The Brenthurst Foundation was established by the Oppenheimer family in October 2004 to build on the work of the Brenthurst Initiative of 2003, a programme that instigated debate in South Africa around policy strategies to accelerate economic expansion. Today the debate continues, driven by the sharing of ideas and information. Since its inception the Foundation has regularly brought together the world's leading thinkers and practitioners - from finance ministers and military chiefs to renowned scholars and UN officials - to consider ways to enhance the continent's economic growth and development.

At the invitation of African governments, they work in the full spectrum of countries: from those emerging from conflict to those diversifying their economic activities. The Foundation was established with the specific aim to tackle not only the key 'what to do' questions but, in particular, the more difficult challenge of 'how to do it'. Often in collaboration with both African and non-African organisations, the Foundation identifies and shares international best policy practice - then seeks to turn good advice into effective, implementable policy.

One of the main principles which underpins the Foundation's work is that economic growth is the best means to achieve prosperity and political stability. They are ever-mindful that higher growth rates are not, however, the only indicator of success. Another key principle which guides the work is that companies, in the words of Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, should have 'a broad and deep involvement with the societies in which they do business.'

The Foundation has developed a global network of analysts drawn from Central and South America, Central Asia, the US, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Europe. The team is constantly engaged with a diverse range of experts, policy specialists and senior government officials.