Aubrey Hruby, co-author of The Next Africa, speaks on Tuesday at Maria’s by the Sea during the first installment of a new discussion series called Conversations with Business BVI. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

Hunger, corruption and exotic safaris may still be among outsiders’ most common perceptions of Africa, but in this modern age the continent has much to offer the business community, according to Aubrey Hruby, co-author of The Next Africa.

Ms. Hruby was the featured speaker at the first session of the Conversations with Business BVI discussion series on Tuesday at Maria’s by the Sea.

Aubrey Hruby, co-author of The Next Africa, speaks on Tuesday at Maria’s by the Sea during the first installment of a new discussion series called Conversations with Business BVI. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG
The session, like others to come, is part of celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the business magazine, said publisher Russell Harrigan, who is also the publisher and majority owner of this newspaper.

Business BVI plans to host similar sessions monthly featuring local and international speakers on topics such as the economy, tourism, financial services and others, Mr. Harrigan told a gathering of about 50 people.

“It is intended to provide opportunities for businesses and individuals to engage in discussions about critical issues shaping the people of the BVI in the business and economic space,” Mr. Harrigan said.

Inviting Ms. Hruby to speak was designed to steer the conversation toward the possibility of the Virgin Islands doing business in Africa’s emerging markets, the organiser explained.

See the April 14, 2016 edition for full coverage.

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