Recent Africa Braintrust 2012 forum 'informative, inspiring' for those committed to continent's advancement

"Recently I attended the Africa Braintrust 2012 forum entitled 'Africa Rising: A Continent of Opportunity,' hosted by U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) as part of their Annual Legislative Conference, in Washington, D.C.," human rights activist Ivanley Noisette writes in the Huffington Post's "World" blog, noting the event "concentrated on reinforcing support for promising development-aid strategies, providing a networking venue for interested professionals, encouraging foreign investment, and promoting the leadership of the CBC in advocating fair and just U.S. policy toward the many countries of Africa." Noisette provides highlights from various panels at the event, noting, "The second panel, 'Health Investments for Africa's Future,' featured presentations about HIV/AIDS and malaria progress, food security, agricultural development, and high-impact health initiatives."

"The panel underscored the need for most African countries to increase investments in domestic health care systems," he continues, and discusses PEPFAR, the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, and the Purchase for Progress Program, "a World Food Programme (WFP) effort that leverages WFP's purchasing power and expertise to provide farmers with access to agricultural markets." He writes, "Overall, the 2012 gathering was informative, substantive and at times even inspiring for those committed to supporting the advancements made in various African countries." Noisette concludes, "Ultimately, however, it will be the demands of the citizens of these countries for more accountable governance and transparent institutions that will dictate the progress made in the struggle to curb capital flight" (11/1).