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The International Advertising Association, in conjunction with the Advertising Association of Ghana, commenced its two day Africa Rising | The New Consumer Generation Conference at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra, Ghana.

His Excellency, Mr John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, opening the conference included in his remarks "I am honored that Accra joins a long list of world-class cities such as Moscow, Beijing, Sydney and many others to host such a prestigious IAA conference. Ghana and Africa are experiencing a dramatic leap-frogging of technology, which brings with it great opportunity.

We have a reputation as a place that is easy to do business in and is an attractive destination for investment. Advertising is an important part of our economy with jobs and opportunities for many and the increasing demand for creative services will only grow.

Apart from the traditional role of branding to consumers, I call on marketers and advertisers to use their know-how to re-brand the African continent from the 'dark' image it is traditionally thought to have. We have the fastest growing middle class in the world, and an increasing pool of well-educated, young people.

And, the new digital world provides us with opportunities to market our African success stories beyond African borders. Africa is the continent of opportunity!"

Over 250 delegates from eleven countries have gathered to hear about the pressing issues and discuss the key insights into the fast developing marketing and communications markets of Africa.

Topics will cover research, consumer insights, a look at regional creative leadership, the scalability of African brands, the impact of mobile technology and advertising regulation in the two day event.

Faris Abouhamad, IAA Chairman and World President commented "Having His Excellency President Dramani Mahama open the IAA conference is a great honor and recognition of the growing importance of Africa and its citizens to both local, regional and international brands.

With our growing Sub-Saharan membership lead by IAA Ghana it's natural the IAA should take the lead. And on behalf of all delegates I would like to thank IAA Vice President - Africa Development Norkor Duah, IAA Ghana Chapter President Joel Nettey - and their energetic AAG team for making this conference happen!"

 
Program speakers for Day One 1 included Faris Abouhamad, Chairman and World President, IAA; Yaw Agyenim-Boateng, Associate Principal, McKinsey & Company; Lolu Akinwunmi, Group CEO, Prima Garnet Africa; Alhassan Andani, Managing Director, Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited; Kenneth Ashigbey, Managing Director, Graphic Communications Group; Joel Nettey, CEO Innova DDB Ghana; Samuel Ashitey Adjei, CEO, Ecobank Ghana; Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, Group Chairman, STB-McCann; Julian Boulding, President, thenetworkone; Haris Broumidis, Chief Executive, Vodafone Ghana; Charles Chijide, President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria; Norkor Duah, Managing Director, Lowe Accra; Erich Joachmisthaler, CEO, Vivaldi Partners; Reginald Laryea, Chairman, Ogilvy and Mather & Chairman, SCANAD; His Excellency John Mahama, President, the Republic of Ghana; Yaw Nsarkoh, Senior Vice President, Unilever Nigeria; Sean O'Hara, SVP Sales EMEA & LATAM, BBC Advertising; Kemi Okusanya, Regional Manager, Moneygram Anglophone West Africa; Tunji Olugbodi, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Verdant Zeal Group; Fabrice Sawegnon, Founder & CEO, Voodoo Group; Dmitry Shishkin, Journalist, BBC; Valery Martin, Group Account Director, Millward Brown and Paul Squirrell, Network Director, thenetworkone.