‘Usalama ni Harambee’, the Africa Forum on Business and Security, is a major initiative to create a dialogue between the public, private and voluntary sectors about security and its implications for business, economic growth and development in Africa.
Africa has now firmly established itself as one of the world’s fastest growing regions. During the last ten years, six out of the ten fastest growing economies in the world were in sub-Saharan Africa and, according to The Economist newspaper, it is likely that, over the next five years, “the average African economy will outpace its Asian counterpart.”
Whether Africa can continue to achieve this impressive rate of growth will depend in part on security. War, natural disaster, terrorism, corruption, organised crime and a host of other threats all have the potential to destabilise African economies. So, it is time to talk about the big issues affecting African business and security.
Security has changed radically during the past two decades. Globalisation, privatisation and new forms of communication have created a new security environment and a host of new vulnerabilities.
Security is no longer the exclusive preserve of the nation state. Now, increasingly, it concerns all of us. Private sector companies are taking on major security functions. NGOs find themselves caught up in conflict. And even individual citizens have to adapt to the reality of a new and more intrusive world, in which they can find themselves on the ‘front line’.
At the same time, the new situation offers an unparalleled opportunity for people, businesses and organisations to take a lead in developing new security solutions and helping to create the climate for stability and growth.
The aim of the Africa Forum on Business and Security is to bring African and international business people together with political leaders, security professionals, aid workers and academics to discuss our common interest in Africa’s security.
What is the nature of modern security? Why does it concern all of us? What are the threats to it? Where are we vulnerable and how can we protect ourselves, our businesses and our societies? How can we help prevent conflict and create the conditions for stability, growth and prosperity?
What can business do to make a difference?
We hope that, by bringing African and international businesses together with political leaders, security experts and the voluntary sector, we will be able to focus on our common problems and identify ways in which we can work together more effectively to develop new solutions.
That is why we have called the Forum ‘Usalama ni Harambee – Security Through Partnership’. Together we can develop new solutions. Be a part of the discussion and let’s shape the future.