The London Business School Africa Day 2012 will explore and celebrate the many ways in which Africans are taking ownership, driving reform, building capacity and propelling growth from within.

The annual London Business School Africa Day celebrates Africans taking ownership of their continent's destiny

The annual Africa Day Conference held by the Africa Club at London Business School is rapidly becoming established as the leading African business conference in Europe.

In previous years, the conference has attracted over 250 distinguished guests representing over 35 nationalities, with attendees traveling from more than 10 countries. The conference format consists of keynote speeches, panel debates, breakfast, lunch and a networking reception; and features high profile speakers from business, government, academia and civil society.

Over the past year, Africa has held up remarkably well despite controversial evidence of rising wealth inequality, deteriorating public finances, and stagnating growth in western economies. Africa's economic liberalisation, growing middle-class, and entrepreneurial success stories are increasingly coming to epitomise the world's hope and aspirations for "emerging markets".

Consequently, the conversation around Africa's ownership role of affairs on the Continent has been growing louder. Especially as African countries begin to play a more prominent role in world affairs and more and more multinationals incorporate Africa into their global strategy.

Acknowledging this emerging theme, Africa Day Conference 2012, taking place on 19 May at the London Business School, seeks to bring the conversation to the London Business School campus and involve distinguished philanthropists, business leaders, academics and students.

Fittingly, the theme for this year's conference is "Africa, Taking Ownership: Successes & Challenges. The conference will explore and celebrate the many ways in which Africans are taking ownership for their continent's destiny, driving reform, building capacity and propelling growth from within. At the same time, the organisers also seek to better understand the next set of challenges to overcome, to set new targets and to aspire to be more.

Africa Day will explore the theme in four distinct but inter-related panel discussions.

"Thinking beyond BRIC: Africa as a Destination for Investment" will discuss Africa as the next frontier for global investment; spotting the opportunities and assessing the perceived balance of risk versus return

"African Trail-blazers: Exploring 21st Century Leadership" will attempt to appreciate the new face of leadership, by discussing examples of Africa's rising stars: the people who are leading positive change in Africa

"Trade not Aid: Growth through Economic Partnership" will debate policy and diplomacy as levers of sustainable growth, and seek to understand Africa's burgeoning relationship with Asia

"African Innovation: Local Solutions for African Challenges" will explore innovative new business and social models that are proving to revolutionise lives on the African continent

The panel topics are tailored to foster a 360-degree perspective, and the panel speakers will ensure diversity of experience and conflicting views. The 2012 conference is planned to be the biggest ever, with an expected attendance of over 300 delegates.

Every year conference participants at Africa Day take away an incredible personal experience from talking with visionaries, leaders and entrepreneurs who re-sharpen their view not just on Africa, but on the world in general.

The annual event has included past speakers that include Phutuma Nhleko, the former Group CEO and President of MTN Group, Arnold Ekpe, the CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and Nkosana Moyo, the VP and Chief Operating Officer of the African Development Bank.

This year, the event's organisers hope to bring in high profile speakers including Acha Leke, a Partner and Director of consulting firm McKinsey and the co-Author of "Lions on the Move".

Africa Day has become a staple event in the calendar of many African professionals, both within Africa and in the Diaspora.

Julian Ebai, the Managing Director of Jetplay Consulting, is a regular attendee at the conference. "I attend the Africa Day Conference every single year. For me it the best way to get in touch with what is in play across Africa and meet notable leaders and future entrepreneurs"

The event has also served to attract new scholars to the London Business School, such as George Asamani, part of the MBA 2013 class.

"I was amazed by the organization, quality of the speakers and remarkable networking opportunities. However, I was most impacted by hearing a student of the Africa Leadership Academic speak during one of the panel debates. It was inspirational to see such young leaders emerging from Africa. The Conference left me feeling motivated and inspired and was one of the reasons why I choose to do my MBA at the London Business School."