TOA Magazine July - Aug Sep 2020 Edition

July | August | September 2020

Volume 14

More Africa Employment in

throughBusiness Convergence

Issue 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life — think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” - Swami Vivekananda The higher education system has expanded significantly across the world. The policy for generating jobs, however, is not able to absorb graduates from college

PORTRAIT OF The Times of Africa THE TIMES OF AFRICA is an international publication, which aspires to bring the stories of the economic, social and political fabric of the 54 nations of Africa to the World.

For over a decade, we have been defying stereotypes and redrawing the lines to provide extensively researched reliable content for our robust readership network.

which, year after year, lead to an increase of the unemployed. The skills required for the new economy and the education offered to most students are drastically different. Furthermore, the availability of human capital has not kept economic growth and investment pace. This condition leads to systemic social uncertainty.

We need higher education which focuses on high values and productive employment.

Major three approaches are required which makes learning more attractive and generates job prospects for a person, apart from skills.

Firstly, the education system should emphasise the entrepreneurship importance and students should focus on the creation of companies to provide innovation, independence and wealth generation skills. Therefore, University courses in arts, science and industry must include entrepreneurship training courses and topics.

Second, the banking system should provide risk capital for new companies from the village level to potential entrepreneurs.

Thirdly, the production of marketable goods and the strengthening of the buying power of the people by implementing a national mission will lead to economic pulls for human resources.

Headquartered in New Delhi, the capital of India, we have our overseas offices in Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya and Senegal. Our distribution network covers metro cities, diplomatic missions, national organizations, foreign agencies, corporate and export houses, business class hotels and airlines, both within the country and offshores.

The circulation of our magazine is wide-ranging and our readership profile includes Presidents and Senior Government Ministers and Officials, Chief Executive Officers, Chairpersons, Managing Directors, Policy-makers, Technical and General Managers, Students, Think Tanks, Academia, Foreign Correspondents and local media, Captains of Indian Industry and other prominent dignitaries, among others.

We have a strong online presence on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

In the school, government and private businesses, the banking system and the marketing system should be funded to help establish entrepreneurship schemes.

Enterprises must deliver successful goods to succeed in their tasks. I’m sure many graduates’ skills are built so that they become entrepreneurs and work instead of employers. The five capacities to develop through the educational process are inquiry, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

Expertise and diversity in various fields, creating opportunities and thinking

Our success in making TOA a brand within and outside India lies in the fact that we have focused on Afro-Indian partnerships and provided a link to the African marketplace. It is our earnest endeavour to make our readers conversant with all things that matter to the continent.

outside the box approach makes a successful entrepreneur.

Wishing you a pleasant indulgence and a happy reading!

April | May | June 2020

Kirit Sobti

Volume 13

Issue 2

Africa's Response to the Pandemic

©

COVER STORY July | August | September 2020

Volume 14

Issue 3

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Rohit Khattar

HEAD-DIGITAL MARKETING Atishay Sobti DIRECTOR, MARKETING Nipun Patani BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Shruti Jain CONTENT Atlanta Mahanta

More Africa Employment in

throughBusiness Convergence

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DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in this issue are that of the authors. The publisher may not agree with the independent views expressed in this magazine.

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COVER STORY

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Content

8

Cover story More Employment in Africa through Business Convergence

COVER STORY More Employment in Africa through...............................

8

Digital Business.....................................................................

9

New Approach Towards Digital Business...................... 10 Job Opportunities.................................................................. 12 Challenges in Africa.............................................................. 12

START-UP Anzisha Prize Hall of Fame: Ten Young African Entrepreneurs!................................... 16 Baratang Miya......................................................................... 17

29

Spotlight Country Gabon’s Petroleum Potential Highlights.

Temitope Ogunsemo............................................................ 18 Njeri Rionge.............................................................................. 19 Wandile Zondo........................................................................ 20

JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3 Africa Program for Enterprises Development: Youth Employment ............................................................. 35

50

Sports

Why choose APED? ............................................................ 36

Africa: Surfing Olympic

APED delivers training excellence by ........................... 36

Gold Medal Hope!

What APED has accomplished: ...................................... 37

WEBINAR Digitalisation to transform agriculture in Africa and respond to COVID19............................................................ 41

JOURNALIST OF AFRICA Tribute to unconventional Journalist of Africa ........... 43 Mutoba Ngoma....................................................................... 21 Rapelang Rabana.................................................................... 22 Ntuthuko Shezi....................................................................... 23 Musa Kalenga.......................................................................... 24 Jessy Bityeki........................................................................... 25 Dina el Mofty.......................................................................… 26

Theme: Wildlife and Nature in Africa2020 Situation....................................................................... 44 Theme: Sustainable Development in Africa................. 46 Theme: Kho Kho potential in Ghana................................. 49

SPORTS

SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY Highlights of Madagascar!......................

FACE-TO-FACE

29

In the Index of Economic Freedom 2020 ..................... 30 From African Economic Outlook 2020 ......................... 30

CORPORATE HEAL AND BLISS ................................................................... 33 What heal and bliss can provide to Africa? .................. 33

Africa: Surfing Olympic Gold Medal Hope!.................... 50

TRAVEL & EXPLORE UNWTO: Future for Tourism in Africa.............................. 53 Recovery in 2021................................................................. 56

EN VOGUE One of the most lucrative business: Cosmetics Industry............................................................. 57 HAIR CARE............................................................................... 58

33

Corporate HEAL AND BLISS

SKIN CARE............................................................................... 58 MAKEUP................................................................................... 59 PERSONAL CARE AND TOILETRIES................................. 59 FRAGRANCES........................................................................ 59

BON APPETIT Nature heals almost everything: Traditional medicine of Africa............................................ 60

Brain storm Are you ready to challenge your brain.............................. 65

COVER STORY

More Employment in Africa through Business Convergence

Across Africa, online marketplaces are starting to boost incomes, create jobs, and offer new opportunities. These digital platforms could create around 3 million new jobs on the continent by 2025. Along with creating new jobs, they can stimulate skill development, boost supply and demand for goods and services. We suggest an approach that fosters mutual understanding, involves a sharing of resources and builds the right technological infrastructure. Jumia, Uber, Souq, Thundafund, Travelstart and a number of other online markets are starting to increase revenues, create jobs and offer employees new possibilities. is a heated trigger for debate in many developed countries whether such

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platforms merely cannibalize the revenues of brick and mortar companies and undermine job security. However the potential downside of rapid online market expansion in many African regions where the retail sector and formal labour markets are still underdeveloped and the efficiency benefits are substantial.

Online marketplaces could create around 3 million new jobs across Africa by 2025 according to a research analysis

by Boston Consulting Group. They could also boost African economies by expanding the supply of goods and services. These businesses will unlock new demand in remote locations, which will boost consumer spending.

Governments need to create a healthy environment in which these businesses can thrive. Governments need to create a healthy environment in which these businesses can prosper, deliver inclusive economic growth in less served regions and promote national development goals, in order to ensure that online markets realize their full potential. We recommend a three-pronged approach that promotes mutual understanding both of public and private sectors’ opportunities and concerns, involves resource-sharing and builds the right technological infrastructure and management systems.

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COVER STORY

Digital Business

Online markets are digital platforms which essentially communicate with customers with independent third-party suppliers of products and services. For these platforms there are four basic business models: business-to-consumer business-to-business ­ consumer-to-consumer consumer-to-business Platforms such as Jumia, Konga. com,

and Takealot.com

can

serve

as both B2C and B2B marketplaces.

Classified-ad sites OLX and Avito ­ are C2C platforms. South Africa’s Thundafund, a crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs, is an example of a C2B marketplace.

Marketplace

platforms

operate within complex ecosystems that often span many countries. The typical ecosystem includes merchants, customers, and logistics providers, all of whom interact with one another. In Africa, online marketplaces also often employ field agents who recruit and train www.thetimesofafrica.com

merchants and customers who are new

with the product, the customer ships it

to such platforms. Their role is mainly to

back to the merchant through the same

remove friction among users unfamiliar

logistics company and receives a refund.

with the online world. In the typical

If the payment is made electronically,

transaction,

their

the refund is processed through the

products and purchasing information

merchants

offer

online marketplace. Online marketplaces

through the online marketplace. After

can boost economies, especially in

a customer searches the platform

developing African nations by improving

and purchases a product, the logistics

market efficiency and increasing supply

partner delivers the product to the

and demand.

customer. Customers who do not wish to pay electronically in Africa often pay in cash upon delivery. If unsatisfied

Globally, there is a correlation between higher e ­ -commerce penetration and how efficiently

commercial

transactions

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COVER STORY are made. There seems to be a clear

raising

marketplaces

50% more of the time. The large scale

difference in efficiency based on “goods

also make information on buyers and

and dynamic pricing models of such

market ­efficiency” scores published by

sellers more transparent, such as by

marketplaces help them more efficiently

the World Economic Forum between

indicating trustworthiness through the

match supply with demand throughout

African countries in which e-commerce

publication of reviews, reducing the

the day. These tools are especially

accounts for more than 0.5% of retail

time and expense required to verify the

useful in regions where low population

sales and those in which it accounts

reliability of both parties. Hospitality

densities and limited traffic flow can

for less. Similar correlations between

marketplaces, which provide relevant

depress taxi utilization rates.

e-commerce penetration and labour

information and reviews about both

market efficiency are found in the rest

hosts and guests, also exemplify the

of the world, and they grow stronger as

value of online transparency. This is

economies become more developed.

particularly important in Africa, where

As has been shown in regions where

funds.

Online

trust in online transactions remains low.

By creating new ways to reach customers and raise capital, online marketplaces significantly boost the supply of goods and services to meet untapped demand. Conventional hotels

enable

and inns, for example, are limited in

market

assets to be used more productively.

Africa and can be too expensive for

efficiency in several ways. For one, they

Uber vehicles carry passengers for

budget travellers. Airbnb creates new

reduce the number of intermediaries in

30% more of the time they are on the

supply by enabling owners of apartments

commercial transactions by enabling

road compared with conventional taxis,

and houses to rent their residences

merchants to sell directly to consumers.

thanks to the company’s system for

to travellers who otherwise might not

This is especially valuable to merchants

matching drivers and passengers, which

have booked an overnight stay. Such

in Africa, where conventional retail

reduces idle time, according to a 2016

hospitality sites also open up new

channels

study by economists Judd Cramer and

travel destinations without the need

for

Alan B. Krueger. Uber vehicles travelling

for heavy investment in dedicated hotel

example, allow entrepreneurs to bypass

the same distance over the course of

infrastructure.

banks and other intermediaries when

a day as taxis also carry passengers

online marketplaces have proliferated, these

platforms

remain

Crowdfunding

improve

underdeveloped.

marketplaces,

Online

marketplaces

also

New Approach Towards Digital Business The funds required to start or expand

and

economy, because the sales of brick

enterprises via online marketplaces,

financial institutions like Stanbic Bank

and mortar retail channels are simply

especially in areas where access to

and Barclays, Tanzania Bank of Africa

cannibalised. However, recent evidence

capital are limited, are better for small

and CRDB Bank and Uganda. Moreover,

suggests that online markets generate

entrepreneurs.

Auto-Care

for

several online businesses in Africa serve

mainly incremental growth in sales, even

crowdfunding platforms. For example,

in developing economies. In the European

institutions on many African market

in 2017 Thundafund helped raise over

capital, a BCG survey found that only

places. In order to provide small instant

$1.4 million, which financed over 400

19 percent of riding hailing excursions

start-up loans to qualified dealers who

projects. Patrick Schofield, the founder

represented taxi cannibalization.

sell on its website, Jumia, for example,

of Thundafund, also launched Uprise

formed a partnership with the mobile

recently. Africa is a small-scale, $400,

lender industry. Uber also provides

000-$6 million crowdfunding company

financial support of various types.

for small businesses. Many online

Partnerships have been formed with the

sceptics argue that purchases do not

vehicle leasing firms Easyway Leasing,

contribute anything or nothing to the

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looking

Easyway

loans can share their data with financial

10 |

Traders

Egyptian

We believe that Africa will increase the

economic

benefits

of

online

markets and the possible adverse risks to existing companies and employee performance are minimal. This mainly reflects the underdevelopment of many www.thetimesofafrica.com

COVER STORY of the continent’s economies and formal

projects, the GDP of Africa as a whole,

job markets. First of all, it is important

will continue to grow 3% to 4% annually

to consider that the market potential

by 2023. The retail market in Africa is

in Africa is still enormously untapped.

still extremely undeveloped. From the

Whereas GDP growth in the United

outlook, 136 retail outlets were located

States, Europe and Japan averaged 1.7

in Latin America per 1 million in 2018,

per cent from 2007 to 2017, low-income

568 per million in Europe, and 930 in

economies like Ethiopia and the Republic

the United States. Less than 15 formal

of the Congo, as well as middle-income

retail stores per million people were

countries such as Botswana and South

found in Africa. This very low penetration

Africa, increased from 7 to 8% over that

indicates that e-commerce has only

period. The International Monetary Fund

a marginal potential to move current

revenues to the formal retail market.

The

geography

of

the

country,

scarce transport facilities and lean capital markets are preventing the rapid expansion of retail brick and mortar. While Europe has an average distance of 1,300 kilometres from major cities, Africa has a distance of 4,100 kilometres. The cost to bring a product within Europe from the manufacture to an end-user is nearly 90% more costly than that of the outside. The average cost for the logistics industry in Africa is 320 per cent. In Europe, 17% of businesses cite access to finance as a major restriction, while in East Asia, only 11% of businesses cite access as a restriction. 39% of companies in SubSaharan Africa report restricted financial access.

The increase in the use of online platforms has distorted labour markets in developed economies, where labour laws and regulations clearly define themselves for a validated model.

But in Africa, most of the workers are in the informal sector that is largely undocumented. For example, 71% of Nigerian workers are self-employed, and another 9%, according to the International Labor Organization, are employed as family members. In subSaharan Africa, the IMF estimates the informal economy is 38% of GDP. As a result, a large number of Africans are able mainly to develop labour-based standards that align with online workers and employers’ needs. Last but not least, bringing more people into the formal workforce will help governments implement the regulations, measure economic activities better and improve taxation. Official jobs shall provide workers with requisite documents to obtain mortgages and personal loans and check their skills and experience.

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COVER STORY

Job Opportunities Employment generation for Africa as

based on our own estimation of online

concerned. The biggest job gains are

a whole has been an urgent priority, with

retail revenues and expects annual

expected in consumer goods, which will

the population expected to grow to 1.5

revenue growth of 25 % to 30 per cent

account for 58% of the jobs created by

billion by 2025. As of 2015, one-third of

by 2025, in line with recent patterns and

2025 directly or indirectly which will be

the 420 million Africans aged between

growth rates in other regions.

followed by mobility (18%) and travel

15 and 35 years were unemployed, according to the Africa Development Bank. This figure sprang to 85% when those who work in the informal sector were included in the ‘vulnerably employed.’ Our research shows that by 2025 online markets will generate about 3 million new jobs in Africa — approximately one out of 150 African unemployed or one out of 15 unemployed people aged between 15 and 24 years of age. Our estimate is based both on current direct, indirect and inductive jobs and current and projected revenue from online markets in the region. It is also

According to the research analysis

and hospitality (9%).

of BCG about 100,000 African people,

The economic activity generated

including web developers, operators and

by online marketplaces can boost

marketing staff, are directly employed

employment and incomes in several

by online markets. There will be a

ways. It can create entirely new jobs,

million more jobs indirectly created by

stimulate skills development programs,

markets including tradesmen, logistics

and increase demand for goods and

staff, passenger vehicle drivers, hotel

services in locations currently beyond

staff and housekeepers. An additional

the reach of conventional retail networks.

1,8 million jobs would be “driven” or

It can also bring new people into the

generated by the increased online

formal workforce, such as women and

business operation. Car mechanics and

youth, who in some countries have been

cleaners, tour guides and craftspeople

excluded from the labour market.

will be involved in the occupations

Challenges in Africa Although

online

markets

are

economically promising, there are a number of hurdles facing both the public and private sectors. We interviewed executives at online markets in Africa who mentioned four main impediments which have to be overcome before these companies can reach their full potential.

In order for online markets to fulfil their potential to create employment and

Even when online purchases are placed

are unable to reach the destination, 30 to

boost economic growth, significant

it is very difficult to reliably deliver goods

40 per cent of the products ordered are

improvement in communications and

to consumers, particularly via a so-called

returned. Some online markets in India

infrastructure is necessary. Despite the

last mile to buyers’ homes, through poor

are struggling with poor infrastructure

dramatic growth in the last 10 years,

road and rail links between cities or even

to tackle these obstacles by running

only 20% of sub-Saharan Africans are

remote villages. Another problem is poor

their own logistics service in major

internet-connected, which means that

coordination of distribution networks.

cities and forming local partnerships in

the vast majority of consumers can not

Some marketplaces online thus report

smaller cities. The company also tries to

shop online or pay electronically at home.

that from the fact that delivery services

overcome the bottlenecks in its last-mile

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COVER STORY distribution to customers in Africa, as is the case with Ace and Exelot. However, substantial road investments are still necessary.

For online markets in Africa, the current regulatory climate is dull. The legal framework for e-commerce in many countries on the continent has begun to be implemented, as well as guidelines on data protection, consumer protection and online payment. Many consumers

are

therefore

wary

of

electronic transactions, fear of fraud or misuse of data. There is also a great lack of confidence in e-commerce between policymakers. Some African governments are reluctant to open up the traditionally closed sectors to competition via the online market because customers warn that online markets harm their companies. The severity of the problem claimed by certain parties is always exaggerated, even though caution is understandable.

Nevertheless, entry barriers remain high on most of the continent for online marketplaces. Although mobile subscriptions are growing quickly, many Africans lack access to online platforms.

Many consumers in the region can not understand online content or use digital

initiatives in Africa, offer digital talent

is required to enable small businesses

shortage training programmes. Jumia

to access official financial markets and

provides, for example, online training

attract foreign direct investment. In fact,

including video tutorials and tests

according to WAIPA, approximately 40

for pricing, optimization of the search

percent of African nations do not even

engines, inventory management and

have FDI agencies.

order fulfilment. Many countries offer creative ways to fill the digital skills gap, including a school in Morocco, 1337 specialist in computer programming.

However, these initiatives are still not enough to meet the broad needs of the region.

difficult for online markets to build up by the region’s highly fragmented markets and heterogenous legal frameworks.

Meanwhile, the large customs, practices and habits differences require providers

significant

to adjust their value proposals to

high analphabet rates in some African

percentage of small businesses and

numerous local markets. It is also

countries.

entrepreneurs in Africa complain that

difficult for governments in Africa to

limited capital access greatly limits their

expand on-line marketplaces. The risks

ability to expand into online markets.

of losing regulatory control, personal

Of all e-commerce funds collected in

data protection, the possible breakdown

Africa, 90% are focused in 5 countries,

of employment standards, and the

according to the World Association of

threat posed to traditional business

Promotional Agencies (WAIPA), namely

sub-sectors include these concerns.

Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and

There are many nations without clear

South Africa. It is difficult, for example,

e-commerce

to borrow funds from formal financial

in these countries are concerned that

institutions to buy or carry stocks. While

their financial supervision, taxation

certain online markets offer merchant

and regulatory systems might pose

financing of their own, more development

challenges for online markets. Most

technologies

for

transactions

with

There are a number of barriers to growth in online trade-in digital analphabetism in African consumers and providers.

Traders do not know how to adapt their value chains to the digital world. And digital marketers, technology experts, user interfaces and user experience designers and other professional staff need to succeed and also need to look out for online marketplaces outside of Africa. Several online markets, as well as an increasing number of public-private www.thetimesofafrica.com

As

Access to markets in many parts of Africa can also be a challenge. It is

noted

above,

a

frameworks.

Politicians

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COVER STORY policymakers in Africa are unsure how to

sectors in many African economies are

create a spirit of trust and collaboration,

deal with revenues generated by online

protected against the competition, are

the sharing of certain data, actions and

traders and markets. The collection

incentivised by the government or are

benefits is essential. For instance, online

and use of customer information are at

closely regulated. Policymakers worry

markets can exchange aggregated,

the heart of business models in online

about disruptive domestic balances in

anonymous information that benefits

markets.

online markets. In many African nations,

urban growth. A system for certification

for example, the taxi industry is highly

that dealers comply with the right

regulated. These regulations can be

standards, legislation and regulations

avoided by the online mobility markets,

could be part of shared actions. Online

policymakers

new

markets and the public sector might

companies can also cannibalize the taxi

also take joint actions to ensure that

industry. Governments also worry about

opportunities are shared among all

social tension between displaced firms

segments of the public, including those

and employees.

who in the offline world are sometimes

Governments are worried about how online markets will turn the workforce of their nations. Online businesses change traditional job structures and redetermine roles and responsibilities, raising the question of the sustainability of their workflows and whether the training or career opportunity they

worried.

These

need is provided to their employers on

Public sector and online business

a long-term basis. Another concern

cultures will enter into discussions to

is to deprive traders of their ability to

establish a shared understanding of

adapt or challenge decisions that affect

jobs, skills development and inclusive

their businesses in online markets that

growth opportunities. Both sides must

rely on computers instead of human

therefore clearly consider the needs

interactions

and expectations of each other, as well

to

determine

prices,

assignments and assessments.

Some

traditional

business

as the effect that they can achieve. To sub-

excluded. Online markets and public organizations can then work together to build a healthy digital environment, taking measures to eliminate hurdles to online markets and to alleviate public sector concerns. Online markets and government organisations.

For instance, they can work together on skills training programs and the development of techniques, such as digital identity systems, that ensure transparency on platforms on the market. The public and private sectors can also create a framework of coregulation that balances social and political risks with the promise that online marketplaces can create value.

Because of the low online marketplace use across Africa, considerable efforts must be made at many levels in order to ensure that these platforms fulfil their potential for new jobs. This promise relies on the private and public sector’s ability to work together to create the right digital environment. Instead of being considered as forces of chaotic disorder, the development of online markets in an environment that is designed from the very beginning to bring economic and social benefits to everyone.

References: Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

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COVER STORY

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START-UP

Anzisha Prize Hall of Fame: Ten Young African Entrepreneurs!

Ten African entrepreneurs whose improvements to entrepreneurship have begun before the age of 25 are awarded with the Anzisha Award. Entrepreneurs from South Africa , Nigeria, Kenya, Sambia,

Cameroon

and

Egypt

are

presented as honours in the Hall of Fame.

Their inspiring stories and achievements provide young Africans with inspiration and guide. The award thinks that more young people should focus on the entrepreneurial essence of the continent to minimise youth unemployment. The names in this list reflect the award’s long-standing conviction that more people

should

consider

enterprise

as a choice. The Anzishas Prize is a

partnership with African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation.

The inductees are: five female and five male entrepreneurs whose transition from high school or university into entrepreneurship demonstrates the importance of starting early to shape entrepreneurial careers. Six African countries serve various sectors and six different sectors. Some honoraries have faced unemployment problems and, after watching a parent run a small company, many of them have become entrepreneurs.

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START-UP employment through vocational training such as fashion design, interior design, and cooking. She picked interior design and was interested in the business side of that industry. This project was aimed at training unemployed people to run their own tuckshop business.

Baratang approached the project and after completing the course, she was granted R6000. She used the money to buy equipment and fund her interior design business, which had no official name at the time but was fondly called Baratang’s Curtains and had the full trust of her close-knit Klerksdorp community. In 2003, a few years after completing her studies at the University of Cape Town, Baratang’s passion for empowering young women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds led her to create Girl Hype, a coding school for women and girls to take up space in the tech industry. From selling sweets to dedicating a space for women and girls to flourish, success becomes synonymous with anything Baratang starts and how society views her. But in 2007, Baratang was facing some challenging times. She had been working from the age of 18 and her mind and body were telling her enough. Burning out is not rare for entrepreneurs. Most

Baratang Miya

entrepreneurs will experience burnout but some are good at ignoring it until they can’t anymore. This burnout helped Baratang realise the importance of rest and slowing down. She had to take time

At the age of 18, after graduating

years as a salesperson, Baratang was

for herself to re-centre and refocus on

from high school, Baratang tried her

bored and in need of stable employment

things that mattered. Now, at the age

hand at sales. She joined Saleshouse

to provide for her new baby. A friend’s

of 49 and a mother of three, Baratang

and her job was to convince miners to

recommendation led her to the now-

has encouraged her children to pursue

open accounts with the various brands

defunct Department of Manpower, a

entrepreneurship.

linked to the retail company. After three

government initiative aimed at providing

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START-UP

Temitope Ogunsemo Temitope Ogunsemo whose journey as an entrepreneur started when he was just 24 years old. From an early age, Temitope had a deep interest in the world of entrepreneurship. At the age of 23, when he first built the idea of Krystal Digital, Temitope’s first point of call for support was not a bank or a silent investor: it was from family and friends, who not only believed in his vision but spurred him on with some capital of their own. Age should not determine whether or not you should start something. A statement that Temitope believes that every young person should abide by when pursuing entrepreneurship. Today, Krystal Digital is a 3-million-dollar company. Although Temitope and the team have been credited with success, he has had to understand the importance of failure on his entrepreneurial journey and how his understanding has evolved from when he was younger to now.

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START-UP

Njeri Rionge Njeri was 19 years old and working as a hairdresser but would have a ‘side hustle’ that saw her buy yoghurt from a premium yoghurt maker and sell it to schools. Now at the age of 43, as she jogs her memory, she believes that these entrepreneurial adventures set her up for longevity as an entrepreneur today. She started working for a company that sold cleaning detergents, and she would later be crowned the salesperson of the year. Being engaged in entrepreneurship at an early age and developing her understanding of the industry set Njerion the course to being dubbed “a serial entrepreneur” and a leading pioneer in the ICT sector.

She founded Wananchi online -that has since been transformed into Wananchi Group Holdings –one of East Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. ‘Always do what you love’ is a phrase that has become synonymous with success.

However, how far can love take you?

For Njeri, it got her to where she is now and beyond what she ever thought her life would be. As a mother, a spiritual being, a warrior passionate about her continent, she is now, in her words, in her third act. Her legacy, she believes, is slowly building and something grand is about to take place.

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| 19

START-UP

Wandile Zondo He was just 21 years old with only his

matriculation

(a

school-leaving

examination in South Africa), but what he also had was a penchant for unearthing the beauty of second-hand clothing and the desire to build something for the people of the township that raised him. Wandile Zondo is an avid reader of self-help books. Mention any and he has probably read it. From an early age, he has been fascinated by the stories of how people started their journeys and how they became what they are to the masses. Growing up in Soweto, Wandile was exposed to a part of South Africa that is so integral to the historical context of the country.

Vibrant and eclectic, Soweto has seen many great South African tragedies and has produced some of the country’s greatest gems. In 2001, Wandile and his friends capitalised on the lokshin culture.

Lokshin culture explored the intricacies behind township culture in South Africa.

During the years of 2003-2005, Wandile and his friends began doing research about street culture. They attended events. They spoke to neighbours and friends. They situated themselves on the ground. They documented the stories of all those they spoke to and decided to capitalise on that by creating streetwear that told the story of township culture.

In 2007, they opened their first store in Molofo and have vowed to keep their doors open no matter what. For Wandile, his success was a culmination of factors rather than a singular one. It was a mass of support and a desire to want to be and do better for himself, his family and community.

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START-UP

Mutoba Ngoma far as testing the product on his friend’s car. It worked, but lack of funding would make him stop. In 2009, when Zambian Airlines went

under,

Mutoba,

now

aged 25, took a leap of faith to give all his focus to being an entrepreneur and

launching

Tapera

Industries.

Interestingly, before his retrenchment, Mutoba was already selling his products to his colleagues. Now, at the age of 35, Mutoba believes the advantage of starting early is paramount in achieving tangible results in a business. Now that Tapera Industries is doing well, and has received worldwide recognition, Mutoba recalls his early days and the many challenges he had to overcome. For him, the technicalities behind running Tapera Industries were what stood out the most, along with the fact he had to wear many hats in the business. To combat any shortcomings of knowledge about operating equipment and running a business, Mutoba obtained a Diploma in manufacturing. He also received entrepreneurship training as part of the SIDA-funded International Labour Organization (ILO) Youth Employment Project in the country. This helped him in developing a business that would While

working

Zambian

the UK, Mutoba became interested

Airlines, MutobaNgoma decided

in the renewable energy industry.

to leave and try his hand at being

He was just 21 years old and

an

had

entrepreneur.

at

This

would

obtained

Zambia’s changing economy.

Through his works and recognitions

aeronautical

from around the world, he hopes society

He would

can begin to perceive youth in Zambia

‘entrepreneur’. Upon his return to

process vegetable oil to be used

as a more proactive population that can

Zambia after leaving to study in

as a biodiesel for cars. He got as

help address global challenges.

not be the first time he was an

engineering

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an

not only thrive but evolve alongside

degree.

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| 21

START-UP

Rapelang Rabana Rapelang’s first foray into the world of entrepreneurship came at the age of 22 when she was adamant about not getting a job. She had just graduated from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Computer Sciences and developed one of the country’s first VOIP applications called Yiego (2007).

Yiego can be likened to modern-day WhatsApp and Viber calls. At that time, she was producing innovative software that many had not discovered in the country let alone the world. In 2014, Rapelang started Rekindle Learning, an innovative learning & development company

providing

mobile

and

computer learning applications that enable a broad range of knowledge to be quickly entrenched and mastered.

While Rapelang entered the world of entrepreneurship at an early age, her trajectory has given her enough time now, at the age of 38, to reflect on what she would tell her younger self to motivate her to continue. By the age of 30, Rapelang’s successes had come knocking on her door. She featured on Forbes 30 under 30; she had started her own business and was moulding herself into a reputable entrepreneur.

Rapelang’s hunger for walking to the beat of her own drum has not died down. Instead, it has been fuelled by her interest in connecting the possibilities of tech with a continent that is full of unrivalled potential.

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START-UP

Ntuthuko Shezi By the age of 26, Ntuthuko Shezi had started nine businesses. At the age of 7, Ntuthuko already had a taste of the entrepreneurial world.

His mum was very ‘entrepreneurial’ as she was a school teacher who supplemented

her

income

by

selling sweets, fried fish and local pastries.

Livestock Wealth is business number 14 for Ntuthuko. It is an asset management firm with a twist. The assets managed by the company are cows, which are kept on three farms in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

With years of experience as an entrepreneur, imparting knowledge to those who want to venture into entrepreneurship, Ntuthuko Shezi is where you can start. As the world’s reliance continues to shift to agriculture, there is a need to not only showcase entrepreneurship as a possible career choice but one that is exciting and integral to the social fabric of communities.

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THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 23

START-UP

Musa Kalenga Like student,

any

19-year-old Musa

University

Kalenga

was

interested in having fun during his years at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. Therefore, when he and his friends gathered to seriously pursue their first business venture, Monatefellaz, it came as a shock to those who knew him well. Having just started first year of University, Musa was already thinking about entrepreneurship as a way to work for himself and become his own boss. He had the “age-old” desire to become a “millionaire by 30”.

Musa’s growth as an entrepreneur took an ‘organic’ approach. “Our first job was with one of the top four banks. We had to research the youth (market) and produce solutions around savings and investments in order to build market share and teach them how to save,” he says. “Since that first campaign, everything just seemed to pick up and we got more and more jobs.”

Challenges are inevitable during the entrepreneurial journey, for Musa it was being young and black and dealing with imposter syndrome that would cause him to self-doubt and question his chosen path.“I didn’t know running a business or being an entrepreneur was a thing. I didn’t have that glamourous view of entrepreneurship as it is defined today. It was a bonus for people to pay to solve a problem,” he muses.

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START-UP

Jessy Bityeki

customers

for

telecommunications

such as routers, computers etc. she saw it as an opportunity to provide the equipment. In 2016, when she decided to resign and focus solely on her business. You would think that after

When Jessy Bityeki decided to become an entrepreneur at the age of 24, her mother was sceptical. To placate her mother, Jessy worked at a big corporation while running her business Queen Service –a service company

12 years of running Queen Service her mother would’ve warmed up to the fact that entrepreneurship was what Jessy was truly passionate about. That same year, Jessy transitioned Queen Service into Vox-Pop –a digital marketing agency.

selling telecommunications equipment.

With a deep desire to improve

In 2004, Jessy was an employee at a

her community coupled with a ‘can-

telecommunications company. After

do’ attitude, Jessy’s transition into

noticing the growing need amongst

entrepreneurship has been a journey of

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both self-discovery and an eagerness to try new things. When reflecting on why she started she had this to say: “Entrepreneurship is something you feel. But you have so many questions and doubts plaguing your mind that eventually, you reach a point where you have to just try.”As she’s grown her business acumen skills, she is quick to highlight the power of networking. “I wished I had known when I was younger what it meant to keep people in your circle. I was overconfident and thought I could do everything myself,” she says laughing lightly. “That is not how business works. Networking can fling open some doors you thought were closed.”

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| 25

START-UP

Dina el Mofty Recognised as one of Egypt’s most influential entrepreneurs, Dina el Mofty Career as an entrepreneur is enviable.

But before she created a successful business and impacted the lives of many young people, her decision to become an entrepreneur wasn’t as grandiose as one might think. “I just wanted to do something that had a purpose and had an impact. It wasn’t about entrepreneurship per say. I was very passionate about education at the time,” she says. So, starting her own business at 24 seemed like a good launching point.

Injaz Egypt is a non-profit organisation empowering youth to reach their full potential and

by

becoming

entrepreneurs.

hands-on

By

educational

employees delivering

programs

in

Financial Literacy, Work Readiness, and Entrepreneurship, Injaz partners with

businesses

and

educational

institutions across the country to supplement school curriculums with programs designed to expand the potential

of

students

and

young

graduates. Establishing an organisation like Injaz is no easy feat. At the time of starting the business, 24-year-old Dina had recently gotten married and was pregnant with her first baby. Technically, she had two babies on the way.

enthusiasm for entrepreneurship is

an entrepreneurial mindset will help you

evident in her work at Injaz and it’s

overcome any challenges or problems

one of the main reasons she believes

you might face later on in life.” In terms

A year after Injaz was launched, Dina

the entrepreneurial mindset should be

of becoming an entrepreneur, Dina had

was joined by Dahlia Helaly, who started

encouraged. Even if she does believe

this to say: “It’s a fantastic opportunity

off working as a temp in the business,

that not everyone can become an

to have your own thing. Not everyone

later becoming partner. With two

entrepreneur. In her view, “It’s a charater

is going to be as driven or willing to

women heading such an organisation

thing. I like promoting entrepreneurship

suffer for their business. Of course,

came a set of challenges, namely that

because it really helps with your

entrepreneurship can be taught. But it’s

they were young and female. Dina’s

mindset when you are younger. Having

not for everyone.”

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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY

Highlights of Madagascar!

Telma and Ericsson launch commercial 5G services Telma

to manage two big 5 G cases of mobile

Telma. In the 3.6-3.7Ghz medium band,

Madagascar said on June 30th, 2020

Mobile

network

provider

broadband (eMBB) and fixed wireless

the operator controlled the 5 G network

in collaboration with the Swedish

(FWA) applications for the Madagascar

using the new Ericsson Radio System

telecoms

region.

radio link and transport goods. Ericsson now has 41 5 G live networks in 24

now based in Antananarivo’s capital

Telma said that it can provide new user interfaces with improved capacitance, higher data rates and decreased latency, from game to IoT and business applications. In addition , technology would benefit greatly

cities and Toamasina, allowing Telma

from healthcare and education, added

G deals.

manufacturer

Ericsson,

it successfully launched the 5 G commercial network in Madagascar. In October 2019, Terlma chose Ericsson to upgrade its core and radio network in Madagascar. 5 G network that is

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countries with Telma ‘s introduction.

The live networks of Ericsson are a part of 95 5 G commercial contracts or foreign contracts between Ericsson and operators, 55 of which are released in 5

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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY

In the Index of Economic Freedom 2020 The economic freedom score of Madagascar is 60.5 which makes it the 99th most free economy in the 2020 ranking. Its total score has risen by 3.9 points as the judicial efficiency and property rights have increased.

Madagascar is eighth in the Sub-Saharan Africa region among 47 nations, with a

The Government’s aim is to maintain

growth has also risen. In order to achieve

cumulative score much higher than the

economic growth through a structural

these goals, the government must

national average and round the world

reform agenda aimed at increasing

reinforce the rule of law, flexible the labor

average. After three years this year,

investment capacity and reducing the

market and preserve political stability in

Madagascar ‘s economy returned to the

financial risks associated with its state-

order to raise investor trust.

ranks of the reasonably free.

owned power and water utilities. GDP

From African Economic Outlook 2020 In 2019, the real GDP growth is

increased, rising from 3.5 % of GDP in

priority in favor of public spending. The

estimated at 5.2%. The primary sector is

2015 to 8.3% in 2019, infrastructural

central bank has increased its gross

dominated by traditional farming, which

requirements are still inadequate.

official reserves inprudent monetary

is highly vulnerable to climate change (droughts, cyclones), and has a 22.4 percent share in 2019. In a changing climate, the share of the secondary sector has fallen from 18.5% in 2015 to 21.3% in 2019 in export companies (extractive industries in the export processing zone). The tertiary sector (0.8 point growth), the largest in the economy and 58 percent of GDP in

In 2018, the budget deficit, 1.5% of GDP, rose to 2.4% in 2019 and is expected to grow to 4.1% by 2020 and to 4.9% by 2021. After a surplus of 0.8%

According to the IMF, the possibility of unsustainable external debt , high in 2015, was reduced. Between 2015 to and were 8.6% in 2018, slowly declining

where informal activity (trade, transport)

to 6.2% in 2019. Actually the growth of

is concentrated.

Through rising tax

GDP in infrastructure investment (port,

revenues, public finances increased to

airport, roads and energy) is expected

an estimated 12.2% of GDP in 2019 , up

to be 5.3 percent in 2020, and 5.1

from 10.5% in 2015. While government

percent in 2012. The creation of further

investment

government resources should be a high

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and 5.8% in 2021.

in 2020 to 1.5% and 2021 to 2.4%.

2019, inflationary pressures were high

gradually

expected to decrease to 6.1% in 2020

shifted to 0.2% by 2019 and is projected

is driven by the least productive sectors

has

vs 2.4 months in 2015) . Inflation is

of GDP in 2018 , the current account

2019, has not changed significantly but

spending

policies (4.3 months of import in 2019

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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY

The economy remains highly dependent on imported commodities (food, intermediate, oil), which account for more than 71% of imports. The highest value-added export products are small-scale agriculture (vanilla, cloves, cocoa beans), though the food industry remains underdeveloped (just 2% of GDP). The structural constraints of the sector (accountability, finance, energy), instability in areas of production or difficult land and financing access have not been eased by public policies. In agriculture, almost 80 % of the population works on subsistence crops (rice, cassava, maize) and the employment of this sector is largely poor, with substantial underemployment.

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THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 31

JOURNALIST OF AFRICA

32 |

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CORPORATE

HEAL AND BLISS Heal ‘&’ Bliss is a professionally managed organization providing healthcare solutions at affordable rates. Facilitating variegated services

What heal and bliss can provide to Africa?

•

in the diagnosis and treatment of foreign international patients in India, this establishment ensures to provide first-world services at third-world rates. Setting up of hospitals & diagnostic centres on a turnkey basis is

including tie-ups with hospitals •

areas through mobile health units, mobile diagnostic units and holding specifically camps is our inherent objective.

Bringing doctors to Africa for providing treatment and training

another forte of Heal & Bliss. Providing solutions to increase the reach and effectiveness of the healthcare delivery system in underserved

Patient referral for medical tourism

•

Integrated Medical Management Solutions

•

Hospital, Clinic and integrated healthcare technology

•

Long term training, management and maintenance courses

•

Establishment of new diagnosis centres

•

Setting up of telemedical facilities

•

Establishment of super speciality hospital

•

Supply of Medical equipment

•

Supply & setting up of pharmaceutical industry

•

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Preventive healthcare program

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| 33

CORPORATE Fitch Solutions reports that the US

billion North Africa will be 8.7%. Major

have all types of healthcare ranging

$182.9 billion health care market of the

initiatives are undertaken in North Africa

from preventive health conductive

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

since the 1980s to improve the health

treatment to rehabilitation and

region is expected to expand to 261.1

sector and investments in medical care,

curative treatments including all

billion US dollars at a constant exchange

vaccination, water access and improved

types of surgeries

rate of 13.6 percent compound annual

nutrition have decreased infant and

growth rate ( CAGR) by 2023. By

maternal

2023, the CAGR area in the USD 30.5

expectancy.

We as health tourism providers

•

Minimally invasive surgeries:(Robotic, Endoscopic

mortality

and

longer life

and Laparoscopic) •

Transplant surgeries

•

Replacement surgeries

•

Cardiac surgeries

•

Cosmetic surgeries

•

Advanced oncology treatment and prevention including oncosurgery, Radiation oncology, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy

•

Dental treatments

•

Infertility treatments

Major pointers according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) •

Rapid socio-economic changes

•

Demographic transitions- increase of juvenile population

•

A population which started ageing and

•

The evolution of lifestyles - New consumption trends, new diseases and new needs have been developed, which is a “present” challenge for countries in the region.

The ECA argues that healthcare

to health inequality. In fact, the ability of

diversification

systems need to establish a clear

the private sector to improve the public

medical specialties to new demands,

vision and plan, reform and introduce

health system should be better explored.

development of job opportunities in

more inclusive policies to support

The reforms also suggest that regional

medical and paramedical sectors, etc.) in

medical spending, and achieve universal

policymakers will tackle the issue of the

compliance with ECA.

coverage to address these current

health infrastructure and human capital

challenges , particularly those related

(access and proximity to healthcare,

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THE TIMES OF AFRICA

and

adaptation

of

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CORPORATE

Africa Program for Enterprises Development: Youth Employment

by the continent’s youth unemployment would lead to sustainable economic development,

rendering

Africa

‘s

demographic dividend economic. The majority of young people working in the informal sector face their own problems.

The lack of wage employment forces young people into the informal sector, which is estimated to constitute almost 80% of jobs in some countries. Young people and women are far more likely to be working in the informal sector than other groups.

The biggest obstacle they face is the lack of structured employment, and 90% of Africa ‘s youth live in low and medium income countries. 10 to 15 percent of young people working, have wage jobs, while 30-50 percent are unemployed. In comparison, countries with higher middle incomes such as Algeria and South Africa have raised pay and lower vulnerable jobs, but still high unemployment levels with almost one in five young people unemployed.

Data source from: African development Bank Group

Youth is the biggest asset in Africa. The

third is vulnerable and only one in six

young population in Africa is increasing

is working for wage reasons. Juvenile

rapidly, and is estimated to increase to

unemployment is nearly double that of

more than 830 million by 2050. If properly

adults, with major country variations.

utilized, this rise in the population of the

The problem is not just unemployment,

working age will help rise productivity

but underemployment, which hits a peak

and increase sustainable economic

in low-income countries at just over half

development across the continent.

of the population.

Today, however, most African young people do not have stable economic opportunities. One third of the African youths of almost 420 million aged 1535 are unemployed and depressed, a www.thetimesofafrica.com

There is therefore an immediate need to build young people’s resources with tremendous potential impacts.

Tackling the many factors exacerbated

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| 35

CORPORATE Why choose APED? The Africa Program for Enterprises Development (APED) is an initiative to impart basic training in business and

entrepreneurial

management

skills in various verticals and provide equipment to the learner even after the training is complete, so that the individual can self-employed and remain competitive

within

the

respective

business environment. The program is managed under v, which in its original form stands for Local Entrepreneur Skill Development and Educational Program.

It commenced in 2010 as a skill centre project that emanated from publicprivate partnership under the patronage of the relevant ministry. Similar programs have been implemented for youth development in India and various African countries including Ghana, Senegal, Rwanda, Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon.

feature of APED is that it deals directly in of equipment to them. The underlying objective of APED is to prepare the young generation for the realities and complexities

of

entrepreneurialism.

and the youth a platform that caters to

specialized

job-oriented

Technical education-driven and value-added training programs

•

Market-oriented learning modules

•

Apprentice-based training by experienced faculty with a pragmatic approach

•

Classes are conducted in environments similar to the working conditions in the industry

•

Latest equipment, methodologies and infrastructure are at the disposal of the students

•

Hands-on training allows practical exposure to the candidates that no theoretical concept can match

•

Training manuals in English are provided along with machines that are supplied and installed

•

Sessions to unleash individual’s potential to probe issues and hone creative talents

training

irrespective of their formal education, encompassing facets - from learner acquisition to business development for the prospective entrepreneurs. With precise resources, apt course curriculum and hands-on training equipment, we make the learners self-reliant, and equip them to face and change any odd challenges into survival conditions.

We work in the equitable direction to bridge the widening fleabag between those who have access to opportunities and those who are increasingly being marginalized from the ‘new economy’ jobs. Last but not the least, we facilitate self-exploration by the apprentice of his/

with opportunities and new challenges.

her inner potential by devoting exclusive

Accordingly, they need to become more

life-skill sessions that include self-

dynamic, more innovative and even

evaluation exercises and group/industry

more skilful in order to successfully

interactions aimed at better equipping

navigate through challenges and meet

the trainees to face industry’s practical

these new opportunities. An important

aspects.

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•

Through this program, we provide women

Today’s entrepreneurs are confronted

36 |

APED delivers training excellence by several distinctive

training and skilling people and provision

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CORPORATE What APED has accomplished: In GHANA: The skill development program initiated its specialized training in trade under the patronage of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ghana. The program has been successfully revered across 170 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana.

In BURKINA FASO: Under the valuable guidance of H.E. Ambassador of Burkina Faso in India, Mr. Idriss Ouedraogo, Indocorp signed an agreement for the benefit of enterprises in Burkina Faso. Training in Sewing machines, Mobile repairing kits and Medical health kits.

In RWANDA: Indocorp signed an MoU for youth development in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Government of Rwanda, in the year 2013 for delivering training in Butter processing, Cheese processing, Electrical home appliance repairing and Irish potato processing.

In NIGER:

Indocorp signed an MoU for enterprise advancement with the Ministry of Training and

Employment, Niger in the year 2013 to start its operations in the country. As per the same, training was conducted in Mobile Phone Repairing and Tailoring

In GUINEA CONAKRY: Indocorp signed an MoU for youth employment in the year 2013 to start its operations in Guinea Conakry under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth Employment and Sports of the Republic of Guinea Conakry. This was done to provide training and skills development to youth for eliminating unemployment, developing the human resource capacity of the youth and women in Guinea Conakry.

In SENEGAL: Indocorp initiated its campaign for skill development program in Senegal, in partnership with the Ministry of Vocational Training in the year 2013 and successfully completed training with various agencies under the auspices of the ministry. This paved the pathway for many youth development agencies in Senegal.

In CAMEROON: Indocorp signed an MoU for enterprise development with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Cameroon in 2013. This was followed by a convention that was signed with the Republic of Cameroon in 4 different regions to train 800, 000 people in various verticals.

In INDIA: Indocorp signed a consensus for this program with the Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, Government Development Institute (MSME -DI) in Haldwani, India to start its pilot project. As per the subject MOU, Mobile Phone Repairing training sessions were conducted in Haldwani. All the beneficiaries were trained successfully and a graduation ceremony was held for the same.

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| 37

WEBINAR

Digitalisation to transform agriculture in Africa and respond to COVID19 people

chains, in particular smallholders’ staple

technologies, we have to look to reality

attended the first of four webinars

Recently,

almost

500

crops, and creating digital channels that

too.” This includes tackling small-scale

organized by the FAO Investment Center

allow connections between the actors in

farmers across the continent’s relatively

and the African Development bank

the value-chain.

weak adoption and closing the digital

on Transforming agriculture in Africa through digitalisation. The participation speaks to the popularity of the topic and the relative facility and efficacy of getting many people together digitally to exchange information, perspectives and lectures on the advantages of digitalization. “New technology changed the globalized economy before the COVID-19 crisis and agrifood systems were part of the transition. This pattern has intensified with COVID-19, “says Mohamed Manssouri, Director of the FAO Investment Centre.

Digital technology will help to make the most of inputs and climate-intelligent

In particular among rural communities,

farming, enhance access to the market,

digital transformations in agriculture

and increase transparency, speed and

involve the “3 Cs” of cost, capability

the efficiency of transactions and

and contents. “We need to make sure

boost food safety and quality, as well as

that the costs aren’t a barrier and that

traceability to finance and livestock and

the content is appropriate, localized

crop insurance. Yet agriculture remains

and workable and small-scale farmers

one of the world ‘s least digitised

are able to embrace and use digital

industries. The spread of COVID-19 in

consultancy

Africa, as it does the rest of the planet,

items.”

has disturbed agrifood systems. Key supply chains have been cut off, markets closed and labor shortages have been

The webinars discuss rapid digital

reduced. Farmers neglect the seasons of

reactions to COVID-19 disruptions and

planting, while corporations face liquidity

look at what is required for a digital

restrictions. The demand for hotels ,

agriculture transition in the continent.

restaurants and catering has waned

“Efforts to make agri-food systems

and customer preference has moved

more

inclusive

to those with longer shelf lives from

and sustainable in the future must

highly pereced foods such as fruit and

be catalyzed on both the policies and

vegetables, meat and seafood. Digital

investment

technologies such as mobile payments

competitive,

fronts

more

for

digitisation,”

Manssouri says.

The first webinar set the stage for national governments , the private

and e-commerce platforms may help to ease such disruptions, especially in the short term.

sector, farmers and organizations such

According to FAO Investment Officer

as FAO and African Development Bank.

Gerard Sylvester, the pandemic slowly

Dr Martin Fregene, Agricultural and Agro-

shifts from emergency response to

Industry Director, spoke of catching

recovery and resilience. “In rural areas,

the ‘wave of interest in the ‘leap frog’

financial inclusion is game change,”

of decades of limited investment in

he said. “While we are positive about

ICT, infrastructure and commode value

the possibilities provided with digital

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divide in gender.

and

other

information

Dr Ed Mabaya, Head of the Banking Directorate for Agri-Business, spoke in his lecture about developments in Africa, including population growth, the rising Middle class, a rising youth and evolving diets. The food market in Africa is predicted to be USD 1 trillion by 2030. “While Africa has yet to witness the green revolution in other parts of the world, we believe that the Bank is well placed to benefit from the digital revolution,” he said. “There can be a new green movement in Africa, addressing some of the challenges and weaknesses in the entire value chain, from product supply to the customer,” he said.

He noted 365 ICT and digital solutions active in the agricultural sector in Africa since 2018 reaching some 32.7 million smallholders

(CTA,

2018)

including

leading mobile money networks like Kenya’s M-PESA. At Tokyo International

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| 41

WEBINAR Conference on Afro-growth in August

COVID-19 for the digital transformation

encourage more digital use, especially by

2019, the African Development Bank,

of African agriculture. This included

small-scale producers. Bundling digital

officially launched its Flagship in the

digital monitoring of participants in the

services,

field of digital agriculture, sees a unique

supply chain, mobile payment and e-

and open interoperability systems may

position as an enabling environment

commerce. Technology, including the

contribute to building financially viable

for making digital solutions accessible

use of social media, should be easy. In

supply capacity. Other models are being

across Africa through public-sector

the context of convergence, scalability

studied, such as business-to - business,

investment. The Bank is also focused

and viability, including data governance,

business-to-government and business-

on enhancing digital literacy, capacity

digital financial products, digital identity

to - consumer. Virtual integration of the

building and promotion of public-private

systems, e-contracts and e-extension

suppliers on the demand side may be

partnerships for all stakeholders in the

services, they also address the policies

necessary to create a critical mass and

ecosystem.

and regulations needed.

appropriate demand for multiple digital

The panelists described important and

Finally, they talked about business

promising investments during and after

models and collaborations that would

challenges

for

innovation

services.

Panellists Wuraola Jinadu, Business Development Manager, Vodacom Business, Nigeria

Benito Eliasi, Programme Officer for the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SAC

Myriam Said, Digital Adviser, Office of the Prime Minister, Ethiopia

Chris Lukolyo, Digital Country Lead,UN Capital Development FUND, Uganda

Mao Yohannes, ICT Project Team, 80-28 Hotline, Agricultural Transformation Agency, Ethiopia

Benjamin Addom, Team Leader, ICT for Agriculture, CTA (provided closing remarks)

42 |

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

www.thetimesofafrica.com

JOURNALIST OF AFRICA

Tribute to unconventional Journalist of Africa political publication in her native country.

Anyanwu was arrested in 1995 for a failed coup d’etat against the Sani Abacha regime. She was awarded the

International

Women’s

Media

Foundation Courage in Journalism during her incarceration. She has also received the CPJ International Press Freedom Award and the Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize from UNESCO. Anyanwu was released from jail in 1998 and moved to Virginia where she wrote Image of journalist and senator,

Florida State University. After training,

“Days of Terror.” She launched a radio

Chris Anyanwu

she moved back to Nigeria and worked

station called Hot 98.3 FM in Abuja in

Photo Credit: NewsWireNGR

as a news anchor and reporter for the

2005. She ran as a candidate of the

Nigerian Television Authority and Imo

People’s Democratic Party to the Senate

Broadcasting Company. In 1985 she

to decide that she would make more

Chris Anyanwu: Chris Anyanwu: “Chris,”

became Imo State Commissioner of

waves as a politician than as a journalist.

66, Nigerian journalist, activist, writer and

Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and

Anyanwu has made seven motions as a

publisher. She obtained her Journalism

Social Welfare. After her appointment,

Senator, including a bill on Occupational

Bachelor from Missouri University and a

she became the editor-in-chief and

Health and Safety.

Master of Mass Communications from

publisher of The Sunday Magazine, a

Amal Habani Photo Credit: Barbara Diet

Amal Habani: Habani has no problem expressing her concern about the Sudanese society with the titles of journalist and activist. She has been detained, fired and discriminated against because she has decided to stand up to the plight of women in her home country.

In 2008 she founded the NO Women’s Oppression Initiative, together with her colleagues. The voice of Habani is particularly relevant in view of the strict policies of Sudan against free speech. The nation ranks 174 out of 180 in the freedom of the media, according to Africa News. www.thetimesofafrica.com

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 43

FACE-TO-FACE

Theme: Wildlife and Nature in Africa- 2020 Situation animals. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of many wildlife parks in many countries. With reduced numbers of tourists visiting wildlife parks, there are fewer vehicles driving around to deter poachers. Also, in many parts of Africa, the lack of tourism affects the Anti-Poaching

Units.

Anti-Poaching

Units are mostly funded by the “bed nights’ ‘ occupied by tourists in a safari lodge. No tourism, no “bed nights,” no Anti-Poaching Units protection on that reserve. So this is not good news for the wildlife that desperately needs protection. If an anti-poaching ranger prevents an attack on animals, it means those animals will not be killed and brought into the illegal wildlife trade. This pandemic has disrupted tourism revenue of many countries.

Q2.

Has there been an increase

in wildlife poaching due to global lockdowns?

A2. In fact, many of the threats facing biodiversity and protected areas have been exacerbated during and following the Covid-19 outbreak. The COVID-19

Interviewee: KAMGA Marc Anselme, Environmental Manager Amal Habani Interviewer: Atlanta Mahanta, Sr. Multimedia Journalist, THE TIMES OF AFRICA

44 |

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

Q1. What impacts of COVID-19 on the conservation of threatened species have been observed?

pandemic has put most people on lockdown all over the world, and many are unemployed. When impoverished people cannot eat or pay bills, they frequently

A1.

The Covid19’s economic, social

turn to poach. They either consume

and health impacts have been globally

the bushmeat themselves or sell more

devastating to say the least. The

valuable wildlife on the illegal market

frustration conservationists have felt

and that is what is actually happening

over wildlife markets is now being felt

in Africa. So there is an increase in

across the world, leading the public to

poaching incidents since the beginning

demand change in the global trade of

of this pandemic.

www.thetimesofafrica.com

FACE-TO-FACE countries in the continent, with no

Q3.

How

indigenous

is

COVID-19

peoples

affecting

and

local

timeline in sight, Indigenous peoples who already face food insecurity, as a result of the loss of their traditional lands

communities?

and territories, confront even graver

A3.

It has been noticed that the

coronavirus

pandemic presents

a new threat to the health and survival of Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world.

Indigenous peoples largely fall outside any formal social protection systems and few have access to medical and financial support in times of crisis. In Africa particularly, Indigenous peoples already experience a high degree of socio-economic marginalization and are at disproportionate risk in public health

challenges in access to food. With the loss of their traditional livelihoods, which are often land-based, many Indigenous peoples

who

occupations

work

in

and

traditional subsistence

economies or in the informal sector are negatively affected by the pandemic.

The situation of indigenous women, who are often the main providers of food and nutrition to their families, is even critical.

vulnerable during this global pandemic.

ecosystem is naturally interconnected.

They have significantly higher rates of

In my own view ZOO culture is not

communicable and non-communicable

a

diseases than their non-indigenous

conservation. In fact, zoos can’t provide

counterparts, high mortality rates and

the required space to the animals. I will

lower life expectancies. The contributing

say those wild animals should not be held

factors that increase the potential

in captivity because we have no moral

for high mortality rates caused by

right as a species to let animals suffer

COVID-19 in indigenous communities

just because we are curious about them.

include mal – and undernutrition, poor

Captive breeding is not really effective,

access to sanitation, lack of clean

yet let’s recognize that, in a world beset

water, and inadequate medical services.

by climate change, habitat loss and

As lockdowns continue in numerous

soaring human numbers, zoos provide

www.thetimesofafrica.com

even

sustainable

solution

to

Q5.

How do we tackle the conflict

between human and wildlife?

A5. Ending the illegal wildlife trade can be a good step for our governments, but whether the illegal wildlife trade is reduced or not, rangers must always be able to protect wildlife. Rangers are the first line of defence against people who want to kill wildlife. More than ever, a new system of management and governance of wildlife is urgent in Africa; one that is able to respond to this key challenge. The effective

A4. The habitat of human, animals in the

becoming

species.

in a systematic and integrated way

Q4. Your opinion on ZOO culture?

more

emergencies,

protection for the world’s endangered

animal

integrated management of wildlife will permit the transformation of human lives and significantly reduce conflict.

As a continent endowed and dependent on natural resources; sustainability for Africa should be oriented towards restoring landscapes and protecting biodiversity. Nothing short of a revolution in attitudes will suffice in solving the problem. Behavioural change, adopting a

conservation

lifestyle,

increased

investment in wildlife protection, political momentum, and concerted local action, are needed to conserve our threatened species.

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 45

FACE-TO-FACE

Theme: Sustainable Development in Africa world challenges. And why did the UN come up with this issue of sustainable development? The previous Millennium Development

Goals

(MDGs)

which

was adopted in 2000, was insisting on economic development so as to eradicate poverty and improve livelihood of

people.

It

emphasized

nations

and states to ensure that they take different initiatives such as increasing investment,

investing

in

industrial

development and other initiatives which will revamp their economies and improve lives. This agenda had great success as many countries increased production, international trade of local products, and improved other aspects of people’s life. The only challenge with MDGs was sustainability, due to the fact that strategies employed and resources used such as energy were not sustainable to the extent of creating a serious problem in the coming years. For instance, in fishing industries, use of small nets traps very small fishes which in turn, after some years, there will be shortage of fishes in different parts of the world.

Interviewee: Joseph Brighton Malekela UN Youth Champion of Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs and Eastern Africa Regional Director of Africa-Asia Youth Foundation - AAYFO Interviewer: Atlanta Mahanta, Sr. Multimedia Journalist, THE TIMES OF AFRICA

46 |

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

Q1.

Also, use of non-renewable energy like What are some of the Challenges

to Sustainable Development in Africa?

A1.

petroleum in motor vehicles and coal in industries causes a serious challenge of

First,

let’s

understand

greenhouse

gasses

immersions

this

and destruction of our very valuable

concept of sustainable development.

ozone layer. So coming to the concept

This concept means having various

of sustainability, they meant that the

development initiatives in a country

development process should be handled

without compromising the ability of the

in a way which won’t compromise

future generation to get development.

the hope of the future generation. I

The Sustainable Development Goals

think all of these issues of resource,

(SDGS) Agenda is the commitment of

when we speak about sustainable

the United Nations adopted in 2015

development,

to ensure that, by 2030 we realize the

developing country, it doesn’t mean we

sustainable progress to 17 identified

just think of industrialization, it is more

for

instance,

as

www.thetimesofafrica.com

a

FACE-TO-FACE than upgrading technology and other

and cheap export and technology from

about the whole economy for the country.

facilities. In Africa, the major challenge

China, other countries like India also have

For the past 10 years, I think it’s best to

to sustainable development is energy.

business opportunities in Africa. But in

make sure that things seem to move

The accessibility of renewable and clean

this process, there should be a certain

once was typical to one another in terms

energy such as gas, wind energy, water-

percentage of local workers in Chinese-

of development. I don’t have specific

electricity is quite difficult compared to

financed projects who are learning how

data for each country that specifically

non-renewable energy such as fuel and

things are happening so that they won’t

is moving forward, but most of these

coal in industries. Another challenge is

be dependent forever.

countries are progressing to make sure that in terms of human development,

investment in youths. Although there has been drastic change, there should

Q3.

Is the whole continent equally

like in education, women empowerment,

be more investment and inclusion of

progressing or are only a few countries?

health sectors etc are improved. Some

youths in the development decision

I would like to highlight another point,

countries which have good and visionary

making process. Bringing youths on

if we take an example of South Africa,

leadership are becoming an example for

decision-making processes will ensure

which is more developed compared to

other countries in Africa. Countries like

that they understand what is going on,

other countries, how mainstream media

Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria have good

what the development direction is taken

is presenting data more collectively and

leaders who are leading to have promising

by the country and what is supposed

generalising the continent. What about

progress of development. And I believe

to be done when they take over leading

other countries than S. Africa?

that if these countries will proceed to strong selfless leadership, we shall see

the countries. I understand there are

more development processes in Africa

different initiatives and approaches to

A3: So what do we know when we say

youth inclusion in African countries, but

progress? I think we are talking about

if we don’t have enough young people in

the whole development, and it will help

the Decision-Making we won’t be sure

each individual country. I mean, how

Q4. How do we improve the quality of

of the future. Other general problems

these countries are rich, they have good

growth and create jobs in Africa?

are network services, infrastructure and

leaders and financial support with urban

climatic conditions

planning projects. But how did the people

A4.

have the social contract and support the

everywhere; it is a world’s challenge.

local business and the trade between

Government

countries? So I think you are speaking

initiatives to create jobs apart from

Q2. What role does China play in Africa’s economic development?

and it will be a promising progress.

The problem of unemployment is can

create

different

A2. Well, as you know, China is one of the very powerful economies in the world, so most of African countries are financed by China in different development projects.

Aspects of materials for constructions, technology and capital from China are very helpful to developing countries.

However, I think this support should be for the purpose of stabilizing the African economy, getting experience in advanced technology from some genuine sources and developing local capacity.

I believe that Africa is dependent on China in many sectors but also continues to learn on how China is doing. When our country depends on raw materials

www.thetimesofafrica.com

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 47

FACE-TO-FACE leadership and governance, especially

make students more capable. It should

country and you can’t see any reason not to finance it. But then they say, it depends to get support from the World Bank, the international donors, and sometimes, in the end, we fail to get it. So for me, I think

make them independent. Also, their

that the approach needs to be changed

proper management and transparency

competence, knowledge and education

towards developing projects, sustainable

and accountability to people on issues

that youths have obtained in informal

development and sustainable products.

of how to handle these funds. I think

education should be utilized to create

Leadership becomes flexible if you can

if we improve the issue of leadership,

jobs for themselves. In the private

mobilize effectively the citizens to feel

especially ethical leadership to erase

sector, employers are more than 60-

part of the sustainable project, then

corruption and the misuse of power.

70% in some countries compared to

you can mobilize local resources from

Emission of job profiles and works for

the government sector. The government

willing contributions, taxes and other

people, and also equally take the approach

should just supervise, creating an

local sources.

So, we’ll see how to

of creating sustainable products. It will be

enabling

reducing

innovate. I see a very convenient way

very promising. And lastly, but not least if

barriers and enacting favourable laws so

of bringing people closer to this project

we involve young people who will be the

that young people can get something

and feel that they are part of it. They can

new voice with different agenda and set

from themselves.

sometimes support the implementation,

new propaganda. So if we bring them in

and not only landing on the support

this development, they might succeed

Q5. Why the low returns on sustainable

from the outside, I mean, international

but if not, they will never know where

development investments in Africa?

Should we rethink Africa’s sustainable development pathways?

funding. So for me, I think that will be

we fail. We must make sure that young

very important to initiate projects under

people are there for the implementation

our local capacity. That will be limited

of these sustainable projects. We will be

to promising simultaneous projects,

sure that the country will be moving and

which are very good. So there must be a

to be achieving sustainable goals.

the informal sector, which employs a lot of people, especially young people in Africa. The kind of education system we have should hone youth skills and

environment

A5.

by

Yes, we shall take chances and change for the better. We may have a very promising and sustainable project in the

48 |

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

on how we spent these funds that have been obtained from, for the development project, from different donors and outsiders. So it should be available to

system of the responsible management.

I mean, there must be selfless and ethical

www.thetimesofafrica.com

FACE-TO-FACE

FACE-TO-FACE

Theme: Kho Kho potential in Ghana

players were not conversant with most of the rules. It was educational and fun.

However, we hope to bounce back very soon as restrictions ease in my country to continue our piloting process and recruit players for training.

Q5. How you trained Kho-Kho Players.

A5.

Pre COVID-19, We engage players

with the basic skills in the playing of the game, thus; touching, chasing, squatting and dodging. We want them to get conversant before adding the technical aspect of the game.

Q6.

Recently

you

attended

the

International Coaching Camp in India.

What are your views?

A6.

The Coaching camp in India was

successful

despite

Covid-19,

the

experts of Kho-Kho from KKFI, AKKF, IKKF

Interviewee: Johnson Kwaku Gameli Kportufe(Ghana)

did a good job in training and teaching all

Interviewer: Ms.Kanika Soni, Featured Columnist

the necessary technicalities both theory and practical. Hospitality and the love

Q1. Q1.What is your opinion about Kho-

of the mentioned sports organization,

Kho?

we have been able to introduce Kho-Kho into many mainstream sports in most

A1.

Kho-Kho is an interesting and

schools in Ghana.

educational game. I personally can associate myself to the game because

Q3. Who is Man behind the development

of its similarities with one of our

of Kho Kho in Ghana?

Ghanaian indigenous games, anti-ekyire.

Kho-Kho though technical is easy to play

A3.

when you become conversant with the

Ghana, however, I have an abled team

rules.

from the SportDrive organization working

I am the founder of Kho-Kho in

hand in hand with me.

Q2.

What are your strategies to make

Q4.

Kho Kho into the mainstream game?

How players are showing interest

in Kho-Kho?

A2.

Myself together with a sports is

A4. Pre COVID19, we had some piloting

developing strategies and policies for

sessions in about two schools where

its acceptance into National sports.

we formed two teams in as much as

organization

called

SportDrive

from the people of India were top notch.

KKFI provided all the needful to make the camp a great success.

Q7.

Any Message to Kho-Kho lovers

across the world.

A7. Kho-Kho is an interesting game that has a mental and physical health benefit.

An entertaining game which improves cognitive skills and physical fitness. I encourage all passive and active KhoKho lovers to join the train of our Kho community.

Q8.Any message to KKFI. A8. To KKFI, keep doing a great job for the Kho-Kho community.

However, through the instrumentalities www.thetimesofafrica.com 49 | THE TIMES OF AFRICA

www.thetimesofafrica.com THE TIMES OF AFRICA | 49

SPORTS

Africa: Surfing Olympic Gold Medal Hope!

Most major international, regional

In addition to economic effects,

languages, and encouraged people

or national sports events have been

cancelations of games can have a major

to take five crucial steps to stop the

canceled or postponed to safeguard

effect on the social benefits of global

disease from spreading, based on hand

the health of the athletes and others

and regional sporting activities, which

washing and coughing. During this

involved: marathon, football, basketball,

can enhance social unity, contribute to

period, other international development

ice hockey, handball, rugby , cricket,

fans’ social and emotional enthusiasm,

sports and peace organisations, for

sailing, skiing, weightlifting, etc. The

and help them bond with athletes that

instance, have joined forces to support

Olympic and Paralympics, which will take

lead to increased physical activity.

one another in solidarity through regular

place in 2021, will now be postponed for

Sport has been a valuable instrument to

online community discussions to share

the first time in the history of modern

foster communication and build bridges

problems and challenges. Participants

games.

between communities and generations.

in these online dialogs have sought to

Through sport, different social groups

find creative approaches , for example

can play a more central role , particularly

by identifying ways in which sport

in divided societies, in social changes

organizations can react to problems

and development. Sport is used as an

faced by people who are disadvantaged

instrument in this context to create

and who usually take part in low-income

learning possibilities and often access

programs but are not able to respond to

marginalized or at-risk populations.

movement restrictions.

The sports industry has an estimated global value of US$ 756 billion per year.

Consequently, in light of COVID-19 millions of jobs are at risk worldwide, and not only for professionals in the fields of sport but also in the retail and sports services industries, linked to leagues and events, including travel ,

Major sporting organizations have

COVID-19 closure has also had an

tourism, transport, catering and media

demonstrated their solidarity with their

impact on the sporting education

broadcasting. Professional athletes

efforts to reduce the virus spread.

sector , comprising a wide range of

also have a risk of losing professional

For starters, FIFA joined up with the

stakeholders, including ministries of

sponsors who can not support them as

World Health Organization (WHO). The

national and local authorities, public and

initially agreed while trying to keep their

FIFA launched a campaign to “Pass

private schools, sports and athletes,

skills at home and can also continue

the message to kick out coronavirus,�

NGO and business community, teachers

their training.

led by popular football players in 13

and scholars and coaches, parents and,

www.thetimesofafrica.com 50 | THE TIMES OF AFRICA

www.thetimesofafrica.com THE TIMES OF AFRICA | 50

SPORTS above all, Although the current crisis

COVID-19, important issues will be

athletes, fans and sellers. Over the

affected this Community seriously, it

tackled in order to ensure the safety

medium term, initiatives to promote

can also play a key role in containing and

and well-being of sports events at all

participation in sporting organizations,

overcoming it and promote rights and

levels of the world. These will include

especially young athletes, may also be

values in times of social distance.

adapting events in the short run to

important in the face of the anticipated

ensure the safety of, among others,

global recession.

As the world begins to recover from

The sports reports of Olympics. nbc say Tahiti will host the 2024 Olympics in Paris for surfing. A proposed place on an island in French Polynesia about 9,800 miles from Paris is approved by the Executive Council of the International Olympic Board. In 1956, quarantine laws shifted the equestrian events from Melbourne and took place in Stockholm, some 9,700 miles from here five months earlier. In December 2019, the Managing Board of Paris 2024 approved the site – the village of Teahupo’o, in particular – but had to receive the final approval from the IOC. Africa offers the best surf spots in an unfinished circle. The best spot in the continent are Morroco’s Taghazout fishing village, Senegal’s Dakar waves, Kenya’s Diani and Ukundu reef breaks, Angola’s Cabo Ledo, Mozambique’s 2470km of pristine seashore, Namibia’s Skeleton Bay in winter, South Africa’s choices, Jeffery’s Bay, Kommetjie, Cape Town, Noordhoek, Cape Town, Durban, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Muizenberg. We can envision the potential of african surfers like Jordy Smith and Khadjou Sambe to participate in olympics.

www.thetimesofafrica.com

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 51

SPORTS

Jordy Smith: South African surfer Jordy Smith will start his booming career again as he continues to dream of winning the gold olympic Games and the championship title in the World Surf League. Today’s Smith is World No 3 after Italo Ferreira (No 1) and Gabriel Medina’s Brazilian pair.

Image of: Jordy Smith Photo Credit: Red Bull

Khadjou Sambe: Khadjou is a little mysterious about her life plans. Khadjou is the only surfer locally in Dakar and probably in the entire country who wants to encourage women, though it means to swim against current events, to follow her dreams.

In Dakar’s fishing village Ngor, Khadjou Sambe lives in Senegal ‘s capital. Since she was born, she has been surrounded with water, but to be a woman in the Group of Ngor means to remain on the floor while men steer Senegalese fishing boats, canoes that lead to sea. In the densely populated village old traditions retain their strength, so the fixed gender norms divide communal life duties.

52 |

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

Image of: Khadjou Sambe Photo Credit: Anne Wernikoff

www.thetimesofafrica.com

TRAVEL & EXPLORE

UNWTO: Future for Tourism in Africa The Global rebalance of Tourism is

The group’s current Chairman, Mr.

resilience. Participants strongly wished

led by the World Tourism Organization

Pololikashvili, was present at the 63rd

to prioritize the top five key areas of the

(UNWTO), where 140 participants from

CAF meeting and was represented by Dr.

Africa Agenda with a view to promoting a

30 countries attended the meeting,

Amani Abou-Zeid, its Commissioner for

swift and sustainable recovery. The main

including 24 tourist ministers. The

Infrastructure and Energy, who served as

priorities are:

members of the UNWTO Global Network

the Minister of Tourism and Arts, Zambia,

have been joined by representatives

and the African Union. All participants

from 10 foreign organizations.

welcomed recent initiatives designed to

Priorities to open up the tourism potential of Africa: In addition to discussing

COVID-19

‘s

immediate

challenge, discussions centered on the main UNWTO Africa agenda, a road map designed to lead the industry in sustainable growth through to 2030.

These priorities include improving African tourism infrastructure, enhancing air connectivity, facilitating visas, ensuring tourist security, investing in developing

•

and efficient public-private partnerships;

expose African gastronomy and use it as a new market for sustainable tourism

•

and the job creation, announced by the Secretary-General, among which the Brand Africa marketing competition.

Promoting innovation and technology;

•

Facilitating visas and improving connectivity;

Prior to the meeting, UNWTO Member States participated in a web-based

Growth through investment

•

Promoting Brand Africa, and

survey inviting them to share their views

fostering more resilience,

on how to use the UNWTO Agenda for

including by improving tourist

Africa to speed up regeneration from

safety.

the COVID-19 pandemic and build future

human capital, and improving Africa ‘s reputation towards the rest of the world.

UNWTO

Secretary-General

Zurab

Pololikashvili said: “Africa’s tourism potential is undeniable, as is the potential of tourism to drive inclusive development across the continent. The steady easing of travel restrictions, first within nations and then across international borders, will allow the many social and economic benefits of tourism to return. If tourism’s restart is managed in a responsible and coordinated manner, harnessing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship, then it can transform millions of lives and help protect and preserve Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.”

www.thetimesofafrica.com

THE TIMES OF AFRICA

| 53

TRAVEL & EXPLORE

Overall, the UNWTO Strategy aims to foster the digitalisation of tourism and create an Ecosystem of Enterprise and Innovation which maximizes the sector ‘s potential for economic growth , job creation and sustainable development.

Six strategic projects by UNWTO, as follows: 1. UNWTO Innovation Network: As

start-ups, investors (business and

petitions. Furthermore, seminars

part of the Innovation, Digital

super business angels, venture

on relevant topics will be provided

Transformation and Investments

capital, etc.) and supporting

for Tourism Ministers. These

Department´s mission of fostering

business partners (accelerators,

events can be adapted to global,

synergies among key stakehold-

incubators, etc.) in order to boost

regional, local and even vertical

ers and promoting the exchange

innovation and entrepreneurship.

levels, like sport tourism.

of knowledge among actors and

This Network would facilitate col-

change-makers with the objective

laboration, inspiration and capacity

of contributing to the promotion

building on how to scale and go

of the United Nations Sustainable

global. Member States will actively

Development Goals, we aim to

be involved by launching innovation

make innovation a key pillar of

challenges.

the sustainable development of tourism.

2. The UNWTO Innovation Hubs

54 |

3. UNWTO Tourism Tech Adventures: the first innovation forum dedicated to tourism that brings together

Network: will unify the leading

all the actors of the ecosystem to

innovation hubs worldwide into one

boost innovation, entrepreneur-

Network dedicated to connecting

ship and especially, investment in

and scaling up the innovation and

Tourism. The Tourism Tech Adven-

entrepreneurship ecosystems of

tures will include activities such as

UNWTO Member States by bringing

startup bootcamps, one-on-one

together the leading tourism stake-

networking sessions between

holders, including governments,

startups, corporations and inves-

academia, corporations, SMEs and

tors, hackathons and startup com-

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4. Digital Network Platform: a digital platform of leading corporations, start-ups, investors and Academia.

5. Tourism Innovation Leaders Programme: a community of innovative, enterprising, socially minded leaders working for the sustainable development of tourism. As world class leaders, they will guide and inspire all the actors of the ecosystem by sharing knowledge and providing mentorship.

6. Innovation Trends and Guidelines: will help UNWTO Member States to develop strategic and innovative tourism products by providing understanding of current social trends and customer needs.

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TRAVEL & EXPLORE Projects in Africa 2020

During 2020, technical missions are planned to be undertaken in the following countries:

•

Tourism Marketing and

Algeria; Formulation of a Tourism Marketing and

Promotion Strategy;

Promotion Strategy

•

Crisis Communication Strategy;

Angola; Needs Assessment Mission regarding Tourism

•

Tourism Policy and Master Plan;

Chain Analysis

•

Tourism Value Chain Analysis;

Botswana; Formulation of National Tourism Strategy and

•

Human Resource Development Strategy;

•

Economic Diversification:

•

Development of Tourism Statistics and

Côte d’Ivoire; Formulation of a Human Resource

Tourism Satellite Account;

Development Strategy in the Tourism Sector

•

New System of Tourism Hotel Classification;

Democratic Republic of Congo; Formulation of the

•

Capacity-building for local government;

•

Tourism Development, Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods;

•

Tourism Law;

Policy and a Master Plan for Tourism Statistics, and Value

Master Plan Botswana; Formulation of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for Kasane/Kazungula

National Tourism Policy for the Democratic Republic of Congo Lesotho; Economic Diversification Support Project Malawi; Development of Tourism Statistics and Tourism Satellite Account

Inputs and data from unwto.org

According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, available data from destinations show a 22% decline in arrivals in the first three months of the year. After the lockdown in several countries and the introduction of travel restrictions and closure of national and airports limits, the number of arrivals decreased sharply in March by 57%. This means loss of 67 million international incoming countries and approximately $80 billion in income (tourism exports). While in relative and absolute respects Asia and the Pacific (-33 million arrivals) have the highest impact, the impact in Europe is, though a lower percentage, rather large (22 million).

The outbreak and the insecurity continue to dominate the future prospects have been decreased several times over the year. Current scenarios indicate that arrivals can decrease by 58% to 78% per year. The containment speed and duration of travel restrictions and border interruptions are important. Three possible dates of gradual opening of international borders are used in the following scenarios for 2020. www.thetimesofafrica.com

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TRAVEL & EXPLORE Scenario 1

Scenario 2

Scenario 3

-58%

-70%

-78%

based on the gradual opening of international borders and easing of travel restrictions in early July

based on the gradual opening of international borders and easing of travel restrictions in early September

based on the gradual opening of international borders and easing of travel restrictions only in early December

Under these scenarios, the impact of the loss of demand in international travel could translate into: •

Loss of 850 million to 1.1 billion international tourists

•

Loss of US$910 billion to US$1.2 trillion in export revenues from tourism

•

100 to 120 million direct tourism jobs at risk

Inputs and data from unwto.org

Recovery in 2021 According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts study, domestic demand is expected to recover more quickly than international demand. By the end quarter of 2020, but mainly by 2021, the majority anticipate signs of recovery. Based on past crises, leisure travel is expected to recover faster than industry , particularly for family and friends. The estimates for international travel recovery in Africa and the Near East have become more positive, with most experts still planning to recover in 2020.

Skillful and least likely, American experts believe in recovery by 2020, while Europe and Asia have a mixed view with half of the experts predicting recovery in this year.

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EN VOGUE

One of the most lucrative business: Cosmetics Industry The beauty industry in the Middle East and Africa is predicted to be about $27.1 billion in 2018, according to market research. Nigeria and Kenya are the second and third largest sub saharan countries, with Kenya ‘s market totalling more than 320 million dollars. As a result, for the next few years there will be so much room for growth in the market of African cosmetics, beauty and personal attention products. The outlook for African cosmetics and personal care is therefore very positive. Let ‘s look at the basic reasons why beauty and personal care items are so much needed in Africa.

If you are like other people , you probably have for a very long time had the wrong notion of ‘cosmetics.’ Now, it’s time to remove it: Cosmetic products are essentially any material used to improve the human body ‘s appearance and smell.

This includes a broad range of skin and body care items including daily bathing soaps and toothpaste and perfumes and make-up for designers. Any product that is used for washing, embellishing and supporting the human body is basically a cosmetic product.

Cosmetics have become a very fundamental necessity in today’s world.

Everybody, including the bad, will go ahead and develop their look , feel, and smell. In order to help us with our health, cosmetics have become important to our self-esteem and decide in large part how others perceive and influence us.

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EN VOGUE Now that the factors behind Africa ‘s enormous and increasing demand for cosmetic products have been studied, it is time to look at the main categories of the market and the products people spend on. The cosmetic industry can be divided into five main categories: the makeup industry or the personal care industry.

It’s not shocking that the best selling products in Africa for food are beauty and skin care products!

HAIR CARE Up to 20% of the cosmetic products sold on the market

It is only one part of the equation that modern Africans

are generally estimated to be haircare products. This

have an urgent need for beauty and personal care items.

category includes all products for cleaning and flattering

The current population for Africa is expected to rise by

hair for human beings – shampoos, pomade, pampering,

approximately one billion by 2050 to 2.3 million by 2050.

colouring, paints , coatings and hair styling products.

Only one thing can be said – more beauty and care products

Beauty shops, barbaries and women who use a wide range

demands!

of these products are the biggest donors in this category.

With more than half its one billion people below 20 age, Africa is home to the world ‘s youngest population.

The African Development Bank identifies middle class as

Recent trends in mode have also increased men’s budget in this category, as dreadlocks, sporting waves and ‘african’ hairstyles become increasingly popular and require more

spending between 2 and 20 dollars per day. More than 300

hair care and attention.

million people are currently in this group on the continent. A

SKIN CARE

substantial majority of middle-class Africans are young and educated urban guests who are conscious of (and strongly

With several competing forms, products and brands

influenced by) modern clothes, fashion and western

the category of skin treatments is the largest and largest

cultures. Since many of them have paid jobs or own a small

segment on the cosmetic market. There are a wide range

business, they have more money available to spend. They

of local and foreign brands that release new and more

push demands for consumer products like beauty and skin-

appealing items annually, due to size and variety of different

care products across Africa because of their preferences

types of human skin – natural, dry, oily and sensitive skin.

and expectations for the ‘feel good’ element!

About 30% of all cosmetic products sold every year on

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EN VOGUE this market belong in the category of

products by delivering products that

and how quickly they are consumed, the

skin care, including body lotions, skin

help treat and restore bleached skin.

items here fall under the category Fast

moisturisers, cleansers, toners, antiacne products and anti-aging products.

MAKEUP

The increasing tendency for young

Makeup

African women and men to use skin lightening or ‘blinding products’ also boost the demand flow that makes the category of skin care products a multimillion - dollar company.

Moving Consumer Goods ( FMCG). This category contains bath soaps (liquids (consisting

of

various

items , particularly for use as “colours cosmetics” or as “decorative cosmetics,” in the female face, eyes, lips and nails).

This category of items is so segmented in that several niches have numerous

and bars), toothpaste, shaving cream, de-pilating products for hair removal, deodorants,

anti-perspirants,

sun

screens, toilet paper, and many other bathroom pieces.

FRAGRANCES

Africans are among the highest users

special demands, including: lipsticks,

of skin bleach products, according to

clothing, bases, facial powder, blushing,

the World Health Organization reports:

masquerade, eyeliner, polishing nails and

cosmetics industry will sell in less

77 percent of females from Nigeria

makeup removers.

quantities, but it definitely gains most

regularly take these products, followed

PERSONAL CARE AND TOILETRIES

by 59 percent from togo; 35 percent from south Africa and 25 percent from Mali. Innovative businesses such

The products in this group are used

as Ghana’s Grace Amey-Obeng have

mostly for washing the body and

created successful enterprises in order

preserving personal hygiene, not for

to fight the negative impact of blanking

embellishing. Due to the high demand

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The

perfume

segment

of

the

in all types of products in this sector.

‘Fragrances’ include all the essential oils and compounds that give a good scent to the human body. Common fragrance classes in the market include – Perfumes, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, Cologne and aftershave.

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BON APPETIT

Nature heals almost everything: Traditional medicine of Africa most

they are too expensive or because there

most of these individuals, traditional

diversified therapeutic methods in

The

oldest

and

perhaps

are no providers of medical services, to

healers provide personal information,

Africa are traditional medicine. Africa is

access modern medical care. Secondly,

consultation, and care and knowledge

considered the birthplace of humanity

certain diseases like malaria or HIV /

of the world of their patients. In reality,

with a rich biodiversity and a diversity

AIDS, which have a disproportionate

Africa

of ways of healing distinguished by

influence in Africa over other areas

resources and is estimated to be able

ethnic variations. Traditional African

of the world, lack effective modern

to produce 40 to 45,000 plant species

medicine is holistic and includes the

medicinal care.

with potential to grow, 5,000 of which

body and spirit in its different ways.

The traditional healer usually diagnoses and treats the psychological basis of diseases , particularly medicinal plants for treating symptoms, before prescribing medication. Two key factors can explain the continued interest in traditional medicine in the African

The use of medicinal plants is the most common herbal medicine in general use in the African continent.

Medicinal plants in many parts of Africa are the most available community health services. They are also the most popular alternative for patients. For

has

enormous

biodiversity

are used for medicinal purposes. This is not surprising, since Africa is in the Tropical and Subtropical climates and it is well known that the plants are the natural survivor of essential secondary metabolites through evolution. Due to its Tropical conditions, Africa has an unequal

health system. The first is insufficient access to allopathic medicines and west

treatments

whereby

most

Africans are unable, either because

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BON APPETIT proportion of strong tropically-sunlight

However, it is imperative to record

list by 82 percent, and it is worthwhile.

ultraviolet rays and numerous pathogenic

the drug uses of African plants and

The paradox, however, is that the

microbes, including several species of

traditional systems due to the swift

African continent has commercialised

bacteria , fungi and viruses, indicating

loss of natural habitats for some of

few beverages worldwide , despite its

that chemical prevention substances

the plants as a result of anthropogenic

immense capacity and diversity.

in Africa can accumulate in excess

activities and also because important

of plants in the northern hemisphere.

traditional

information

is

Abegaz et al. interestingly noted that

diminished.

The

continent,

only the African species Dorstenia

however, is also known for having one of

mannii Hook.f, which was a permanent

the world’ s largest deforestation rates

herb growing in Central African tropical

with an estimated loss by deforestation

wilderness, had more biological activity

of 1 percent a year, and the highest

for all species studied in the Dorestenia

endemic rate is also important, with

(Moraceae) than related species.

the Republic of Madagascar toping the

African

being

The scientific literature has witnessed a rising number of publications designed to test the effectiveness of African medicinal plants which are expected to play a significant role in preserving the health and introducing new treatments.

However, the detailed update of the promising medicinal plants from the continent of Africa remains precious.

Data reference: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius

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BON APPETIT Acacia senegal, also known as gum Arabic, is native to semidesert and drier regions of sub-Saharan Africa, but widespread from Southern to Northern Africa.

It is used as a medicinal plant in parts of Northern Nigeria, West Africa, North Africa, and other parts of the world. The use of gum arabic (or gum acacia), which is derived from an exudate from the bark, dates from the first Egyptian Dynasty

Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae)— Gum Arabic

(3400 B.C.). It was used in the production of ink, which was made from a mixture of carbon, gum, and water. Inscriptions from the 18th Dynasty refer to this gum as “komi” or “komme.” Gum arabic has been used for at least 4,000 years by local people for the preparation of food, in human and veterinary medicine, in crafts, and as a cosmetic. The gum of A. senegal has been used medicinally for centuries, and various parts of the plant are used to treat infections such as bleeding, bronchitis, diarrhea, gonorrhea, leprosy, typhoid fever, and upper respiratory tract infections.

African herbalists use gum acacia to bind pills and to stabilize emulsions. It is also used in aromatherapy for applying essential oils.

Aloe ferox is native to South Africa and Lesotho and is considered to be the most common Aloe species in South Africa. A. ferox has been used since time immemorial and has a well-documented history of use as an alternative medicine and is one of the few plants depicted in San rock paintings. The bitter latex, known as Cape aloe, is used as laxative medicine in Africa and Europe and is considered to have bitter tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer proper-

Aloe ferox Mill.

(Xanthorrhoeaceae)— Bitter Aloe or Cape Aloe

ties.

The use of A. ferox as a multipurpose traditional medicine has been translated into several commercial applications and it is a highly valued plant in the pharmaceutical, natural health, food, and cosmetic industries. A. ferox is considered South Africa’s main wild harvested commercially traded species. The finished product obtained from aloe tapping, aloe bitters, has remained a key South African export product since 1761 when it was first exported to Europe. The aloe tapping industry is the livelihood of many rural communities and formalization of the industry in the form of establishment of cooperatives and trade agreements. It has been suggested that its trade may have an extensive poverty alleviation effect in Africa.

Artemisia herba-alba is commonly known as wormwood or desert wormwood (known in Arabic as shih, and as Armoise blanche in French). It is a greyish strongly aromatic perennial dwarf shrub native to Northern Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Western Asia. A. herba-alba has been used in folk medicine by many cultures since

Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Med)—Asteraceae— Wormwood

ancient times. In Moroccan folk medicine, it is used to treat arterial hypertension and diabetes and in Tunisia, it is used to treat diabetes, bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension, and neuralgias. Herbal tea from A. herba-alba has been used as analgesic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and hemostatic agents in folk medicines. During an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among the Bedouins of the Negev desert, it was found that A. herba-alba was used to mitigate stomach disorders. This plant is also suggested to be important as a fodder for sheep and for livestock in the plateau regions of Algeria where it grows abundantly. It has also been reported that Ascaridae from hogs and ground worms were killed by the oil of the Libyan A. herba-alba in a short time.

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BON APPETIT

BON APPETIT Aspalathus linearis, an endemic South African fynbos species, is cultivated to produce the well-known herbal tea, also commonly known as rooibos. Its caffeine-free and comparatively low tannin status, combined with its potential health-promoting properties, most notably antioxidant activity, has contributed

Aspalathus linearis (Brum.f.) R. Dahlg.

(Fabaceae)— Rooibos

to its popularity and consumer acceptance globally. The utilization of rooibos has also moved beyond herbal tea to intermediate value-added products such as extracts for the beverage, food, nutraceuticals and cosmetic markets.

Rooibos is used traditionally throughout Africa in numerous ways. It has been used as a refreshment drink and as a healthy tea beverage. It was only after the discovery that an infusion of rooibos, when administered to her colicky baby, cured the chronic restlessness, vomiting, and stomach cramps that rooibos became well known as a “healthy” beverage, leading to a broader consumer base. Many babies since then have been nurtured with rooibos—either added to their milk or given as a weak brew.

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been used since prehistoric times.

It has a pan-tropical distribution and is used in many healing cultures, including Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese traditional medicine, Kampo (Japanese traditional medicine), and African traditional medicine. To date, it continues to be used within

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae)— Centella

the structure of folk medicine and is increasingly being located at the interface between traditional and modern scientifically oriented medicine. Traditionally, C. asiatica is used mainly for wound healing, burns, ulcers, leprosy, tuberculosis, lupus, skin diseases, eye diseases, fever, inflammation, asthma, hypertension, rheumatism, syphilis, epilepsy, diarrhea, and mental illness and is also eaten as a vegetable or used as a spice. In Mauritius, the application of C. asiatica in the treatment of leprosy was reported for the first time in 1852 while the clinical use of C. asiatica, as a therapeutic agent suitable for the treatment of leprous lesions, has been documented since 1887.

Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) is a well-known medicinal plant that has its root from the African continent. The interest in this species arises from its therapeutic role, as it is the source of the anticancer alkaloids vincristine and

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don (Apocynaceae)— Madagascan Periwinkle

vinblastine, whose complexity renders them impossible to be synthesized in the laboratory; the leaves of this species are still, today, the only source. C. roseus originates from Madagascar but now has a wide distribution throughout the tropics, and the story on the traditional utilisation of this plant can be retraced to Madagascar where healers have been using it extensively to treat panoply of ailments. It is commonly used in traditional medicine as a bitter tonic, galactogogue, and emetic. Application for treatment of rheumatism, skin disorders, and venereal diseases has also been reported.

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BON APPETIT

BON APPETIT

Cyclopia genistoides is an indigenous herbal tea to South Africa and considered as a health food. Traditionally, the leafy shoots and flowers were fermented and dried to prepare tea. It has also been used since early times for its direct positive

Cyclopia genistoides (L.) Vent. (Fabaceae)— Honeybush

effects on the urinary system and is valued as a stomachic that aids weak digestion without affecting the heart. It is a drink that is mainly used as a tea substitute because it contains no harmful substances such as caffeine. It is one of the few indigenous South African plants that made the transition from the wild to a commercial product during the past 100 years. Research activities during the past 20 years have been geared towards propagation, production, genetic improvement, processing, composition, and the potential for value adding.

Harpagophytum procumbens is native to the red sand areas in the Transvaal of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. It has spread throughout the Kalahari and Savannah desert regions. The indigenous San and Khoi peoples of Southern Africa have used Devil’s Claw medicinally for centuries, if not millennia. Harpagophytum procumbens has an ancient history of multiple indigenous uses and is one of the most highly commercialized indigenous traditional medicines from Africa, with bulk exports mainly to Europe where it is made into a large number of health prod-

Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. (Pedaliaceae)— Devil’s Claw

ucts such as teas, tablets, capsules, and topical gels and patches.

Traditional uses recorded include allergies, analgesia, anorexia, antiarrhythmic, antidiabetic, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, appetite stimulant, arteriosclerosis, bitter tonic, blood diseases, boils (topical), childbirth difficulties, choleretic, diuretic, climacteric (change of life) problems, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, edema, fever, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, gastrointestinal disorders, headache, heartburn, indigestion, liver and gallbladder tonic, malaria, migraines, myalgia, neuralgia, nicotine poisoning, sedative, skin cancer (topical), skin ulcers (topical), sores (topical), tendonitis, urinary tract infections, and vulnerary for skin injuries. The major clinical uses for Devil’s claw are as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in joint diseases, back pain, and headache. Evidence from scientific studies in animals and humans has resulted in widespread use of standardized Devil’s claw as a mild analgesic for joint pain in Europe.

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BRAINSTORM

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