In the latest update of Round Table Africa you find information on the program that entered its 4th year. It extended its projects more in the horticulture and tourism areas in Tanzania and Kenya while sustainable mining remains the number one program for Zambia. Recently we finalized a Code of Best Practice for Zambia's Mining Industry. Two association have recently been launched in Tanzania: the sustainable tourism association and the sustainable Tanzanian edible oil association.

At present Round Table Africa is in the process of signing a framework agreement with AC-BEST, a Tanzanian business environment strengthening program focusing on lobby, advocacy and research. Round Table Africa is asked to team-up with AC-Best on research and lobby in the field of micro-finance, oilseeds and cashew nuts.

Round Table Africa also proudly announces the third DBA intake (Doctorate of Business Administration) which started May 9 in Arusha with 24 students. Another 20 students are in their final stages of their DBA program (started in 2007/2008).

Round Table Africa continues to provide a link between research and business development. Over the last four years, we have provided and built expertise for DBA students, staff of ESAMI, various producer organizations and ministries. Increasingly, the multiple stakeholders in economic sectors and value chain are finding each other in the Round Table meetings organized by Round Table Africa. As a consequence, Round Table Africa is more and more seen as neutral facilitator in this multi-stakeholder partnership process.

All these activities will cumulate in a conference on sustainable business to be held in Arusha (Tanzania) on 15 and 16 December where the various public, private and NGO stakeholders – including financial – will exchange views, get the latest on sustainable business, and most important will be facilitated  in creating more sustainable business in Africa.

Diederik de Boer

Director RTA

May 2011

May 2011 Newsletter