Africa Style Daily Partners With Stern In Africa For Inaugural Forum
New York – New York University’s powerful Stern in Africa (SIA) Student Organization is launching their Inaugural Stern Africa forum. The event, which takes place at the Stern Business School is slated to attract over one-hundred students, professionals and corporations who will be on hand to discuss a myriad of topics under the umbrella, “Redefining Africa.” Led by current Stern students, Taffi Woolward, (2012 Chair), Alois Monger (President) and Jibolu Aodele (Vice President) the event will feature notable business leaders from the continent like Leslie Nelson of GE Africa, Alain Ebobisse of IFC and Mr. Adebayo O. Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure Partners, who will deliver the keynote. To get even more insight on what to expect, we did an exclusive q&a with Monger, President of the organization. Read it after the jump…
ASD:We were intrigued by the term ‘Frontier Investments’ in the title. What does that embody?
Monger:Frontier investments are those beyond investments in so-called emerging markets that focus on efficiency innovations and disruptive technologies like mobile telecom, financial and energy innovations; usually in smaller, more illiquid and risky markets that offer higher returns.
ASD: From a business perspective, do you see style as a major component of the changes on the continent – or still a largely symbolic enterprise?
Monger: The fashion industry is certainly one of the growing sectors on the continent with local designers receiving both domestic and international notoriety. Most current designs are a fusion between contemporary and local fashion influences. As such, they reflect the progressive sophistication of the African fashion consumer.
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