Gondwe lecturer Kah Walla hopes to unlock Africa’s economic potential
Cameroonian political leader Kah Walla will present this year’s Gondwe lecture (Photo from kahwalla.com).
By Katie Cheyne, Staff Writer
Every September the Departments of Africana Studies and Economics choose someone to deliver a lecture for the Derrick K. Gondwe Memorial.
The goal of this memorial lecture is to highlight a struggling country in Africa that is making strides to better their economy.
Last year, the Departments of Africana Studies and Economics chose Dr. Esther Kip from Botswana to speak at the memorial lecture due to the economic and social struggles that the citizens are experiencing because of the increase of HIV and Tuberculosis.
This year, the two departments selected Kah Walla to be the lecturer at the memorial. Walla was the first woman to run for the Presidency in Cameroon.
Along with her presidency, Walla plays many other roles in her country as an entrepreneur, activist and political leader in Africa.
Walla was chosen this year because of her world-known expertise in management and how it has shaped her country.
One way she has changed the difficulties in Africa is by developing Strategies!, which she started over 17 years ago. This is a consulting firm, which offers assistance regarding leadership and strategy with the highest international model.
After 22 years, Walla was able to promote credible ideas regarding economic growth as well as a democratic government. She has achieved the promotions by developing solutions and policies involving business, governments and a civil society.
Popularity began for Walla when she was one of seven other women featured in the World Bank for improving the business environment in Africa.
In 2011, Newsweek, The Daily Beast and The New African also recognized Walla as one of 150 women and one of the 100 Africans who have influenced a positive change in the world.
Much like Esther Kip, Kah Walla has begun to shine a light on the rising economy and government in order to create a better future in her country.
Derrick Gondwe, for whom the annual lecture is named, was part of the faculty at Gettysburg College for 27 years and was the founder of the African American Studies Program as well as the International Relations Council.
Prior to his arrival at the college, Gondwe lived in Malawi. He moved to the United States in his early twenties and stayed with the Keefer family, who created the Memorial lecture in his remembrance.
This year’s lecture will be held in the Joseph Theatre in Breidenbaugh Hall on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m
