The voice of the African future in Brussels
A new beginning is possible now in the relationship between Europe and Africa, replacing the remnants of a shared history with mixed results by a mutually advantageous partnership.
The Joint Europe-Africa Strategy, agreed in Lisbon in 2007, the economic progress in many African countries in the past decade, the spread of accountable, democratic government, and the renewed interest of socially and ecologically responsible business are expressions of a new context for constructive engagement.
Africa and Europe: the winds of change are blowing forcefully
Technology innovation and globalisation profoundly change the economics of both continents:
- In Africa, a more diversified economic structure replaces the dependance on natural resources leading gradually to a consumer driven economy
- In both continents, social-cultural shifts are happening, a new generation with new values and influenced by globalisation and technology, is starting to make its mark
- Corporate and public governance are challenged to adapt in order to manage the risks and opportunities which come with transformation processes and to let societies benefit from them
To benefit from change
The African Forum, the only one of its kind in Brussels, wants to make a specific and innovative contribution to the emerging, innovative Europe-Africa relationship in all aspects.
Mazungumzo, Swahili for dialogue, its new name as an independent forum and think thank, with privileged links to organisations with a specific contribution to make and supported by businesses with a responsible interest in the mutual relationship. Its symbol is the iconic baobab tree, in many parts of Africa since ancient times the meeting place for social consensus building and collective decision making.
Future events
- Debating Evening: 'Transparency and Good Corporate Governance" ; June 19, from 16h00 to 18h00
In the context of the upcoming EU legislation on Transparency for western companies operating in Africa, Mazungumzo, in cooperation with MEP Judith Sargentini, organizes a round table to address the relationship between good corporate governance and transparency. The event will take place on Tuesday June 19th from 16h00 to 18h00 at Mazungumzo’s Secretariat Premises in 2 Place du Luxembourg, Brussels.
Download the draft program of the event
- Round Table: 'Will the European Partnership Agreements help Africa to feed itself?" ; June 26, from 10h00 to 13h00
In cooperation with MEP Paolo de Castro and the Cercle Royal Africain et d'Outre Mer, the African Forum is organizing a Round Table to explore the impact and benefits of the European Partnership Agreements (EPAs) in African Agriculture in the context of the EPAs negotiations and the CAP Reform. The event will take place in Brussels at Palais d'Egmont (Salle Orange) on June 26 2012 from 10h00 to 13h00h.
Past events
- Round Table on 'Rating of African Countries and Companies'
In cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the African Forum is organizing a Round Table on 'Rating of African countries and companies'. The event will take place at the Theodor Heuss Akademie, Gummersbach (near Cologne), Germany, on March 12-13th 2012.
Access the programme of the event
Access and download the Policy Recommendations
- Round Table on 'Land Grabbing and Europe's Role in Global Food Security'
On October 12th 2011, Mazungumzo organised, in partnership with MEP and Chairman of the EP Agricultural Committee Paolo de Castro, a Round Table on 'Land Grabbing and Europe's Role in Global Food Security' at the European Parliament.
Acess and download the programme
Access and download the speaker's presentations
Access and download the event report
- Round Table on 'Transparency, Anti-corruption Measures and Business Ethics'
On July 14-15th 2011, Mazungumzo organised, in partnership with the Wittenberg Center for Global Ethic a Round Table on Transparency, Anti-corruption Measures and Business Ethics.
Access and download the programme
Access and download the conclusions
- Round Table on 'Business Accountability'
On March 7-8th 2011, Mazungumzo organised, in partnership with the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung a Round Table on Business Accountability.