Nepad wants private sector buy-in to move projects forward

Forging stronger public/private partnerships was the aim of the first Ithuba Forum held in Johannesburg last week. Hosted by the Nepad (New Partnership for Africa’s Development) Business Foundation, the event brought together various role-players in an effort to showcase Nepad Business Foundation (NBF) activities and forge stronger bonds. According to John Rocha, senior project manager for the NBF, the organisation, formed seven years ago, has achieved much and made significant contributions in Africa despite the challenges and criticism levelled against it. “This forum called Ithuba, an isiZulu word meaning opportunity, aims to showcase some of the achievements in order to forge stronger relationships between the private and public sector.” Roche said these partnerships were not as strong as they should be and a key priority within the NBF in the next few years would be to grow relationships and actively seek to partner more effectively for the benefit of the continent. “It is imperative for the private sector to come on board or we will see many good projects not move forward.” Delivering the keynote address at the event, Deputy General of Communication, Lyndall Shope- Malofe, said many of Nepad’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects had taken years to get off the ground, but the programmes were sustainable and partners would benefit greatly. “It is important to us that the programmes we implement have maximum impact, that the people on the ground not only feel and see the benefits but also reap the rewards of Nepad.” She said infrastructure and human resources had been identified as two key areas of priority in the ICT sector. Shope-Malofe called on the private sector to become involved and join as partners. “There are many opportunities for companies both large and small. The ICT sector is very well established and offers much potential.”