A bit about AEF:
"The intent is to foster a public discussion on the core issues of African development by having experts of various, and sometimes opposing, perspectives openly debate the merits of different approaches and policies.
"This year, the SIPA Pan-African Network is collaborating with the African Business Club (ABC) at Columbia Business School and the African Law Students Association (ALSA) at Columbia Law School to present this year’s AEF “From Assets to Action - Unmasking Africa's Diverse Resources in a Challenging Era.” AEF 2009 will explore the continent’s challenges and successes in the following areas: agriculture, law, post-conflict economic development, finance, tourism, and information and communications technology."