Tap Magazine Issue 9

African of the Year VOL 1 • ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2017

AKON

For leading the fight to Rebrand Africa & for being a relentless ambassador and champion for Africa & African youths

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EDITOR'S NOTE Dear TAP family We hope that you've had a great holiday season and that you're ready to usher in the new year in good spirits. From everyone here at TAP, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a glorious and healthy new year 2018.

Welcome you to our first end of the year Issue. This is a special issue because it launches a tradition that we hope to keep for years to come. The Annual TAP ‘African of the Year’ Award.

We are pleased to name Aliaune Badara Thiam, popularly known as AKON as TAP Magazine ‘African of the Year’ 2017. Akon beats out a list of other impressive candidates and earns the honors mainly for these reasons. For being at the forefront of the fight to Rebrand Africa, for being a relentless ambassador and champion for Africa & African youths, for his entrepreneurial endeavours which has brought light to the most rural areas of our continent and provided jobs to thousands of youths, for his generous philanthropic work across Africa and for his contribution to the rise of African music globally. More on page 20.

Editor-in-Chief MOSES MUTABARUKA

VOL 1 | ISSUE 9 | DECEMBER 2017

Coming back to 2017, I'll be the first to admit that this has been somewhat a peculiar year; mainly because we haven't published any new magazines. While we haven't put out new magazine issues in 2017, our team and partners have had a stellar year.

Through our website and social media accounts, we’ve been able to reach over 7 Million Africans around the globe! We’ve produced over 100 premium articles chronicling issues pertinent to our continent and highlighting the triumphs and accomplishments of individual Africans around the globe.

Furthermore, this year, TAP has put a lot of energy in investing in young African entrepreneurs and creatives. In total, both directly and indirectly, we’ve spent over $50,000 USD on African creatives and entrepreneurs; including artists, graphic designers, writers, small and medium size companies etc. We are also ending the year in style having just opened offices in Nairobi and Kigali this December. Please see TAP 2017 Year in review info-graph on page 26 for more 2017 TAP highlights.

Going forward into 2018, my team and I are thrilled to bring on board a number of very interesting new partners. We've also added to our staff and now have a strong team on the continent that is actively working on intriguing content and projects. I encourage you to follow our social media pages so that you can stay up to date.

Lastly, I take this opportunity to announce that we will resume our bi-monthly magazine publication starting march 2018.

Thank you all for your love and support and all the best in 2018. May it be a healthy and fruitful year for you and your loved ones.

Thank you for being part of the TAP Family!

Warm regards Moses Mutabaruka Founder/CEO – TAP Magazine

“Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter” African Proverb

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

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CONTENTS

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TAP AFRICAN OF THE YEAR

AKON 8

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INTERVIEW

Doriane Kundwa:

Miss Rwanda 2015: On her Inspiring Journey, Passion and Future

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Editor's Note

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12 4 reasons why you should climb Mount Kilimanjaro 26 TAP YEAR 2017 in review 36 African youths, what do they want?

42 Meet Dennis Owusu-Ansah 48 Why Africa is poor: These are the top 3 grains that empty Africa’s pockets every year 56 4 Things you need to know before investing in an E-COMMERCE SITE DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL

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4 reasons why you should climb

Mount Kilimanjaro Stephanie Gasana, an aspiring nomad, shares her top reasons for climbing up Africa’s highest point.

T

he first time I heard of Mount Kilimanjaro was from my hippie middle school geography teacher in Addis, he shared pictures and stories of his adventure climbing the highest mountain in Africa and it looked like an absolute dream.

Fast forward to 15 years later, I got an opportunity to live and work in Tanzania and I knew I had to make it happen.

As I look back on this painfully exhilarating and dramatically beautiful journey, I decided to jot down the four reasons why I think everyone should embark on this once in a lifetime experience.

1. It is one of the seven wonders of Africa.

Beautiful AF. Mount Kilimanjaro, which goes up to 5895 above sea level is the highest mountain in Africa and highest free standing mountain in the world, this might not mean much to you but look at it like this: views on views on views. In six days, you get to discover different climatic zones, from the greenest rainforests to the dry moorland through the alpine desert and finally up to the arctic peak, while facing all of the four seasons, from the hot summer to the coldest snowy winters. Not to mention the incredibly rich and unique fauna and flora; the

impatiens kilimanjari flower which can only be found on this particular mountain and the incredibly stars that light up the mountain every night.

There is nothing quite like it.

Lesson Nature is beyond beautiful and we should thrive to not only promote but also protect and nurture it.

2. You will learn about yourself and others Pole pole AF: Attempting a strenuous six-day

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DESIGN TRAVEL

Mount Kilimanjaro means many things to many people, to some it is a physical challenge, to others it a mental test or even a main source of income.

To me, it represents something grand; it is the revelation that nothing is beyond my reach, no matter how daunting the odds may seem. And I hope to never forget that.

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hike, as a solo traveler was a conscious decision I made. I wanted to challenge myself physically but also mentally.

I had been carefully planning this trip for six months and despite all the research and training (monthly hikes and occasional cardio workouts), nothing could have prepared me for the actual trek. It started off easy and so after day one, I became cocky. By day two, the mountain had slowly but surely humbled me. I realized I had to stop, listen and learn from my team. There was an art to this and it was no race. I had to stay positive (we had a strict #nocomplaints rule), live in the moment (there was no phone reception), and learn to embrace challenges even when they seemed impossible to overcome (on day 4, we managed to get over the dreaded and steep 200m tall Barranco wall, using nothing but our hands and feet).

But mostly, I had to keep on pushing myself all throughout. Would I do

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

it with a smile or frown? Ultimately, I learnt to change my moods by working on most powerful tool yet; my perspective.

Lesson Patience, perseverance and appreciation of the process are truly the keys to life (and to a successful climb).

3. You will feel a sense of accomplishment

Proud AF. The higher we climbed into the mountains, the harder it became to breathe.

I wondered if I would ever make it to the top and at what cost? The night before the summit day, I had a complete breakdown. The weather was disrespectful; it had my feet, face and hands completely numb and frozen. I was absolutely exhausted and had lost

gave me a pep talk. “After all, you have made it to the final day, it is about the journey and not always about the destination’’ he said, but in this case, both the journey and the destination mattered to me. I was so close to the end, I could not imagine going back down. A mysterious source of strength crept inside me, I am not sure where it came from, but it was there and it pushed me through a snowstorm and all the way to Uhuru peak. I had never felt more proud of myself.

Lesson Set goals for yourself, and be proud of all your achievements, no matter how big or small.

4. You will create memories for a lifetime

appetite but the schedule was such that I had to wake up in the middle of the night to begin the climb to the top with the rest of my team. Tensions were high and I was forced to stay

behind, as my body simply could not move anymore. I had not eaten or drank the recommended amount that evening. After feeding me soup and letting me rest, my incredible guide

Grateful AF. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was a childhood dream of mine and like most of my childhood dreams; I did not think it would ever come true. The past two years of my life have been an absolute dream come true as well; I travelled through my beloved Africa, living in Addis, Accra and Arusha while visiting many other cities along the way. I was fortunate to meet new people, learn from different norms, cultures and experiences, which have all shaped me and helped me gain a stronger sense of self. And for this, I feel immense gratitude and joy. On the first couple of days of my climb, I was desperately trying to silence the little voice in my head that kept screaming : this is way too hard, you are in over your head, you have nothing to prove, stop forcing it!

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TRAVEL

But with the help of my team and especially my guide, I pushed myself like never before. It had me wondering, what if I coached myself through all the challenges in my life ? What if I relied on people and the resources I have access to, to push myself up whenever life got me down ?

As I settle back into my stressful Canadian routine, feeling bogged down by credit card debt, school and job applications and overall adulting, I regularly sit down and remind myself of just how far I have come, how well life has prepared me for what is ahead, it was no accident that I climbed this mountain, at this crucial stage of my life.

Mount Kilimanjaro means many

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things to many people, to some it is a physical challenge, to others it a mental test or even main source of income. To me, it represents something grand; it is the revelation that nothing is beyond my reach, no matter how daunting the odds may seem. And I hope to never forget that.

Lesson A positive mindset goes a long way.

Stop focusing on the magnitude of an obstacle! Start by taking baby steps towards your goal. See the glass half full, because it is!

Focus on the goal and you will always find your path.

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

STEPHANIE GASANA, is a Rwandan born, Ethiopian bred, Canadian resident who is passionate about travel, education and ‌ climbing mountains. Email : gasana.stephanie@gmail. com

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Africa is closer with MoneyGram

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

African of the Year 2017 1 2 3 4 5

For being at the forefront of the fight to Rebrand Africa For being a relentless ambassador and champion for Africa & African youths For his entrepreneurial endeavours, which has brought light to the most rural areas of our continent and provided jobs to thousands of youths For his generous philanthropic work across Africa

For his contribution to the rise of African music globally.

DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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COVER STORY

T

he African Perspective (TAP) Magazine is pleased to name Aliaune Badara Thiam, popularly known as AKON as TAP ‘African of the Year’ 2017. Akon receives this award for being at the forefront of the fight to Rebrand Africa, for being a relentless ambassador and champion for Africa and African youths, for his entrepreneurial endeavours which has brought light to the most rural areas of our continent and provided jobs to thousands of youths, for his generous philanthropic work across Africa and for his contribution to the rise of African music globally.

This proud son of Africa has been a trailblazer for the best part of the last two decades; bringing along his love and pride for Africa and its people from the beginning. Before it was cool to “rep” Africa, before Beyonce and the like came out said they were inspired by and wanted to collaborate with Africans, Akon was already embodying Africa and taking it with him whenever he went.

In making this choice and considering that this is the First TAP Magazine ‘African of the Year’ award that we are presenting - we wanted the pick someone who most embodied our vision and commitment to Rebrand Africa. Positively & Actively.

Although Akon has consistently used his massive social media following and the press to speak out for Africa and to encourage young Africans to take back their stories and to own the African narrative; it wasn’t until this past July that he went into detail and highlighted why it is important to change the way the world sees and looks at Africa. Below is a short transcript of his speech during this year's Youth Connekt Africa summit in Kigali Rwanda.

"This world is all about branding and marketing. The number one branders in the universe is the United States.

They make the US seem like the best place in the world to be. It’s the land of the free and home of the brave. I go there to find and chase my dreams! We have to be able to tell our own stories.

Directors, filmmakers, entertainers and the press, it's going to be your job

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USD 1 BILLION CREDIT LINE FOR LAUNCH

ü 1 5 COUNTRIES OF OPERATION 480 COMMUNITIES COVERED

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ü

100,000 SOLAR STREET LAMPS

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1,200 SOLAR MICRO-GRIDS

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102,000 SOLAR DOMESTIC KITS

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5,500 INDIRECT JOBS CREATED

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

to redefine how people think about Africa. Because you are here and you clearly see what’s going on. You can picture the good the bad and the ugly.

What you choose to put out there, is what the world is going to get. Because I can tell you right now, in Chicago alone, there's more people dying in Chicago than there was in the war in Iraq, but you will never see that!

There's a lot of things happening in the us that you will never see because they choose to show you what they want you to see. It's about country integrity - you have a certain reputation that you have to keep.

One of the problems we have in Africa, is that when something happens, the press is quick to put out negative images, quick to put out negative stories, and then these stories go on the internet and other broadcasting systems pick them, and they spread them. So, when you look at places like Kenya for instance - I know maybe of 2 terrorist attacks, but it was everywhere. So now people were scared to go to Kenya because somebody shot up the mall. But then you look online, there was over 25 thousand attacks in the US but you only know of about 5 or 6.

We have to really rebrand, when you look at how the world perceives Africa, you see zebras, lions, tigers and bears. You get to the point where you think that Africa is just a big jungle.

The images that they are showing of Africa, are historical images, this is way before civilization, this is when we were still battling with spears, like times of Chaka Zulu, I'm serious. But then when you look at the US, they are showing superman, batman, you know?

Where is our superman, you know Shaka Zulu should be a superhero

“We have to be able to tell our own stories.

Africa has to teach the history of our ancestors, the great things that they accomplished. And it's going to be the job of directors and filmmakers to narrate that story.

How do we want to be perceived? How do we want this story to be narrated to the rest of the world? This younger generation has to rebrand Africa."

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today! So, we have to tell our own stories, I mean even Jesus is white! And you believe it.

Africa has to teach the history of our ancestors, the great things that they accomplished. And it's going to be the job of directors and filmmakers to narrate that story. How do we want to be perceived? How do we want this story to be narrated to the rest of the world? This younger generation has to rebrand Africa.

The above was the main reason why Akon beat out a list of other prestigious candidates who are also championing causes that are dearest to us such as empowering and uplifting African youths and entrepreneurship.

A full video version of this (summary) speech was shared on our Facebook page and has thus far reached over 7.1 million people and attracted hundreds of thousands of comments from young Africans across the world.

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Why Akon Lighting Africa?

Today, 600 million Africans still don’t have access to electricity, particularly in rural areas. In far too many parts of Africa, night-time economic activities are practically non-existent, safety is a concern and hospitals cannot fully function.

Women cannot make productive use of their time to carry out the most basic household tasks.

Children who help the women cannot study at night without proper light and complete their homework by candle light, an additional expense for parents. Moreover, without access to electricity, over 3.5 million Africans die every year from harmful pollutants or fires in the home produced by costly and toxic solid fuels.

To meet these challenges, the Akon Lighting Africa initiative was created to bring clean, renewable and affordable energy solutions primarily to

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

We have to really rebrand, when you look at how the world perceives Africa, you see zebras, lions, tigers and bears. You get to the point where you think that Africa is just a big jungle.

rural and off-grid areas in Africa.

Launched in February 2014 by international music star, Akon, entrepreneur Mr. Samba Bathily and youth leader Mr. Thione Niang, the initiative has already successfully impacted communities in 15 countries.

Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam

two categories, Best Contemporary R&B Album for Konvicted album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Smack That" and "I Wanna Love You".

Born April 16, 1973

Better known as Akon •

He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.

•

Akon has had four songs certified as 3× platinum, three songs certified as 2× platinum, more than ten songs certified as 1× platinum and more than ten songs certified as gold in digital sales.

•

Was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the #1 selling artist for master ringtones in the world.

•

Akon often provides vocals as a featured artist and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs.

•

Forbes ranked Akon 5th in 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa list - (2011).

•

Billboard ranked Akon No. 6 on the list of Top Digital Songs Artists of the decade.

An American Senegalese singer, songwriter, businessman, record producer and actor of Senegalese descent.

•

Rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble.

•

Akon has since founded two successful record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.

•

•

His second album, Konvicted received three nominations for the Grammy Awards in

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YEAR IN REVIEW

TAP YEAR 2017 IN REVIEW

REACH

7 Million YOUNG AFRICANS ALL OVER THE GLOBE

US/ CANADA

44%

REST OF THE WORLD

56%

SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

5,000 NEW FOLLOWER

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

20,000 NEW FOLLOWER

NEW CONTENT

100

NEW ARTICLES ON TAPMAGONLINE.COM

MAIL-LIST

5000+

MORE SUBSCRIBERS

NEW BRAND COLORS

EVENT PARTNERS

$ 50,000 USD SPENT ON AFRICAN YOUTHS This year, we've put a lot of energy and resources in investing in young African entrepreneurs and creatives. In total, both directly and indirectly we’ve invested over $50,000 USD on African creatives and entrepreneurs including artists, graphic designers, writers, small and medium size companies

TWO NEW OFFICES IN NAIROBI/ KIGALI We are also ending the year in style having just opened offices in Nairobi and Kigali this December.

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FEATURE INTERVIEW

Catching up with

Doriane

Kundwa Miss Rwanda 2015:

On her Inspiring Journey, Passion and Future

I miss my friends and family back home. I dearly miss the mere fact of being home, around Rwandans and everyone speaking Kinyarwanda.

Sometimes I do forget and speak or respond to people here in Kinyarwanda. It's hilarious!

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TAP: Even though you certainly need no introduction to some of our readers, please re-introduce yourself to them and all our other global readers.

DK: First of all, thank you for interviewing me. My name is Doriane Kundwa. I'm from a small but beautiful country in East Africa called Rwanda and I was blessed enough to be crowned Miss Rwanda in 2015.

TAP: Please tell us where you are currently based and what you've been up too?

DK: Last year, I moved to Canada

where I currently live, work and study. Early this year, within my new Canadian-Rwandan community, I was appointed Vice President and Director of Public Relations by the International Rwanda Youth for

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

Development (IRYD).

I am also presently exploring a few business opportunities that can connect Rwanda and Canada meaningfully.

TAP: Excellent. You seem to have fit-in effortlessly within your new community in Canada. What do you miss most about home (Rwanda)?

DK: I miss my friends and family

back home. I dearly miss the mere fact of being home, around Rwandans and everyone speaking Kinyarwanda. Sometimes I do forget and speak or respond to people here in Kinyarwanda. It's hilarious! That maybe also shows how much I am connected to my precious roots.

I have to add that I am blessed and consoled by the fact that I do have

FEATURE INTERVIEW As Miss Rwanda 2015, I somehow carry the entire nation with me. I represent Rwanda and Rwandans.

This is something I do not take lightly. For example, I meet a lot of people that recognize me at most public events I attend here in Canada. Wherever I go, I am a representative of my beloved country.

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

In the next 5 years, I hope I can inspire more young Rwandans at home and abroad to start their own businesses or even follow their own dreams in the arts, academia, sports and other domains

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FEATURE INTERVIEW members of my family in Canada with me. I have also made some new friends here. That is something I do not take for granted. Despite the homesickness, I am blessed nonetheless.

capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.

The other third 'person' are my siblings, extended family and friends.

TAP: How did being miss Rwanda impact your

TAP: You are indeed blessed! What are your

life beyond the tittles and glamour?

plans over the next five years? What are you

Being crowned Miss Rwanda in 2015 has opened up many

most passionate about?

DK: Five years from now, I want to

look back and say that I have effectively developed myself spiritually, personally and professionally within my Rwandan and Canadian communities.

I am passionate about God, business and knowledge. God because I cannot do without Him, business because I wish to create jobs and knowledge because it's the power that allows you to choose wisely In Canada, I frequent a Christian church where I am hopefully serving God the right way. For business, I joined hands with IRYD, as we believe a lot of young Rwandans have business-worthy ideas that can be useful for them and others. As previously-mentioned, I am working on a business opportunity. You shall have details when they become public.

In the next 5 years, I hope I can inspire more young Rwandans at home and abroad to start their own businesses or even follow their own dreams in the arts, academia, sports and other domains.

My top five must visit places in Rwanda would include, in no order of priority, a visit to the Volcanoes National Park to see gorillas, Lake Kivu by Serena Hotel, Akagera National Park, aerial sightseeing of Rwanda by Akagera Aviation and the Kigali Convention Centre Complex.

TAP: Who are the three people that have impacted your life the most thus far?

DK: There are perhaps more than

three people that have impacted my life. However, my mother and father have played a huge role in making me who I am today. They have always been there for me. As I grew up, they constantly reminded me that I am

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TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

opportunities for me. I have been able to travel, learn about new places and people both in Africa, Europe and North America. Ultimately, the crown enabled me to assume a higher sense of responsibility. The type of responsibility that extends beyond me to the public domain. As Miss Rwanda 2015, I somehow carry the entire nation with me. I represent Rwanda and Rwandans.

This is something I do not take lightly.

For example, I meet a lot of people that recognize me at most public events I attend here in Canada. This privilege comes with a responsibility attached to it. The people I meet who identify my crown with Rwanda remind me that wherever I go, I am a representative of my beloved country. There is no higher honour - and it is an honour I carry with pride and I embrace all the responsibilities attached to it.

TAP: Why should anyone visit Rwanda and what places would make Doriane's top five must visit in Rwanda?

DK: Rwanda is a very beautiful

country. The reference to Rwanda as a remarkable country of a "thousand hills and a million smiles" is true to the letter. My top five must visit places in Rwanda (and things to do, if I must add that) would include, in no order of priority, a visit to the Volcanoes National Park to see gorillas, Lake Kivu by Serena Hotel, Akagera National Park, aerial sightseeing of Rwanda by Akagera Aviation and the Kigali Convention Centre Complex.

TAP:Â The African girl child - what is it that she needs the most?

DK:Â The African girl child needs

more deliberate empowerment from those that surround her. Even though my own country of Rwanda has made considerable strides in empowering the Rwandan girl, a lot is still missing in many countries in Africa. For instance, in a lot of countries, girls face barriers relating to access to education, economic opportunity, social empowerment and other crucial aspects of life. We still have female genital mutilation as a practice, forced marriages of girls below the age of consent, higher school dropout rates for girls as compared to boys and the like. These are empowerment issues that we all need to address.

The African girl child needs empowerment through education, protection from vulnerabilities before she turns 18 (even beyond) and needs to be allowed to participate in society freely and equitably. I am proud that Rwanda has made considerable efforts in allowing girls to study, gain access to socio-economic opportunities as well as be protected by the State from external harm

DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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FEATURE INTERVIEW The African girl child needs more deliberate empowerment from those that surround her. Even though my own country of Rwanda has made considerable strides in empowering the Rwandan girl, a lot is still missing in many countries in Africa.

For instance, in a lot of countries, girls face barriers relating to access to education, economic opportunity, social empowerment and other crucial aspects of life.

TAP: Any inspirational parting words?

DK: I am inspired a lot by Biblical

verses. The most memorable one for me, which I apply in my every day life, is that "fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" from Isaiah 41:10.

TAP: That is indeed inspiring. Thank you.

DK: Welcome and thank you for having me.

TAP MAGAZINE met up with Miss. Kundwa in Toronto earlier this fall to speak Rwanda, life after Miss. Rwanda 2015 and building a new home away from home in Canada.

Photoshoot by @XVXYPhoto : Makeup by @savinakm06 - visit www.tapmagonline. com for full image gallery

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YOUTH

AFRICAN YOUTHS, WHAT DO THEY WANT?

By Moses Mutabaruka Images by @XVXYPhoto

Beyond the need for jobs, African youths have also expressed frustration with African leaders and politicians. Young people are tired of leaders whose integrity falters as soon as they assume social or political power. Our young people, like many people throughout the continent, are fed up with the cycles of nepotism, corruption and selfishness that plague our political systems and the people who control them. We cannot allow poor political leadership to irreparably damage the future generations and in effect the future of our beautiful continent.

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T

oday, I want to talk to you about the present generation of African youth.

I want to speak to you about their needs, their challenges, and most of all, their deep aspirations for the future of their continent. Before I do

so, however, it is important to put into perspective the unique and crucial social space African youth currently occupy. Africa has the fastest growing and most youthful population in the world; half of all Africans are under the age of 20. In fact, people under the age of 35 (youth) account for 68% of our continent’s population. It is imperative

that the world, that African leaders, as the older generation, as our elders and leaders, listen and pay special attention to our needs and desires. Our leaders must do this while also asking themselves deep questions about how to guide us toward our highest potential, as individuals and as citizens.

There isn’t a better time to embark on

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YOUTH

this journey than today, considering that by the end of this century, 40% of all human being will be African. Pause for a second and think about that!

In my day-to-day work with the African Perspective (TAP) Magazine, I have the privilege of interacting with young Africans from all walks of life, I meet and interact with young men and women from remote Kenya who like myself years ago are kick-starting their entrepreneurial journey; I also meet young Africans in the diaspora who are Harvard graduates etc. The most persistent question that I often ask them is what they want and need.

Overwhelmingly, the answer is jobs. Of course, jobs are not the only thing young people want, but it seems

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that all their other needs, in one way or another, stem from the ability to gain employment that empowers them. provides stability, and allows them to feel that they are making meaningful social contributions to their communities and countries.

Beyond the need for jobs, young people have also expressed a frustration with African leaders and politicians.

Young people are tired of leaders whose integrity falters as soon as they assume social or political power.

Our young people, like many people throughout the continent, are fed up with the cycles of nepotism, corruption and selfishness that plague our political systems and the people who control them. In cases where our leadership

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

fails us, perhaps we should all be outraged, but it is also true that in a continent where young people make up such a large portion of the population, we cannot allow poor political leadership to irreparably damage the future generations and in effect the future of our beautiful continent. The youth are aware of the challenges they face, and it behooves our leaders to create the structures, policies and environments that give our young people the chance to thrive.

In the same way, the young people I speak to (especially those on the continent) also tell me they need the sort of educational systems that can equip them for the ever-changing world they find themselves in. They

need to enter institutions that have an eye toward the future, but are also capable of embracing the richness of history and knowledge we Africans possess. It seems that too many of our institutions, according to the youth, rely upon the programs and syllabi left to us by our colonizers more than five decades ago. Whether this is true in every sense, it can’t be denied that some gaps in consciousness and attitude exist. For example, we have trained many young engineers, but still, today, the building of roads across the continent is often left to the Chinese. Our universities have trained and equipped many doctors, but the wealthiest members of our societies run to London, Paris and more recently to India when they get sick. So, whether our education system is that bad or not, it is clearly, a system we’ve lost faith in. Our young people want us to fix this; they require forms of education that reflect not only modern times, but the arc of the near future, so that we can know, without doubt, that young Africans are being educated in a way that prepares them to contribute to the health, wealth and sustainability of the communities from which they come. Beyond this, young Africans, as well as their elders, must be sure that their universities and colleges reflect the cultural knowledge and perspectives each of our countries is so endowed with, so that we can not only make world-leading contributions and innovations, but do so in a way that gives our own people faith in our academic, medical, and technological achievements, among others.

As I write this, I am aware that none of these subjects--demographics, employment, education--are new to many of you. Yet, I must bring them

up today because young people (and the statistics) have made it clear that these are the essential challenges of this generation, and the ones to come.

According to the World Bank, young people account for 60% of Africa’s unemployed population, and in some countries the number is even higher.

In North Africa, for instance, the rate of youth unemployment is a staggering 30%. As alarming as these statistics may be, these numbers do not include those in vulnerable employment, or those who are under-employed in informal sectors. The issue of youth unemployment is perhaps more pressing and more widespread than any single number can easily encapsulate.

Thankfully, despite the issues and challenges that currently face our continent, Africa’s uncommonly high proportion of young people can be a blessing, if we direct it properly.

If we must stop the spread of terrorism especially in North Africa, we must create meaningful jobs for our youth.

Further, according to The Brookings Institution, a Washington-based public policy organization, many young Africans who do acquire work are not doing so in places that provide stable wages, skill development and job security. It may be that Africa is at a

point where it is necessary to re-think its approach to employment. The Brookings Institution suggests, among other ideas, a focus on manufacturing, they also argue for a renewed investment in tourism, agriculture, and projects that would allow young people in rural areas to acquire skills and work experience.

Whatever approach we adopt to create more jobs for young people, it must be swift and effective, as we know that widespread unemployment leads to a large range of other issues, including increased poverty, war and crime rates, an inability to access education and healthcare, and a lower overall life expectancy.

Thankfully, despite the issues and challenges that currently face our continent, Africa’s uncommonly high proportion of young people can be a blessing, if we direct it properly.

Perhaps no other continent is as rich with potential for new ideas, new ways of knowing, and new ways of addressing old problems. For that, I think, we have our young people to thank.

Yet, we also know that power and potential---which our youth undoubtedly possess-- requires attention, discipline and stewardship in order to reach full potency. If Africa is going to reach its highest strength as a continent, we each must bear the responsibility of paying careful attention to what the future will demand of us. Our young people are speaking, and will continue to speak as their numbers grow. It is our duty to work with them, particularly in the areas of job-creation and education, in order that they may grow into a future that fully embraces their needs, abilities and ambitions.

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Meet Dennis Owusu-Ansah

The Ghanaian Artist helping American celebrities connect with their African roots 42

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I

'm Dennis OwusuAnsah @denny_ow from Ghana, West Africa. As an African artist, culture plays a major role in my art. From President Obama and his wife in kente, to Beyoncé dressed in a traditional massai attire and to Rihanna looking like a zulu queen from South Africa, my art shows the true beauty of different African cultures. I started my style of art which depicts the world's biggest celebrities in authentic African attire to bring awareness to the African culture.

The media portrays Africa in a very negative way and not everything we see on tv is true about our beautiful continent. I hope that my art inspires and educate people about the richness of the African culture culture and environment are the main source of my ideas. Everything in the world has the potential to turn into an idea for art. I do not bother myself to search extremely far and wide to come up with immensely complicated subject for my work to be interesting. I start with my personal experiences. I’m frequently surprised that the best subject to illustrate about is what’s sitting there right in front of me. something that we commonly experience but don’t generally recognize as being special. For example being teased for wearing kente to church was what sparked the idea behind my art I used American celebrities because they have the biggest platform and a lot of influence on their fans My favorite medium is the oil paint

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ART

Dennis dresses American celebrities and high profile personalities like Obama in African attires to change a narrative. Dennis is a Ghanaian born artist, illustrator and designer based in New York City. Dennis is the official TAP MAG Cover Illustrator.

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As a child Dennis was surrounded by art and music, along with the beauty of the Ghanaian culture, which inspired his interest in art.

Follow him on IG @Denny_ow

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WHY AFRICA IS POOR

These Are The Top 3 Grains That Empty Africa’s Pockets Every Year

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H With roughly 50 percent of the world’s uncultivated land, abundantly fertile soils, favourable climate and all-year-round sunshine, Africa still imports more than half of the food it eats from continents with a fraction of its agricultural potential.

ave you really ever wondered why Africa is poor?

I mean, does it really make any sense that a continent as abundantly endowed as ours cannot feed itself ?

With roughly 50 percent of the world’s uncultivated land, abundantly fertile soils, favourable climate and all-year-round sunshine, Africa still imports more than half of the food it eats from continents with a fraction of its agricultural potential.

Of all the food that Africa imports, grains are at the top of the list; especially wheat, rice, and corn. These are the top 3 most consumed grains on the continent, and the focus of this article.

Every year, our continent spends no less than $10 billion to import these grains from North & South America, Europe and Asia.

In fact, almost every other ship that docks at an African sea port is laden with one of these grains.

Nevertheless, it’s quite understandable why grains are very popular and heavily consumed across Africa.

Unlike most other foods, grains have a better shelf life and can be stored for longer periods. This makes them one of a few food products that can be consumed in and out of season in Africa.

Grains are also energy-dense foods, rich in carbohydrates. Currently, they provide up to30 percent of the calories in the average African diet.

However, due to the massive volumes that are traded every year, grains are a popular attraction for traders and

speculators on commodity and futures markets around the world. As a result, the prices of grains on the international market are always prone to volatility.

And no matter how high the prices of these grains rise, Africa always buys.

That’s how we lose billions of foreign exchange every year to grain trading houses and wealthy farmers on the other side of the world.

The truth is, Africa may never be truly rich, free and independent, until it can produce enough food to meet its own needs.

As long as we continue to depend on other nations for food we can grow in our backyard, Africa will remain poor, and at the mercy of skyrocketing grain prices, speculators and strong cabals that manipulate and control the international grain marketfor their own gain.

Africa cannot reach its full economic potential without food security.

Over the next 30 years, Africa will have the fastest growing population in the world. By 2050, the continent’s population is estimated to exceed 2.4 billion, that’s double its current size.

The sad reality is, if we go on consuming imported grains at the current volumes, Africa could be in the middle of a severe food crisis in less than a decade.

Let’s Meet The Grains That Empty Africa’s Pockets Every Year!

Like I mentioned earlier, grains are at the top of Africa’s food import bill.

Although the continent imports other food products in large volumes (especially poultry products), grains still take a disproportionate chunk of Africa’s budget.

So, in this section of the article, we’ll

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AGRICULTURE

Wheat shows up every day in the African diet.

Thousands of tons of wheat flour are used daily. But did you know that Africa spends no less than $6 billion on wheat imports every year? Yes, up to 85 percent of wheat consumed in Africa is imported.

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be taking a close look at each of these top 3 most consumed grains, who sells them to us, and the options and alternatives we have to produce them locally in Africa…

Here we go!

1) Wheat Wheat shows up every day in the African diet. Thousands of tons of wheat flour are used daily by bakeries and food processors across the continent to make bread, noodles, biscuits and several other pastries.

But did you know that Africa spends

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

no less than $6 billion on wheat imports every year?

Yes, up to 85 percent of wheat consumed in Africa is imported.

The leading importers are Nigeria, South Africa and Angola. In fact, Nigeria is the world’s third largest buyer of wheat from the USA, and wheat makes up roughly 90 percent of U.S agricultural exports to Nigeria.

In 2013 alone, Nigeria spent close to $1 billion on U.S. wheat.

There is no easy way to put it; these amounts are absolutely staggering.

With over 400 million people who eat bread and other wheat products

almost every day, it becomes clearer why Africa loses huge amounts of foreign exchange to the big global grain traders and wheat producers in the USA and Europe.

The USA, Russia and Canada are some of the world’s top producers of wheat. While Russia is a major supplier of wheat to North Africa (especially Egypt and Libya), the USA remains the biggest exporter of wheat to subSaharan Africa.

But do you know what I find really strange in all this?

There are about 14 countries in Africa that produce wheat!

Ethiopia, South Africa and Kenya are some of the top producers. In fact, many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Eastern and Central Africa, are biophysically suitable for wheat production.

So, how come we spend billions of dollars every year to import a commodity we can, and already, grow in our backyard?

Why should Africa’s big wheat importers like Nigeria continue to buy wheat from outside the continent when it can buy from its wheat-producing neighbors in East and Central Africa?

Over the next 30 years, as Africa’s population doubles, the demand for wheat will skyrocket in line with the growing demand for bread and other heavily-consumed wheat products.

This means that, unless Africa takes urgent steps to become self-sufficient in wheat production, we may have to literally give up our daily bread or remain slaves to the continuous rise in wheat prices on the international market.

So, the next time you eat bread, just remember that it’s really not made in Africa.

2) Rice Photo credit: althealthworks.com Everybody loves rice. It’s therefore no surprise that rice is the second most popular grain on Africa’s food import bill.

Africa is both a major consumer and importer of rice, and the continent now imports nearly half of the rice it eats.

Currently, Africa spends over $3.5 billion on rice imports every year. Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Angola are the continent’s top rice buyers.

In fact, Nigeria is now the world’s second largest importer of rice, after China. It imported about 3 million metric tons of rice in 2015, at a cost of over $850 million.

Outside Asia, sub-Saharan Africa has the fastest growing rates of rice consumption. In the past two decades, per capita rice consumption in sub-

Africa is both a major consumer and importer of rice, and the continent now imports nearly half of the rice it eats. Currently, Africa spends over $3.5 billion on rice imports every year.

Saharan Africa has increased by more than 50 percent.

And as Africa’s population explodes over the next three decades, so will the population of rice eaters on the continent.

But who are the biggest winners in

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AGRICULTURE

Africa has a large, hungry and fastgrowing domestic market for the grains we’ve explored in this article. We have the land, labour and natural resources to make our continent not just selfsufficient in grain production, but a net exporter of grains to the international market.

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the rice business?

Who’s really selling all this rice to Africa?

All the imported rice we eat in Africa is grown in Asia. Thailand is the world’s largest rice exporter, followed

by Vietnam, Pakistan and India.

But did you know that rice isn’t alien to Africa?

Africa has been growing rice for more than 3,500 years!

The largest growers of rice in sub-Saharan Africa are Madagascar, Nigeria, Guinea, Cote D’Ivoire and Mali. However, due to the enormous size of rice demand, most of Africa’s rice producers aren’t meeting the needs of their local markets.

In fact, one of the biggest challenges in major rice eating African countries like Nigeria is the overwhelming preference for foreign rice. Many consumers see the local unpolished paddy rice as inferior to the milled and

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

polished imported variety.

To successfully substitute imported rice in Africa, local rice producers will need to improve on grain quality, cleanliness and packaging of local rice.

And there appears to be some good news on the horizon for rice production in Africa.

With the entry of savvy entrepreneurs like Africa’s richest man (Aliko Dangote) into the rice production business, this sector could finally undergo the transformation it requires.

Mr. Dangote plans to invest $1 billion in commercial rice farming and modern integrated rice mills in Nigeria.

3) Corn (Maize) Corn is the only heavily consumed grain that Africa produces in nearly enough quantities to feed itself. More maize is produced across Africa every year, than any other grain.

Although Africa produces roughly 50 million tons of corn every year, it still imports nearly 30 percent of the corn it consumes.

Because most maize production in Africa is rain fed, irregular rainfall can trigger famines during occasional droughts. And Africa may not survive any severe shortages in maize supply.

This year (2016) for example, South Africa — the continent’s leading corn producer — could be spending over $1.2 billion on corn imports due to an El Nino weather phenomenon that has severely affected corn production.

Maize (corn) is a staple food for over 500 million Africans. It accounts for 30−50 percent of low-income household expenditures in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Over 95 percent of corn in Africa is still used as food, compared to other world regions that use most of its corn as animal feed and feedstock for ethanol production.

Across Africa, maize is processed and prepared in various forms depending on the country. Ground maize is prepared into porridge in Eastern and Southern Africa, while maize flour is prepared into porridge in West Africa.

Ground maize is also fried or baked in many countries. In all parts of Africa, green (fresh) maize is boiled or roasted

on its cob and served as a snack.

Popcorn is also a popular snack.

The East and Southern Africa region consume the highest amounts of maize per capita, and Lesotho has the largest consumption per capita with 174 kg per year.

While it is true that Africa has made significant progress in maize production, there is still a great deal of work to be done.

As corn is a very important grain for Africa, the continent’s biggest producers need to start thinking about setting up strategic corn reserves to reduce the impacts of severe shortages, like the one South Africa is currently experiencing.

Africa cannot continue like this…

Across the world, the demand for food (especially grains) is growing faster than supply, and this has had an adverse effect on prices – which continue to rise every year.

Part of the reason for this is the growing influence of biofuel policies in industrialised countries. This has caused huge volumes of grains to be diverted to the production of ethanol and biodiesel.

Another reason for the rising grain prices is its growing demand for

livestock products, particularly in Asia, which has increased the use of grains as a major ingredient foranimal feed.

These competing demands for grains – as food, fuel and feed – paint a bleak picture for Africa’s food security especially if we continue to depend on grain imports like we currently do.

As if all of these developments aren’t bad enough, Africa still depends on huge volumes of imported fertilizers to grow food crops.

Africa cannot continue like this.

Our continent needs more entrepreneurs to take on agribusiness and disrupt the continent’s ineffective grain supply chains, from grain production to processing and marketing.

Africa has a large, hungry and fastgrowing domestic market for the grains we’ve explored in this article. We have the land, labour and natural resources to make our continent not just selfsufficient in grain production, but a net exporter of grains to the international market. If we can pull this off, I expect that a significant portion of Africa’s next generation millionaires will come from agribusiness.

Let’s go Africa!

BY JOHN-PAUL IWUOHA - article first published on smallstarter.com

DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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EssieSpice: West-African flavors at your dinner table

The Fantastic Four

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E-COMMERCE

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4 Things you need to know before investing in an

E-COMMERCE SITE When you speak with many emerging consumer products business owners, they express this need to own an e-commerce platform/site. As someone who’s had these types of conversations almost daily, for the last four or so years, I've gathered a few points for founders/CEOs to consider before embarking on an e-commerce journey

I

nternet provides opportunities for transforming a locally focused business into a business that offers products or service to a global market.

Thus, E-commerce has become a necessity and the best way for consumer-focused companies to enter new markets and increase sales. With E-commerce, a business owner is able to expand their reach from those who can physically walk into their store to everyone with access to the internet regardless of their physical local.

When you speak with many emerging consumer products business owners, they express this need to

own an e-commerce platform/site.

As someone who’s had those types of conversations almost daily, for the last four or so years, I've gathered a few points for founders/CEOs to consider before embarking on an e-commerce journey.

Implementation Cost Having a website comes with many advantages and it surely increases your visibility along with your credibility; those two factors are very important to succeed in business.

My advice is to set up the site right from the beginning. Having a secure and user-friendly site will cost you between $5K and $60K just to get you

DECEMBER 2017 | TAP MAGAZINE

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E-COMMERCE

To attract these shopping traffic, you need to create online and offline marketing campaigns. Be prepared to put on your creative cap and to eventually spend some money since this step is inevitable.

started. Kuddos to you if you have the necessary skills to build the platform by yourself. Be clear of your needs and plan for well - this cost is not minor especially if you're a small business and you just want to get the feel of the market before investing heavily.

Shopping Traffic After you have your website up and running and you’ve created a presence online, you'll need to attract and generate a solid shopping traffic. Until you have created a regular and growing shopping traffic to your site, it will be hard for your business to be profitable.

To attract these shopping traffic, you need to create online and offline marketing campaigns. The cost will vary depending on your target audience and the channels you decide to use. Be prepared to put on your creative cap and to eventually spend some money since this step is inevitable.

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Technical Resources Nowadays E-commerce websites can be easily built. The E-commerce ecosystem is now full of applications and platforms that aim to make your business simple, efficient and profitable.

However, if you are looking for excellent return on investment (ROI) you need to seriously consider hiring an in-house technical resource or properly outsource the technical tasks that come with owning an E-commerce platform.

That person with technical skills will make sure that your e-commerce site is continuously updated while handling any technical issues in a timely manner.

If this part is mishandled, your business will be gone in no time.

Online Marketplaces Building a brand and a reputable business takes a lot of energy and time. As you get in the E-commerce business environment, you realize the importance of building a successful

TAP MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2017

online brand. If you are venturing into consumer products industry, I suggest you start by having your boutique/ store on relevant online marketplaces in order to create 'buzz' before taking the jump and investing in your own platform.

Online marketplaces are those e-commerce sites/portals (E-bay/ Amazon) that give you and other entrepreneurs access to more shopping traffic while allowing you to explore the market before breaking the bank.

Keep in mind that not all online marketplaces are suitable for your products or for enhancing your brand.

In my next blog, I'll share what I know about online marketplaces that will guide your decision on things to consider before choosing which one to join.

Now that you’ve got some useful hints, are you ready to take your business online?

OLIVIER TWAGIRAYEZU Founder, www.LukSmart.com - An Online marketplace for African fashion and arts.