Companies need to work in cooperation with governments to combat global poverty, Tony Blair urged yesterday.
In a recorded address at the launch of Business Action for Africa, a network of firms from Africa and the G8 countries, Blair highlighted the crucial role the private sector has to play in eradicating poverty.
"The private sector is the engine for growth in Africa. Growth and development can only happen when governments and business work together," he said.
"Business Action for Africa is already fostering the vigorous private sector engagement needed to create wealth, jobs and the momentum for growth. Your investment, expertise and practical ideas are essential to helping Africa share in the benefits of the global economy."
The meeting comes ahead of the G8 summit in Gleneagles on Wednesday.
African poverty has been put top of the agenda following the Bob Geldof's Live 8 events last weekend.
Some 205,000 people packed London's Hyde Park for a concert featuring top rock and pop musicians while similar events took place in other cities around the world.
Thousands of protestors are also currently in Edinburgh to call on the world's richest nations to increase aid and cancel debts.
The Business Action for Africa conference is being attended by international business and political leaders including President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia and Hilary Benn, UK international development secretary.
The event is focusing on the actions the business community will take to support poverty reduction in Africa. Its conclusions will be presented to Tony Blair, the current chair of the G8 summit.
