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Ten former African presidents on Friday called on Africa's diaspora, especially in the United States, to return and use their skills and economic power to help develop the world's poorest continent. Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda made the call at a two-day gathering in Johannesburg of the leaders including Botswana's Ketumile Masire, Pierre Buyoya of Burundi, Kenya's Daniel arap Moi and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania. "There are (numerous) reasons why African leaders need to be more strategic in cultivating a relationship with the diaspora," said Kaunda, who ruled Zambia from 1964 until handing over power in 1991. "Seven hundred and fifty billion dollars is the annual aggregate income of African Americans. That economic potential needs to be harnessed for Africa's development and to create expanded economic opportunities for African people worldwide," Kaunda told a press conference. A severe skills shortage in Africa also needed be addressed, he said. There were 200,000 African scientists in the United States, more than on the entire continent, Kaunda said. There were 40,000 African doctoral graduates outside Africa, he added. "It is important to do more than lay out a welcome mat to encourage our brothers and sisters to come back home," he said. "We must develop strategies to recruit and encourge and demonstrate that we are serious about their return," he said. Ex-Ghanian leader Jerry Rawlings said the image and stature of leaders like South Africa's Nelson Mandela did much to improve how the continent was perceived by the West. "(It) brought so much goodwill to Africa, and South Africa did in fact take advantage of that goodwill," he said. The two-day talk-shop was organised by Boston University's African Presidential Archives and Research Centre and the University of the Witwatersrand based in Johannesburg. Also attending were Nicephore Soglo of Benin, Aristides Pereira of Cape Verde, Karl Offman of Mauritius and Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania. ©2006 AFP ********** Share a Smile!!!************* ++++++++++++++ Opportunity for NIGERIAN BUSINESSes Register your Company or Business for almost free...... ......Get a global presence!! http://www.nigeriaplaza.com/default.html **********Keep Hope Alive!!!************* ****Internet Solution**** http://www.nigeriaplaza.com/default.html Welcome to Nigeriaplaza. Nigeriaplaza is an affiliate of D-Net Communications, Norway. This site is created for small and medium sized companies in Nigeria. We provide them with web space, help with their Internet presence needs and provide 10 free email accounts when they sign up to our service. http://www.nigeriaplaza.com/default.html signed PJ Adamz Moderator Abuja Nigeria. YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
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