1. “Africa as a Catalyst for Global Competitiveness- A focused Communication Agenda”

2. SOME THOUGHTS Africa is referred to as the Third world, where is the First and the Second? Lack of sufficient progress in the key sectors of development, political, economic, scientific, educational, trade, agriculture the list goes on and the infrastructure backing the above

3. FARMING The most critical endeavors of African households …. Food on the table This calls for hard work on the part of the providers By extension the African continent is faced with the challenge to grow enough to feed itself….grow what we eat and eat what we grow

4. Africa is heavily dependant on food imports Exports only about $25billion annually (3% of exports globally) Africa holds about 60% of the world’s unused arable land Africa generates crops valued at $250 billion yearly…to grow to $500 billion in 2020 and even to $880 billion in 2030

5. Agriculture in Africa offers many diverse opportunities Already, well over 60% of Africans are into farming….largely subsistence This in my view is one huge area where Africa can have a competitive advantage

6. REASONS Availability of arable land… FAO estimate that over 300million hectares are potentially available The African climate is largely favourable, little wonder why multinational farming buisnesses came to Africa. Witness the situation in Zimbabwe and south Africa Access to water… African rivers are largely underutilised

7. Ready market for the agricultural products. Consumption far outstrips production Relatively lower cost of labour

8. A MUST FOR AFRICA What therefore must Arica do to gain the competitive advantage? Africa has been identified as the next best destination to do business “…it is an exciting time to be an African.” However to get there, Africa need among other things a fully structured and sustainable infrastructure. The following will go a long way

9. There is need to boost the energy sector especially when we want private sector led growth There is also the need to improve sanitation and that includes safe drinking water. Improve telecommunication infrastructure especially in the wake of what the mobile phone has done in health and agriculture. The full potential is yet to be realized.

10. Improve the transportation especially where only 30% of rural Africa has access to good roads and means of transport With the right type of infrastructure in the right place at the right time, Africa will hasten the pace of her development to gain the global competitive advantage

11. A FOCUS FOR PR & COMMUNICATORS For Public Relations and Communicators there should be a well planned and sustained effort at reaching out to those that can make the difference so that a win-win situation is realised. A sustained message strategy for our press releases, press briefings, talk shows, lobbying and all the synergy we might need must be employed with the ultimate objective of taking Africa from the Third World Agenda