Each May African travel companies descend on South Africa for two trade shows. These provide a valuable opportunity to discuss future business and build face-to-face connections. During one of the events I had the opportunity to listen to a stimulating speech by Ghanaian Fred Swaniker, founder of the African Leadership Group. Fred reminded us that Africa is home to the youngest population on Earth – here the average age is 19; in Germany it’s 46 – and the fastest growing population on the planet. By 2035 Africa will have the largest workforce in the world – 1 billion people – overtaking both China and India.
Fred is on a mission to create the next generation of Africa’s leaders through his network of educational institutions. He is particularly committed to conservation and last year opened the ALU School of Wildlife Conservation in Kigali.