Leading experts from within and outside the African continent have challenged African leaders to provide a reasonable climate that engender innovation and promote sustainability.

The call was made at the just concluded 2013 edition of the Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility (AR-CSR), which took place from June 20 – 21, 2013 at the Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, Cross River State.

Hosted by the Cross River State Government through her Investment Promotions Bureau, the experts which include Dr. Aisha Mahmood, Special Adviser on Sustainability Banking, Central Bank of Nigeria; Prof. Su Maddock, Honorary Fellow, Manchester Institute for Innovative Research; Martin Neureiter, Chief Executive officer, The CSR Company International; Monaem Ben Lellahom, Co-Founder, Sustainable Square; Douglas Kativu, Head of Africa Focal Point, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); Bill Sherman, President, Future 500; Mark Victor, Partner, Deloitte Centre for Corporate Governance, South Africa; Ibrahim Salau, CEO, Environmental Accord Nigeria amongst others.

The theme of the third edition of the industry flagship event was ‘Driving Innovation through Transformational Leadership and Sustainability’, which began with an exclusive Sustainable Investment Forum hosted by the Executive Governor; CEO roundtable sessions, Conference, a Sustainable Solutions Showcase, Eco-Tour, Gala Dinner amongst other inspiring and intellectually stimulating activities.

Leading the pack of speakers was Africa’s Youngest Billionaire, Ashish J. Thakkar, Founder and CEO of Mara Group who also headlined the event as keynote speaker.

Welcoming the guests, Governor Imoke noted that, “Cross River State continues to drive a vision of being the leading service-driven economy in Nigeria. The state’s comprehensive reform programme for schools has witnessed a substantial improvement in examination performance compared to other states. Cross River is in the top percentile for national examination performance and educational reform in Nigeria and has also made great strides with respect to healthcare.

 To date, Cross River is the only state in the country that has recorded a zero infant and maternal mortality rate in some of our Local Governments and remains a testament to the investments made in ensuring that primary healthcare delivery institution especially at the rural areas are fit for purpose and effective agents for medical interventions.

In addition, “Project HOPE which provides free healthcare to pregnant women and children under the age of 5 has been pivotal in achieving this significant milestone,” the governor added.