For Release: March 27, 2000

Contact: HBS Communications
(617) 495-6155

Africa Business Conference Hopes To Cultivate Fertile Ground For Business, Entrepreneurs

BOSTON -- Citing Africa's ongoing loss of intellectual capital; the lack of direct investment in the continent by North America, Western Europe, and Asia; and the absence of infrastructure and institutions to support businesses and entrepreneurs, Harvard Business School's Africa Business Club will gather experts in venture capital, sustainable development, and agribusiness for its second annual Africa Business Conference, March 31-April 1.

"Africa in the New Millennium: Invest in the Future," will attempt to recognize and identify challenges facing Africa that present opportunities and obstacles. With vast untapped natural resources, opportunities abound. However, obstacles will remain as long as people, institutions, and individuals frustrate the Continent's inclusion in a truly global economy.

Opening remarks will be presented by Maurice Tempelsman, chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, at 5:15 p.m. in Burden Auditorium on the HBS campus. Michael Fairbanks, a consultant at Monitor Company in Cambridge, Mass., will speak on "Creating the Competitive Advantage of Africa" at 12:25 p.m. in Kresge Hall.

Additional information and registration is online at sa.hbs.edu/afrbc/00Conference/index.htm.