The Inaugural Conference KMA 2005 “Knowledge to address Africa's development challenges was held in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa from 28th February to 1st March 2005. This conference was inspired first and foremost, by the timely call by a new generation of African leaders who are convinced and dedicated to a new beginning in Africa. This was a successful conference which led to the production of the first KMA Conference proceedings, institutionalisation of KMA and strengthening of relationships between and amongst African countries. One of the significant outcomes of this gathering was to highlight an urgent need for the creation of endogenous knowledge solutions for the development agenda of Africa.