Keynote Address - Top30Under30 Launch Press Conference

2^nd April 2008

Honourable guests;

Officials;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

If I had a grand wish to make this morning, it would be that all my schedules were cancelled and I could be in Lagos with this distinguish audience. Please pardon me believing that I have tried as much as I could but to no avail.

I would declare this morning the old Latin saying “Ex Africa semper aliquid novi!” (Something new always comes out of Africa). The world is learning from India and China, the world is learning to see opportunities in the African diversity, the world is learning to respect the genius of young people, the world is learning not to look down on Africa. Indeed the world is waiting for something new from Africa.

When young people take a firm decision that they can effect a change in the future of the continent then we are beholding a revolution, a revolution that is borne out of the internal conviction that something can be done to change the course of Africa’s history. For five days in October the world press will not focus on the disease, war and famine that has become the main theme of world press on Africa. Rather, the spotlight will be beamed on the 30 finest entrepreneurs that Africa has to offer. As US Venture Capitalist, Hunt Greene said, “Everything is always impossible before it works. That is what entrepreneurs are all about—doing the impossible.” This is the essence of Top30under30. Moreso the energy that is needed to revitalise the African continent lies with the youth who can dare anything and achieve all things.

You are here today because somehow you believe all I have said about the youth. You believe somehow that if young people be given a chance they will push limits; you believe that they are the Mavericks that can score the hat-trick that Africa needs. You are here because you remember what dreams you had as young people and how far you could have gone if you had the right support. Well, behold another generation with their hopes, dreams and visions. Would they look behind and see your face urging them on or would they be let down. It is up to you! I have decided that if I wanted to sincerely see a change in Africa I must encourage the youth who connect today to tomorrow, thereby I can help raise men who create meaning and add timeless values. I opted to be the Chair of the Judging Panel and to always be a phone call away not minding the personal sacrifice. Perhaps am gleefully disillusioned with the thought that I could be sowing a seed to change Africa’s fortunes.

Your presence as distinguished guests this morning symbolizes the global nature of entrepreneurship as well as the growing recognition of Africa as an emerging entrepreneurial hub. My gratitude goes to the gentlemen and ladies of the 4^th estate-of-the-realm, the various corporate sponsors and partners for their generosity as well as to the many accomplished entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and friends both within Africa and outside the shores of the Atlantic. Your generosity and participation has contributed greatly to this very important gathering leading up to October.

As I close, we can improve the fortunes of Africa and its people by supporting systems, like Top30Under30, that foster entrepreneurship. It’s a message that needs to be heard more loudly. Unleashing Africa’s entrepreneurial potential will improve lives by creating the jobs and economic opportunity that will lift people out of poverty. Entrepreneurship has to be at the heart of our struggle for a renewed Africa. It’s this very message I bring to you today.

Thank you.

Koosum Kalyan, Koosum joined Shell South Africa (Pty) Limited in 1990 as Chief Economist in the Corporate Planning Department.  She was appointed General Manager of Corporate Affairs in August 1995. In 1998, Koosum was appointed on an assignment to Shell International Global Scenarios Team in London to map out the Africa Scenarios.

Prior to Shell, Koosum worked as an Economist at the Chamber of Mines of South Africa and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria in Australia.

Since 2001 Koosum has held the position of Senior Business Development Manager/Exploration, Shell International Exploration. She is an adviser to the South African Government on State Owned Enterprises in Africa, a member of President Mbeki’s Steering Committee on Scenarios for South Africa and a member and co-facilitator of the UNAIDS/Shell Scenario Planning Team on HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Koosum was seconded to Prime Minister Blair’s Commission for Africa on a part time basis as Private Sector Liaison and Coordinator for Africa. She has presented many papers on Economic Issues and Oil and Gas in Africa, as well as assisting several governments in Africa on long term planning processes. She serves on the Commonwealth Business Council Advisory Group.  Koosum also chairs the G8 Business Action Against Corruption in Africa.

Koosum holds non executive Board Directorships at South African Airways, South African Reserve Bank subsidiaries, MTN Group and the Standard Bank Group.