CHOGM: Experts, Business Leaders Ready for Commonwealth Business Forum Tomorrow

By George Kalisa

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Chair, Lord Marland, has lauded Rwanda as “fantastic host” for collaboration with his office leading to successful convergence of experts and business leaders from all Commonwealth regions for Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF2022).

Marland confirmed that delegates representing a cross-section of critical Commonwealth sectors are already in the Rwandan capital, Kigali for this forum scheduled June 21-23.    

“Rwanda is a fantastic host for CBF 2022 – together, we have been able to convene experts and business leaders from every region of the Commonwealth and delegates representing a cross-section of critical Commonwealth sectors. CBF 2022 will showcase the immense opportunities across the Commonwealth to a global business audience and provide a valuable opportunity to connect,” said Lord Marland according to a statement released by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) late today.

Commenting on the CBF, Clare Akamanzi, RDB Chief Executive Officer welcomed delegates to the forum and said it offers opportunity to discuss big ideas and reach tangible solutions that will not only address the COVID-19 pandemic effects globally but also shape Commonwealth.  

“We welcome all our delegates to the Commonwealth Business Forum. The wait is over. Now is the time to discuss together the big ideas and tangible solutions that will drive the global reset after the pandemic but also shape a Commonwealth that is equitable, sustainable and resilient,” remarked Akamanzi.

The forum will bring together government leaders, captains of industry and business executives, leaders of global and regional development institutions, young entrepreneurs and representatives of trade and investment organisations from across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Business Forum is the first and largest in-person gathering for governments and businesses across the Commonwealth since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing together over 1,500 delegates from Commonwealth member states.

CBF 2022 will address the CHOGM theme – ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’, with a focus on “A Global Reset”, dealing with the impact of the pandemic and the Commonwealth’s role in rebuilding and reinvigorating the global economy.

Throughout the three days of the forum, participants will explore topics such as financing future growth, trade and regional integration, sustainability, inclusive and resilient food systems and the future of work.

There will be several sessions with discussions that shape agendas, generate insights and share best practice knowledge on strategies businesses in the Commonwealth can apply as they build back post-pandemic.