FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           
February 3, 2011                            

CONTACT: Rashida Petersen, (202) 263-3534,

International Partnerships Conference to be held in the Canary Islands is “truly not to be missed”

Washington, D.C.— The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is pleased to announce its first International Partnerships Conference: Doing Business with Africa, to be held March 29- April 1, 2011 in Tenerife, Canary Islands. The Conference will seek to address a continuing question relevant for international business executives and policy makers about interested in current strategies to expand economies, and increase trade and investment in a growing world market. Attendees to the International Partnerships Conference will include senior business development representatives, international contract managers, government officials, and suppliers from North America, Europe, and Africa, who have a vested interest in investment growth on the African continent. . 

“This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity that is truly not to be missed,” said Stephen Hayes, President of CCA, “By attending the conference, you will gain access to insider information about key growth sectors in Africa, opportunities, challenges and possible solutions in doing business with Africa, while meeting potential business partners from across the globe through an array of networking opportunities.”

Just 80 kilometers off the coast of Africa, Tenerife serves as a geographically and strategically important access point into African markets, particularly in the information and communications technology (ICT), maritime, aeronautics, and renewable energy sectors. The demand for network connectivity and technology infrastructure on the African continent has created a unique opening for business partnerships to help bridge the digital divide and close the development gap. Similarly, limited access to cost-effective, clean, indigenous and diversified energy sources presents the chance to develop long-term partnerships in the renewable energy sector.

Through a variety of plenary sessions and workshops, CCA’s International Partnerships Conference will explore a range of sectors and topics relevant to expanding business in Africa. It will provide opportunities for senior managers and officials to meet with potential investors, clients, and business partners from around the world. The Conference will also include the participation of leading financiers in the “Vault,” to provide ample networking and pitching opportunities for companies interested in accessing funds for expanding business in Africa.  

The Conference will include optional site visits to the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and to the Institute of Technology and Renewable Energy (ITER), a cutting-edge center of research and development for solar and wind power generation, bioclimatic housing, and secure information data center. Following the Conference, there will be the option for participants to attend trade missions to several African countries.  

About The Corporate Council on Africa
Established in 1993, The Corporate Council on Africa is a nonpartisan 501 (c) (3) membership organization of nearly 180 U.S. companies dedicated to strengthening the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Africa.  CCA members represent nearly 85 percent of total U.S. private sector investments in Africa. The organization is dedicated to bringing together potential business partners and to showcase business opportunities on the continent. For more information on Corporate Council on Africa, visit: africacncl.org.