The 16th African Renaissance Festival was held in Durban over the week 20th to 25th May 2014, comprising a one day youth conference, two day African Renaissance Conference, a banquet and the Africa Day Music Concert. The theme of the 2014 Festival was 'Africa in Motion', which was chosen as a basis to discuss the current progress, projects and strategies in the aviation, maritime, tourism, communication and business sectors. As stated by Professor Sihawukele Ngubane, Vice Chairperson and Organising Committee Chair for the African Renaissance, "Africa is on the move". He added, "Africa will continue to witness momentous development. We need to position ourselves to make full use of any opportunity coming our way. In his opening address at the conference, he remarked, "When Africa is in motion there is a loud sound of thunder", which well reflects the general view that the continent of Africa is dynamic and growing, and a major component of the world economy.
The theme was further expressed by key note speaker at the banquet dinner, Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa. He said "In Africa, I believe, you find tomorrow's market today. This is a robust market full of potential, with a great future. Africa is however not one market. It is indeed a continent of opportunity and diversity - 54 countries, each with its own set of cultural values, business practices and political systems." He added, "That Africa is a cosmopolitan continent, brimming with opportunity and potential. It is important that we as Team South Africa all work together in the same direction for the improvement of society. South Africa is a 'can do' nation and we need to develop respect for people, property and life." Progress means that excellent opportunities exist for entrepreneurs, investors and business people, which should not be ignored. Mr Vivian Reddy, Chairman of Edison Power Group, said that, "We have opportunities in Africa, we as Africans need to start working with each other. Doing business on the continent of Africa is no different from doing business elsewhere. The main issue with doing business in Africa is that you need to have a deep understanding of the region you are in." However, it is up to the individual to get involved and "wake up to the opportunities". The government has created opportunities and there are incentives in place. Chris Magagula MD of Bulk Africa
Terminal, emphasized that, "Opportunities exist, the environment exists", Magagulu said, "Entrepreneurs need to drive the process, if you wait you are not going to go anywhere". We live in an era of change and communications has an important role to play on the continent of Africa. Media platforms and the way that we communicate are changing through the variety of channels that are available. Digitalisation and mobile technology has shrunk the continent; we get news easier and faster. Tim Cohen, Editor Financial Mail said, "We live in extraordinary times and change brings about fabulous opportunity".

The Way Forward
A number of points were highlighted by speakers and delegates during the 2014 conference presentations and question and answer sessions as being important in taking the African Renaissance movement forward. These include the need for:

• Government led interventions were required to stimulate economic sectors
• a knowledge economy
• Skills and education, the standards and access thereof
• Greater awareness of opportunities by all people including those in rural areas
• Greater involvement of women in the economy
• Entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities
• Better communication

These points and ideas were well acknowledged by the organising committee of the African Renaissance Festival and we look forward to engaging in these issues in the African Renaissance Festival 2015 - Entrepreneurs of Africa.


stephanie@superfecta.info
www.superfecta.co.za