Ethio-German Konnect 2013
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Annual conference organized by CIM in Addis Ababa.
3. ETHIO-GERMAN KONNECT (EGK13) | Addis Ababa | 11.11 - 12.11.’13
PAN AFRICAN POTENTIALS for MIGRATION
| The Ethio-German Konnect is an annual networking platform that embeds the topic of migration into various settings, and thus creates new ways of tapping into its potentials. The first EGK focused on innovators in the sectors of energy, agriculture and construction, connecting Ethio-German business ventures. The second EGK put emphasis on the nexus between innovation and migration. This year’s theme, Pan African Potentials for Migration, is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU that was celebrated in Addis Ababa this year. Against the backdrop of recent headlines like: Africa rising! and Africa: Reversed Exodus! That mark economic prospects of Africa, as well as the growing number of Diaspora members that see a hopeful future in their home countries, EGK13 will inquire into possibilities to connect Diaspora engagement with Pan African networks. The Pan African idea encourages Africans worldwide to collaborate in efforts that will bring development to the continent. Hence, the Pan African thought includes Africans that live in the Diaspora. It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social, and political progress. It unifies efforts to develop the continent and consequently promotes African integration. The past Ethio-German Konnect events have concentrated on Ethio-German collaborations, where EGK13 will transcend these boundaries by focusing on pan-african trade, education and innovation.
Thinking about mobility of people and goods in Africa, the potentials are not always evident. Not all African countries are following Uganda’s exemplary immigration policy, neither has the issue of free trade seen significant improvements in the past decades. Nevertheless, in light of technological developments some borders can be crossed virtually and some initiatives mark a new approach to African integration and they should be discussed. |
|
