Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) has launched a CBA Economic Forum series, which will provide top-mind analysis and thought leadership on thematic issues affecting businesses and the overall economy.
The quarterly forums will target Chief Executive Officers, Chief Finance Officers and other key decision makers in corporate institutions. They will feature experts in various fields drawn from the public and private sector to offer deep insights and understanding on economic issues.
Jeremy Ngunze: From a global standpoint, the economy is at its sweetest spot since the financial crisis of 2008-2009. The projected global growth of 3.5% in 2018, is expected to be broad-based, with faster expansion in both emerging and developed economies #CBAEconomicForum pic.twitter.com/m5LcGDKvHY
— CBA Group (@CBA_Group_) April 19, 2018
Speaking during the first forum convened to unpack The Big Four agenda, Mr. Jeremy Ngunze, the Chief Executive of CBA Kenya said, “Policy reforms and key government initiatives need to seek a balance between public service and return on capital for business to ensure that the private sector takes a more effective role in Kenya’s social-economic development.”
The Government’s Big Four Agenda identifies growth in the country’s manufacturing sector, agri-business and food security, universal access to healthcare, affordable and social housing as key pillars for the country’s socio-economic progress over the next five years. It is envisioned that if the aspirations in the agenda are achieved, there will be real, practical and positive impact to the lives of all Kenyans.
Mr. Ngunze said, “If you have gone through some of the documentation on the Big Four, the government is anchoring a lot of the progress on the collaboration with the private sector through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Besides financing, the sector should bring in expertise, innovations and tested models critical for the project’s success.”
Betty Maina, PS State Department of Investment and Industry: We hope that the private sector will not sit back and wait for the government to build growth in the manufacturing sector but will support and play a crucial role in this. #CBAEconomicForum pic.twitter.com/Tg5V2DGbJv
— CBA Group (@CBA_Group_) April 19, 2018
The forum was addressed by the former Central Bank Governor, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, while senior government officials, representatives from private sector associations, and economic analysts shared their expert views on the aspirations in the strategic initiative.
Charles Mwaura , PS Housing and Urban Development: We have made a decision that if you are a developer and 30% of your project doesn't cater for affordable housing ,we shall not allow you to continue as we can not just cater for the high-end ignore the low-end. #CBAEconomicForum pic.twitter.com/RXEh4W65de
— CBA Group (@CBA_Group_) April 19, 2018
The next event in the CBA Economic Forum series will be held mid-year, and will discuss the Budget.