AfricaHardball brings together a select group of policy-makers, analysts and industry executives to discuss key political issues affecting the African energy industry in frank and open terms.
Hardball is played out under the Chatham House Rule, by which participants can openly discuss critical issues affecting the politics and people shaping Africa's role in the global energy industry, and must not be quoted by name. Following the precedent established at feisty meetings in Lille and, Hamburg, participants benefit from a 'no holds-barred' discussion - living up to the meeting's title, which refers to the American phrase for adopting a tough approach to issues: 'playing hardball'.
AfricaHardball 2008
AfricaHardball features a private meeting held before the annual Africa Energy Forum (AEF) formally opens, organised by EnergyNet and Cross-border Information Ltd. In 2008, this event will be held at the start of the 2-4 July AEF in Nice, France.
Key themes - with discussion kicked off by AfricaHardball's team of experts and enlivened by its highly qualified participants - will include:
• After the Kenyan crisis. Was it an aberration or do events triggered by the disputed election point to a wider trend of political dissatisfaction that could undermine economic growth and reform across the continent?
• Hot money? 2007 was the year global markets got enthusiastic about sub-Saharan Africa as an 'asset class'. Just how sustainable is the interests of hedge funds, bulge bracket banks and other newcomers?
• Building cross-border networks - a critical theme in the development of African economies and energy industries. A hard-headed appraisal of the political constraints and problem areas that need resolution. Including a focus on regional integration and analysis of how conflict from the disputed Western Sahara to DR Congo has impacted on projects and policy initiatives.
• Critical issues for 2008/09. Issues will range from ageing leaders in North Africa and the South African presidential election to getting a definitive settlement in the Niger Delta and cleaning up corruption.
A Hardball view
To give potential participants a better idea of AfricaHardball we are making available, in PDF format on the web, the write-up of the 2007 event, circulated to participants and other 'Friends of Hardball' after the Hamburg meeting. Click here to download the PDF and/or read the text online. 