International brand speakers to attend inaugural Brand Africa

Hosted by custodians of Brand South Africa, the International Marketing Council and the Brand Leadership Academy, the Forum will reflect on the positive impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and chart a way forward to build a positive image and reputation to enhance the continent competitiveness.

"The African story, like its history, has always been left to the world to interpret and shape. This initiative is about Africa shaping its own destiny," said leading brand authority and founder of the Brand Africa initiative, Thebe Ikalafeng.

Speakers

Speakers include international economist and New York Times best-selling author of Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How There is a Better Way for Africa, Dambisa Moyo and Simon Anholt, policy advisor to over 40 countries on nation branding and author of "Brand America."

It has an opening keynote by Dr Irvin Khoza, chairman, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Local Organising Committee and keynote addresses anchored around panels on media, business and the economy and nation branding led by Moyo and Anholt. Others include:

• Reuel Khoza, Nedbank, SA
• David Haigh, Brand Finance, UK
• Santie Botha, group CMO MTN and Businesswoman of the Year, 2010, SA
• Trevor Ncube, deputy chairman, Mail & Guardian Media, SA
• Anver Versi, group editor, African Business & African Banker, UK
• Nduka Obaigben, group chairman, This Day, Nigeria
• Wilfred Kiboro, chairman, Nation Media Group, Kenya
• Gary Alfonso, MD, CNBC Africa
Mathias Akotia, CEO, Brand Ghana
• Miller Matola, CEO, Brand SA
• Mary Kimonye, CEO, Brand Kenya

Brand Africa Forum panels will be chaired and facilitated by Prof Anton Harber of Wits University and Lerato Mbele of CNBC Africa, amongst others.

The forum offers an opportunity for pan-African decision makers in media, business and nation branding and civil society to interact and engage with issues and opportunities that are catalytic to the future of Africa.

Go to www.brandafrica.net for more information and to book.