In collaboration with the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI), the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) will host a joint forum of Chief Executive Officers (Joint CEO’s Forum) of the World Federation of Development Finance Institutions (WFDFI) from November 2-4, 2016 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), Gaborone, Botswana.
CEDA was awarded the rights to host the Joint CEO’s Forum ahead of other development finance institutions (DFIs) from Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa at a Joint CEO’s Forum of the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) in Kampala, Uganda. The Joint CEO’s Forum is a biennial event that brings together participants from WFDFI member Associations in over 100 countries, CEO’s, Government Officials, representatives from Central Banks and private financial institutions as well as Ministers of Trade and Finance.
The conference will be held under the theme: “DFIs Sustaining Relevance in the Age of Disruption.” The theme is considered apt as it challenges the relevance of DFIs in today’s rapidly changing financial system and economic structure. While it is widely accepted that DFIs play a major role in facilitating development, their role, institutional structure, funding sources and success measures are largely dependent on the enabling financial system and economic structure within which they operate. The theme therefore compels DFIs to adapt and innovate so as to deliver services that speak to the needs and challenges faced by the people today. In this regard, the term ‘disruption’ talks about innovation, shifts in demographics, societal behavior and needs, economic and market conditions as well as political, legal and regulatory regimes. Therefore DFIs are challenged to tackle ‘disruption’ by refining their objectives, optimizing board and government systems, improving efficiency in operations and accelerating progress and sustainability. Against this backdrop, it is no longer ‘business as usual’ for DFIs.
The 2016 Joint CEO’s Forum will discuss current trends in the global DFI environment, foster closer working relationship among CEOs and Senior Executives of DFIs, share and learn best practices in development financing operations and develop and strengthen partnership for cross-border investment promotion and financing.
Benefits for Botswana
By hosting the WFDFI Joint CEO’s Forum, CEDA will be able to reinforce its commitment to entrepreneurship and empowerment, economic diversification, encouraging competitive and sustainable citizen enterprises and creating sustainable long-term employment opportunities.
“As CEDA, hosting this Forum will enable us to share and showcase our development story in Botswana and also review our operations to optimise delivery on our mandate going forward. I believe Botswana will be an ideal and exceptional host as we are well known for our zero tolerance of corruption, sound legal system and adherence to the rule of law, political stability and sustained periods of economic growth. What better time to host this Forum than when we have just celebrated 50 years of independence,” says CEDA CEO Mr. Thabo Thamane.
The capital city, Gaborone also offers a wide array of activities for both the tourist and corporate traveler. The Forum will also attract potential and viable foreign direct investment that will benefit local businesses.
“The sights and sounds of the city will keep our guests entertained throughout. I am confident that they will find their stay in Gaborone enjoyable and memorable. I must also encourage them to explore and enjoy Botswana’s variety of tourism attractions,” says Thamane.
