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November 30, 2006

TED Global puts its focus on Africa

Arusha, Tanzania, June 4-7, 2007

TED's first global conference is taking place with amazing people who are doing something valuable for Africa's future. Their voices will inspire. And their ideas will spread.

"Over the past few years a growing number of people in the TED community have become passionate about Africa, a continent that appears to be at an important tipping point. Its problems and challenges are well known. Less well known is that across the continent, change is afoot. Instead of relying only on development aid, Africans across the continent are beginning to take matters into their own hands. Ingenious solutions are being applied to tackle some of the toughest health and infrastructure problems. Businesses are being launched that are capable of transforming the lives of millions. New communication technologies are allowing ideas and information to spread, enabling markets — and governments — to be more efficient. And the numbers suggest that incomes are starting to nudge up in some countries and real growth is on the way. A new Africa beckons."

Some of the speakers already confirmed include:

Jacqueline Novogratz: After 20 years' involvement in Africa, she founded the Acumen Fund, a leader of the "new philanthropy" movement which, instead of offering charity, supports entrepreneurs who are building businesses in areas such as healthcare, low-cost housing and water distribution.

Eleni Gabre-Madhin: Economist and leading researcher on African agricultural markets.

Danniel Annerose: CEO of and founder of Manobi, developer of prize-winning cellphone-based services that, for example, give farmers market intelligence and allow them to achieve better prices for their crops.

Jane Goodall: Famous for her pioneering work with chimpanzees in Tanzania, she has become a globally recognized conservationist and a United Nations "Messenger of Peace."

Patty Stonesifer: CEO of the Gates Foundation, the world’s largest philanthropic organization. The Foundation funds multiple projects in Africa with a major focus on tackling AIDS, malaria and other public health issues.

See the full list of speakeres.

You can Register here.
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