African Monitor launched in the UK

The African Monitor held its UK launch in London on the 3 October 2006. Set against the backdrop of Black History Month, the launch was targeted at Diaspora leaders in the UK and elsewhere, as well as the international partners of the African Monitor.

The launch was graced by Mr Snyder, Chief Executive for the City of London, who opened the proceedings. He re-confirmed his support for the African Monitor, stating that the City of London was willing to support the AM in all its endeavors.

Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development delivered the key note address, highlighting the key initiatives that the UK government is implementing to contribute to Africa’s development. Among them is the recently launched white paper, which aims to increase the capacity of local communities to monitor development implementation on the ground.

The Archbishop Ndungane, Founder and President of the African Monitor, expressed the need for the African Monitor to find ways of working with the Diaspora and its international partners, who are a key stakeholder in Africa’s development agenda.

The AM Launch was preceded by a day long African Diaspora Leadership Forum, where delegates deliberated on the role of the Diaspora in Africa’s development.

The African Monitor partnered with the Centre for African Peace and Policy Studies (CAPPS) to coordinate these events. The Department of International Development (UK), the City of London, and the Shell Africa Network generously funded these events.

UK Launch Speech, by the Archbishop Ndungane
Presentation to the UK Diaspora, by Namhla Mniki
Launch press release