On 11 November 2015, Angola celebrates its 40th anniversary of independence. Since the 2002 Luena Memorandum of Understanding that ended one of the continent’s longest civil wars, Angola has enjoyed a prolonged period of extractive driven growth. But the new realities of low commodity prices and depleting oil resources are creating pressure for economic diversification.

At the inaugural annual Angola Forum, panels drawn from government, industry, and academia will reflect on the domestic development and international engagement of Angola since independence. They will discuss the country’s economic trajectory, political developments and importance of civil society in its future.

Speakers:
Dame Margaret Anstee, UN Special Representative to Angola (1992-93) (Video Presentation)
Professor David Birmingham, Emeritus Professor, University of Kent
HE Georges Rebelo Chicoti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angola (Video Presentation)
John Flynn CMG, Political Adviser, Chevron; UK Chargé d’Affaires, Angola (1978); UK Ambassador to Angola (1990–93)
Theodore Giletti, Director, Banco Angolano de Investimentos
Soren Kirk-Jensen, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House
John Kolodziejski, Editor, Universo Magazine, Sonangol
Fr. José Manuel, Roman Catholic Chaplain, LSE; Co-founder, Mosaiko-Institute for Citizenship
António Monteiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Portugal, (2004-05)
HE Miguel Gaspar Fernandes Neto, Angolan Ambassador to the UK
Dr Aslak Orre, Senior Researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute
Nick Roseveare MBE, Chief Executive, Mines Advisory Group
Darryl Willis, Regional President, BP Angola

Chairs:
Tony Dykes, Director, Action for Southern Africa
Chi Onwurah MP, Chair, APPG on Angola
Ricardina Pederneira, Author, Do Business in Angola
Dr Alex Vines OBE, Director, Area Studies and International Law; Head, Africa Programme, Chatham Hous

Register interest here.