JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 15 2010 --- General Electric Company (GE) announced today that the members of the African American Forum (AAF) Executive Team and Board of Directors arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa as part of a five-day Africa tour. This is the delegation's first official visit to the region, reflecting the company's commitment to partner with and provide solutions to support the growth of African countries.
During the tour, the delegation will visit Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa. Their activities include courtesy visits to government officials and business leaders, visits to healthcare facilities where GE has provided an inclusive solution covering donation of healthcare equipment, water provision, energy, communications and infrastructure development under its Developing Health Globally program and a discussion session on leadership with university students, the next generation of African leaders.
GE has been growing significantly in Africa. In 2008, GE's revenues in the region were US $3.5 billion, an increase of almost 40% over 2007. The company has been in Africa for more than 100 years and today is active in more than 35 countries with around 1,500 employees on the continent. GE has offices in Egypt, Kenya, Algeria, Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa, with facilities for GE's Oil & Gas and Energy businesses in Algeria, Angola and Nigeria, as well as a manufacturing plant for GE Security in South Africa.
"We are very excited to start the new year by visiting Africa. Africa has a huge potential for growth and development. We look forward to meeting the local leadership, deepening our understanding of local needs and discussing further how GE can partner with them to help deliver localized infrastructure solutions in energy, water management, healthcare, oil and gas, rail transportation among other key sectors and help grow the region together, " said Deb Elam, Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer of GE and executive team member of the AAF.
A part of GE's diversity initiative, AAF aims to strengthen African American employees in the company through professional development and also works to strengthen the bonds between the company and local African American communities. For example, African American employees have participated in GE's signature program, Developing Health Globally, a philanthropic commitment to improve healthcare delivery for some of the world's most vulnerable populations.
-ends-
About GE
GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.
Rania Rostom