With the global economy in turmoil, the challenge is to find opportunity in the face of crisis. This was the sentiment expressed by ABSA Chief Executive, Maria Ramos, at the Discovery Invest Leadership Summit in September 2011.

Ramos expressed confidence that Africa and Asia have the potential to become the epicentre of the global economy, and our immediate aim should be that of fully unlocking that potential.

Ricky Robinson, CEO of leading performance agency, LRMG, agrees and emphasises the importance of education and skills development as the foundation for future growth and development. "Education is key to unlocking our economic potential. Without a sustainable and focused effort on educating and up-skilling the nation, we will be thwarting a huge opportunity to close the gap between developing and developed economies," says Robinson.