AFRICAN LEADERSHIP
Category
OCTOBER 2019 www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk
CENTRE FOR ECONOMIC AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
SOUTH AMERICA AFRICA MIDDLE EAST ASIA WOMEN SUMMIT (SAMEAWS) DUBAI 2019
THEME: Developing Female Transformational Leaders: A New Paradigm for Growing Emerging Economies. DATE:
VENUE:
NOV. 22
Dubai - UAE
2019
F O R PA R T I C I PAT I O N A N D S P O N S O R S H I P, P L E A S E C O N TA C T Centre for Economic and Leadership Development C/O Amazons Watch Magazine Portsmouth Technopole, Kingston Crescent Portsmouth, PO2 8FA United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 7459 647093, +234 8061197781 Email: info@celdng.org, ehis.ayere@celdng.org Website: www.celdng.org; www.amazonswatchmagazine.com
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Ken Giami It gives me great honour to welcome you all to THE 3RD INVEST IN AFRICA SUMMIT – LONDON 2019. The United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects 2019 indicates that the contemporaneous appearance of several important risks endangers efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—the universally adopted plan containing 17 specific goals to promote prosperity and social well-being while protecting the environment. Evidently, we live in volatile times with concerns over the sustainability of global economic growth, arising from the rising financial, social and environmental challenges and a worrisome combination of development challenges, including a waning support for multilateral approaches, the escalation of trade policy disputes, financial instabilities linked to elevated levels of debt, and rising climate risks. Needless to say, multilateral actions and global cooperation are vital to ensure global sustainability. I am therefore pleased to commend the great work of African Leaders in adopting the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) of which the implementation has started, in spite of the existing global trade and technology tensions and uncertainties around international and regional trade agreements, including between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The debate on the benefits of intra-African trade has indeed been prominent in the last decade. African countries over the years have adopted a number of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) intended to promote trade among themselves, such as the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Right to Residence and Right to Establishment, as well as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which is a flagship initiative of the African Union AU Agenda 2063 that was adopted to create a single unified air transport market to liberalize civil aviation in the region, improve intra-African air connectivity, catalyse the economic transformation of the continent, and enhance the impact of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s “No Country Left Behind” programme aimed at driving the sustainability and benefits of aviation in all global regions including Africa. There is a consensus among experts that intra-African trade has the greatest potential for building sustainable economic growth and regional integration on the continent as higher volumes of trade among countries in the continent will provide access to bigger markets, new opportunities and a larger pool of human capital. The Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) exceeds that of a traditional free trade area as it brings together all 55 African
THE 3RD INVEST IN AFRICA SUMMIT, LONDON 2019 Union member states, covering a market of more than 1.2 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than US$3.4 trillion, with a commitment to removing tariffs on 90 percent of goods, progressively liberalizing trade in services, and addressing a host of other non-tariff barriers. The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) says that If all 55 African countries join a free trade area, it will be the world’s largest by number of countries since the establishment of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), covering more than 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, estimating that AfCFTA has the potential to boost intra-African trade by 52.3 percent by 2020. Permit me to say that no other time has the continent been positioned with better opportunities for investments in the light of the full implementation of AfCFTA. Of course, it goes without saying that Africa’s large market and economic potential underscores the growing efforts by developed and developing economies, such as China, India, Europe, North America and the Middle East to strengthen trade and economic connections with the continent. I am a firm believer in this new Africa, championed by people of integrity and resilience. As such, over the last decade, the African Leadership Magazine has continually strived to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and development and continually showcase the enormous investment opportunities in Africa. Through our publication and events, we have been a gateway, through which exceptional business to business relationships, strategic partnerships and public-private partnerships have been built and inked, in a bid to develop the immense economic potentials, and engender sustained economic growth, entrepreneurship development and job creation in the continent. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is for this same purpose we are gathered here today with the theme of this summit set as: Intra-Africa Trade- Beyond Rhetoric and Political Commitments. I urge you all to take advantage of this opportunity to share best practises and experiences and evidenced-based researches on delivering Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement as well as your approaches to addressing the challenges of realizing the benefits and of intra-African trade. I am also confident that deliberations in this summit will not just be rhetoric, but a true platform to connect with one another, forge business relationships and inks deals, as well as engage in areas of identified investment and trade opportunities to deepen and boost the underdeveloped intra-Africa economic relations and between Africa and the rest of the world. I am hopeful and that this Summit, which has brought us together- business leaders, diplomats and policymakers from across Africa, the United Kingdom and the rest of the world, will achieve its objectives. On this note, I wish you all successful deliberations and a wonderful evening! Thank you. www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk
CONTENTS Financial Inclusion: Financing the Frontier Market.
COVER STORY Africa – the Next Big Wine Market?
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Is global climate change governance working for Africa?
20
24 Ambazonia: A Global Conspiracy of Silence?
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UK Trade Envoy Speaks On Post-Brexit Trade Rela�ons with Africa at the Invest in Africa Summit Followers and 36 African Responsiveness Princess 48 Dr. Haastrup - Interview Democracy: 52 Nigeria’s a Verdict e art of social media 64 Th and Content marketing
32 44 58
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Africa is Mul�lateralism’s Secret Champion Africa: A Manufacturing Des�na�on Pan Africanism: Towards an African Renaissance, Not yet Uhuru
...A Publication of African Leadership (UK) Limited
Publisher/CEO Ken Giami Publisher@africanleadership.co.uk Group Managing Editor Kingsley Okeke editor@africanleadership.co.uk +44 74 184 71670 Associate Editor Arvy Nahar aknahar@africanleadership.co.uk +44 77 89 590 363 Editor – At – Large Martin Roche martin@africanleadership.co.uk +44 77 157 49621 Editor, International Affairs Kenneth Nkemnacho nkemnacho@africanleadershp.co.uk +44 74 018 88866 Creative Graphic Designer John Mutum Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director Furo Giami Group Head, Finance & Administration Boma Benjy Iwuoha Manager, Adverts & Sponsorships Joseph Akuboh joseph@africanleadership.co.uk Manager, Sales & Business Developments Samuel Moses Elaikwu elaikwu@africanleadership.co.uk Head, Events & Conferences Ehis Ayere Director of Operations North America Happy Benson Head, Research and Admin - North America Christy Ebong Head, South African Bureau Oluwatoyin Oyekanmi Business Development Managers Sheba Nyam, Stanley Emeruem, Amang Saliyuk
Associate Editor Joshua Ogbonna Staff Writer Vivian Ozoemena Executive Assistant to the Publisher Jolayemi Mayowa mayowa@africanleadership.co.uk Contributing Editors Major Aku A Amboson FSS (Rtd) Jibril Ndace Correspondents / Representatives David Lekpa – New York, USA Sabrenah Sumrah-Kelly – Atlanta, USA Saikou Jammeh – Banjul, The Gambia Erin Lewis - Washington DC, USA Kudzai Mtero – Pretoria, South Africa Nomia Machebe – Johannesburg, South Africa Lady Ngo Mang – Paris France Josephine Adageog – Accra Ghana Linda Kimenyi – Nairobi Kenya Contributors Matshona Dhilwayo, Chifuniro Kandaya Arthur Becker, Charles Peter Yomi Henry-eyo, Barnabas Thondhlana Splendour Eloke Young
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Portsmouth Technopole, Kingston Crescent, Portsmouth PO2 8FA, United Kingdom +44 23 9265 8276; +44 74 3880 2727 AFRICA HEAD OFFICE 13 Mambilla Street, Off Aso Drive, Abuja-Nigeria +234 703 682 7724; +234 803 7920 639 UNITED STATES OFFICE: 6008 Old Rolling Road, Alexandria, VA 22310 +1 202 394 8489, +1 202 367 6916 e | info@africanleadership.co.uk f | +44 (0)23 9265 8201 w | africanleadership.co.uk ISSN 2006 - 9332 While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of materials, production and accuracy of content in the magazine, the publishers will not take responsibility for views expressed by the writer.
...Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Development In Africa
Category Cover Story
: Pioneering Innovations in Africa’s Agro Sector With about 200 Million hectares, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to nearly half of the world’s uncultivated arable land. To feed the continent’s growing population, food production will have to increase by 60% for the next 15 years. In this exclusive interview with African Leadership Magazine, Nuradin Osman AGCO Vice President and General Manager Africa talk about the company’s investments in Africa, aimed at engineering food-security and supporting sustainable productivity, through technology and innovation. Excerpts:
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Cover Story
Agricultural developments with the aim of enhancing productivity have become the major topic of discussion in Africa; what is the place of AGCO as a leading name in equipment manufacturing in this regards AGCO is the world's largest manufacturer of machinery and equipment focused solely on the agricultural industry. Our vision is clear that we can best help farmers feeding the world through investing in high technology solutions that can enhance farm productivity. This is why our brands are some of the most well-respected and forward-thinking globally, from hybrid combine harvesters to telemetry-based tracking systems. This is the same vision AGCO is advancing in Africa. AGCO is geared to increasing agricultural productivity through mechanization and skills development, thereby boosting Farmers’ incomes and stimulating agri-entrepreneurship. The innovations in our diverse product offerings can certainly bring profitable growth in the sector. Our products are specially designed to meet the needs of the continent’s challenges. For instance, we are currently working on launching a selfpropelled sprayer in 2020 for
our leading brand in Africa, the Massey Ferguson. Specially designed for the continent’s terrain this machine will be offered in three models – the 2500L, 3000L and 3500L with options of 24m and 30m boom configuration. The advanced technology behind the MF self-propelled sprayers maximizes fuel efficiency and can spray an entire hectare for under one liter of fuel. These new sprayers can cover vast areas of up to 300 ha in a single day and reach road speed of 40km/h. AGCO will also be introducing the same sprayer technology with the Valtra brand.
In the 2019 AGCO Berlin Summit tagged ‘Feeding the World - The Future for Protein’ there was a concerted call for an increased effort to meet the global protein demand due to the growing population. How much effort has been put towards actualizing this task? Yes, AGCO held its annual AGCO Berlin Summit in January. A high level panel session with African political and economic leaders such as former heads of states President John Kufuor (Ghana) and President Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria); Robert Sichniga, Zambia Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and Jose Condugua Antonio
Pacheco, Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture amongst others; interrogated challenges in protein production including efforts to improve the ethical treatment of animals in the context of modern agriculture. AGCO understands that the world has an exploding population that needs to be nourished adequately through protein-rich foods. Emerging markets – many of which are in Africa, are experiencing a growing middle class demanding comprehensive solutions to improve the agricultural supply chains of protein products. AGCO’s integrated protein production systems ensure the production of high-quality and sustainable meat and poultry products for the farmer. Through brands like Cumberland and C-lines, AGCO engineered products to help poultry and swine producers protect the health of the animals with innovative climate control, housing, biosecurity, feeding, and watering. This line of products includes complete systems with responsible housing designs and expert support to encourage the well-being of birds for our egg producers. Our dependable protein production products are designed for easy installation as well as low maintenance, durability, flexibility, and efficiency.
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Our vision is clear that we can best help farmers feeding the world through investing in high technology solutions that can enhance farm productivity.
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Cover Story
standby to offer assistance and information on equipment and implements. AGCO also has a service calculator available throughout our distributors where we are able to tailor a service plan for a customer as well as warranty lengths. With the improvement in oil and engine technology AGCO has also been able to extend or lengthen service intervals reducing the overall cost of ownership.
However, while AGCO addresses challenges to feeding a rapidly growing world population, through solutions that boost overall performance and productivity of farms, we also offer innovative ways to improve animal handling and the fair treatment of animals in agricultural supply chains. One of the challenges encountered by smallholder farmers is that of equipment cost, expertise in the usage of these types of equipment and maintenance. In line with the reinvigorated interest by many African countries in tackling food insecurity, how is AGCO primed for this? These indeed are great challenges. Modern agricultural practices such as mechanization require a considerable investment and ongoing maintenance plan to optimize equipment. Although credit extensions are not popular on the continent AGCO has successfully established retail finance partnerships in viable markets such as South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya to support farmers in the purchase of farm equipment. Unfortunately the agricultural industry is perceived as too high risk by financial service providers due to its seasonal
8 | African Leadership | October 2019
nature, irregular income streams and exposure to external factors such as the weather, pests, and commodity price fluctuations. However, access to credit is crucial for farmers seeking to acquire the right equipment to expand and advance their businesses. A noteworthy partnership is the one established between the Zambia National Commercial Bank Plc (Zanaco) and our national distributor. The Finance solution offers affordable and low-rate financing such as finance leases and loans for the full spectrum of farming operations. But it’s worth noting that simplicity of design to enhance performance, optimizing specification and efficiency of operation are some of the ways AGCO’s mechanization solutions are keeping capital costs low and AGCO’s efforts to enhance reliability and performance maintain a higher residual value for our equipment. With aspect to maintenance, AGCO together with its distributors has introduced various innovations to optimize the use of equipment while reducing the cost of ownership to farmers. In a more established market like South Africa, our distributors send out trainers that conduct onsite training and have technical staff on
AGCO has also reached out to various stakeholders to bring mechanization to smallholder farmers and has made a considerable investment in training to fill the knowledge gaps. Recently we revealed plans for further development of the Future Farm project in Zambia. This cutting edge, innovative training facility and a fully mechanized farm that was launched in 2015, is designed for both small and large scale commercial farming operations. Future Farm offers a range of hands-on training courses for farmers, operators and dealers on machinery, equipment and various implements in mechanization training workshops.
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Emerging markets – many of which are in Africa, are experiencing a growing middle class demanding comprehensive solutions to improve the agricultural supply chains of protein products.
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In addition to the challenges of equipment and other modalities associated with production is the UN Food and Agricultural Organization report that an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food, or roughly 30 percent of global production, is lost or wasted annually. As a leader in the industry, how can we reduce waste in the industry? AGCO has various equipment and systems with cutting edge technology to reduce postharvest waste. One of the key methods is through moisture conservation and fuel-saving in AGCO’s tillage equipment such as the vertical tillage and strip tillage equipment available in most of our brands Arguably one of our greatest products to help promote food storage to minimize post-harvest wastage are our grain storage, material handling, conditioning and drying equipment from our global brand, GSI. We are committed significantly reducing the multi-billion dollar food losses that occur yearly due to insufficient and inadequate postharvest infrastructures in SubSahara Africa. Recent innovations and trend in agriculture are built around artificial intelligence and high-powered technological operations. We would like to know AGCO’s direction as regards the fierce competition going on in the industry? Please see the feedback in the email. The company has been in existence for almost three decades. What are the renewed expectations and projections for its continuous growth?
Strategy & Infrastructure Developing AGCO’s business in Africa is a core focus for the company. Our mission in Africa is to provide complete customercentric agricultural solutions. By 2022, AGCO’s target is to double net sales.
The implementation of this strategy is very ‘hands-on’ with AGCO taking a leadership role in infrastructure- and capacitybuilding. Pro-activity is key. Our management team focuses strongly on the identification of key challenges and barriers to growth in the industry and the development of innovative solutions to overcome them. AGCO is making major investments in infrastructure and people in Africa and creating key partnerships to help drive agricultural development forward. The company’s approach to ‘serve Africa from Africa’ is central to its strategy to expand its own footprint and accelerate and deepen agricultural growth on the continent. This includes establishing offices and facilities, building products on the continent, developing innovative initiatives and ensuring full support such as education and training, together with parts, service and field back-up. The company now employs some 200 people on the continent and has a presence in 40 countries. Our Africa headquarters and parts warehouse was officially opened in Johannesburg in 2018 and we have since opened a 2nd office in Casablanca, Morocco.
We have 31 distributors accounting for 118 individual AGCO outlets to provide sales and after-sales support to our customers.
Training and Development AGCO Future Farm AGCO’S first Future Farm which is located in Zambia continues to train operators, dealers, and farmers at the 150ha farm’s mechanization training center, and the grain and poultry learning centers.
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With aspect to maintenance, AGCO together with its distributors has introduced various innovations to optimize the use of equipment while reducing the cost of ownership to farmers.
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Phase II project development has begun which will include the construction of student and staff accommodation, communal amenities such as a canteen and an Insaka homestead – a traditional complex of grass gazebos with a central courtyard to encourage interactive learning. Also planned is the digitizing of mechanization and agronomy training to ensure that this knowledge is accessible even to farmers in remote parts of the continent. AGCO Agribusiness Qualification We are excited that students from the inaugural AGCO Agribusiness Qualification (AAQ) - Africa’s first-ever junior management agribusiness training program – are set to graduate in spring 2020 after successfully completing a 2-year qualification in a premier institution in Kenya. The AAQ is designed to foster the expertise required to work successfully in the agricultural supply chain.
Initiatives Agri-Parks AGCO’s Agri-Park initiatives are aimed at empowering African farmers through the integration of high-tech solutions, agronomy, and the community. Agri-Parks are a networked innovation system, integrating various agricultural and livestock activities with rural transformation services. These include agro-production, processing, logistics, marketing, training and extension services. Once established, Agri-Parks support the transfer of farming techniques, training, and advice to the farming community. AGCO aligns with Agri-Park project owners and key strategic partners to provide technical know-how, equipment, and resources all the way through from pre-feasibility studies to the implementation stage and beyond.
Farm in a Box AGCO’s pioneering Farm in a Box (FIAB) initiative aims to take farm mechanization plus all its necessary support facilities deep into previously underserviced rural communities in Africa. FIAB offers a package of essential farm equipment including a tractor and implements together with the crucial support mechanisms such as parts, workshop tools, training, and expertise to ensure sustainable and productive machinery operations. Machinery, parts and workshop equipment physically arrive at the location in a box a modified shipping container which can later be employed as an office/workshop. FIAB is an innovative solution for smallscale farmers to gain access to the machinery they need to transform their operations and achieve profitable businesses.
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We are committed significantly reducing the multi-billion dollar food losses that occur yearly due to insufficient and inadequate postharvest infrastructures in Sub-Sahara Africa.
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Ambazonia: A Global Conspiracy of Silence?
Caleb, a 15 months old boy has been locked-up together with his 37 years old mother, in solitary confinement without access to sunlight. His sins? Been born to parents from the territory known as British Southern Cameroon – otherwise called Ambazonia. Caleb’s story according to the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Southern Cameroon Ambazonia United Front, SCAUF, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, mirrors what has become the fate of over 8 Million indigenous people of Southern Cameroon, who are determined to assert their right to exist as an independent nation. Amidst wanton destruction of lives and properties and the displacement of over two Million citizens, Mr. Tabe, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Cameroonian government, alongside nine of his colleagues, talks about the scale of
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destruction, and the solution to the ongoing crisis in the region. Excerpts: The global media has been awash with reports of the crisis in Southern Cameroon and we have also read reports from different accounts, but, you are in a better position to tell us more about the crisis. As a key actor in this crisis, what is the situation on the ground? I will provide you with some details, which you can also crosscheck with other available data. As you know, we are a team, I know a bit, but I have a team of people who provided me with information on the areas I don’t know. So, we are a team. I had presented you with some of my interviews and the letters we wrote to the United Nations so that I can give you an idea of what we are facing.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most untold stories of our time. It is one of the greatest injustice of our time, but, unfortunately, the British seem to be quiet while people get killed dayby-day and our daughters get killed day-by-day. This is a very frustrating experience to witness even as an observer. It is even sad to witness as a leader and watching what is happening to our people. So, I thank African Leadership for coming to our help and throwing more light on the issue. Though we have been getting coverage from other
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If you go on to study the history of nations, you will find out that the Republic of Cameroon got its independence on the 21st January 1960 and the geographical boundaries of that nation were set as of that date.
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equally global media platforms, it is insufficient, considering that we are looking at the lives of over 8 Million people. If we are to rank by population according to the UN record, we will be number 100 because there are about 99 countries with a population of 10 million. We have 43000 Square kilometers of Land. So, we are not a small nation at all by any comparison. Unfortunately, because of our history, the people who should be taking-up our fight now are sitting quietly. This is because we have observed, they are still signing lucrative oil deals with the Republic of Cameroon even though the British know that fundamentally there is something wrong with this union – a union that was never consummated. If you go on to study the history of nations, you will find out that the Republic of Cameroon got its independence on the 21st January 1960 and the geographical boundaries of that nation were set as of that date. So, for the Republic of Cameroon to stand up today to claim boundaries stretching up to the republic of Southern Cameroon, there should be a document known in international relations as an “act of union.” Our own nation became independent on the first of October 1961. So, for the boundaries to be extended in any way, shape or
form, there has to be an act of union and I will tell you that the act of union does not exist. No such document was ever signed. This is an unfortunate situation. When the republic of Cameroon was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the country, the United Nations SecretaryGeneral sent to the President of Cameroon, two framed maps as a gift. One of the maps was for the Republic of Cameroon and the other is for the former British Southern Cameroon. So, you will ask, why were two separate maps presented to him in a lavish ceremony – we have video and documentary evidence to show. This was simply to remind them that at the level of the UN, we recognize that there is no act of union between both countries. that is the simple and basic ground upon which our contention stands.
with the people from British Southern Cameroon and address the root causes of this problem. When you talk about the root cause of the problem, it goes back to what we just mentioned. They know that when we sit to dialogue, the first question will be – for you to talk about the relationship in any form or shape, you have to first show us the Act of Union. Since the Act of Union does not exist, we happen to be like a girl in an unfortunate relationship and forced into an abusive relationship, and she wants out, but the abusive boyfriend, says you cannot leave. If a marriage can be ruptured by a divorce, how about a relationship that was not even consummated. Even if you have children from the relationship if you abuse the girl, do you expect the girl to stay? That is where we find ourselves.
Has the Republic of Cameroon come up with any counter document to prove otherwise?
Talking about the abuse, we have heard so much about the situation on the ground, but, how bad is the situation on the ground?
No, they haven’t. Not at all. They don’t have it and they will not have it. If you ask me, that is the main reason why they have been hesitant with the request for us to sit down at the negotiation table. When this whole struggle started in 2016, the first reaction of the UN was to call on Cameroon to sit down
If I were to paint a picture, I will start with the two key things that caused the crisis. When I was a kid, we called our country Cameroon, there was no distinction. As a child in primary school, I knew that Cameroon was a country in West Africa
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Imagine that when they set exams, they do so in French – and translate the exams in English for our children to write. The level of translation is so approximate, that when you have a word like “bougie ” may mean candle and may also mean a Plug. www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk
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and it was British Southern Cameroon that I am talking about. When I got to secondary school, we were amalgamated and I was told that Cameroon is in central Africa. So, it was a case of assimilation and merging the two countries and totally eroding our culture and everything we stand for. Especially our language and education. Their objective is to make us forget who we are, our culture and everything. As you know, the French and the English as so different. Culture and everything are totally different. So, that is what they have attempted to do in the past 57 years. Let me go on to give you some statistics – the educational system has been completely eroded. We do not have any semblance of the British education that we had when we were small. It has gotten so bad that was we speak, they train teachers in French and send them to teach in our own land. When I was a child the only Cameroonian who came to teach - taught us, French. Which was even understandable, because, then they claimed they wanted to have a bilingual country. But, now, we are talking of a teacher of mathematics, history geography. In my village, they will send a teacher, who is coming to teach Geography in French and he doesn’t understand anything in English. That is how bad it has gotten. If you think that is not bad enough, imagine that when they set exams, they do so in French – and translate the exams in Eglish for our children to write. The level of translation is so approximate, that when you have a word like “bougie ” may mean candle and may also mean a Plug. So, if you talking about Motor Mechanics, and you use the word, “bougie”, you are talking of a spark plug. When at home, you will be talking about a candle. So, we have pieces of evidence like, exam questions, where a child is asked, what is the function of a sparkplug in French, and because, they do not care about us, they translate it to mean, what is the role of a candle. So, this child, who has spent 4 to 5 years studying,
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has a question in front of him, asking him what is the role of a candle. From that premise, we have failed the exam, before we even started. This is the level to which they have degraded the learning environment. If you have a teacher in a class who does not understand English, his choice of language will be wrong and the examples will also be wrong. Some of them try to teach in pidging English. They have corrupted our education system. The children come home and they don’t understand what they are studying, because, they don’t understand the teacher. This is how bad it is. Let us move to the legal system. When we were small, all the lawyers as well as the judges, were British trained lawyers. There is a fundamental difference between a common law system and the French civil law system. In our common law system, the citizen is innocent, until the law can prove that the person is guilty. For instance, in the common law system, if you catch someone on the road and you ask the person to identify himself and they ask you to follow them home to be able to produce a means of identification, it may be allowed. But, in the French system, it is the total opposite. If a police officer meets you on the street, before he says Jack, he expects you to pull out your identity card. If I don’t have my identity, he can take me in for questioning and keep me behind bars and charge me for 10 years. This is one of the fundamental differences between British Common Law and the French Civil Law. Over the years, we have witnessed the erosion of our legal system. The last straw was that in 2016, they came up with a law called “Ohada” they published it in Cameroon and said it was applicable to all the nations, Including British Southern Cameroon. And that Law was purely civil law. It had no relationship with our common Law system. You must also note that over the years, they have eroded the courts and planted mainly French judges. When we were little, a magistrate was the
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A typical example is that of the senior divisional officers – by the name, you will know that they are supposed to report to the governor. We have about 56 of them, and we hardly have up to 5 that are from the British Southern Cameroon side of the country.
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In Nigeria we were kept at the Defence Intelligence agency and from there we were whisked away to Cameroon and taking to a place in Cameroon called SED. This place in Cameroon is the highest torture centers I have ever seen in my life. I am praying that the international community will investigate the amount of torture going on in SED.
magistrate, but, in their own law, you don’t become a Magistrate via the same process. In their own system, when you finish your degree, you apply to go to the school of administration and magistracy and you finish in two years and become a magistrate. Afterward, they will send you to court. Someone who has never been to a court comes to the court straight from the school as a magistrate. Which is the total opposite of what we have in the Anglophone side of the country. So, these are some of the major issues. I am just mentioning law and education. I will go further to show you how bad things have become. When my mother is sick and she goes to the hospital, the doctor in charge is a French-speaking Cameroonian. So, my mother is expected to go and consult in a language, she has absolutely no idea about. So, I am just taking these three areas, Education, legal and health. Redressing any of this issue is what has brought us to where we are. When we call the attention of the government, to say, please, if you want to send a medical doctor to our region, please send someone who can speak English, they see that as rebellion. They will tell you no, that Cameroon is Bi-lingual and they will send a young person without a clue of English and unable to consult with the patients. When the lawyers revolted, they sent the military after them and beat them up. Some of the lawyers are yet to recover their gowns and wigs, which were taken by the military who beat them up. Shortly after then, the teachers protested and was also met with force by the Cameroonian government. Is this a unification system, where people are sent across the region to promote assimilation and integration. Do you also have English speaking teachers in the French-speaking side? The only English speaking teachers go there to teach English. It even starts with admission to the teachers' training school. The admission is so skewed, such that every 1
English speaking teacher who gets admitted, you have 20 French-speaking teachers. The numbers are so skewed that we don’t even have the numbers to teach in our schools. We have looked at Education, Law, Healthcare. So, let us look at the military – admission into the military is equally as skewed and biased as other critical sectors. If you count the number of generals and other ranks, you will find more of the French-speaking people. Let's say that for every 100 senior ranking officers, you will be lucky to find 5 from British Southern Cameroon. A typical example is that of the senior divisional officers – by the name, you will know that they are supposed to report to the governor. We have about 56 of them, and we hardly have up to 5 that are from the British Southern Cameroon side of the country. In fact, we have about 3. Then when you get down to the Divisional Officers, DOs. We have about 100, and I don’t think we have about 5% of this number. Their authority is such that even when you have an elected Mayor, he reports to the DO. No one has more powers in the whole country, more than the president and because he has the powers to higher and fire, all loyalty is to him. This is totally contrary to our education and culture that we grew up to know. Imagine that the road leading to my own village in southern Cameroon, was started in 1986 and up to this day, they are yet to complete the road. I was in the UK as a student, when that road was started, but, it is yet to be completed today. They are only trying to finish the road, because of the crisis that erupted. Every institution in our part of the country has been abandoned. We do not have industries. If you go to the oil and gas sector, the only refinery in the country is in our region, but, all the taxes and royalties are paid in Duala. The factory is based in Victoria, but, they tactically claimed it in Duala and paid the royalties over there. All the petroleum Depots are situated in the French-speaking part of the country. There is no
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I thank African Leadership for coming to our help and throwing more light on the issue. Though we have been getting coverage from other equally global media platforms, it is insufficient, considering that we are looking at the lives of over 8 Million people.
single depot in our own land. Even though the Petrol is refined in Victoria, people pay more for petrol than those in Duala. So, we have nothing to show for it. So, let us go to Agriculture – the timber that is harvested in my village, that is the Southeastern part of Cameroon, has a mark that reads, Southern region, so as to exclude exactly which part and the taxes are paid in Mvomeka’a, which is were Paul Biya comes from. British Southern Cameroon is made up of 8 Million people – Paul Biya comes from a region that is slightly under a million. In the 2016/2017 budget of the country, Paul Biya’s region had more allocation that the whole of the British Southern Cameroon region put together. Now, does this make sense at all? For electricity, when I was a child, we had a thermal plant where I come from that supplied light to the whole of the city, but, when we were in secondary school they came to disconnect and carried the plant to the region where Paul Biya comes from. They now connected us to the
16 | African Leadership | October 2019
National Grid, which is hydro. That line runs from western Cameroon and the implication is that my people go for three months without electricity. Are these issues still happening today? I am telling you of what is happening today as we speak. Since they have moved the Thermal plant, once there is an issue with the central supply system, our people could be without light for up to three months because no one cares. The same thing is applicable to water. They have abandoned the established water supply system and we can now go for weeks without water. Also note that we have water meters, so, you are expected to pay for the meter charge whether or not you had water. If you don’t pay, the bills will accumulate over a period of time. We hear claims of occupation, and rape of women in the region, can you give us some insight into what is happening currently? This is what is happening now, because of the crisis. Only recently, they came to my village, killed most of the young men, carried some away, alongside some of the girls to an unknown destination where they rape and abuse them and afterward, they dump them somewhere. They have burnt over 250 villages and counting. These villages have been destroyed by the military of Cameroon and the people are now living in bushes, because, they have nowhere to go to. Their homes were destroyed with bullets. Do not forget that it is raining, but, we have our people living in villages. If you ask any of your reporters to visit this region now, you will find that over 90% of the villages have been deserted. A total of about 2 million people have been displaced, hundreds of thousands are in five states in Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State, Benue State, Taraba State, Cross River & Adamawa. These states are hosting refugees from British Southern Cameroon.
How would you describe the world’s response to the crisis? The world’s response I will say is pitiful. We feel very abandoned by the whole world. The international community is watching a genocide and people are dying every single day and the world is silent. I have to commend the United States of America. The Ambassador in Cameroon has spoken a few times about the issue. There has been a United States Senate Resolution 292 calling for the Cameroonian authorities to sit down with us and resolve the issues and stop the atrocities been committed in Southern Cameroon. They called it an atrocity, coming short of calling it a genocide, even though that is actually what it is. The European Union parliament has also called on the Cameroonian government to stop the atrocities. They also asked them to have a discussion with British Southern Cameroon, but, typical of Cameroon, the parliament has been sitting for these three years, and they have not as much as entertained any discussion regarding this issue.
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Senate of Cameroon meets twice every year, and each time the opposition tries to bring up the matter, they will say its not in the Agenda and that’s it. It has gotten so bad, that most times, the opposition will have to stand and sing songs of protest in sessions – shouting “how many people Paul Biya go kill before the problem is addressed”. Sometimes, they even stage a walkout. Tell us what led to your arrest, what are the charges? I don’t know where to even start. Let us put it this way, this government has no plans for our people. They treat us like slaves and anyone who dared to challenge them, they will treat the person, as the slave masters of yesterday treated us. They view me and my brothers who are asking questions as slaves that are making demands. The only language they understand is violence. I will urge you to go on social media – you can also go on youtube to see things for yourself. I made a video, calling the attention of the world to the
injustices and issues happening in Cameroon. I was not doing these things in hiding, I was doing it in the open. I held meetings at the European Union in Brussels, I have been to the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, where we spoke about the injustice to our people. So, you cannot caricature us. We are calling for the restoration of the independence of British Southern Cameroon – our nation. This language has to be well understood by the international community. Anyone who describes us a secessionist does not understand the history of our people. So, we didn’t start this movement, it has been on and we only took it to the next level. Our people have been disgruntled since, 1961 – when on the 1st of October they woke up to see Jandams all over the villages, asking them for identification, when they should be celebrating their independence. So, this disgruntled attitude did not start in 2016 as some people will want you to believe. No, our people have been disgruntled from the beginning and instead of the Cameroon government to attend to the issues, they have only responded with violence. In 2016, things spilled over with the rape of our daughters in universities, because they asked that the teachers and the lawyers' issue be addressed. This spilled over to 2017 when some of our brothers realized that we have to come together and speak with one voice – that is when we formed an association known as Southern Cameroon Ambazonia United Front, SCAUF. We formed that group and it brought Ambazonians from across the world – China, Australia, South Africa, Italy, United States amongst others. I was humbly selected as the Chairman of the group in 2017. As the Chairman of the Governing Council, I did a tour to test the waters and also use the opportunity to sensitize our people who were ignorant. It was a very successful tour that took me to South Africa, Germany, France, Sweeden, Finland, United Kingdom, and the United States. So, I did the
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Our people have been disgruntled since, 1961 – when on the 1st of October they woke up to see Jandams all over the villages, asking them for identification, when they should be celebrating their independence. So, this disgruntled attitude did not start in 2016 as some people will want you to believe.
tour and we sensitized people – and it was clear after our meetings with some of the organizations, that if we need to restore the independence of our nation, then we need to be formal about it. You should also note that while this was on, given the number of our people that have been arbitrarily arrested and maltreated, I called for an international day of demonstration – urging our people across the world to come out and call the world’s attention to the disappearance of our people. That move on the 22nd of September 2017, brought at least 5 Million people on the streets and it shook the nation to its foundation. When we call our people to Cameroon for demonstration, we often ask them to come with what we call the Peace flag – these are tree branches with the leaves on it. This was simply to say that this is a peaceful demonstration, meant to demand peaceful resolutions to the issues at hand. It was led by our mothers. Our mothers came out and asked for their children, their husbands, and their daughters, because, they were disappearing.
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Category Cover Story
Unfortunately, as it is always with the Cameroonian people, they killed a lot of our people that day. That notwithstanding, on the 1st October 2017, we came out en mass to say that we are restoring the independence of our nation. I also wrote officially to the United Nations, telling them that we are restoring the independence of our nation, because, we are a people. Talking about that, the Banjul African Court, passed a verdict in 2002 recognizing British Southern Cameroon as a people and also called on the government of Cameroon to have a sit-down and discuss the root causes of the differences. That judgment has been ignored by the Cameroon government for 11 years. I have to take you back to the Abuja judgment, which also requested that we are recognized as a people. So, going back to the question – after I finished the tour, it was obvious that my people are keen on what they wanted, but, what the Cameroon government was doing was consistently arresting our people. We were reaching out to the world and crying to them on the plight of our people. I was in the United States for the Christmas Holiday and on my way back to my base, because I was working with the American University of Nigeria in Yola, so I did a stop in Abuja because as at that time, we have launched a refugee program for our people. So, I sent my team members to go around the camps to assess the situation and see how things are going, so that when we start 2018, we will be able to address those things. I arrived Lagos on a Thursday and was in Abuja on Friday where I was meeting with my team, and in the middle of the meeting, we just saw some people arrive with the biggest guns I have ever seen in my life. My first inclination was that these were armed robbers, who came in to attack us. So, we just obeyed their instructions and they took us away to an underground cell. The place was so secluded that you are unable to tell the time. That was the beginning of our ordeal and they kept us there for 20 days during
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which time we had a visit – also note that anytime we were to be taking even to see a doctor, it was with a blindfold. They will take us through rooms and different locations until they eventually bring you and if you open your eyes, you were before a doctor or you have arrived at the meeting. One of those days, we were taken to someplace, with the blindfold and we were asked to wear our shoes and we asked what for and they said just wear your shoes. When going to the place, they removed the blindfold and ushered us into a conference room and it was at this conference room that we saw each other from the day of our abduction – which was about 13 days. They announced to us at the conference room that we had visitors from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. They came to a meeting with us and all the 12 of us, with the exception of two were Nigerians also by Nationality. The other people were refugees or have sought asylum. Given what we were facing we already sensed that Cameroon was no longer a place to go back to. So, out of the 10 of us, 5 of us were registered refugees, while the other 5 had sought asylum. I remember in that meeting, one of our friends asked, “what is the chance that we will be taken to Cameroon and the guys from the refugee agency said, that cannot happen. Seven days later, we were whisked away on blindfold until we found ourselves at the Abuja Airport. We were
handcuffed through our backs and taken into the military plane to Cameroon. We were loaded into the military cargo planes, like cargos. The Handcuff for me was so tight and tore through my right hand and I was bleeding. In Nigeria we were kept at the Defence Intelligence agency and from there we were whisked away to Cameroon and taking to a place in Cameroon called SED. This place in Cameroon is the highest torture centers I have ever seen in my life. I am praying that the international community will investigate the amount of torture going on in SED. I will not wish this for my worst enemy. I personally saw so much that I could no longer sleep. I took so many sleeping peels that the doctor said, if you take any more of this, you are going to die. I got
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I arrived Lagos on a Thursday and was in Abuja on Friday where I was meeting with my team, and in the middle of the meeting, we just saw some people arrive with the biggest guns I have ever seen in my life.
earplugs for my ear so that I will not hear the screaming of those who were been tortured. I dreaded every day in that place. Either you were been tortured or you are hearing the sound of those that were been tortured. I was locked up in a cell alone for 44 days. I spoke to myself and myself alone. The only reason why we had company was that they went to Calabar and picked up 10 boys and 1 girl. Before they left they had prepared a room for the 10 boys, they wanted to lump them all in one room. What they didn’t understand was that there was a lady with them – a young girl of about 35, with a 15 months old child. So, they dislodged two of our friends from their own room and that is how I and my other associate had cellmates. That child was locked up with her mother for about 6 months. That child was caged like an animal. It took our persistent cry to the authorities to release the child to go out for about 1 or 2 hours a day after they had been locked up for 4 months. The child’s name ins Caleb. What is the way out… There is only one solution, and I have said this to the authorities of this nation – even if they kill me, in fact, I expect the best, but, I am ready for the worst. The only solution is for The International Community to call Paul Biya to order and prevail on him to release all our people that are in captivity. 2. He has to call for a dialogue between Cameroon and British Southern Cameroon. 3. The military is not supposed to be in our villages, they are raping our daughters and killing our people. Recently they have just killed 5 persons in my village alone and destroying our villages and our people have no place to go to. They have to tell the Military to vacate our villages and go back to their barracks. There is also another force that we don’t know where they came from, but, we know that they a 1.
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My first inclination was that these were armed robbers, who came in to attack us. So, we just obeyed their instructions and they took us away to an underground cell.
French inclined. They are a destructive force. Mr. Biya must call the soldiers and the Jandams to leave our land. We can contend with the Police, because, we also have police. Once that is done, our people can come back to rebuild the ruins of what is left of their lives, 4. The international community should come to our aide, because, our nation has been completely destroyed. We have to sit down and discuss the root cause of the problems. We are also calling on the United Kingdom that got us into this mess to take responsibility and do the needful. We never joined Cameroon officially in any way. They must urge the government to have this dialogue and let us separate peacefully. We have 8 million people, we are blessed with human resources across the globe, we are big enough to form a nation. Until that discussion is held in the presence of the international organization, including United States, United Kingdom, France, African Union, United Nations, and others – peace will not be found in this region of the world, because, unfortunately, after killing and maiming our people, which culminated into our abduction in 2017, our boys have found out that they have no other option but to self defend their nation. Our
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boys are of the view that since they don’t want us to leave in our nations, they will not also have peace. They have taken their cutlasses and taken to the bush. There is total insecurity in the region and as you know it is back to school season, but, no school is going on the Ambazonian region. That is the way out. The dialogue to be called will have to be in neutral territory and genuine. When he heeds to our demand, then the process can commence. They should understand that going to the military will not solve these issues. They take us to kangaroo courts for the military when we don’t have any military training. A court session without a semblance of justice. They abused us from beginning to end and at the end of the 19 hours session, we were sentenced to live imprisonment. Last words? Well, I want to thank your news organization and I pray that the international community should not remain silent, because, we don’t want another Rwanda saga in our hands. By our count, we have lost over 37,000 people and over 250 villages destroyed. We are begging the international community especially the Press – because, we are crying but, no one is hearing us. I think when your platform publishes this story, the world will get a true picture. Remember that when the Rwanda saga happened, a lot of governments across the world, said they will never allow such a thing happen again, but, they are watching as things unfold in Southern Cameroon – and this is getting to the Rwanda situation. I pray the international community comes to our aide because Mr. Biya does not listen to anyone but himself and the only language he understands is violence. He declared war on our people in November 2017 and since then, he has been killing, maiming and torturing them.
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Climate Discuss
Is global climate change governance working for Africa? Valerie Ndaruzaniye, Daniel Fiott, Patrice Yamba T. Kantu
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The number of people in Africa experiencing water scarcity may increase by 75 million until 2020 and several hundred million by 2050.
The Vulnerability Cells confirmed the assessments prepared by numerous organisations and institutions, that Africa is the most vulnerable continent in terms of the capacity to adapt to the predicted effects of climate change. The analysis contained in the Vulnerability Maps suggests that with a large part of the population lacking access to clean and safe water, as well as a high dependence of African economies on water-intensive sectors like agriculture and energy, the availability and access to water remarkably influences development and
stability in terms of food and energy security as well as migration and natural disasters. Therefore, it is crucial to devote specific attention to the development of the water sector and management of water issues. Though it is difficult to make exact assessments related to climate change issues, and while recognizing that most African countries do and will suffer from the security implications of climate change, when aggregating the outcome of individual mappings Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan were
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identified as the most vulnerable states in Africa in the context of climate change and security. The Sahel region is considered the most threatened region in the continent. Climate change will likely lead to substantial changes in precipitation patterns, including more infrequent droughts, floods, and storms. The sub-tropical zones have become more arid, and desertification continues in the Sahara. The forecasted higher surface temperatures will increase evaporation rates, making water increasingly scarce and Water Security unstable, in turn strongly affecting human
Climate Discuss
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Africa is the lowest consumer of energy, there are 500 million people living without electricity in subSaharan Africa where 23 of the 48 countries are vulnerable to “energy shocks".
security and increasing the risk of water-related conflicts. The number of people in Africa experiencing water scarcity may increase by 75 million until 2020 and several hundred million by 2050. One of the key areas impacted on is the Nile Basin. The area is of particular importance because 7 out of 10 countries constituting East Africa, with a combined population of 180 million people sharing the Nile Basin’s water, have experienced some of the most brutal conflicts that the world has witnessed in recent years. These countries include among others the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Sudan. In Africa, climate models warn especially about the immediate impact of changing rainfall patterns on grain yields, runoffs, water availability, and the survival of plant and animal species that are expected to shift production seasons, alter productivity, and modify the set of feasible crops. A large part of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture and farm marginal lands under rain-fed conditions that make the population particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The Vulnerability Cell on Food Security pointed to the fact that from among 22 countries across the globe considered to be in
protracted food crises, 17 come from Africa. The Vulnerability Cell selected Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe as “hot spots”, which together account for 64% of the total undernourished population of African countries. Africa is the lowest consumer of energy, there are 500 million people living without electricity in subSaharan Africa where 23 of the 48 countries are vulnerable to “energy shocks”. Given that approximately 90% of African households use biomass fuels (e.g. wood and vegetation) for cooking and water heating, the mixture of unsustainable harvesting of forests prone to climate change threatens with decreased forest cover rates, increased soil degradation and supply disruption, and, as a consequence, poses threat to human security. Furthermore, energy in Africa is unequally distributed and has led to energy dependence between states. A move towards “energy autarky” by some states to protect energy supplies may lead in itself to inter-state disputes. At the same time, Africa’s energy resources are the focus of global competition fueled by population growth and economic demands, and Africa’s energy resources constitute a new geopolitical challenge to international security. The Vulnerability Cell
on Energy Security set Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia as the hottest spots due to their increased exposure to climate change, human security conditions, and high reliance on hydro-electric power, biomass fuels, and low stocks of energy resources. Whilst stating that one cannot assume that climate change alone will lead to mass migration, it is expected that the majority of environmental migration and displacement will be internal or close to bordering countries (as opposed to international migration). In the early and intermediate stages of environmental degradation, migration is likely to be temporary, circular, or seasonal in nature. At the same time, when environmental degradation becomes severe or irreversible, for instance, due to sea-level rise, migration can become permanent and may require relocation of affected populations, either internally or in another country. A much larger number of people are expected to migrate due to gradual deterioration of environmental conditions rather than natural disasters. Such movements can lead to increased tensions in receiving areas if not addressed, particularly when resources are already
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Climate Discuss
scarce or strained in these areas. The seasonal migration of pastoralists has already been affected by climate change, bringing increased competition between pastoralist groups, but also between pastoralists and sedentary farmers. In conjunction with other factors, this increase in competition can potentially lead to localised and or crossborder conflicts, as already witnessed in Eastern Africa. Natural disasters are increasing in number and frequency, and affect most countries in Africa. SubSaharan Africa is one of the most severely affected areas of the world. In 2008, there were 96 disasters recorded and they included 44 floods and 9 droughts that affected 16.3 million people and incurred economic losses estimated at some 1 billion dollars. Three of the five regions across the globe that are at risk of flooding in coastal and deltaic areas of the world are those located in Africa: North Africa, West Africa, and southern Africa. A high proportion of Africans live in coastal areas: one-quarter of the population resides within 100 kilometres of a sea coast. The Sahelian countries, which are some of the poorest in the world with the most degraded
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The seasonal migration of pastoralists has already been affected by climate change, bringing increased competition between pastoralist groups, but also between pastoralists and sedentary farmers.
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environments, are among those that are the most vulnerable to the estimated effects of climate change.
fragility of its economy, Africa is disproportionately affected by adverse effects of climate change.
Food and Security: Understanding the Overall Complexities
In Africa, climate models warn especially about changing rainfall patterns and their immediate impact on grain yields, runoffs, water availability, and the survival of plant and animal species. Long-term changes in the patterns of temperature and precipitation, that are part of climate change, are expected to shift production seasons, alter productivities, and modify the set of feasible crops. Where these impacts encounter limited adaptive capacity and unsustainable resource management practices, the consequences are wider and more persistent food insecurity. Currently, most African countries are net importers, with over 50% and between 25 and 50% of the food requirement of North Africa and subSaharan Africa imported.
Africa is considered the most vulnerable region in the world in terms of climate change because of its physical and socioeconomic characteristics. Sub-Saharan Africa includes the mixed arid–semi-arid systems in the Sahel, arid to semi-arid rangeland systems and coastal areas of eastern Africa, and many of the drier zones of southern Africa. A large part of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture and farm marginal lands under rainfed conditions with relatively limited access to productive assets, inputs, technology, and services. Because of the
Climate Discuss
Energy Security: The Needs of these Communities Energy diversification is required to ease the burden on single energy commodities through the development of local renewables. This can be achieved through the provision of technical training and investment into entrepreneurial small–medium enterprises. Governments have a role to play here by offering fiscal incentives for investment into energy infrastructures, whilst also ensuring a regulatory framework that safeguards environmental and social welfare. Sustainable access and use of untapped local resources are needed to ease the short-term supply for energy resources, and over the longer-term sustainable use and consumption of key energy infrastructures such as lakes and rivers should be promoted. Over the long term universal access to modern energy should be ensured with the highest degree of local renewable energy in order to avoid strong external energy dependence. More also needs to be done to ensure that over the longer erm forest cover is replaced by reforestation projects and conservation programmes are implemented to promote sustainable use of firewood. Simultaneous efforts should be made to wean populations off complete dependence on biomass fuels to ones that are less impacted on by climate change. Energy access disparities between rural and urban areas in many of these countries need addressing, and government efforts need gearing towards developing the required efficiency of transport and delivery; this will require improved technical capacity, regulation, and public knowledge.
and in-depth statistical data is required in order to forecast potential supply disruptions and to tackle alleviation efforts at an early stage of energy insecurity in these countries. Such data should be collected by government and local authorities but made use of on a continental basis.
Valerie Ndaruzaniye, President, Global Water Institute Daniel Fiott, Research Fellow, Madariaga—College of Europe Foundation Patrice Yamba T. Kantu, Project Coordinator, Institute for Environmental Security
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Currently, most African countries are net importers, with over 50% and between 25 and 50% of the food requirement of North Africa and subSaharan Africa imported.
Training and investment is also required to increase energy efficiency of the current energy infrastructure. Better
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Trade & Investment
Africa – the Next Big Wine Market? James Lawrence
Fifty years ago, fine wine was generally the preserve of the Western man. Caucasian, male and wealthy – those were the boxes that needed to be ticked if you were looking to shift any serious volumes of Lafite or Krug. But times change. The emergence of the BRIC economies – Brazil, Russia, India and China – has completely transformed the global wine industry, with a growing number of brands investing considerable sums into unlocking the potential of the world's emerging nations. Their investment is as much driven by self-preservation as it is by profit – overall wine consumption in traditional markets such as the UK and France continues to decline, with millennials in particular often searching elsewhere for their alcohol fix. These are the tectonic movements of the last few decades that continue to beg the billion-dollar question – where should brands search for new customers? Is Brazil a good bet, will India ever lower its astronomical tariffs on imported alcohol, and is China worth the expense? China, of course, needs little introduction to export-focused brands. The country's rate of growth and its hunger for luxury goods has arguably received more than its fair share of airtime. Therefore, let's
24 | African Leadership | October 2019
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Moreover, it seems that Africa's growing number middle-class professionals are developing a taste for imported wine, with South Africa, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Nigeria leading the way.
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There is no doubt that, for brands willing to do their homework and commit to a sustained investment, the potential financial gains are simply too great to ignore.
(temporarily) remove China from the globe and ask the pertinent question –where might the next generation of fine-wine lovers emerge from?
according to the IWSR, has shown impressive growth over the past few years, with headline nations consuming record amounts of imported wine.
One vital clue comes from Brandy Rand, vice-president of US Marketing and Business Development for the IWSR. She has collated extensive data on the top 20 global wine markets ranked by volume, measuring the rate of growth or decline over a five-year period from 2011-2015. It makes for interesting reading.
That place is Africa.
According to the latest IWSR figures, wine consumption in Brazil and Russia, two formerly headline BRIC economies, has fallen dramatically over the past five years. In many emerging Asian economies, (excluding China) it's a similar story – with South Korea still in the midst of a long-term economic recession, imported wine and other luxuries have paid the inevitable price. India too remains an extremely marginal market for imported wine, hampered by harsh taxation regimes and religious considerations including an outright ban on the sale of alcohol in some states. Yet it's not all doom and gloom in the developing world. There is one part of the globe that,
Yes, the planet's most troubled and yet beguiling continent could be the wine industry's 21st Century answer to falling wine consumption in both Europe and emerging markets. It is now the second fastest-growing economic region behind Asia, and is rapidly becoming an attractive magnet for global brands such as Coca Cola and Vodafone. Moreover, it seems that Africa's growing number middle-class professionals are developing a taste for imported wine, with South Africa, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Nigeria leading the way.
The IWSR's Brandy Rand is also on hand to back up my claim – in 2015, Nigeria consumed more than 4 million 9-liter cases of imported wine. Meanwhile, Namibia saw fit to down more than 2m cases, although the Ivory Coast topped them all with more than 4.5m cases. Not bad for a continent routinely labelled as "the Third World", about which former British Prime Minster Tony Blair once remarked: "The state of Africa is a scar on the conscience of the world."
A vibrant nightlife scene is driving consumption in cities like Lagos. Of course the South African market will always be predominately driven by domestic consumption, but not so in Lagos, where Dom Pérignon is now as ubiquitous in the city's nightclubs – try Quilox if you're in town – as domestic beer. This I can personally vouch for. I had the hangover to prove it.
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Trade & Investment
It is this unprecedented level of development in nations such as Nigeria that has encouraged Chilean brand Montes to contemplate taking the plunge. "Montes still has hurdles to overcome in Asia, but going forward entering Africa is one of our key priorities in the coming years," says Carlos Serrano, commercial director for Montes.
Castell. "Instability is a fact of life in Africa and many of the nations we do business with are are still politically volatile," agrees Chapelier. In addition, two of Africa's largest economies – Algeria and Egypt – are Islamic nations, so no surprises for guessing how imported wine generally fares in that neck of the woods.
"There is definitely a niche market for premium Chilean wines in certain African economies. I'd say that this wonderful continent holds the most promise for imported wine over the next decade, but it's going to be a step-by- step process!"
However, there is no doubt that, for brands willing to do their homework and commit to a sustained investment, the potential financial gains are simply too great to ignore. While Africa is clearly at the start of its journey towards developing a love affair with premium wine, the consumer marketplace is the antithesis of what one usually finds in Europe – unsaturated, open-minded and eager to experiment.
However, several leading firms have already beaten Montes to it. Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Codorniu and KWV have done serious legwork in the newly industrialized cities of Africa, hoping to reap the awards. "Lagos is becoming a promising market for Codorniu – it is one of the continent's largest, fastest growing and wealthiest cites," notes Juan Castell, Codorniu's Africa brand manager. It's a similar story in Nairobi, another one of Africa's key emerging economies. “"If we are talking about South African wines, Kenya and the rest of East Africa [Uganda and Tanzania] are important consumers. Nairobi is very developed with premium restaurants, hotels and services. Also the young Kenyans ladies get more and more interest into premium wines," says Lise Chapelier of Meridian Wine Merchants in Cape Town. They act as agents for Stellenbosch's Meerlust, among others. "Basically, brands need to understand that Kenyan consumers want exactly the same as us – choice! They get so bored of drinking the same thing, having only access to a limited range of drinks. Their habits are changing because their country is changing very fast: two of the biggest malls in Africa are opening in Nairobi this year with new access to international
26 | African Leadership | October 2019
Who knows? In another 50 years' time, Nairobi and Lagos could be as important for the sale of antiquated claret as New York and Hong Kong are today.
brands such as Carrefour," she adds. Yet, despite such optimism from brands involved in this party, everyone concedes that doing business in Africa can be very bad for your health. Quite apart from terrorism fears in Kenya and Nigeria, massive levels of corruption and political unrest across the continent, the African economy is nothing if not capricious. Angola is a case in point – the sudden collapse of crude oil prices in 2016 devastated a nation largely dependent on petroleum reserves. Codorniu, once excited by the country's potential have now withdrawn from the market, according to
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In 2015, Nigeria consumed more than 4 million 9-liter cases of imported wine. Meanwhile, Namibia saw fit to down more than 2m cases, although the Ivory Coast topped them all with more than 4.5m cases. Not bad for a continent routinely labeled as "the Third World",
may 2019.indd 71
27/04/2019 16:08
Category Past Event
UK Trade Envoy Speaks On Post-Brexit Trade Relations with Africa at the Invest in Africa Summit President/CEO, Liberian Bank for, Development and Investment (LBDI), Sibani Mngomezulu, CEO, Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), amongst others. According to Lord Popat, “In a period of uncertainty for Britain's future following the referendum of 2016, our trade should focus increasingly on its historical partners, thus Africa. It is time for our foreign policy to prioritize stronger trade and diplomatic links to secure our nation's prosperity and economic future.”
Portsmouth-UK: The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Uganda and Rwanda, Lord Popat of Harrow, has called for the prioritization of trade with Africa, as the country prepares to leave the EU. The member of the House of Lords made the call during his speech at the recently held Invest in Africa Summit, organized by the African Leadership Magazine UK. The event with the theme: IntraAfrican Trade- Beyond Rhetoric and Political Commitments, held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, United Kingdom and had in attendance guests from the business, political and
28 | African Leadership | October 2019
diplomatic community, as well as academia. The event also had in attendance government ministers, and heads of leading government organizations from Africa, including Senator Manqoba B Khumalo, the Honourable Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, Kingdom Of Eswatini; Dr Thando Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Eswatini; Hon. Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Culture & Tourism for the Gambia; Dr. Samuel Jibao, Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofana, General Manager, Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Mr. John B. S. Davies III, The
On his part, Dr. Joe Beasley, a renowned human rights activist and Chairman of the African Leadership Advisory Board, in his welcome remark, emphasized what he described as the “Urgency of Now” in changing the investment narrative on the continent. According to Dr. Beasley, “Africa currently accounts for 16.64% of the total world population and about 60% of this population are within the ages of 16-25, making Africa the continent with the largest reservoir of young people. It is also projected this number will double by the year 2050. It is important to note that, while the continent's numbers are growing, jobs are not growing at a commensurate level. This, therefore, calls for urgent action. I dare say again, that trade holds the ace towards altering this dangerous drift”. Dr. Beasley enjoined the African leaders present to “provide the much-needed leadership which today should serve as a tonic” for the continent’s development.
Past Event
Indonesia, China, UAE and other parts of the world. Our events have hosted past and current, presidents, heads of government, business leaders, diplomats; including the current presidents of Namibia; Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Seychelles; amongst others.
Some high points of the events were the panel sessions; Addressing challenges around Trade and Investment Africa – From good Intentions to measurable impact which had Senator Manqoba B Khumalo, the Honourable Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, Kingdom Of Eswatini. Dr. Thando Gina, Minister of Economic Planning and Development,Eswatini,and Hon. Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Culture & Tourism for the Gambia. Sierra Leone Revenue doyen, Dr. Samuel Jibao, Commissioner General, National Revenue Authority, Dr. Abdulai Fofana, General Manager, Sierra Leone Ports Authority, Mr. John B. S. Davies III, The President/CEO, Liberian Bank for, Development and Investment (LBDI), Sibani Mngomezulu, CEO, Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) discussed Investing in Africa - Exploring Opportunities for Partnerships and Collaborations in Intra-African Trade. There were also special presentations by the ENL Consortium led by Dr. Vicky
Haastrup; country showcase by the government of Mauritius, as well as the presentation of awards to select awardees for their outstanding achievements and impact made on the continent. This year’s invest in Africa summit is the 3rd in the series, designed to bring together business and political leaders towards jobs and wealth creation in the continent. The event is in line with African Leadership Magazine’s overarching mandate of promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and development in Africa. African Leadership events organized around major world capitals and international city centers have become an unrivaled platform for B2B Communications, as well as government-to-business engagements. These high-profile meetings of key decision-makers and business leaders have been largely responsible for some major investments in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, to the tune of over $2 Billion. It has also helped in establishing the partnership between companies from Africa and their counterparts in the United States, United Kingdom,
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If the continent is to establish a viable blue economy, African countries must begin with focus on the current limited infrastructure and capacities to assure maritime security and coastal protection.
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Past Event
The 3rd Africa Summit 26 July 2019 Context and Background It is an honor to speak today at the 3rd Africa Summit. As a British citizen, any opportunity to talk about Africa is of great importance to me. My position as trade envoy to Rwanda and Uganda is of course a first reason but it is also some of my roots lie in Uganda, my homeland country and where I was born. So, this year’s conference topic of IntraAfrica Trade could not be more relevant for me. Far too often, the continent suffers from fears and ideas about business opportunities in most of the African states. I believe in Africa and since my childhood, major changes have already taken place. Some
economies, including those of Rwanda and Uganda which I follow closely are thriving and outnumber most of the Western countries in terms of G.D.P. In a period of uncertainty for Britain’s future following the 2016 referendum, our trade should focus increasingly on its historical partners and thus on Africa. It is time for our foreign policy to prioritize stronger trades and diplomatic links to secure our nation’s prosperity and economic future.
Africa’s potential Africa’s potential is enormous: 54 countries cover a landmass that is bigger than China, the continental United States, Western Europe, Japan and
India combined. It has 6 of the growing economies in the world and is second only to Asia in attracting Foreign Direct Investments. 45% of African countries are predicted to experience growth rates of over 5% in the coming years, with its collective GDP expected top increase to $3 trillion in the next decade. Kit has the largest middle class in the world, now over 400 million people, and by 2050 more than a quarter of the world’s population will be African. Africa’s greatest asset is that its population is young, in stark contrast to Europe’s demography. These changes are also accompanied by positive changes in the business world. For most people in this country, Africa is known with Live Aid,
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Aquaculture is a key driver of the Blue Economy in the Indian Ocean providing food, nutrition and employment opportunities to the people in the region
30 | African Leadership | October 2019
Past Event
war, diet mishaps, poverty and handouts. We are ignorant of the giant strides Africa in recent years, embracing free markets, democracy and trade, to help drastically increase life expectancy, improve access to education and reduce poverty. The job is far from complete and there are still major challenges to doing business in Africa, but as we assess our potential trade partners for the next few decades, it is important that we see Africa as it is now, rather than how it was perceived in the 1980s. Trade envoys were created some years ago and eight of us were given the opportunity to work with the emerging economies of the Sun-Saharan continent. This was the first step towards increased cooperation and shared prosperity with the African continent. I advocate for a ground breaking shift in the way we look at African economies. We need to adopt a new vision; too often investments and potential projects suffer from long standing apprehension and fears. Our historical connections with the continent are a great opportunity to strengthen mutual trade and share prosperity. The commonwealth brings together 18 countries in Africa and 75% of African countries use English as their main business language. In the foreword for the Department for International Trade’s plan for Africa, the African Trade Commissioner states that “Africa is a key continent on which to demonstrate that Britain is truly a global player” and she goes on to say that “The opportunities in Africa are plentiful, similar in scale to those of India and China” Yet, the overall story is one of Britain trying to keep up; of insufficient funding and a failure to place Africa higher in the political priorities list. The world’s interest in Africa is undoubtedly growing. India and China are now among the major trade partners of the continent.
What we have done over the last few decades do not go in the right direction. British Airways for instance stopped flying to key African cities. Yet, it is time for the UK to build further bridges to Africa and encourage ever possible relationship with those emerging countries.
Objectives Improving our ties in Africa will tackle the continent’s development issues and support its growth. Trade and increased prosperity are of course, one of the ways we are looking at carrying on human development in Africa. The long-standing vision of humanitarian and aid programs for Africa is not what the continent is waiting for anymore.
preventing us from reaching that goal. Further integration between African states could deliver great opportunities. I here recognize the great work that has been done by the EAC, SADC, COMESA, the African Union and other organizations. A diversified economy, innovation, free trade and a friendly business climate are therefore essential to ensure that Africa will become the world’s next dominant continent.
The objectives of trade and deepened relations with the African continent must go alongside the surge of a fastgrowing population. As Dr. Joe Beasley said, Africa is on course to have 840 million young people by 2040 and in the years to come, the youths will enter the labour market in Africa. Over 50% of Uganda’s population is under 18 years of age. Sever climate and environmental issues will have to be addressed to guarantee a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent. Earlier this year, the devastating impact of two successive cyclones in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe showed us the persistent vulnerability of some economies and nations towards natural hazards. I strongly believe we will achieve these mounting issues by promoting trade, between the United Kingdom and African states. There are some great opportunities here. As Dr. Joe Beasley said, the African Continental Free Trade Area is a major accomplishment in that area after it was implemented on the 22nd of May, following the required final ratification from Gambia. Nevertheless, conflicts and trade disputes are some of the impediments which are
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Diplomatic Watch
Africa, Multilateralism’s Secret Champion Ottilia Anna Maunganidze
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By 2030, businessto-business spending in manufacturing in Africa is projected to reach $666.3 billion, $201.28 billion more than in 2015.
Founded on a strong sense of shared identity and driven by common interests, Africa’s commitment to multilateralism is a force to be reckoned with – or, at least, it can be. With international institutions under unprecedented strain, unlocking Africa’s potential as a champion of multilateralism is in everyone’s interest. African countries’ commitment to multilateralism has often gone unnoticed. But, at a time when the world is increasingly turning its back on shared
32 | African Leadership | October 2019
institutions, this could change, with Africa emerging as a vocal – and empowered – champion of multilateralism at the regional, continental, and global levels. African countries have long recognized multilateralism’s integral role in fostering development, prosperity, and peace. That is why, beyond supporting global efforts – such as the United Nations, the NonAligned Movement, and the G77 – Africa established the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. From the 1960s to
the 1990s, multilateral initiatives provided critical support for African countries, as they escaped colonialism and ended apartheid. The OAU’s successor, the African Union (AU), embodies the widely held conviction that global cooperation and regional integration are continental imperatives. A pillar of global multilateralism, the 55-member organization is particularly effective at the UN General Assembly, where sheer numbers are key to getting motions passed. At the continental level, the AU comprises eight regional bodies covering Southern, Central,
Diplomatic Watch
Eastern, Western, and Northern Africa. Regarded as the building blocks of the wider African Economic Community, these bodies facilitate coordination among neighbors in ways that support the AU’s broader peace, security, development, and governance agendas. Given the persistence of violent conflict in Africa, most of the AU’s resources are channeled toward promoting continental peace and security. The AU now takes the lead on peace operations on the continent (including those deployed by the UN) and participates in most political negotiations and mediation efforts. The AU sometimes contributes to such efforts directly. For example, in Sudan, AU negotiators, led by Special Envoy Mohamed el Hacen Lebatt of Mauritania and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, were instrumental in securing a powersharing agreement between the ruling military council and civilian opposition leaders.
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Resource-rich African countries can encourage forward and backward linkages, especially to small and medium size enterprises, in these industries.
When appropriate, however, the AU defers to regional bodies, while continuing to offer active support. The Southern African Development Community takes the lead in mediation efforts relating to conflicts and political impasses in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe. Likewise, the Economic Community of West African States stands at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts and responses to violent extremism in Western Africa. The AU also works hard to deepen economic integration, especially by fostering intracontinental trade. Here, Africa has a long way to go: as it stands, only 15% of African countries’ exports stay on the continent (for comparison, Asian countries account for 58% of Asian exports, and 67% of Europe’s exports remain in Europe). Against this background, plans to establish an African Monetary Union with a single currency by 2023 are highly ambitious, to say the least.1 But that does not mean that no progress is being made, or even that this single-currency goal is unattainable. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) – which entered into force last March and has now been signed by 54 of 55 AU countries – could well unleash rapid economic integration. Africa has established several other multilateral organizations to facilitate dispute resolution and foster cooperation. These include the Pan-African Parliament; the African Development Bank, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. But severe financial constraints impede these institutions’ ability to fulfill their mandates. As a result, Africa still relies heavily on global multilateral institutions. The majority of UN Security Council resolutions focus on
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Category Watch Diplomatic
Africa, where UN agencies – such as the UN Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration, the UN Children’s Fund, and the World Food Programme – also do much of their work. While such efforts are valuable, they sustain an imbalanced dynamic and perception of Africa acting more as a beneficiary of global multilateralism than an active participant – let alone a leader – in it. But no one understands the African context better than Africans. And, given their long-standing commitment to multilateral approaches, and it seems clear that Africans should be playing a larger role in guiding international initiatives on the continent and beyond.
geopolitical context. African leaders are already calling for an expanded role in the UN Security Council. World Trade Organization rules and International Monetary Fund quotas should also be revised, so that they no longer place developing regions at a disadvantage. Africa may still need support from the international community, but that does not mean that it should be a passive aid recipient. Instead, global multilateral institutions should empower the continent to participate actively in setting and implementing their agendas. As reforms are introduced and progress accelerates, the need for external support will only diminish.
Such a shift requires, first and foremost, continued progress on African integration. In economic terms, this means building on recent successes like the AfCFTA in order to advance toward true economic and monetary union. In political terms, it means strengthening the AU, including by implementing proposed institutional reforms and ensuring sustainable financing.
Founded on a strong sense of shared identity and driven by common interests, Africa’s commitment to multilateralism is a force to be reckoned with – or, at least, it can be. With international institutions under unprecedented strain, unlocking Africa’s potential as a champion of multilateralism is in everyone’s interests.
At the same time, the structure of global institutions must be better aligned with a changing
This article is part of a joint initiative of the Körber-Stiftung and the Munich Security
34 | African Leadership | October 2019
Conference on the future of multilateralism, multilateral best practices, and regional perspectives on multilateral cooperation. Ottilia Anna Maunganidze is Head of Special Projects in the Office of the Executive Director at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Pretoria.
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With massive investments in power projects and other critical infrastructure, Africa is positioned to lead the charge for the next century and beyond.
* beauty, * education, * entrepreneurship
Feature
African Followers and Responsiveness David Zoogah If I ask you, the reader, what will Africa be fifty years from now, what will you say? It is likely you will respond, “the same place; nothing will change” or “it will be worse than today.” A few others might be optimistic, and confidently say, “it will be dramatically and positively different.” A third group of readers might have no opinion. Why? It is probably because the first group of readers do not see the potential of Africa. The second group might not be able to gauge its magnitude. The third group might not believe that Africa has any potential at all. It would seem all three groups are right because what they have observed for over 50 years is that Africa seems to have been stuck in the same place while the rest of the world is moving by. At least they can see that countries that started the same place as Africa – India, China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia – have moved further up the rungs of development. If you attempt to list the factors that contribute to the stagnancy, you will come up with so many that range from individual, tribal, cultural, and natural to national leadership and international spheres of influence that continually undermine the progress of Africa. It would
36 | African Leadership | October 2019
seem the burden of the universe is placed on the doorstep of Africa. You are not wrong in thinking that way. However, I would ask you to consider another factor, one that you probably know well. The former Governor of the Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, calls it the problem of “vested interest.” I call it the problem of responsiveness. The problem of responsiveness applies first to African leaders. In his TEDx talk to youth of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi recounted his experience as the Governor of the Central Bank and how leaders at all levels of Nigeria were not responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens or ‘old grandmothers in the village.” Lack of responsiveness is not only in Nigeria; it pervades Africa. You find it in South Africa where Jacob Zuma, the former President, would put his only interest ahead of those of poor
and deprived South Africans. You find it in Equatorial Guinea where Obiang Nguema Mbasogo “has ruled the West African nation for almost 40 years, and less than half the population has access to clean water.” It is happening in Ghana where the President advocates for a national cathedral to honor a foreign religion when there are schools with no roofs or buildings. It was the same in Dos Santos’ Angola, Oma Al Bashir’s Sudan, Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, where the vast majority of the citizens lived in the most horrid socio-economic conditions. In short, African leaders are sekhetic; they are deaf or non-responsive to the plight of their people. So, what do African citizens, as strategic followers, have to do? They have to be sedjemic or responsive to their own plight. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria called on the youth to oppose “vested interest” by voting for individuals who would eschew excessive personal gain to make the country better or prosperous; someone who will work to alter their fate. Such a person will hear their pleas; he or she will be responsive to their needs. Africans need self-recognition in terms of not only what but who, how, and when they will improve
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their wellbeing. It is a form of moral responsibility. Beyond self-recognition, how can Africans, as followers, be knowledgeable. For them to be knowledgeable they must be mindful. In last month’s piece on ontological sagacity, I advocated for Africans as followers to be sagacious with regard to their being. Mindfulness overcomes mindlessness which is the fundamental source of moral failure of African leaders. When Africans are mindful, they are likely to be attentive to what bait are presented to them by African leaders that palliates their extant headache. Mindful followers are not ignorant of the prospective cure for their migraine. Second, Africans are sedjemic when they show rationality and emotional ‘hearing’ or moral conscience. Even though there are cognitive limits on rationality some form of it is unavoidable. Actions or behaviors that are methodical and efficient will improve the wellbeing of Africans. Why would someone sign or endorse a document that leads to oil theft when the proceeds of that oil will not contribute to the welfare of Nigerians? The individual who refuses to sign that document is a control on the vested interest of the leader who operates the oil theft. That rationality alters how their wellbeing is enhanced.
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Beyond selfrecognition, how can Africans, as followers, be knowledgeable. For them to be knowledgeable they must be mindful.
Third, Africans, as followers, are responsive when they show proactivity. Proactivity is a form of response to a thief trying to take your property. If Africans continue to sit on their ‘butts’ the thieves will continue to pillage. That is the admonishment of Mallam Sanusi to the youth of Nigeria. Proactivity involves initiative, a factor I have been calling for since I started this column on strategic followership. That involves seeking information about their own and national situations; they have to seek the truth. In addition, Africans as strategic followers demonstrating proactivity have to ask African leaders about their ‘requests’ (i.e., feedback seeking). Lastly, they have to relate with their leaders but cognizant of the semelparous intentions of the latter. Lastly, Africans have to internalize “rightness, i.e., especially the rightness of relationships informed by and based on – among other things, truth, justice, and propriety. ” The concept of rightness means effective, proper, fitting, agreeable, good, beneficial, excellent, and glorious, all of which are needed in Africa. Effective practices that yield flourishing outcomes are needed in our organizations. Proper relationships in which the actors uplift, rather than fleece, each other are required. Fitting interactions where exchanges are for common good promote communities. Agreeable people who reason with each other to advance ideas enable Africa to ‘move’. Good and beneficial outcomes sustain individuals and societies. Excellence with regard to knowledge and capabilities is what can transform Africa. Glorious actions restore the glory of Africa when it used to be the center of world.
Rather, they will be lauded for their parrhesia (boldness in speaking truth to power). The psychological problem of current leaders - ignorance or lack of self-understanding and mindlessness – can be resolved if followers are sedjemic and not sekhetic like the leaders. African followers have to show moral, rational, emotional, epistemic, and relational responsiveness. That responsiveness will drive them to vote for individuals who advance what it means to be African, leaders who are eager about transforming Africa through action and deeds. I believe Africans want to see progress or dramatic societal transformation. They just have to be responsive so as to transform and alter the apparent chain of deprivation. If you disbelieve me visit Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore. I firmly believe you, as a strategic follower, can help Africa save itself. You quotidian task just has to be demonstration of responsiveness. David B. Zoogah, PhD is of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Williams College of Business, Xavier University.
If Africans, as followers, show responsiveness, fifty years from now, hindsight will not chide them for their moral failure due to the ontological problem associated with hamartia (major or fatal flaw) or even akrasia (lack of self-restraint).
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Special Category Report
Katara Hospitality set to invest 500,000,000 Euros in Africa Mayowa Jolayemi
A leading organization in global hospitality business with its integrity intact in the hospitality space plans to have her signature hotels numbering about 50 – 60 hotels with over 10,000 rooms, rated 4-stars and above in Sub-Saharan Africa. This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Katara Hospitality and a member of the Board of Qatar Tourism Council, Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani. While making his presentation to a group of journalists from around the world, at the group’s headquarters in Doha, Sheikh Al-Thani stated that the organization is currently doing due diligence in Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon. Although details of these investors are still confidential, the investment will include acquisition of already existing facilities and also green projects which will be started from scratch. Katara Hospitality ha recognized the opportunities in Africa and will invest in convention centers which are much needed in strategic locations within the continen, with the attention of the world being drawn to Africa and an increasing International summits and conferences which will continue to be hosted in Africa as the continent opens up to embrace transformation and development. Katara Hospitality has recognized these opportunities and is currently engaging with investors and governments in Africa so as to flourish with the continent.
The funds available for these investments is about 500 million euros which can go to 1 billion euros, depending on the opportunities. This investment decision by Katara Hospitality in the Continent of Africa is a forward-looking opportunity into the very promising future of the continent. The choice of these three countries as the pilot countries is also driven by her recognition of excellent investment opportunities which will both sustain the organization and also the collaterals of the hotels are expected to impact the economies of the host countries. During the roundtable chat with the Chairman of the Board of Director and some of the Senior Executives at the Headquarters of the organisation in Doha, the Chairman stressed that the world have recognized and come to terms with the truth that Africa is the last motherland for the world and as such, every country must strategically position herself to benefit from the wealth coming out of Africa to the world in the coming days. He expressed optimism in African youths who he described as enthusiastic, motivated, and most importantly, well-educated. He believes that with this spirit, Africa will do very well and the countries will greatly flourish.
The 221 meters high hotel with over 300 rooms repreesents the iconic symbol of the State of Qatar. The Hotel is expected to be in full operation by the start of 2022. The Katara Twin Tower alongside other Katara Hospitality facilities hopes to host guests who will attend the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup which has been described as the world’s largest event. The Hotel is most likely not to have an equal in the next 10 years based on its aesthetics, architectural design, and excellent service delivery. The total cost of project is undisclosed but at completion, it is confidently believed that Katara Twin Towers will stand tall among the Best Hotels in the world with its integrity in the hospitality sector.
Sheikh Nawaf bin Jabor AlThani went further to brief the delegates on the current Katara Hospitality flagship project which is the “Katara Twin Towers.”
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Feature
Financial Inclusion: Financing the Frontier Market. Thea Anderson and Diane Johnson.
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Capital markets offer significant potential for economic development to mobilise and channel savings at scale into longterm, productive investment that can create jobs, drive private sector-led growth and help SSA economies exit from international aid.
This think piece is a response to the recognition that inclusive financial market development in SSA faces new challenges. It argues that there is a triple justification for an increased focus on FASA. First, poverty is reducing, but the concentration of extreme poverty in fragile states is likely to increase. As SSA grows, there is a moral imperative to ensure the benefits are shared, and that no one is left behind. Second, levels of financial sector underdevelopment in FASA are distinctly lower than non-fragile counterparts in SSA. If we believe that access to
40 | African Leadership | October 2019
financial services and capital play a key role in poverty reduction, then this inequality must be addressed. Last, in spite of bright spots – many of which are highlighted in this paper – the response of the donor community of financial market shapers to the challenge of FASA programming has been relatively sluggish. This think piece is rooted in the market facilitation approach. This approach focuses on harnessing the power of market systems, including their full range of participants – from suppliers and consumers to rule makers
and support services providers – to deliver benefits for poor men and women on a lasting basis. It seeks to achieve and maintain a careful balance between public and private sector interests, between the bottom-line and the bottom of the pyramid. To date, this approach has not yet been applied to FASA’s financial markets in full – an important opportunity. Successful financial market facilitation requires a depth of relationships and market understanding that is typically achieved through countryspecific programming. As a
Feature
result, this think piece cannot prescribe what will work. Instead, it focuses on sets of promising practices that could be applied to particular financial market failures on the ground. It also considers cross-border issues such as remittances and refugees. Critically, it provides insights into the ‘how to’ of financial market development programming in FASA – the tactics and the trade-offs. Taken together, it is hoped that the findings at least start a conversation among policymakers and practitioners about the value of increased financial market development programming in FASA. At best, this think piece could help initiate, refine and strengthen efforts to reduce poverty by making financial markets work for the poor, especially in the continent’s most difficult environments. The theory of change that remains most powerful for supporting inclusive financial sector development is that effective access to financial services and catalytic investments will help people make their way out of poverty, or at least maintain incomes in times of crisis or economic shock
by facilitating economic growth and stability. Financial sector development in FASA can: 1. Reduce transaction costs 2. Build capital markets to facilitate capital accumulation and more productive investments 3. Encourage the development of entrepreneurship and business growth 4. Provide options for mitigating risk and responding to shocks and stresses 5. Contribute to overall stability-building measures while there is no set definition for fragility, there are a number of generally accepted features There is broad agreement that fragile states are characterised by poor governance, weak capacity and institutions, high risk of conflict and insecurity, disputed legitimacy and poverty (World Bank, 2009). As detailed by the OECD, there is no single categorisation that captures the diverse aspects of risk and vulnerability fragility is ‘an issue of universal character that can affect all countries, not only those traditionally considered “fragile” or conflict-affected’ (OECD, 2015).
This think piece is rooted in the market system or ‘M4P’ approach, which hinges on facilitation rather than direct implementation. As such, this approach represents a radical shift in how donors envision, and how development actors interact with, financial systems. Although the theoretical frameworks for this approach are well developed, there is a comparative lack of detailed analysis regarding application in the financial sector and in FASA. A market system approach conceptualises market
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As SSA grows, there is a moral imperative to ensure the benefits are shared, and that no one is left behind.
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Feature
systems as a core function of both supply-demand and the supporting functions and rules which underpin the core transaction. The root causes of the lack of pro-poor development of financial systems are highly specific to both the target sector (i.e. inclusive insurance, SME finance, capital investment, etc.) and the specific geographic context and target population (i.e. refugees, African diaspora). To determine specific systemic constraints on developing a target financial system requires a deep diagnostic process consisting of market, political economy and conflict (if applicable) analyses. However, there are common challenges to financial sector development across FASA and market systems (i.e. those that will affect all systems regardless of the specific ‘core’ product or service). Examples of such challenges include: potential high degree of population mobility and/or recurrent humanitarian cycle of needs; weak institutions, public and private, in the formal financial sector including weak
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A market system approach conceptualises market systems as a core function of both supply-demand and the supporting functions and rules which underpin the core transaction.
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capacities and incentives for financial service providers; high prevalence of, and reliance on, informal financial mechanisms; wide-spread infrastructure deficits(particularly transport and communication systems); and high levels of distortion from humanitarian aid or short-term investments from donors. This document provides a justification for donor and development actors to invest in the foundations of a functioning financial sector. Specifically, foundations require: (a) personal identification solutions and (b) fit-for-purpose regulations that encourage and allow inclusion and innovation in the financial sector. This is followed by an outline of seven market segments: Refugee/IDP finance and Islamic finance promising trends in inclusive financial sector development in FCAS, grouped in three categories: Market segments: Refugee/ IDP finance and Islamic finance 2. Financial delivery channels: Impact investing, and payments and remittances infrastructure 3. Financial products and instruments: Inclusive insurance, liquidity funds and credit guarantees, and diaspora investment platforms.
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Financial sector development and poverty reduction On average, after access to electricity, lack of access to finance is cited as the highest business constraint in African fragile contexts. The theory of change that remains most powerful for supporting inclusive financial sector development is that effective access to financial services and catalytic investments will help people make their way out of poverty by facilitating economic growth and stability. Financial sector development in FASA can: 1.
Reduce transaction costs Financial services can make the exchange of goods and services more efficient (safer, cheaper, faster, and viable across greater distances). 2. Facilitate capital accumulation and more productive investments financial services are a critical function in driving economic growth in the ‘real’ economy (i.e. key sectors such as mining, transport and agriculture) through a variety of instruments. Capital markets offer significant potential for economic development to mobilise and channel savings at scale into longterm, productive investment that
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can create jobs, drive private sector-led growth and help SSA economies exit from international aid. 3. Encourage the development of entrepreneurship and business growth financial services support the development of new enterprises and business growth. At least 70% of jobs globally are generated by SMEs (WEF, 2016) and these local entities often prove extremely resilient in fragile contexts. African labour markets are characterised by a very high ratio of informal-to-formal sector employment; therefore, while formal growth is essential in the long term, the informal sector has a greater capacity to absorb an expanding labour force. 4. Provide options for mitigating risk and responding to shocks and stresses financial services are a vehicle for households to establish, repair (postcrisis) or upgrade businesses, homes and assets as well as to assist with consumption smoothing and risk mitigation. Household stability encourages longerterm planning, investment, and resilience. 5. Contribute to overall stability-building measures a strong, transparent financial sector can contribute to economic stability, which can be both a driver and a result of overall stability. However, access and usage must be equitable along cultural and ethnic lines, religions, and gender – otherwise horizontal inequalities will be exacerbated. Financial
inclusion can address income equality issues, and is a core means to tackle the vulnerability of African fragile states.
Opportunities for investment Blended finance models allow shared risk and financing between impact investors and development actors in extremely fragile countries. For example, impact investors the CDC Group manage the DFID-funded Impact Fund and Impact Acceleration Facility. These vehicles have allowed the CDC to make higherrisk investments than in their traditional portfolio. For example, in Sierra Leone this has included a US$50 million risk participation facility72 for SMEs in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank post-Ebola, and an investment in a mobile payments aggregator to activate mobile payments during and after the Ebola crisis. Though CDC has existing investments in the country, the facility decreased their investment risk during and immediately postcrisis when the market most needed investment funds and loan capital. Typically, the same due diligence process must be calibrated so the level of risk of a specific country is reflected in the deal structure and return expectations. However, when in a blended finance relationship with development actors there is a stronger opportunity to potentially take a higher risk for higher ‘development returns’. There is a gap in the risk-return spectrum, resulting in a ‘missing middle’ of capacity availability
for investments between US$200,000 and US$5 million (GIIN, 2015). In Zimbabwe, the ‘missing middle’ range is US$500,000 to US$3 million, with a focus towards longer-term equity with bundled technical assistance, rather than just debt which is the current trend in the country. Though impact investing is on the rise in SSA, there are significant market-based limitations in FASA: •
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• • •
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Limited legal protection for investors; often no applicable regulations, or outdated regulations seen as too risky by investors . Few service providers (as supporting functions) to support the investment deal flow (in the core market), including limited intermediaries or third parties to support primary research, feasibility studies and deal structuring. Low existing HR recruitment and human capacity with prerequisite skills in management and investing; minimum or no training support functions available in the market. Minimal foreign exchange controls. High political uncertainty. Limited businesses and local investments vehicles with the technical and management capacity to scale or directly manage an investment of any significant size. Too difficult to manage oneoff investments in a single country – a portfolio-level approach needed.
FSD Africa is a non-profit company funded by the UK Government which aims to increase prosperity, create jobs and reduce poverty by bringing about a transformation in financial markets in SSA and in the economies they serve. It provides know-how and capital to champions of change whose ideas, influence and actions will make finance more useful to African businesses and households.
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CategoryFocus Industry
Africa: A Manufacturing Destination Joshua Kayce-Ogbonna
Africa is one of the most exciting and potentially dynamic markets in the world, increasingly capturing the attention of the world’s largest businesses. Strong economic growth, increasing regional economic integration and diversification, untapped natural resources, high access to mobile technology and a young, entrepreneurial demographic – these drivers have the potential to ensure that many markets in Africa will be capable of not just taking advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution but leapfrogging it. Good governance, investment protection laws, ease of doing business, regulatory systems: these factors and others, if guaranteed, should provide a strong foundation for continued growth and investment from which megatrends can be translated to real opportunities and employment.
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By 2030, businessto-business spending in manufacturing in Africa is projected to reach $666.3 billion, $201.28 billion more than in 2015
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By 2030, business-to-business spending in manufacturing in Africa is projected to reach $666.3 billion, $201.28 billion more than in 2015. This report discussed the evolution and prospects of manufacturing and industrialization in Africa. It ultimately offers business leaders an overview of Africa’s biggest opportunities in the manufacturing sector, discussing trends, drivers, perspectives and strategies for effective investment by 2030. It provides policymakers with some options likely to attract private investors, accelerate manufacturing and industrial development, and contribute to growth and poverty alleviation, facilitating the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. While policy solutions are likely to differ across countries, manufacturing and industrial development will be central to Africa’s ability to meet its development goals. Industrial location responds to many factors, including geography, transport, logistics and ease of integration into global value chains, domestic market size and agglomeration potential, labor and management skills, policy quality, and more recently ICT readiness (digitization, robotics, AI). On most of these measures, African countries do not perform strongly. Certain industries can of course, draw
Industry Category Focus
on a rich and diverse natural resource base. As the Africa Mining Vision emphasizes, resource-rich African countries can encourage forward and backward linkages, especially to small and medium size enterprises, in these industries. Tourism, another rapidly-growing export sector, can also stimulate local industrial and service firms. The “footloose” industries that have typically served as the entry point for industrialization generally involve laborintensive segments of industrial value chains. For the African manufacturing sector to succeed, labor costs need to be competitive. Given that poor countries usually have cheap labor, African countries should have some of the cheapest labor in the world. The question is—do they, and if so, is African labor cheap enough to compensate for other, less favorable, factors? Labour costs in most Sub Saharan African countries are high relative to China. They argue that this, combined with a weak business climate, means that most African countries will not become competitive in manufacturing in the near future.
Labor costs cannot be considered in isolation as a determinant of competitiveness. Switzerland, for example, ranks at the top of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). With an outstanding business environment, rich technical and management skills and excellent location, it can sustain a large manufacturing industry, and one not based on natural resources, despite very high costs of labor. Policy quality and predictability, administrative capacity, human, institutional and governance capital, physical and financial infrastructure, and location can be taken a important indicators of the quality and sophistication of a country’s business environment. Some of these indicators are difficult to measure and there is no unique way to combine them into a single index, but many of them correlate quite strongly with GDP per capita. One option, then, is to take this as a proxy for the physical and institutional capacity of the country and the human capital embedded in its workforce. Thus, a comparison of labor cost per worker, given GDP per capita, may help to indicate how well a country can compete on the basis of low labor costs, taking into account its general level of development relative to competitors. An alternative approach could be to take an indicator like the GCI to represent the physical, human and institutional capital of the country; this correlates strongly, and approximately linearly, with logged GDP per capita. The approach is less useful here because of the small size of the country sample; various factors can cause sizable deviations between countries’ income and GCI rankings. One factor is dualism: South Africa, for example, ranks far higher on the GCI than in terms of GDP per head; its high formal wage levels coexist with unemployment estimated at 27 percent, one of the highest rates in the world. It is therefore less useful to consider South Africa’s enclave wage levels in relation to its GCI than relative to the broader,
income-based, measure of its economy.
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With massive investments in power projects and other critical infrastructure, Africa is positioned to lead the charge for the next century and beyond.
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CategoryFocus Industry
One difficulty of comparing Sub-Saharan Africa with other developing regions is that most African countries are far poorer than most of their actual and potential competitors, resulting in an unbalanced comparison. The other extension is to take into account the heterogeneity of the African countries by distinguishing three groups: middle-income (essentially South Africa and Botswana); lower income (most of the rest) and countries like Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo that are so poor, relative to external comparators that they can be considered in a distinct class. Even if African labor costs are high, relative to GDP/head, the low income levels of that group suggest the possibility that some of these countries could be attractive to industries seeking to compete on the basis of low wages. Investors may choose to leapfrog over most of Africa to settle only in the poorest countries. With massive investments in power projects and other critical infrastructure, Africa is positioned to lead the charge for the next century and beyond.
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Resource-rich African countries can encourage forward and backward linkages, especially to small and medium size enterprises, in these industries.
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Ivory Coast, which produces more than 35% of global cocoa harvests, wants to establish itself in other more lucrative sectors of the industry. Last year Ivorian cocoa producers saw profits of 2.13 billion, while worldwide cocoa reaped some $13 billion in profits. However, the world’s chocolate earnings were nearly 10 times greater. French chocolate company Cémoi invested about �6 million euros in the construction of the ‘Made in Ivory Coast’ chocolate factory, for a production capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year. Farmers in Kenya are relying on mobile phone apps and services to plan their activities and make their decisions. New services like iShamba offer advice on almost every practical question that farmers may have. Farmers can text any question, with the guarantee of a near immediate answer in English, Swahili or one of four regional languages. iShamba offers information about market prices for several crops, the weather and several other themes. Supported by a call center of agronomy experts, iShamba also offers agri-tips about how to solve common problems with various crops.
Trade & Investment Category
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Interview Category
48 | African Leadership | October 2019
Category Interview
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ENL has positioned itself to explore the opportunities the new technology will present in the future for improving operation and optimisation.
Dr. Princess Haastrup
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Private participation should be informed of collaboration with government security agencies. Private stakeholders in the maritime sector can partner the government in providing fund needed to address these challenges.
Dr. Princess Haastrup is currently the Executive Vice-Chairman of ENL Consortium Limited, the entity that manages the operations of the Terminals C & D of the Lagos port complex, Apapa. She is also the Chairman Sea Ports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), an umbrella body that comprises key operators of the sea port terminals in Nigeria. A fellow, and currently the first female President of the Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria. She is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, (FCILT, FCIS). She holds the Doctorate Degree (DBA) in Business Administration (Honoris Causa) of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomosho, Oyo state Nigeria (April 2009). Dr. Princess Vicky Haastrup was recently commended by the congress of the State of Georgia. In this interview with the African leadership magazine, she chronicles the organization’s journey, operation, milestones and set targets. The ENL consortium boasts of many years of service and qualitative involvement in Nigeria’s business sector. Of great importance is the revolution coming up in the form of the smart shipping solutions. How is the ENL positioned for this? Smart shipping means self-driven vessel. Vessels that are able to sail and operate completely by themselves. It’s considered to be the future of maritime industry, which has the potential to influence the shipping and port operation positively. It should be noted that smart shipping is far from becoming a reality because regulatory, technical and safety issues have not been addressed. Current rules required vessels to be manned. This technology when put into operation in the future will be of great benefits to port operation as port value chain will be greatly enhanced. ENL has positioned itself to explore the opportunities the new technology will present in the future for improving operation and optimisation. This definitely will involve huge investment on the part of Terminal operators in new technology compatible with smart shipping revolution as well as training of personnel in this regard.
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Interview
In 2007, you entered into a strategic partnership with a Chinese logistics giant, Sinoma cargo international to evacuate cargo from the port using barges to solve the Apapa gridlock. How have you been able to eradicate this challenge seeing that it seems to be one that has defied all solution? The Apapa gridlock has become a chronic thorn in the flesh of private stakeholders, which has resulted to huge revenue loss to Shippers, shipping agents, freight forwards, trucks owners and terminal operators. The idea of evacuating cargo from the port using barges was to help alleviate the problem caused by traffic gridlock but not to solve the problem of gridlock, as there many factors responsible for Apapa gridlock, such as poor road network linking the hinterland, accidents, widespread infrastructure degradation and inadequate facilities. It has been very challenging giving the ugly gridlock that has bedeviled Lagos ports. However,
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The idea of evacuating cargo from the port using barges was to help alleviate the problem caused by traffic gridlock but not to solve the problem of gridlock, as there many factors responsible for Apapa gridlock, such as poor road network linking the hinterland, accidents, widespread infrastructure degradation and inadequate facilities.
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we have made significant progress in cargo evacuation through the use of barges in the last two years of this novel idea. We’ve so far evacuated 60,073 metric tons of cargo equating about 2400 numbers of trucks. With these numbers we’ve taken off the road over 2400 trucks from compounding the already bad traffic situation. Because of the progress made in this regard, we have entered into partnership with two new companies using barges in cargo evacuation and bringing in empty and laden containers for export through ENL terminal. 2007 seemed to be quite a remarkable years for ENL Consortium, it was the Port and Container Terminal Development Award at the Seatrade International Award, as well as local award by the Independent Newspaper Association. What has added to this milestones that saw to these awards?
ENL as the leader of multipurpose terminal in Nigeria has made remarkable achievements in cargo handling operation. These awards are in recognition of the unprecedented milestones achievements in port operation. Our records speak for itself in term of cargo throughput, quality of terminal services and social stability as it relates to dockworkers. To answer your question on what has added to our milestones achievements: Differentiation of services – We now offer more services such as cargo evacuation through barges which has resulted to lowering port cost for ship agents and shippers. There so many challenges in the maritime sector, one of which is adequate maritime security. We understand that the government has called on private participants in addressing these issues;
Category Interview
we think the private investors are doing enough with the challenges to battle with. Is this not an overstretch on the part of the private investors? Adequate maritime security is the joint responsibility of Nigeria Maritime and Safety Administration and Nigerian Navy. There is need to extensively review Nigeria ports security plan and system in view of the prevailing security challenges confronting the nation. These challenges have resulted to loss of vessel traffic to neighbouring countries and high freight cost to Nigeria ports, particularly the Eastern port because of the security challenges in Niger Delta region, Private participation should be informed of collaboration with government security agencies. Private stakeholders in the maritime sector can partner the government in providing fund needed to address these challenges. Maritime security trust fund should be considered to assist in the provision of security equipment and facilities needed to effectively police Nigeria territorial water. The African leadership (UK) Limited recognizes your firm as a leading group in Africa, with the conferment of African Company of the year award (Port Operation) & Medal of Honour in Business. What does this mean to you with respect to the challenges highlighted so far? It’s recognition of ENL contributions to port operation in Nigeria and Africa at large with our eyes set for bigger achievements in spite of the challenges highlighted above. It is also recognition of ENL contribution to Nigeria economy giving the role ports play in the economy life of a nation. This will spur us to do more as we are not unmindful of port role as an essential link in global logistic chain and interface between marine and land transport, and as such, should facilitate movement of cargo through it.
The Congressional Commendation is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves in various endeavors. Your recognition comes on the heels of efforts to strengthen the small business community in Nigeria, what does this mean to you? Since the port was concessioned by the Federal Government of Nigerian in 2005 through the (PPP) Public Private Partnership initiatives, our CEO in person of Princess Dr. Vicky Haastrup has been the driving force and the directing mind under whose the concession has grown in leaps and bounds. She has been on the driver’s seat and her given direction to the concession. Under her leadership a lot has been achieved in all ramifications and so she deserves the congressional commendation award. To us in ENL and beyond, the congressional commendation award is an invitation to do more for the port industry and beyond. It is a call to more service and we shall not relent to do more.
With unemployment a rising concern for the growing of African populace, how can the maritime sector help mop up the population of young African with the unemployment crises? Unemployment is a serious problem that has plagued African continent, which has forced many young African to embark on dangerous journeys across the Sahara desert and Mediterranean Sea in an attempt to seek greener pastures in western world, of which many of them ended up getting killed in the desert or drown in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also the bane of many crimes involving young Africans. The maritime sector can help address the problem of unemployment in African because of the huge employment opportunities locked in the sector. However, this depend on overcoming key challenges such as improving governance, consistent maritime policies tailored toward employment creation, investing in infrastructures and reducing barriers to trade as well as investment in human capital.
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To us in ENL and beyond, the congressional commendation award is an invitation to do more for the port industry and beyond. It is a call to more service and we shall not relent to do more.
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Special Report
Nigeria’s Democracy: a Verdict Attah Olaolu Adejo
On May 29, 1999, retired General Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in as Nigeria’s third President. After almost 4 decades of political independence and numerous coups, military regimes and about two previous attempts at democracy, Nigeria returned to civil rule and the 4th Republic began. Olusegun Obasanjo took over a country in very bad economic shape; they were huge debts owned Western creditors, majority lived in poverty and oil was the primary source of income. He spent a significant portion of his first term [19992003] travelling the world; searching for ‘foreign investors’ and tapping into his enviable international contacts to aid with debt relief. The repatriation of funds allegedly hidden in foreign banks by the Sani Abacha junta was also on the agenda. Moribund government owned businesses were sold off to private interests. The telecoms giant, NITEL proved problematic to unbundle and controversy surrounded its handling for many years. The trademark economic policy of the Obasanjo era was the liberalization of the telecoms sector that led to millions of Nigerians owning mobile phones. It led to an explosion in communication and internet usage. The recapitalization of the banking sector led to reduction from 100 banks [many of which were financially weak] to 25 institutions. The oil and gas industry [particularly the downstream sector] proved difficult to handle as efforts to deregulate it failed; they
52 | African Leadership | October 2019
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Regardless of the negative signs, I believe democracy is steadily growing. I feel it is improved upon with every election held. Within a space of 20 years, we have seen incumbents lose elections inspite of the utilization of force, funds and state institutions in their favour.
were frequent price increases, constant hoarding and scarcity of petrol products, strikes by industry workers and continued environmental pollution of the oil producing Niger Delta region. The first four years of democracy were tough for Nigeria and its leadership; the populace expected alot perhaps too soon, the leaders [many of whom were retired military officers] found the fact they had to explain every policy to the people, irritating. Obasanjo sometimes found it difficult transitioning to a democrat as he ordered troops to violently squash uprisings in Odi, Bayelsa and Zaki Biam, Benue. The Executive often interfered in the workings of Legislature as agents of government allegedly worked behind the scenes
to ensure legislators did the President’s bidding; the Senate had 3 presidents within the first term and would probably have had more impeachments had they not fought off external influences. In Obasanjo’s 2nd term [20032007], he would assemble a team of exposed, educated, relatively young, daring, very intelligent and largely apolitical group of Nigerians as key appointees. They were called ‘the Reformers’ and would challenge the status quo and give nightmares to the country’s civil service, political and business elite. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Nuhu Ribadu, Nasir el-Rufai, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili [Madam Due Process], Charles Soludo, et cetera were part of
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this team. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] was established and became an efficient pursuer of corrupt individuals and bodies. Although it was accused of being a tool by the Executive to punish its enemies, most people viewed it as a success story in the anti corruption fight. Nigeria’s debt to the London and Paris Clubs was renegotiated and billions of dollars [largely accrued from interest were waivered]. The National Assembly had less leadership changes as members began to demand independence and were less willing to impeach their leaders. Emphasis was placed on building institutions that would lay foundations and could push Nigeria into developed status; free education and feeding of students for the first nine years of learning was made widespread across the federation and anchored under the Universal Basic Education Commission [UBEC], welfare of public and civil servants was given major boosts; thousands began to own properties as homes they lived in were sold to them, they were also placed on the Contributory Pension Scheme so a portion of their salaries could be deducted and saved up for them till retirement. The National Agency for Food
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The trademark economic policy of the Obasanjo era was the liberalization of the telecoms sector that led to millions of Nigerians owning mobile phones.
and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] under late Professor Dora Akunyili became so effective at improving the quality of food, drug and other edibles that she received hundreds of awards and attempts on her life! Award of contracts became more transparent and cost effective for government through the efforts of the Office of Due Process, health insurance which was practically none existent became a reality through the NHIS. In my opinion, the gathering of these bureaucrats and what they achieved is the golden era of our democracy so far! They looked beyond ethnic and tribal differences and placed the country’s development first. The administration also encouraged certain businessmen and women to expand with the hope they would become multinationals and remit billions back home. Transnational Corporation [Transcorp], a huge Nigerian conglomerate with varied interests was established and seemed destined to become Nigeria’s first multinational. The middle class began to emerge as more Nigerians had cable television, drove new cars or at least fairly used ones, bought houses, went on vacations, and even foreign media and
companies took note. Most Nigerians were still in poverty but they was more money in circulation, greater opportunities and the prospects for growth looked promising. Perhaps watching all these foundations being dug and recognizing time was running out before they could firmly be in place, President Olusegun Obasanjo made moves to stay longer in office or run for a third term. It was never openly admitted but the ‘body language’ of the President and Executive revealed a push for tenure elongation; they were talks by supporters of how Singapore was led by Lew Kuan Yew for 30 years before it became a developed nation and many of the African tyrants who were in office when Obasanjo was a Head of State, were still in power almost 30 years after. The implication was, if they could, why not him? The country was sharply divided for and against tenure elongation and the battle was fought more in the national legislature where attempts were made to arm twist members to amend the constitution. After much division, the Third Term Agenda died off and the process for change of government began.
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Category Special Report
Violence in parts of the country challenging the results will lead to the deaths of many including the horrific murder of corp members engaged as electoral support staff.
For the first time, Nigeria had a democratic transfer of power when Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the candidate of the ruling PDP won the presidential elections of 2007. Yar’Adua admitted the elections were flawed, he declared his assets and adopted a ‘servant leader’ theme. When oil prices dropped on the international market, he ordered petrol prices to be reduced; for the first time in its history, Nigerians enjoyed a reduction in cost of fuel! Government succeeded in ending the agitations and militancy in the oil rich Niger Delta by offering amnesty in return for their arms. The government was however known to use force; it bombed the Gbaramatu kingdom of Delta state where suspected militants were harboured and the Nigeria Police allegedly murdered Mohammed Yusuf, the leader of Boko Haram, a religious sect. Whatever his good intentions, Yar’Adua suffered poor health and was incapacitated for most of his short lived presidency. An inner caucus called the Cabal would emerge and fill the leadership void while sidelining the Vice President. Information about Yar’Adua’s medical status and the extent of his ailment was kept away from the public; government handlers assured Nigerians that his illness was exaggerated.
54 | African Leadership | October 2019
Apart from the impeachment of the first female Speaker of the House, Honourable Patricia Olubunmi Etteh in November 2007, the Legislature had a smooth run in the 6th Republic and became quite independent and entrenched. The Senate would step in to fill the constitutional vacuum by invoking ‘the Doctrine of Necessity’ to make Goodluck Jonathan, the Acting President in February 2010. In that moment, the Legislature proved that it could step when things become heated up and save the nation. In the 2011 elections, political calculations, incumbency and deal making will grant Jonathan the presidential ticket and eventually win him elections.
Throughout the 7th Republic [2011-2015], Nigeria was troubled by Boko Haram; the government seeming inability to contain their spread and power was so evident that bomb blasts became very common in Abuja, the capital city. The perception was government was either too inefficient in dealing with security or profiting from the murder of Nigerians! Clashes between nomadic herdsmen and communities across Nigeria also sprang up within the Middle Belt region. The climax was the capture and kidnap of school girls in the North Eastern town of Chibok; it attracted international
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The middle class began to emerge as more Nigerians had cable television, drove new cars or at least fairly used ones, bought houses, went on vacations, and even foreign media and companies took note
Special Category Report
attention and projected the government as inapt and clueless in security management. That event probably cost Jonathan his re election! This era was a progressive period for women; many were appointed into key positions and the federal cabinet was 35% female [the highest in the country’s history]. Honourable Mulikat Adeola-Akande of Oyo narrowly missed becoming the Speaker of the House. Apart from the Obasanjo era, this period was unarguably the highest with women as policy and decision makers. Minimum wage increased to 18,000 naira and the lot of the average Nigerian improve. They was clearly more funds in circulation even as the populace complained about colossal corruption in government circles. The National Assembly became more independent and solidified its status as a bonafide arm of government. The Senate President and Deputy enjoyed another four year leadership cycle, no doubt assisting in deepening legislative ‘self confidence’. President Goodluck Jonathan was considered a humble, likable gentleman who was overwhelmed by Nigerian
leadership. The fact that he was neither a retired military officer, scion of a wealthy, powerful family or a career politican made him personable to many Nigerians. This perception, I believe was the reason many sympathized with him in the face of his government disastrous handling of security. Jonathan raised the leadership bar and did the unthinkable for an African leader, when he accepted defeat to his major opponent, retired General Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 polls. I believe this action was his greatest achievement; he made it ‘normal’ and possible for a defeated leader to leave, without using force or judicial avenues to regain power or victory. The expectations on Muhammadu Buhari were high; as a consequence of Buhari’s legendary disdain for indiscipline and corruption during his run as military Head of State, Nigerians initially began to obey traffic rules, dispose of refuse in the appropriate ways and generally became well behaved. It took him a while to appoint ministers and the country suffered a terrible foreign exchange slump when the naira depreciated terribly to the dollar; [$1-350 naira].
Nigeria officially fell into a recession in 2015; commodity prices rose up so bad that a bag of rice cost as high as twenty thousand naira, as a result of the increasing weakness of the naira and its negative effect on importing raw materials, thousands of factories shut down & millions of jobs were lost. Suicide which was largely unheard of amongst Nigerians became commonplace as states frequently collected bailouts from the centre to pay salaries. Poverty rose to unfathomable levels and the desperation to survive led to an undeniable rise in stealing, kidnapping, cattle rustling, ritual killings, internet fraud [yahoo yahoo] et cetera. The economy fared very poorly during the first term of the Buhari administration. Boko Haram lost large portions of Nigeria it controlled as many kidnapped women and children regained freedom. Unfortunately it would regroup and perhaps split into several groups, the results was it reenergized but kept its activities largely in the North Eastern region. The clashes between herdsmen and communities graduated into daily and weekly bloody attacks so deadly that the herdsmen were designated the fourth most deadly terrorist group in the world!
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This demography has taken a hit over the years but it is still there. So is our democracy and I am positive that it will keep getting stronger, no matter the challenges.
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Category Special Report
Political participation was widened when #NotTooYoungToRun, a movement promoting more youths in politics and governance, successfully got the Executive and Legislature to reduce the age requirement for elective office. The government was viewed in certain circles as deeply biased on ethno-religious lines and a certain Nnamdi Kanu rallied up Nigerians of Igbo descent to demand an independent state. His group, the Independent People of Biafra [IPOB] was clamped down by the central government but its ideology and the following of its founder grew. With all these as background, Nigeria went into a election cycle earlier in the year with a lot of anxiety. Most incumbents won, our differences; whether tribal or religious played roles in who most of us voted, far more than the economy and performance did. Sadly, violence was prominent in the election process.
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In Obasanjo’s 2nd term [2003-2007], he would assemble a team of exposed, educated, relatively young, daring, very intelligent and largely apolitical group of Nigerians as key appointees. They were called ‘the Reformers’ and would challenge the status quo and give nightmares to the country’s civil service, political and business elite.
56 | African Leadership | October 2019
Regardless of the negative signs, I believe democracy is steadily growing. I feel it is improved upon with every election held. Within a space of 20 years, we have seen incumbents lose elections inspite of the utilization of force, funds and state institutions in their favour. We notice how public opinion especially on social media, is so influential that both leaders and the electorate, want to control it and have a say. Nigerians have begun to demand purposeful governance and transparency from all tiers or arms of government and even themselves. Today, women, children and other vulnerable groups have a voice even in the most conservative parts of Nigeria. These would be impossible without democracy! The greatest boost to civil rule was the decision by Goodluck Jonathan to accept defeat; it made conceding an election an option for politicians and proved it is truly not a ‘do or die’ issue. Moving forward, I hope voting is made digital so every individual with a mobile phone can exercise their franchise. It would save time, prevent violence, enthrone transparency, cut costs and aid in collecting data.
Nigeria’s increasing economic pivot to China might not end well for us as we are drowning in debt which will take decades to repay! We need to look inward; control our swelling population, attack corruption ferociously and learn to utilize our mineral, agricultural and tourism potentials where billions of dollars are locked up. Although most Nigerians increasingly live in poverty, alot of super wealthy Nigerians have been made since 1999! Alot of businesses have been birthed within this period. Contrary to what many feel, I suspect they is a Nigerian middle class! In my opinion, it has grown under democracy. We are not all ‘poor’ or ‘rich’! We cannot all be grouped as upper or lower classes because they are huge numbers of Nigerians, who do not fall under these categories; they own cars or use public transport, have cable television, can regularly purchase mobile data and some even travel by air! This demography has taken a hit over the years but it is still there. So is our democracy and I am positive that it will keep getting stronger, no matter the challenges.
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Special Report Category
TEF Rounds up 2019 Cohort The Tony Elumelu Foundation, an African non-profit organization founded in 2010 by Africa’s foremost investor and business mogul, Tony Elumelu, held its 5th Annual Forum — the largest annual gathering of African entrepreneurs. The two-day event took place at the iconic Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja from Friday, July 26 – Saturday 27, 2019. The initiative is based on the belief that, with the right support, entrepreneurs can be empowered to contribute meaningfully to Africa's shared prosperity and social development and economic diversity with the intent to instigate and recreate economic pan-Africanism. The Foundation is intent on charting a new course for African philanthropy and does not operate merely as a grant-awarding organization. This year’s cohort saw to the mentorship, training, and seeding of over 3,000 young Africans, from over 216,000 applicants. The event provided a unique opportunity for young women and men, from all 54 African countries, to converge and network within the bigger framework of a unified African market place. With works which have garnered attention, making significant progress displayed by alumni of the program’s past edition, the event was punctuated by brilliant African craft and innovative designs around the Transcorp Hilton Hotel environment. Speaking while delivering the keynote address at the event’s opening, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Tony Elumelu Foundation Trustee and Founder/CEO, Avon Medical, spoke in length, with admirable details of the journey so far. In
58 | African Leadership | October 2019
her narration, the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program which has its sight on empowering over 10,000 African entrepreneurs with a $100 million has gained traction for its engineered concept the Africapitalism. Africapitalism, a neologism underlines the economic philosophy that the African private sector has the power to transform the continent through long-term investments, creating both economic prosperity and social wealth. In Africapitalism, approximate terms such as "inclusive capitalism", "impact investing," "conscious capitalism" and "philanthrocapitalism" are condensed in the theory of "creating shared value”. Dr. Elumelu extolled the efforts of several African governments, speaking highly of the collaborative efforts of the various governments, international donor agencies, social partners who have all contributed to the growth and reiteration of the programs through many social and capital investment vehicles across the continent. Present at the Presidential Convening were the Presidents of Rwanda and the Chairman, African Union, His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of Senegal, H.E Macky Sall, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, Nigeria’s Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Rt. Hon (Dr.) Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister, Republic of Uganda. In his comment, President Kagame spoke of the need for an African identity “We have managed to change the mindsets of our people, to know what they stand for, what they need to do, what they have in
themselves, and we have united our country.” Speaking further he said “Women make up 62% of the Rwandan parliament. my Ministers make up 50%. in the judiciary, we have 45% women. Men have been complaining but we also point out areas where they are dominating to bring about balance.”
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We must find young entrepreneurs and provide opportunities for capacity building. By birthing this intervention, Tony Elumelu has compelled us to focus on what matters - our youths and their dreams.
Special Report
President Macky Sall of Senegal opined that “The wealth of Africa is first and foremost its human resources”. Nigeria’s Vice-president, Yemi Osinbajo was effusive in his praise for the activities that heralded the event and the continuous improvements on the program. Prof Osinbajo said “Today is the most advanced moment in human history and this generation is the smartest that has ever lived. We must find young entrepreneurs and provide opportunities for capacity building. By birthing this intervention, Tony Elumelu has compelled us to focus on what matters - our youths and their dreams.” One of the beneficiaries, Ololade Odunsi, spoke elatedly about being chosen for this year’s edition. Miss Odunsi, the proprietress of Iwose Footwear, a Lagos-based footwear company in response to how she started her company said “I started my business with personal funds and at a point in time it became difficult to sustain it. Access to the TEF startup fund will provide me with the opportunity to operate at a sustainable level and market my brand to its target market.” In building an interconnected market with other entrepreneurs she said “We all are making do with available resources and skills but connecting and collaborating
with other African entrepreneurs would create different sequences and diversity of skills as well as resources. I already made plans to collaborate with a Cameroonian who makes footwear with beads as that type of skill is not common in Nigeria. On the other hand, Cameroon lacks ample supply of materials in their leather industry but Nigeria does and I plan on taking advantage of this gap to push my products into the Cameroonian market.” The activities included plenary sessions, masterclasses for the TEEP entrepreneurs, and a beehive of activities at the famous UBA Marketplace. The UBA Market place which was an exhibition site for over a hundred entrepreneurs drawn from the length and breadth of the continent featured food, fashion, beauty products home and decor. The exciting experience of visiting the marketplace did not whittle down activities such as the masterclass and mentorship sessions that went on at the market place. Quite unlike the conventional markets, there were complimentary activities like the movie screening all day, the games - virtual and real, fashion shows by a myriad of fashion collectors as well as the starstudded closing concert led by the UBA Brand Ambassador and Nigerian Afropop artist Wizkid and DJ Cuppy.
In closing the event, the Founder’s Den, a pitching competition which had six (6) TEF Alumni in attendance, and a panel of venture capitalists like; Aaron Fu, Managing Director, MEST Incubator; Kola Aina CEO & Founding Partner, Ventures Platform; Jocelyn Songco Principal, Soros Economic Development Fund, Open Society Foundations; Aziz Mebarek Founder, Africinvest; Andrew Alli CEO, Southbridge, Claude Borna MD/ Chief Innovation Officer, Sèmè City Development Agency; Uzo Oshogwe, CEO, Afriland Properties Plc had Okey Esse, of the Powerstove Energy, winning the $5,000 prize from the UBA Group.
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The initiative is based on the belief that, with the right support, entrepreneurs can be empowered to contribute meaningfully to Africa's shared prosperity and social development and economic diversity with the intent to instigate and recreate economic pan-Africanism.
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Technovation
Science and Technology: A Primary Engine for Sustainable Development in Africa Fashina Adebayo Adeboye
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If we consider what Africa needs in terms of the SDGs, it is likely that Africa could achieve some of these goals by 2030 if proper governance and policies are put in place to develop short- and long-term solutions to the development of science and technology in Africa.
In recent times, the pressing need for a sustainable approach to global development has been a regular subject of discussion at national, regional and international levels, following the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit on 25th of September 2015, where the world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals which include a set of seventeen
60 | African Leadership | October 2019
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are geared towards putting an end to poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. Inspired by the SDGs, several African nations are presently mobilizing resources to achieve these goals by the year 2030. However, progress has been limited by available donor funding and the absence of satisfactory levels of research and development that focus on African development. Consequently, if we consider what Africa needs in terms of the SDGs, it is likely that Africa could achieve some of these goals by 2030 if proper governance and policies are put in place to develop short- and long-term solutions to the development of science and technology in Africa. While there are several important parameters that can play a pivotal role in the sustainability of Africa, science & technology remains an
Technovation
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Aside from the available natural and minerals resources in Africa, we also have a huge human capacity (about 16 per cent of the world’s population) that can advance the continent if properly managed.
indispensable requirement for a strong economy and security needs of Africa. Science & technology proffers solutions to African challenges which also turn out to be global challenges. It offers an integrated interdisciplinary approach that can practically confront important African problems and propel inclusive and sustainable development. One could thus argue that the most powerful and well-advanced nations are those who have consistently paid attention to science and technology over the years while the countries living with poverty are those lagging behind in science and technology, as with the case of most countries in African. As such, many African countries find themselves within the scenario of the typical African hunter who kills an animal in the forest and sells the raw meat to the women at the canteen and then goes back at sunset to buy a small portion of the same meat in its processed form, for almost the price he sold it. So, why not Africa? And even more important – How? Although Africa is endowed with
natural and mineral resources, we presently depend heavily on the importation of goods and huge technology services from advanced countries with a technical base. Yet, the basic needs of most African people in health, housing, clean water, food and energy cannot be essentially met via the importation of finished products. Besides, these goods and technologies are produced largely by value added to many of the raw materials that are available in Africa. This can be traceable to the numerous mineral resources that are extracted and exported without adequately engaging the people of Africa in the processing activities that could lead to value addition to these readily available resources. Aside from the available natural and minerals resources in Africa, we also have a huge human capacity (about 16 per cent of the world’s population) that can advance the continent if properly managed. Experiences from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia has shown that a well-developed human capacity in the field of science and technology can obviously facilitate sustainable
development in Africa. However, unlike in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Africa has only recently recognized the vital role of science & technology as the key engine for sustainable development. This is yet to be supported by funding from most African governments, with the exception of South Africa, Algeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Morocco that all spend about 1% of their GDP/GNP on science & technology. Furthermore, recent statistics show that for a country to drive development, such nation needs a thousand scientists per million people and in sub-Saharan Africa, we only have about 85 scientists per a million people compared to 1,000 per million people in developed countries. Finland has 4,000 scientists per million people, while China has a million scientists per billion people. So, it is clear that we do not have the critical mass to drive sustainable development as a continent. There is, therefore, a need to heighten the rate of progress towards the development of African human capacity and innovations that can address African needs
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Technovation Special Report
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To ensure that issues of capacity building are broadly addressed, the underlying mechanisms of future development of evidence-based policy for science and technology as well as innovation in the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda need to be explored in the African context.
within this context. The question here is: how can we use science and technology to promote sustainable development in the African context? As we delve deeper into this subject matter, it is important to note that it is not just about the idea of Africa surviving in science & technology, we want to be at the leading edge of science driven by interdisciplinary and innovative activities that can help build a sustainable Africa by 2030. To attain this feat, here are three vital areas that Africa needs to explore: First, the need to create more Centres of Excellence: In an effort to achieve the level of the scientific workforce that can really drive sustainable development in Africa, the World Bank Group flagged off the Africa Centres of Excellence program in 2015 in the West Africa region and subsequently in the Eastern African region. This program is geared towards strengthening science, technology, and engineering education at all levels in Africa. In spite of the efforts made
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so far by the World Bank, the impact of the programs is presently minimal and more of these centres would have to be created to address African needs in energy, water, health, food and environment. This will also require the support of the African governments to integrate research and education to build critical mass in science and technology. Furthermore, there is a need for integrated efforts to bring together at some of these centres, teams of science & technology experts, particularly, African scientists in the diaspora to train a critical mass of African youths (we have half of the world’s young people on this continent) to engage in materials processing that adds value to our raw materials. African must, therefore, take advantage of such investments to explore and develop its own models and skills from the research outcomes at these centres and identify entrepreneurial and technopreneurial solutions for its socioeconomic problems. Second, the need for the development of efficient
research and innovation policies: Until recently, science & technology has not been at the centre stage of Africa’s decisionmaking process. However, for science & technology to become a driving force for sustainable development, African regions and countries need to develop, execute and regularly monitor science & technology policies at both regional and national levels. These are factors that can facilitate the production, circulation, and application of knowledge alongside the development and widespread technologies that would stimulate innovation at all levels. Nevertheless, to ensure that issues of capacity building are broadly addressed, the underlying mechanisms of future development of evidencebased policy for science and technology as well as innovation in the realization of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda need to be explored in the African context. This implies that singular attention has to be given to the development of African human capacity and to governance that can largely
Special Technovation Report
promote the participation of the youths, women, and other minority groups in decisionmaking within this framework. This could guide the future development of proficient structures for administration and transparent selection at the centres of excellence. Third, the need to establish partnerships frameworks that can build networks of excellence between the scientific community, government, local industry and the general public: By developing our local industry via partnerships and access to knowledge, we can easily move from ideas to communities and markets within a science & technology driven interdisciplinary framework. Within this context, our universities need to build a partnership with business industry, development partners, governments and policymakers. Perhaps, African universities need to build networks of excellence that ensures that they start producing graduates with critical-thinking, problemsolving, innovative and creative skills that will help promote sustainable development of Africa. There must thus be a connection between knowledgetechnology and real-world solutions to African problems. However, the African scientific advisory council also has a significant role to play in identifying sustainable solutions to the present developmental challenges in Africa. They need to regularly update policymaker and specialists in science & technology with new insights that could guide the future formulation of evidence-based policy in the realization of most of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in Africa. In conclusion, the most vital lesson in all of these is that sustainable solutions must use science and technology to empower African people to use science as the engine of their development. However, the key to strengthening the African human capacity towards
a sustainable future does not just lie in the individual solutions to African challenges but rather, a comprehensive/ collaborative scientific practice must be engaged by ratifying evidence-based policies that are embedded in the society. This will, therefore, demand a certain level of boldness from African leaders to find ways to develop their own models in the context of African developmental challenges.
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There must thus be a connection between knowledge-technology and real-world solutions to African problems.
Fashina Adebayo Adeboye is a Doctoral Student at the School of Graduate Studies and Research, Gollis University¡
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Category Technovation
The art of social media and Content marketing Vivian Ozoemena
something to someone: 1.
Ah, social media marketing - the buzz words of today. When a customer searches the internet and finds you, not only do they expect to find an engaging website but they also look for you on social media. Content is king or Queen as I would say and especially in marketing. To make a good marketer online, you will need to be a good story teller. It’s crucial if you’re trying to build a long-term brand both online and offline. Content marketing, according to Wikipedia is the art of creating, publishing and distributing content online, to a specific target audience. Content marketing as well as social media marketing is very strategic. The first thing to note when creating content is the need of your target audience. The first step
64 | African Leadership | October 2019
in content marketing is content strategy. In order to achieve successful content marketing, you must have a strategy. Now, storytelling is one of the main ingredients for great success in content marketing. When content is placed in a story, it is more likely to be remembered. A typical human brain tries to form a fence around information by linking it with something. When the link is stronger the information is remembered for a longer period. Always remember: If you weave stories around facts, it will have a bigger impression on people because human beings are moved by emotions. We just need to put a story around data. Reasons why storytelling is a great content tool especially, when you are trying to sell
Stories help the target to relax and just listen and connect. 2. Stories help build strong relationships. 3. Storytelling speaks to the part of the brain where decisions are actually made. 4. Stories make it easier for the target audience to remember you, your ideas, and your product. 5. Storytelling actually increases the value of what you want to sell. 6. Stories are contagious. 7. Storytelling gives you an opportunity to be original 8. Your target audience want more stories from you Here are 6 things every good story must have to make for great content: • • •
•
•
•
A time: when did the story happen? A place: where did the story happen? A main character: who or what is the main person or thing this story is about? An obstacle: what challenge is the main character facing in the story? A goal: what is the key objective of the story’s main character Events: what are the series of events that tie the story all together?
Tips for content marketing. 1. 2.
Know your target audience. SEO must be on point.
Technovation
3.
4. 5.
6. 7. 8.
Search engines reward businesses that publish quality, consistent content. SEO is another hack you need to sell your content. Study the marketing brands you admire online. See how they handle their content creation and learn from that. Get into the mind of your target audience. Get creative. All writers are in the business of people. You need to be convincing. Do your research. Read wide. Reading expands your thinking capacity. Keep practicing
Types of content marketing • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Blogging Email marketing Social media posts Video Webinars and Live streaming Podcasts Infographics Quizzes, Questionnaires and Surveys Reviews E-books Free guides Presentations Interviews Stories Chatbots Text messaging Digital magazine
With this in mind let’s look at a few of the don’ts of social media marketing so that you can avoid the pitfalls. •
first instinct might be to delete it. Don’t! Tackle the issue and you might be surprised to find that a negative can be turned into a positive.
Don’t be a fake •
This cannot be stressed enough. People quickly spot a fake and your reputation will be in tatters before you even start. Also, think about all the effort you will have to expend to keep up appearances! •
Don’t post without proofreading
A post with spelling and grammar errors will make you look very unprofessional and tacky. Someone who cares about their business and customers will always proofread and spell check to deliver the best possible content. •
Don’t ignore negative comments or complaints
You can’t please everyone – get used to it. Some negativity is inevitable and the way you handle it will make all the difference. Negative comments need to be prioritized and resolved.
Don’t push sales
Social media is just that, social. So, apply the 80/20 rule and keep sales to 20%. We are bombarded with sales messages online and wherever we go. You can keep your customers
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To make a good marketer online, you will need to be a good story teller. It’s crucial if you’re trying to build a long-term brand both online and offline.
It can be very discouraging receiving a complaint and your
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Category Technovation
informed about your products, specials, etc. but don’t make every post about your offerings. There are other facets to your business than sell, sell, sell, so make sure your customers know that.
This is very important as it is a sure way of driving away potential customers. Rise above your competitors with positive and encouraging posts that inspire and inform your audience. •
•
Don’t ignore your audience
There is no quicker way to lose followers than by ignoring their questions, comments and messages. Nobody likes to be ignored – not even you! So, keep a close eye on your social media pages and respond promptly to your followers. If this is not a priority you could very well not only lose followers but create hard feelings that will damage your brand. Engage with your customers, create community and you won’t be missing those opportunities to turn followers into loyal customers that will boost sales. Get the order right and you’ll see the results you want. •
Don’t be a know-it-all
Don’t complain
We all have our ups and downs and business is no different but don’t use social media to pass on your sadness or vent about another company or customer.
Being a know-it-all is easily translated as arrogance, a trait that I think we all resent. Humility is attractive and builds relationships. Encourage your followers to share their opinions and comments and engage with them. Always be open to learning something new. •
Don’t stress about number
Don’t get caught up in the numbers game. Remember, quality tops quantity! Increasing your brand awareness and social network takes time so be patient. Concentrate more on delivering thoughtful, inspiring, useful and relevant content to your growing audience. •
DON’T write in all caps
Yes, this comes across obnoxious. You will leave your customers wondering if you
are angry or if they have done something wrong. I’m sure we all agree that this is not the message you are wanting to project to your audience. Employing these few tips and a good dose of common sense will help you become a better social media and content marketer, and also build a loyal customer base. Content lives FOREVER as it also determines whether a brand succeeds or not. So, it’s worth the time it takes to create it once and use it forever. Social media and content creation is the number #1 strategy that MOST new startups deploy when pre-launching. Social media is an awesome marketing tool that can help to expand your customer base, which translates into leads, conversions and, ultimately, sales. This is all good news but if used incorrectly, social media can damage a company’s image – which will cost them dearly. Remember your followers want to hear from you so don’t disappoint. Roll out those great posts and see your business become more profitable.
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Engage with your customers, create community and you won’t be missing those opportunities to turn followers into loyal customers that will boost sales.
66 | African Leadership | October 2019
Category Feature
Nigerian Army, Security Affairs Promote Social Media Engagement In Kano The Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs in partnership with Security Affairs and Television Security , a private securitybased media outfit, on the 16 September 2019 organized the 6th edition of the new media seminar tagged: “Role of the Social Media in Support of Nigerian Army’s non- kinetic approach for enhanced peace and security in Nigeria”. Speaking while declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj. Gen. Usman Muhammed, said the seminar was aimed at further educating the civil populace on the operations of the military.Maj. Gen. Mohammed however called on Nigerians to disregard fake news and inciting statements capable of causing disunity among Nigerians.
governments the world over. According to him, security is hinged on dialogue. This in turn aids the integration and progress of a society especially at the grassroots level. He recognized the Nigerian Army’s extra efforts in promoting peace and unity especially its media-friendly approach in the discharge of its duty as constituted. According to him, “The Nigerian Army and its partner (Security Affairs) has done this for free all the way from the country’s capital(Abuja) down to Kano, with an amazing attendance of participants.” He added that Kano is concerned about security, and the organisers did very well for
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A total of about 389 participants who turned up for the event, commended the Nigerian Army for the gesture and for its role in combating insurgency and criminality around the country.
While receiving the organizers at the event, the Makama Kano of the Kano Emirate Council, Sarki Abdullahi Ibrahim, applauded the Nigerian Army and its coorganizers, Security Affairs for engaging social media influencers at the grassroots in Kano on the need to promote peace and security in Nigeria. The Makama Kano is the Chief of Security affairs at the Kano Emirate Council level and also doubles as the District head of Wudil. In his statement he recognized security as a cardinal issue and a priority for legitimate
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Category Feature
choosing this programme at a timely moment in our polity. He explained that he gathers Security intelligence report from the grassroots and writes a monthly report on the security situation of the state to the Emir, Mai Martaba Sarkin Kano Muhammad Sanusi II. According to him, the Emir had a record of every visitor in the state but due to modernization and promotion of free movement, it has not been effective like in the time past. The Makama Kano who was three times permanent secretary and also former Principal Secretary to the Late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha promised to help facilitate any further plans by the organizers towards promoting peace and security in the state. Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of Security Affairs, and Founder of Television Security (TVS News), Mr. Austin Peacemaker said the Nigerian Army under the current leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has improved on its civil-military
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The Nigerian Army and its partner (Security Affairs) has done this for free all the way from the country’s capital(Abuja) down to Kano, with an amazing attendance of participants.
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relations across the country, and also taken it to next level for continuous sensitisation of social media influencers on the need to promote peace and security across the country, thus the continuous partnership with Security Affairs. Mr. Austin Peacemaker, was led to the Makama Kano by the Former Honourable Speaker of the Kano House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Gambo Salla, along with the Company’s legal assistant Bar. Chinenye Nwevo. The Former Speaker described Makama as a honest and a listening leader while thanking him for the audience. The Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs in partnership with Security Affairs on Wednesday, organised the 6th edition of the seminar on the “Role of the Social Media in Support of Nigerian Army’s non- kinetic approach to enhanced peace and security in Nigeria. Speaking while declaring the seminar open, the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Maj. Gen.
Usman Muhammed, said the the seminar was aimed to further educate the Civil Populace on the operations of the military in the country. Maj. Gen. Mohammed however called on Nigerians to disregard fake news insightful statements culpable of causing disunity among Nigerians. The seminar which was mainly for the North West zone had in attendance over 300 participants drawn from the civil populace, various student body groups, NGOs, CSOs and members of pressure groups. Others are academics from tertiary institutions and journalists from conventional media as well as social media users, practitioners and influencers from within and around Kano. On his party, CEO and founder of the Security Affairs and Television Security (TVS), Austin Peacemaker, said the gesture was to create awareness on the use of Social Media for the Civil Populace in the North Western
Category Feature
Zone of the country. According to him, the seminar will also change the negative perception by some Civil populace about the Nigerian Army.
institutions and journalists from the conventional media, social media users, practitioners and, influencers from Kano and neighboring cities.
The seminar was also in attendance the Director, Information Management Army Headquarters, Brig. Gen. AA Goni as well as Brig. Gen. GS Abdullahi from the Defence Headquarters Directorate of Cyber Communication, as well as the PRO from AFCSC , and the legal offr from the HRDO and an officer from the NACWC.
On his party, CEO and founder of the Security Affairs and Television Security (TVS), Austin Peacemaker emphasised that the gesture was to create awareness on the use of social media for the civil populace in the North Western Zone of the country. According to him, the seminar will also change the negative perception by some civil populace about the Nigerian Army.
A total of about 389 participants who turned up for the event, commended the Nigerian Army for the gesture and for its role in combating insurgency and criminality around the country. The seminar which was mainly for the North West zone drew over 300 participants drawn from the civil populace, various student body groups, NGOs, CSOs, and members of related pressure groups. Others are academics from tertiary
The seminar had in attendance the Director, Information Management, Army Headquarters, Brig. Gen. A. A Goni as well as Brig. Gen. G. S Abdullahi from the Defence Headquarters Directorate of Cyber Communication, the PRO from AFCSC , the legal officer from the HRDO and an officer from the NACWC, amongst others.
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The seminar which was mainly for the North West zone had in attendance over 300 participants drawn from the civil populace, various student body groups, NGOs, CSOs and members of pressure groups.
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70 | African Leadership | October 2019
Business & Economy
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