Wildlife in Ecuador), and Dr. Dan Bebber, Head of Climate Change Research, Earthwatch (The Footprint in the Forest). Ticket only - free to students and current Earthwatch donors; otherwise a donation will be requested on the door. For tickets and more information contact our Events Department on (01865) 318856. events@earthwatch.org.uk
http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/get_involved/
events08/lecture09-forests/

Images of Black Women Film Festival unveil our exciting programme for 2009! Back at the Tricycle Theatre for our 5th year, we look forward to welcoming you to our evenings, filled with fantastic films, celebrity Q&A panels, workshops, and great company. Why not buy a festival pass have a great weekend with friends, family, that special person, or come on your own for that one special film you want to see!

Book early to get that special rate, and why not find out about our group bookings buy 5 get the sixth one free! To Find Out More Call the Tricycle Box Office Now 0207 328 1000.

For further information, please contact the organisers directly.

To notify us of your event and discuss advertising and marketing options, please contact us at:  editor@reconnectafrica.com