The brain gain company for Africa
SPEED MEET AFRICA
PROGRAMME NEW YORK 2015
Logo User Guide December 2012
A VERY WARM
WELCOME
In 1997, Nelson Mandela stood on the balcony of the SA embassy in London’s Trafalgar Square and looked over a sea of freezing South Africans. “I love you so much,” he said, “I want to put you in my pocket and take you home.” We all roared and wept. This was the turning point for me. After living abroad for 7 years, I returned home to a continent alive with possibility. Every generation believes that they will be the one to change Africa. Yet our generation is blessed to be alive during a time of unprecedented growth & development. Now is the time for global African professionals to return home and build the Africa Rising dream. We welcome you all here today, especially our esteemed companies and speakers who have travelled many hours over the oceans to meet you. I wish you all a wonderful afternoon of intra-African networking, career-climbing, speed-meeting, idea-sparking & relationship-building. Onwards & Upwards
Angel Jones Founder & CEO Homecoming Revolution P.S. Come home!
SPEED-MEETING TIPS Keep an open mind. Remember this is a two-way conversation. Respect the timer. Trust your gut and let it flow. Questions Networkers could ask: What do you think is the best/worst thing about moving home? This is what I need, what do you need? How do you think we could work together?
Questions Employers could ask: What are you most proud of in your career? What’s your biggest mistake and what did you learn from it? What excites you about working with us? How soon would you be prepared to move home?
Questions Career-Seekers could ask: What is the process around making a hiring decision? What is the single best thing about working for your company? How is your company making a difference?
Some FUN things to break the ice for all parties to answer: What role do you see yourself playing in Africa’s prosperity? If you were an African animal – what would you be and why? What book/music are you currently reading/listening to?
> FRIDAY - 25TH SEPTEMBER 2015
ORDER OF EVENTS
10h30
TEA & COFFEE FOR VIP CANDIDATES
11h00
EMPLOYER PRESENTATIONS
• • •
Homecoming Revolution Careers Overview Thomson Reuters Deloitte
11h30
VIP CAREER SPEED MEET
In these pre-matched interview sessions, meet employers in an interactive setting
12h30
REGISTRATION FOR ADDITIONAL GUESTS
13h15
LUNCH IS SERVED
14h00
WELCOME FROM ANGEL JONES
14h10
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
• • • • • • • • • •
Acha Leke (Director McKinsey & Co) Sneha Shah (Managing Director Thomson Reuters Africa) Kyari Abba Bukar (CEO of CSCS Plc) Mudunwazi Baloyi (Brand SA) Amadou Daffe (Coders4Africa) Thebe Ikalafeng (Brand Africa) Shaori Ajodha (Deloitte) Liz Ngonzi (Afrika Tikkun USA) Feyisayo Oshinkanlu (co-founder of the Young African MBA's) Alex Okosi (VP & MD VIMN Africa)
15h30
SPEED NETWORKING
Widen your intra-African network in a dynamic & interactive setting
17h00
EVENT CLOSES ** ORDER OF EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
>VENUE: THOMSON REUTERS HQ, 3 TIMES SQUARE, NYC
SPEAKERS ACHA LEKE - @achaleke A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Acha Leke is a partner at Mckinsey & Company, and the co-Founder of the African Leadership Network and the African Leadership Academy. His work includes investment and growth strategies, business building, turnarounds, and economic development across sub-Saharan Africa. In 2010, Acha co-authored a groundbreaking report “Lions on the Move: The progress and potential of African economies”. Acha’s accolades include Top 20 next generation Francophone Africans (Forbes, 2013); Top 40 under 40 in Nigeria (Business Day, 2103) and Top 20 Rising Stars in Africa (Euromoney, 2014).
ALEX OKOSI - @AlexOkosi Nigerian-born and US-educated, Alex Okosi is responsible for driving the growth and development of VIMN Africa's portfolio of iconic kids, youth, music, comedy and general entertainment brands on the African continent. Now celebrating 10 years of operations, VIMN Africa delivers more channels than any other international network on the continent, including MTV, MTV Base, VH1 Classic, BET, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, reaching 52 territories and serving over 100 million viewers. Okosi’s mission is to socially empower audiences in Africa and around. He is also the creative force behind the MTV Africa Music Awards.
ANGEL JONES - @angel1jones Angel is the Founder and CEO of Homecoming Revolution. Born in South Africa, she spent 7 years at M&C Saatchi in London. In 2000 she co-founded Morrisjones Advertising SA, and she was mentioned by President Thabo Mbeki in the 2005 State of the Nation Address. Angel is a founding member of EO and was a Board Member of Rodean School. She won the 2007 SABC/ Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Award in Media and was a 2007 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Awards finalist.
AMADOU DAFFE - @daffea Amadou Daffe is the CEO and Co-founder of CODERS4AFRICA. By trade he is a software architect & engineer with a decade of experience in enterprise application development. With the intent of one day putting thousands of Africans to work developing software applications, Amadou co-founded Coders4Africa (C4A) in 2009. Amadou’s goal was to capitalize on his industry experience and deep understanding of the culture and needs of the IT professionals he works with to become Africa’s largest software outsourcing organization.
FEYISAYO OSHINKANLU Feyisayo Oshinkanlu is a co-founder of the Young African MBAs (Y.A.M.). In addition to his work with Y.A.M., Feyisayo also serves within the Global Banking and Markets division at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he oversees portfolio/reserve management coverage for several central banks in sub-saharan Africa. He also leads interest rates coverage for all US Government Sponsored entities, a client base with over $900 billion in assets under management. A native Nigerian, he has lived and worked in the US for the past 18 years.
KYARI ABBA BUKAR Mr. Kyari Abba Bukar is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc. Prior to joining CSCS in September 2011, Kyari was the MD/ CEO of ValuCard Nigeria Plc. Presently, Kyari is the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG). He holds a B.Sc. degree in Physics from Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria and M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering from Oregon State University, USA. He is an Alumni of Lagos Business School (LBS), Wharton Business School and Harvard Business School.
LIZ NGONZI - @LizNgonzi Liz Ngonzi is the CEO of Afrika Tikkun USA, the US affiliate of Afrika Tikkun, a South African NGO which has for the past 20 years been building a sustainable future by enabling 19,000 of today’s disadvantaged youth to become tomorrow’s productive citizens in fulfillment of founding patron, Nelson Mandela’s vision for the future leaders of his country. Ms. Ngonzi’s mandate is to grow Afrika Tikkun’s USA brand presence to that of the leading and most supported next-generation nonprofit, serving Southern Africa.
MUDUNWAZI BALOYI - @Brand_SA Mudunwazi Baloyi is the Country Head: USA for Brand South Africa based in New York. His primary objectives are to develop and implement pro-active reputation management and brand strategy that will create a positive and unified image of South Africa in the USA. Through the alignment of messaging and the building of a consolidated brand image, he works towards building pride and patriotism and promoting investment and tourism.
SHAORI AJODHA - @sajodha5 Shaori Ajodha is the Talent Acquisition leader at Deloitte. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at Deloitte, she leverages off her financial ability, together with her passion for finding peoples’ true calling. The African continent has endless opportunities, and she truly enjoys finding the right people, and talent, to make an impact that matters in Africa, through Deloitte.
SNEHA SHAH - @snehsshah Sneha is the Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Africa. Sneha is responsible for the growth of the business through the development of regional hubs in East, West and Southern Africa as well as sales, support, solutions and customer service across the continent. Born in Kenya and having worked in many African countries, Sneha is particularly passionate about initiatives that help deepen the financial markets and foster sustainable growth on the continent. Sneha is a member of the African Leadership Network (ALN), and the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Governance.
THEBE IKALAFENG - @ThebeIkalafeng Thebe Ikalafeng is arguably the foremost global African branding and reputation architect, advisor and author. He has been named one of the ‘100 Most Influential Africans’ by New African Magazine. He has summitted the 5895m high Mount Kilimanjaro, been to over 60 countries across every region in Africa and every continent in the world, and has worked on over 100 brands across most industries in the public and private sector, gaining an incomparable perspective and experience on building brands and reputations in Africa.
Please tweet & spread the message
@homecomingrev #SpeedMeetNYC
EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KEY FACTS: • Established in 2003 • 1.1 million unique website visitors • Monthly newsletter to 44 000 active • global database • Career portal of 6k visitors per month • 37 international & pan-African events • Face-to-face contact with over 17 000 Africans abroad • Over 50 blue-chip client relationships • 91% of clients would recommend Homecoming Revolution • Collaborations with Clinton Diaspora Foundation and World Bank Group • President Thabo Mbeki mention in the State of the Nation Address 2005 • 359 000 professional South Africans returned home in the past 5 years • Founding Partner FNB, Bronze Sponsor KPMG, Property Partner Pam Golding
Thousands of skilled Africans living overseas want to return home. Hundreds of businesses in Africa have vacancies and opportunities. By bridging the gap, Homecoming Revolution can play a major role in the Africa Rising success story.
• • •
We match-make local employers with global African talent We introduce relocation services to homecomers – including property, schools, moving companies, immigration advisors and settling-in products We inspire & advise with true stories and practical info – we have a wealth of stories of successful homecomings, plus in-depth research and up-to-date information on making the move and settling in
KNOW ABOUT HOMECOMING REVOLUTION If you’re an INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN, join over 400 000 highly skilled professionals who have returned home in the past five years. Please register your CV so we can help match-make with you with employers, plus have a look at current careers on offer. Hear inspirational stories, find out about relocation, get up-to-date info and attend exciting Speed Meet events. We are especially interested in South Africans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, Ugandans and Kenyans living abroad, who have expertise in Financial Services, Healthcare, ITC, Engineering & Construction, Education, FMCG, Consulting & Advisory, Oil & Energy, Marketing & Advertising, Retail, Human Resources, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Professional Services. If you’re an AFRICAN EMPLOYER, we have an extensive network of thousands of qualified African professionals who are looking for that perfect role, across all industries. We’ll help you build your talent pipeline and promote your employer brand. You can advertise your jobs here, and make sure you book for our Speed Meets in the UK, USA and pan-Africa. If you’re a RELOCATION SERVICE PROVIDER, we offer great advertising opportunities online as well as at our events. Homecoming Revolution is a perfect platform for Property Agents, Relocation Services, Immigration Advisors, businesses offering financial services, cellphones, services plus entrepreneurial & investment opportunities. A significant part of our network also includes : Local Friends & Family, Local Governments, Global Media, Local Homecomers, Local Communities, Global Diaspora Groups, Global School Alumni, Global Key Opinion Leaders, Young African Students, 2nd Generation Africans and Foreign Nationals. Please spread the Homecoming Revolution message – you need Africa and Africa needs you.
The brain gain company for Africa
OVER A DECADE The Homecoming Revolution brand is created by Morrisjones
Yvonne Chaka Chaka opens the official launch with FNB
President Thabo Mbeki endorsement in State of Nation Address
Francois Pienaar, Rugby Worldcup Winner, is brand ambassador
First Career & Property Expo launched in London
Niche events held in New York, Sydney & Dubai
The London Expo grows bigger as home- Aaron Mokoena, Bafana Bafana comer stories spur a global movement captain, is brand ambassador
Homecoming Africa expands to wider African diaspora at ALN
10 Year Anniversary with FNB at Turbine Hall in Johannesburg
Networking & Strategy events in Johannesburg & Cape Town
1st Ghanaian Homecomer gathering at Movenpick in Accra
OF HOMECOMINGS Ugandan Diaspora Networking event at The Marriott in Boston
VIP African Talent Challenge Breakfast at KPMG London
KPMG Africa becomes a bronze sponsor for South Africa, Kenya & Nigeria
#HeartAfrica campaign launched at ALN in Kigali
Official EO launch in Nairobi
Wharton Africa Business Forum in Philadelphia
Hundreds of top African profession- World Bank strategist attends Homecoals gather at our Expo in London ming Revolution workshop in Jozi
African Talent Speed-Date Event in Johannesburg
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela delivers the inspirational keynote address at Speed Meet London 2015
Oxford SAID Africa Business Conference in Oxford
Thabo Mbeki delivers the keynote address at Speed Meet Jozi 2015
BRAND SOUTH AFRICA Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country's brand reputation, in order to improve its global competitiveness. Its aim is also to build pride and patriotism among South Africans, in order to contribute to social cohesion and nation brand ambassadorship. Brand South Africa also seeks to encourage active citizenship amongst South Africans. www.brandsouthafrica.com
CSCS The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc is a Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) for the Nigerian Capital Market. It was commissioned in April 1997 and commenced operations on April 14 1997. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued its license as an Agent for Central Depository, Clearing and Settlement of transactions in the Nigerian Capital Market. It operates a computerized depository, clearing, settlement, and delivery system for transactions in securities in the Nigerian Capital Market. CSCS facilitates the transfer of securities from seller to buyer and settlement of securities transacted on approved Nigerian Exchanges. It enables securities to be processed in an electronic book-entry form, thereby substantially reducing the period it takes a transaction to commence and end. www.cscsnigeriaplc.com
DELOITTE Deloitte Africa is considered one of the leading professional service firms on the African continent. Our reputation for excellence, innovation and integrity allows us to provide a client-centric and driven service in areas including; Risk Advisory, Consulting, Legal, Tax and Audit, that make an impact that matters for our clients. Our bespoke service has earned us unparalleled trust on a continent bursting with potential. Working with Deloitte Africa offers a unique opportunity to be an integral part of making a personalised impact that matters not only to Africa’s clients but to its people and communities. As Deloitte Africa, we are
committed to providing the kind of service that distinguishes our clients from their competitors and we firmly believe we can make a difference to Africa, from Africa. If you are ready to return your roots to our Africa, a career with a dynamic organisation in an environment that fosters professional development and career advancement is waiting for you. www2.deloitte.com/za
PAM GOLDING PROPERTIES Pam Golding Properties is recognised locally and internationally as Southern Africa’s leading independent real estate group, with numerous accolades from the International Property Awards and consecutive Superbrand awards since 2005. Offering a full spectrum of property services, Pam Golding Properties boasts a network of more than 300 offices in Africa as well as international offices in the UK, Germany, Mauritius, Seychelles and France. The Pam Golding group forms part of a strategic alliance with one of the world’s largest property groups,Savills PLC, gaining access to its prestigious network of over 500 offices worldwide. www.pamgolding.co.za Logo User Guide December 2012
THOMSON REUTERS Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters is committed to Africa. Our mission is to empower Africa’s success by: - Increasing transparency & providing information needed to make critical decisions - Helping create the financial, legal, regulatory and other professional frameworks for economic growth - Providing governance, risk and compliance solutions to help businesses and professionals navigate in high growth markets.
We are dedicated to upholding the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, and to preserving independence, integrity and freedom from bias in the gathering and dissemination of information and news. www.thomsonreuters.com
YOUNG AFRICAN MBA'S Young African MBA’s (Y.A.M.) is a young and dynamic organization that is making formidable efforts in helping to bridge the gap of management talent in Africa today. Founded in 2012 by four MBA’s from Harvard, Kellogg, The Wharton School and Duke University, Y.A.M. continues to successfully leverage the collective talents and resources of its members along with partner organizations to foster networking, mentorship, career support and assist in possible career transitioning to Africa. It’s important to note that we are not just for MBA’s! Over the organization’s young existence, the Y.A.M. team has effectively worked to connect individuals for business purposes via fully-subscribed networking events in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Lagos; connected western based professionals with Africa-focused employers; and successfully mentored prospective MBA students who are currently enrolled in various business schools. www. youngafricanmbas.com
AFRICA 2.0 Africa 2.0 is a pan-African civil society organisation providing a platform for emerging and established African leaders to drive forward the transformation of Africa. Founded in 2010 around the belief that with a unifying vision and a focused “coalition of the willing”, Africans can accelerate the development of their continent. www.africa2point0.org
AFRICAN LEADERSHIP NETWORK African Leadership Network (ALN) is a membership community of the most dynamic and influential new-generation leaders in Africa. ALN creates and strengthens relationships between these leaders to encourage intra-African trade,
investment, and collaboration. With over 1,500 members and alumni from more than 40 countries, ALN's diverse members hold leadership positions in the private sector, government, civil society, and academia. The ALN community includes recognized entrepreneurs, business executives, high-wealth investors, cultural leaders, high-impact social entrepreneurs, and leading government officials. ALN will be hosting its sixth Annual Gathering in Morocco from November 3 to 7, 2015. Join us for this diverse, inspiring, and fastpaced event with hundreds of the world’s most influential leaders – crafting the future for Africa - Apply. www.africanleadershipnetwork.com
MBTN Movebacktonigeria.com is the foremost and fastest growing network of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora. We have increasingly grown our network footprint among professionals who have relocated to Nigeria, hence our coverage is truly global. Our objective is to connect Nigerian professionals, businesses and investors with the various opportunities in Nigeria (and the diaspora), ranging from strategic recruitment drives to investor outreach programmes, relocation information, financial advice, real estate and more. www.movebacktonigeria.com
NDOSI STRATEGIES Ndosi strategies is a New York based start-up firm focused on the facilitation of the entrepreneurial spirit that is innate in the future African leaders we collaborate with. We offer services specifically geared towards optimizing our clients' abilities and enhancing the effectiveness of the ventures they pursue, maintaining self sufficiency. We nurture growth, viability, marketability, profitability and notoriety: under the vision that with access and development Africa's future can lead today. Our Consulting Company provides affordable professional development strategies while curating partnerships for African-led initiatives (ex: non profits, SME, career changers) both in New York and South Africa.
Home is where the heart is Are you an actuary, an analytics expert, a chartered accountant, an engineer, a governance expert, a management consultant or a mathematician? A world of opportunity awaits you at Deloitte. We offer you a career and a life beyond your greatest expectations.
Š 2015 Deloitte & Touche. All rights reserved. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited
I LOVE THE FEELING OF JUST BEING HOME “Although we were uprooted when we left South Africa, my parents instilled such a strong sense of identity in me and my siblings as South Africans. Being South African has always been a great source of pride for us.” South African Shirley Duma spent 25 years living in the United States before returning home.
opportunities it has to offer but our true home is South Africa.
"I grew up in Dobsonville, Soweto with my parents and 3 sisters. My father worked as a Sunday Times journalist, and during the 1970’s, when South Africa was experiencing a lot of turmoil and unrest, he was detained twice.
Although we were uprooted when we left South Africa, my parents instilled such a strong sense of identity in me and my siblings as South Africans. Being South African has always been a great source of pride for us.
He had travelled with a group of journalists to the United States with the World Press Institute in the mid-70’s and made some connections there. After his ordeal, he contacted them and they told him to bring his family across.
We started coming back and visiting relatives in the early 90s. After apartheid ended, my parents decided to come back home and slowly so did the rest of my family. Every time I came back, I realised my parents were getting older.
We arrived in New York in 1980 and stayed there for a few weeks before moving to Minnesota. It was a HUGE adjustment- the culture, weather and people – everything was so different. We lived in St Paul, Minnesota for six years before moving to Oakland, California where I completed the rest of my education. After graduating from high school, I did my BA in anthropology and sociology at an all women’s college. I worked for a while at the college & then decided to do my masters degree in industrial sociology.
I finally came back in 2005. Upon my return, I worked on the start of the Gautrain project with Murray & Roberts. I absolutely loved it. It was such a nice landing pad because I was working with a consortium of different people from Canadians to Americans to French, it had a nice international feel to it and a great buzz. I stayed with Murray & Robbers for about 9 years working at about 5 companies within the group doing various things.
I then moved from Oakland to Sacramento where I spent about 10 years working with the Public Health Institute which promoted community liveability & sustainable development. That position was my kindergarten in terms of my career development. I picked up so many skills from there – everything from working with diverse stakeholders to travelling and site visits – it was a really rich experience. My parents are highly optimistic people, they always said we were South Africans living in the US and we should take the best we can from it, explore all the
Upon leaving, I felt a bit tired. It was a huge change returning home and getting straight into a job with no breaks in between. I decided to take a 4 month break to focus on myself. I took a couple of courses at the University of Pretoria, got into exercise and did some retreats. We don’t do these sorts of things for ourselves enough. Sometimes you just need to purge and refresh. After my break, I was ready to get stuck in again. I was hired by Barloworld Logistics. There is such a strong alignment between my own values and what the company stands for. What attracted me to Barloworld
is its strong international footprint and the fact that people most are the most important part of the business. It has a deep culture and is a proudly South African company.
that aren’t being used in the right way, meaning lots of people suffer unnecessarily. Another thing I have found frustrating since returning home is the lack of efficiency – you can’t get basic things done.
The best things about being home are being with my family, the food and being able to be in a community where you truly belong, not just with family but even in the workplace. There is a good feeling here, there isn’t that coldness you get in America – I enjoy the relaxed attitudes people have.
Having said that, people here complain a lot over issues like load shedding and politics. I agree that there are problems but I don’t think they are any different to other countries’ problems .The world is under a lot of pressure right now.
I also love the feeling of just being home and not feeling like I need to think about where I will go for the rest of my life. A big adjustment for me was learning to drive on the other side of the road. The biggest thing that frustrates me about South Africa is seeing the availability of resources, not just financial but intellectual capital
My message to South Africans and Africans abroad is: listen to that little voice inside you that says ‘I should go home and be near my family and take what I’ve learnt and my experience and have a place where I can make a really significant contribution’. Whether you are living in London, Canada or the US – you are African and Africa needs you."
Young African MBA’s (Y.A.M.) is a young and dynamic organization that is making formidable efforts in helping to bridge the gap of management talent in Africa today. Founded in 2012 by four MBA’s from Harvard, Kellogg, The Wharton School and Duke University, Y.A.M. continues to successfully leverage the collective talents and resources of its members along with partner organizations to foster networking, mentorship, career support and assist in possible career transitioning to Africa. It’s important to note that we are not just for MBA’s! Over the organization’s young existence, the Y.A.M. team has effectively worked to connect individuals for business purposes via fully-subscribed networking events in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Lagos; connected western based professionals with Africa-focused employers; and successfully mentored prospective MBA students who are currently enrolled in various business schools.
www.youngafricanmbas.com
SPEED MEET AFRICA
LONDON | Olympia Conference Centre | 20-21 March 2015
SPEED MEET AFRICA JOZI | NEW YORK
REASONS TO RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA • • • • • • • • • •
Popping round to family & friends any time you want Braaing any day of the year Being surrounded by people who know the difference between "just now" and "now-now" That special light just after a typical Jozi thunderstorm Kids barefoot on green grass The purple carpet of jacarandas along the avenues Having a beer and gossip at the car wash Crème soda, magwinya and bunny chow The smell of freshly cut grass The unmistakeable sound of hadedas
A few words from some recent South African homecomers: “I have never regretted coming home. It has been the most phenomenal quarter of a century to have been a cartoonist. I think there are amazing opportunities despite the new mayhem that exists. It is an amazing country to be in” – Zapiro "I am convinced that the future of SA is bright. And I want to be a part of its growth. I am sure I will see a lot of fantastic places in the future, but here, I AM HOME” – Warren Joubert “My body and soul were poised to return home and contribute to the reconstruction of my young nation” – Mbuyi Tshabalala “There is nonetheless something for which I know I ache, and it is only to be found in my native land. When I lock eyes with a stranger on Johannesburg’s streets, there is a flicker, a flash communication, so fast it is invisible, yet so laden that no words might describe it” - Jonny Steinberg “I am in love with South Africa - but in a real way. It is not a responsible love or an infatuated love. I can see South Africa’s flaws and its virtues. It makes no sense to live here. It is completely irrational. But it feels so good” – Rosalie Clark “Leaving behind ten years of memories was emotional, but I was convinced that my heart was still in South Africa” – Philip Botha “Come home and have a braai in the sunshine on any day of the year. Do it for others but mainly do it for yourself” – Graeme Codrington “I am happy in South Africa, happier than I ever thought I could be. I had to go through hell to understand I live in heaven” – Ben McCune “My children are being children and spend more time outdoors than playing DS’s, Wii and watching TV” – Rosemary Hawkins
HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. Twenty-one years into democracy, our country has emerged as one of Africa’s iconic destinations to live and work in. South Africa boasts an array of prospects for varied expertise and the Homecoming Revolution platform is an opportunity to share knowledge and keep South Africa globally competitive. Brand South Africa is calling all “Global South Africans” to return home and actively contribute towards
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the country’s Vision 2030.
Play your part and register to join the Global South African network: W: globalsouthafricans.com glosaf @glosaf Global-South-Africans
BRAND SOUTH AFRICA’S ROLE IN COMMUNICATING THE SOUTH AFRICAN STORY
Mr Kingsley Makhubela Brand South Africa: CEO Brand South Africa is charged with managing the reputation of the country while co-ordinating efforts to position South Africa as a destination of choice for investment, tourism and skills. Brand South Africa is simultaneously charged with working with, and through, a broad range of stakeholders to build pride and patriotism amongst citizens of the country. This mandate is executed through, amongst others, creating and communicating messages that positively tell the South African story, with an emphasis on the National Development Plan as the country’s blueprint for social and economic growth. These messages form the basis on which to base the South African experience for citizens, visitors and investors. This story is based on our character as a nation which is the sum total of all our citizens and as well as our history. We also incorporate into our story, the vision of where we want to go as a nation. As such, Brand South Africa has as its mission the intention to build confidence in the future of the nation by telling our inspiring South African story. The enthusiasm that citizens have for our country, attests to the Brand South Africa view, that our citizens are our greatest assets. This includes South Africans within the country and those who live abroad. In this regard, Brand South Africa runs a domestic programme – Play Your Part - as well as the Global South Africans programme for South Africans based abroad. These programmes relate directly to our mandate to build pride and patriotism amongst South Africans. In line with our commitment to ensuring that all our work is driven by insights, Brand South Africa uses a range of tools including an assessment of international indices. To assess and measure the country’s reputation in identified markets in Africa, Brand South Africa for the first time in 2014, conducted primary research in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Angola to assess how South Africa is perceived on the continent with a view to implementing measures that would impact positively on our reputation management interventions. These papers are available at http://www.brandsouthafrica.com/research-analysis.
IT NEVER REALLY FELT LIKE I LEFT NIGERIA "I am very close to my family and wanted to be closer to them so I was preparing myself for the perfect time and opportunity to return home.” Bankole Cardoso, founder and CEO of EasyTaxi Nigeria, left behind a successful career in New York city to return home to Nigeria. Cardoso, who was listed as one of Forbes’ 30 most promising entrepreneurs in Africa for 2014, says he always intended to return home. “Nigeria is home and it is where I believe that I can make an impact but more importantly it is the only place where I want to make an impact.” Cardoso says family was one of the key factors that brought him home. “I am very close to my family and wanted to be closer to them so I was preparing myself for the perfect time and opportunity to return home.” Cardoso, who left Nigeria to continue his secondary education at Rugby School in the UK, says he used to come back during all of his school holidays so it never really felt like he completely left Nigeria. After five years in the UK, he went to Boston College in the US for four years where he studied business management and accounting. Cardoso then moved to New York City for three-anda-half years working for PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Carlyle Group. He says Nigeria desperately needs good talent. “There are so many opportunities in this country.” But he adds adjusting to life in Nigeria is only straightforward if you have the right conditions. “There are so many things that you have to worry about that it can all become a big distraction. Lagos is
an expensive city and credit is not readily available. For instance, if you are used to paying rent once a month abroad, a landlord may ask you for two years up front. Then you have to think about electricity, diesel, traffic and all the other stresses that come with living in Lagos. If you are fortunate to be able to stay with family or you have a decent place to stay then you will be able to focus on the important things. If not, it can all become too much and drive you crazy. On the flip side, Lagos is such an exciting place and there is a lot to do.” EasyTaxi, a taxi mobile App that was founded in Brazil in 2012, serves to connect cab drivers and would-be passengers. Through the App, passengers can confirm their pickup point and then order a cab at the click of a button. Cardoso says EasyTaxi is often compared to Uber because both use similar technology but he says that is pretty much as far as it goes when you compare the two companies. “The experience you get with Uber is different from the Easy Taxi experience. Our goal is to make taxis a cheaper, safer and more trusted means of transportation in Nigeria.” He says the mobile market has exploded in Nigeria. “Smartphone penetration is rife and as smartphones keep getting cheaper, more people are gaining access to them. Already, the majority of people are accessing the Internet through their smartphones so the opportunities for mobile advertising and other app services is huge. At the moment, I think that the only hindrance is the cost of data services. Data is still too expensive but with time those prices will also come down.”
REASONS TO RETURN TO NIGERIA • • • • • • • •
The welcoming smiles and friendly loud voices You’re no longer OYO Hausa salad, pounded yam and egusi soup Nobody throws a party better than a Nigerian (and nobody complains about the loud music!) Being amongst brothers and sisters who have that positive attitude of always believing the future is getting better The chaos, the madness, the colour, the humanity Our music is infectious and our films are addictive Living a life of success and significance in Africa’s biggest economy
A few words from some recent Nigerian homecomers: “The best thing about being back was no longer feeling like the odd one out. Plus mum and my family were so glad to have me back that I was a princess for those first few months” – Mobola Onibonoje “I think eventually everyone needs to come back home, I think you have to make up your mind carefully, the time has to be right for you” – Kaliko Olowole “Nigeria has so many amazing things - the culture, there are so many amazing things to see, places to visit, the shrine, it’s really good. The music is amazing – the way they dance is amazing, and of course, the food!” – Nekka Ezinwa “Being back home is best for our young kids. The early foundation years have to be spent in a place where the kids can actually get very grounded, because that will be the secret of their success later in life when they know where they’re from.” – Chukuka Chukuma “People will complain about the power and the traffic and I’ve also lived in several places in Europe where there’s problems of traffic and it’s hard getting around. But of course those things are a reality, they are tough, they are uncomfortable, but if the goal is big enough, the facts don’t count.” – Tunde Ogunrinde
SHOP ONLINE KISUA.COM
REASONS TO RETURN TO KENYA • • • • • •
Watching the sunset with the familiar taste of a Tusker and nyama choma Being part of the technology leapfrog as you jump over the digital divide Shouting yourself hoarse for the Kenya Sevens Chilling with your mates with music and blankets and wine at festivals Welcoming your soul home as your shouts echo within the Ngong Hills Waking up each morning with the realisation that you are a Kenyan, in Kenya, for Kenya
A few words from some recent Kenyan homecomers: “I was in Dubai for 10 years and I came back to do development in Kenya. And today, with my partners, we own the second largest mobile money transfer company in the country” – Oscar Ikunu “Pack up and come home, the opportunities are here” – Chehar Shah “I returned from Canada. There are more opportunities back here in terms of professional life, in terms of family network, in terms of quality of life – coming home completely surpassed my expectations” – Angie Gachui “When you come home to Kenya, it’s so much a ground-floor opportunity, that almost anything you do, if you apply yourself enough, could have a transformational impact” – Andrew Mwavua “We must change Africa in this generation, it’s our responsibility, no excuses” – Teddy Warria “You don’t want to miss Africa in this moment in time, this is a ten year space when things are absolutely going to lift off. And one of the things I thought to myself was the last thing I want my children to say to me is, ‘Dad, where were you when this was all happening. Why were you sitting in London, when things were just lifting off in Africa?’ And that’s the question that I was scared that my kids would ask me, and I’m not wrong, this is the time to be here. This is Kenya’s moment in a way which is really exciting” – Aly-Khan Satchu
REASONS TO RETURN TO GHANA • • • • • • • •
Fufu with steaming groundnut soup Feeling at home again with the warmest, most hospitable people on earth Being surrounded by a vibrant fashion industry that’s exploding on the scene A clean slate that’s alive with possibility Discovering new hotels, restaurants and coffee shops that compete on a global scale New shopping malls and skyscrapers are being born every minute You spy a coconut, you pick a coconut, the seller splits the coconut and you drink the water out of it, right there and then on the roadside. No preservatives, no plastic bottles, just coconut Drumming and dancing and festivals and fine jewellery
A few words from some recent Ghanaian homecomers: “If there’s one thing I really love now about being African, is being able to go into Nigeria, going into Ethiopia, and feeling a kindred spirit. The ground has been laid a bit further ahead for Ghanaians returning home, and there will be a community of people who have been there, done that, who will help you adjust” – Kofi Dadzie “I lived in London for 27 years, and when I told people that I was returning home, they couldn’t believe it, 'You’re really going?' I said, “YES”. I got on a plane, got back home, and I’ve not looked back since” – Olivia Asiedu Ntow “The more we have these stories that we share, the better picture we’re able to tell. Each shade is a bit different, and hearing these personal journeys, everybody’s personal story adds on to the colour that makes coming home worthwhile” – Emmanuel Gamor “It’s great to be back home in Ghana, and right now we’re looking at a combination of solar, micro hydro and wind” - Tettey Wilson Tei “Stepping off the plane, and having the heart just wrap around me, and the smell, and it felt like the biggest hug” – Elvina Quaison “Being back at home now means we have a nanny. Baby can wake up and I can give her to the nanny so I can get some more sleep. Those luxuries...” – Nafisha Mohammed
REASONS TO RETURN TO UGANDA • • • • • • • •
The incredible freshness of the air The beautiful weather of rain and sunshine together Being able to get anywhere fast on a boda boda Being amongst the best movers in the universe on a Ugandan dancefloor The fresh, sweet fruit - everything you buy is organic! Being greeted everywhere with a warm look of sincerity The unbeatable taste of a Rollex after midnight in Kabalagala on the way home from a bar Uganda’s growth figures are looking better than ever
A few words from some recent Ugandan homecomers: “There are so many plans and aspirations that I still have for the future that I dont think I would have thought of if I was not back home!" – RJ Jabo “What did I love best about being home? The smell of the fresh crisp air. And the fact that it rains heavily at 8am and by 10am you are sitting down basking in the sun. I felt I had a lot to offer both to my country and to myself to get the satisfaction that I can give back. You know what? Home is home!” – Stella Ddumba “I returned home after 5 years in the States to become the Country Manager of Google. If you want to be part of the change that people in the diaspora hope for and dream about, then you have to be on the continent” – Ham Namakajjo “The feeling that you want to come home is more important than ensuring that you have a job, or that you have a house. Doing some research reinforces that feeling, then you make up your mind. But you’ll never answer all the questions. Trust your heart.” – Daudi Ndiwalana “A lot of the time, success back in Uganda is built on relationships, so you have to be a very effective networker. You have to be very good at establishing a rapport with people” – Agaba Tumusiime “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you should do A, B, C. Instead, you need to come back here first, and then start to build your network. You’re never going to establish yourself as a Ugandan while you’re sitting in Washington” – Christopher Kanabi Mulinde
DINI CONDY Dini presently resides in Johannesburg, the colourful, vibrant City of Gold in South Africa. Dini was born and brought up on a farm in Zimbabwe, where she developed a passion for the wide open spaces and big skies that typify the southern African bush. Her love of people is seen through most of her works which are also characterised by movement, light and colour. Many of Dini's paintings are influenced by the scenic landscapes and people from her travels in and around Southern Africa. Her works can be seen at various galleries in South Africa and private collections in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Australia. Mediums used: Oils, Acrylics, Watercolours, Pastels, Charcoal and Ink. Commissions done on request. Prices of artwork available on request. Email dinicondy@gmail.com or visit www. artistdinicondy.co.za
THANK
YOUS To the amazing, incredible, awesome Homecoming Revolution Team: Paul Harris, Martine Schaffer, Gabi Harris, Cleopatra Shipalana, Gia Kaplan, Ndiana Matthew, Simone Bazley, Nikki Sacks, Sandy Gaizley, Faye Condy & Angel Jones Deepest gratitude to all our: companies, speakers, attendees, partners & affiliates
“We must change Africa in this generation, it’s our responsibility, no excuses.” - Teddy Warria returned to Kenya
"Come home and have a braai in the sunshine on any day of the year. Do it for others but mainly do it for yourself." - Graeme Codrington returned to South Africa
“If you want to see the change that people in the diaspora dream about, then you have to be on the continent.” - Ham Namakajjo returned to Uganda
"Nigeria is where I can make an impact. More importantly it is the only place where I want to make an impact." - Bankole Cardoso returned to Nigeria
“Back home we’re now working in solar, micro-hydro and wind." - Tettey Wilson-Tei returned to Ghana
The brain gain company for Africa Tel: +27 11 879 1961 | FIRST FLOOR, WAVERLY OFFICE PARK, 125 CORLETT DRIVE, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA Email: info@homecomingrevolution.com WWW.HOMECOMINGREVOLUTION.COM | REG NO: 2013/101333/07 REPRESENTATIVES IN ACCRA, JOHANNESBURG, CAPE TOWN, LAGOS, LONDON, NAIROBI, KAMPALA, WASHINGTON DC