www.infoafricanow.com

Catch 22: The Brand Africa dilemma By Linda Krige

2010-09-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

The only way for Africa to change its reputation as a 'basket case' is for the continent to produce real change.

"A continent has to develop the systems, structures and strategies to enable it to project a constant, unbroken stream of dramatic evidence that it really deserves the reputation it desires." This was the message from nation brand expert Simon Anholt to about 300 pan-African decision makers and thought leaders gathered in Sandton, South Africa this week for the inaugural Brand Africa Forum.

The Forum hoped to discuss ways to improve the continent's reputation, image and competitiveness. In the words of the founder of the Brand Africa initiative, Thebe Ikalafeng, "It's about Africans proactively taking charge of their destiny to build a better Africa for investment, exports, tourism and citizenship."

What emerged from the forum, which also included global economist Dr Dambisa Moyo as keynote speaker, was a type of Catch 22. To eradicate poverty and create sustainable economic growth, Africa needs foreign investment and innovation. To attract foreign investors and increase African confidence, Africa needs to project a better image to the world and to the people living on the continent. However, to create a better image, Africa needs to eradicate poverty and create sustainable growth.

The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup in South African in June and July this year was held up as a shining example of improving a nation's brand by defying the odds and disproving the perceptions and stereotypes of poor infrastructure and rampant crime. Dr Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Local Organising Committee said the World Cup "helped South Africa graduate from a country with promise of progress and success, to a country that gets things done."

Unfortunately, an opportunity like the most watched sporting event on earth does not come around every day to help a region boost its image.

Despite many other success stories, much time was spent focusing on Africa's failures. Dr Dambisa Moyo, in her bestselling book Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa, writes about what she calls 'the four horses of the African apocalypse': poverty, corruption, war and political instability and disease. Delegates seemed to be in agreement that these images, together with images of natural beauty, represent the key elements of the current African brand image.

One of the biggest problems with this image is that the whole continent is usually painted with the same negative brush: despite its diversity, complexity and different stages of democracy and development. This is often promulgated by aid organisations and aid celebrities who hold the reputations of African countries hostage in return for aid funding.

The forum, hosted by South Africa's International Marketing Council and the Brand Leadership Academy, was used to discuss the roles of media, business and government in combating this image of Africa.

However, Anholt stated that 'branding' a nation or continent is nearly impossible, as the brand image is seated in public opinion. Public opinion is located in the minds of billions of people: a secure, remote and fragmented location to which national messages can have no access.

"Lets us not kid ourselves that there's a magic formula called branding that can change the way the world thinks about a country," said Anholt.

The challenge for Africa is therefore not to find the right message to send out, or even the right channel to send it through. A more positive brand image of Africa can only spread if real change is taking place in terms of better governance, economic reforms, growth, innovation and development. While this is happening in many countries examples mentioned were South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Botswana some delegates were concerned that this is not always reflected in mainstream media.

Executive Deputy Chairman of the Mail & Guardian Media Group Trevor Ncube said the role of the media was simply to tell the story of the African people: the good, the bad and the ugly. "Our role is telling the story of triumph against adversity, the story of the people who succeed in an environment that is harsh. Putting up a mirror in front of Africa and saying, Africa, this is how we look."

Many delegates voiced the opinion that it was unethical to present the world with an image of an Africa with less disease or less corruption by putting a shiny wrapper around the problems in the name of a better brand. To quote Anholt, often "the biggest reason for a country having a crap reputation, is it being a crap country."

This, however, is not entirely true of Africa. Anver Versi, Editor of African Business and African Banker in the United Kingdom pointed out that Africa as a region was showing faster economic growth than any other region in the world, with many African companies outperforming their British counterparts. Africa is also attracting increasing attention from foreign investors.

But according to Moyo, this is not enough. While the region's economic growth is 3-4% per year, countries need to grow at 7% per year to meaningfully dent poverty. She also stated that, despite consisting of a billion consumers, Africa is responsible for less than 2% of global trade, less than Spain. This is clearly not a significant enough contribution.

Dr Moyo spoke scathingly of the open-ended aid system that was contributing towards the dysfunctionality of African governments, but not contributing to solving any of Africa's problems.

She called on Africans to stand up and take action to address the challenges on the continent. She also called on African leaders to get credit ratings to show that they are serious about transparency, and to make sure the policies of their countries are business-friendly.

Anholt's advice to African leaders was to be relevant and to be amazing. To focus on what they can contribute to the world and to show leadership in the way they manage their reputations. If this is done, good publicity must surely follow.

He said that if certain individual countries are doing remarkable things, these achievements can be used to drive a wedge into the monolithic negative image of Africa. This could create a new image of Africa driven forward by the better performing countries instead of being dragged down by the failed states.

While no concrete plans were announced or conclusions drawn on the way forward for Brand Africa, the delegates agreed that the time is ripe for change.

Where does that leave ordinary Africans? Drawing on the advice from delegates from different sectors, change can start from inside Africa if we focus on producing a culture of excellence and innovation. We need to ensure that we tell the stories of change and of improvement to encourage each other and share best practice. While global public opinion may be near impossible to sway, Africans can take responsibility for their own continent and stop waiting for the rest of the world to sustain and to define us.

Kenya's Koki Designs by Koki Pinard

2010-09-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

www.infoafricanow.com is thrilled to unveil KokiDesigns Page on www.infoafricanow.com. Koki is a talented Ethiopian designer based in Kenya. She has a pleasant aura about her and has achieved a lot in less than one year in the fashion industry.

Friends, for more information, check out her profile: www.infoafricanow.com/kokidesigns

Presenting Sierra Leone's Creative Maryzo Designs...

2010-09-02T16:39:00.001-07:00

Maryzo Designs is a unique fashion house based in Freetown. They have a wide range of products which appeals to all ages. Their beautiful print coupled with excellent design choices has led to the production of stunning products....

www.infoafricanow.com: What products does Maryzo designs have to offer Africa?

Maryzo Designs: We offer elegant and stylish African clothing and accessories at affordable prices.
Mixing modern with African fabrics, we create beautiful garments for clients of all ages and genders.

www.infoafricanow.com: Where can a potential client find your products?

Maryzo Designs: Clients in Freetown Sierra Leone (West Africa) can visit my workshop at 8i Thompson Bay Road off Wilkinson Road.
Our website is currently under construction but for the meantime clients in other parts of the world can contact me through email at maryzodesigns@yahoo.com, through our facebook page or group Maryzo Designs

www.infoafricanow.com: What challenges have you faced as a designer based in Sierra Leone?

Maryzo Designs: For me It has been the fact that people tend to take you as just a tailor.
They don’t appreciate your time and effort as a designer, and therefore they don’t want to pay for your services. The lack of sponsorships, and because of the way the Sierra Leonean market is, we have trouble getting access to some of the materials we need, and sometimes have to buy them overseas which can be costly.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice would you give to upcoming African designers?

Maryzo Designs: I would say follow your dream, but keep in mind that fashion is a very tough and competitive industry.
Find yourself a mentor; It is always better to learn from someone who’s been through it.

www.infoafricanow.com: What can African governments do to support African designers?

Maryzo Designs: The fashion industry is not just about making clothes, it’s about understanding the business as well.
So for many parts of Africa we need designing schools or business related courses, which can be provided by the government.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are your future plans? Will you open branches in other African countries?

Maryzo Designs: We plan on developing and expanding the line, I am hoping the launch of a website will help us reach out to a wider clientele, both in Africa and abroad.
And yes we do plan on opening other branches in Africa, maybe in some of Sierra Leone’s neighboring countries to start with.

An Insight into Digital Media with Benjamin Stokes of Mobile Voices

2010-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Stokes' specialty is digital media. He is keen on how digital technologies are changing the way young people learn, play, socialize, and participate in civic life. He can be found at his personal website, LinkedIn and twitter He also studied in Senegal at Université Gaston Berger

www.infoafricanow.com: What is the definition of digital media?

Benjamin: There is no one definition; for me, I prefer to use the term 'digital media' broadly to include everything from digital games, to digital film, digital audio, and even interactive media like social networking websites. To me, the term is primarily applied to media that can be accessed via an internet-enabled computer.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advantages does digital media have over traditional media?

Benjamin: I prefer to speak of differences more than advantages, since many of the same differences can be disadvantages in some circumstances. Some notable differences include: reduced costs of production, and much lower cost of duplication and distribution, the ability for different social interactions (such as many-to-many, whereas traditional was limited to one-to-many), and the cause-and-effect experience of interactive media.

www.infoafricanow.com: How can Non Profit Organizations in Africa effectively employ the use of digital media?

Benjamin: Since there are hundreds of digital media forms, this is not a simple question to answer. My most general recommendation is that organizations should seek out peer organizations with whom they can experiment and grow. In other words, I believe it is more valuable for organizations to take a longer-term view, and invest in building networks of collaborators, rather than to tackle a possible solution alone. This way, organizations can learn from the success of others, and share their own successes and failures. Too often we are tempted to overlook the human structures that must be developed alongside technology implementations. Shifts in management style are especially important as we move into digital realms -- and they are difficult to design without a network of trusted peers. The media itself will continue to change over time, but a good nonprofit network can bring stability to non profits across the waves of new media.

www.infoafricanow.com: Are there disadvantages of completely relying on digital media?

Benjamin: Engineers are trained to avoid "single points of failure" in critical systems -- in other words, always have a backup plan. Sometimes this means you should have analogue backups of some key media. But even when you have a backup plan, there are always tradeoffs in using digital media. For example, digital media may aggrevate generational divides, since older people are sometimes intimidated about learning new systems. Furthermore, valued digital media can be lost entirely if adequate backup copies are not made regularly and kept in isolation (ideally at a different physical location). These are just two disadvantages -- of course, there are many more.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice would you give to non profits which are considering the use of digital media?

Benjamin: First, be proud that you're considering taking this risk. Too many organizations act as if digital media is either a guaranteed savior (and jump in too quickly) or else inapplicable (and overlook important opportunities). In fact, digital media is one of the fastest changing areas in our modern world, and so I think it should be considered regularly for both advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for an overview of how digital media is changing the kind of skills we all need to know (not just kids!) check out this white paper by Henry Jenkins: http://www.newmedialiteracies.org/files/working/NMLWhitePaper.pdf And if you're looking for a more applied strategy guide, check out: http://www.idealware.org/reports/nonprofit-social-media-decision-guide ...but keep in mind that the African context is not the primary focus for either of these articles, and is often very different. Such differences underscore the importance of networking with other peer non profits in Africa which can help translate and directly apply these insights.

Kenya's Vivian Akinyi Achieng of Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc, New York

2010-08-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

One of our goals as www.infoafricanow.com is to connect the African Diaspora with Africa, informing our brothers and sisters across the oceans of the good things going on back home. Hence it is with great enthusiasm that we had a word with Vivian Akinyi Achieng, the founder of Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc which is a New York based non-profit organization. Vivian recently won the 2010 Jamhuriwood Humanitarian & Non-profit Award

Sherekea Charity Fund, Inc. has the key goal of provide East Africans with the basic human needs of food, water and shelter, with emphasis onWomen and Children, Orphans, and HIV/AIDS victims.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the challenges Sherekea Charity Fund has encountered so far?

Vivian: Where do i start? everyday is a challenge. We encountered many challenges in
our first clean water project, bad management, drought, flood and luck of
communications. Such things might come across and will make you even stronger
everyday.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice do you have for Africans in the diaspora who wish to start projects back home?

Vivian: Write down a plan, follow your dream, vision and choose your partners,
friends, management and contractor wisely. And last, stay true to yourself.

www.infoafricanow.com: Has the Kenyan Government been supportive of your projects?

Vivian: We haven't ask for any help yet from Kenyan government.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are your future plans as the founder of Sherekea?

Our goal and vision is to provide Africans with the basic human needs of
water, food, sanitation and shelter, and focus on those most in need: Women and
Children, Orphans, and HIV/AIDS victims.

"Sherekea" also, creates an opportunity for small scale philanthropic giving
that promotes education, job creation, traditional culture and artistic
expression throughout East Africa

www.infoafricanow.com: What impact did winning the Jamhuriwood Award have on you?

Vivian: Nothing is more rewarding when you get a recognition from your
people/community. It's humbling, rewarding, inspiring and up lifting in every
level. Love and acknowledgments is what we all need everyday....

"To all Africans in the diaspora, lets talk the talk, walk the walk, by being
active in our communities".
If is not you? then who?

Help us save a village!

Craft Silicon Foundation.....Fighting Poverty with Passion and Technology

2010-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

At the recently launched Akishika Project, We had a chance to interact with Priya, CEO and founder of Craft Silicon Foundation.

The Craft Silicon Foundation's aim is to provide free computer aid to youth and children in the slums. Priya spoke of encouraging and equipping women with the necessary tools to fight poverty. She also encouraged women to look at technology through women's eyes. She believes that if we empower women, then families will flourish, leading to stronger communities and eventually a successful nation.

Of interest is the Craft Silicon Foundation Bus which is computer-fitted and solar powered. The bus has been fitted with 12 computer monitors and is able to harness solar energy at no extra cost. There are 3 Servers each running 4 monitor screens, in total the 12 monitor screens are effectively powered. It is also fitted with education courseware, Internet connectivity, printers and scanners

The bus is used to offer mobile ICT services to the poor students in the country. The bus goes round to slums (Kibera, Kawangware, Kangemi, Mathare, Huruma, and Mukuru kwa Nyayo) everyday and teaches students about computers and the internet.

The lessons are tailored for girls aged between 9 and 13, and youth aged between 18 and 24. Classes are in three sessions – mornings, mid-morning, and evening. Each class has 36 students. A full course takes three months, and there are four intakes a year. Over 500 students have graduated in a one year period, most of whom have gained employment with others pursuing Information Technology.

Solar powered, internet enabled mobile computer lab bus

View more presentations from Akinyi Adongo.

www.infoafricanow.com at The Launch of The Akishika Training Project

2010-08-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

I recently had the honor of attending the launch of The Akishika Training Project by Akira Chix and The Shika Team.

The aim of the project is to provide IT education and skills to girls who are less privileged in terms of getting formal university/college education and training. This pilot plan is aimed at girls from the slum areas.

The students were keen and had the chance to listen to Gladys Muhunyo (Computer Aid Kenya), Robert Zdunczyk (Poland East Africa Economic Foundation), Catherine Nyambala (Stem Africa), Kaburo Kobia (Kenya ICT Board) and Priya (CEO and Founder of Craft Silicon Foundation)

This training will last 18 months, after which the girls will seek employment opportunities in IT.

Ghana Dish, A Ghanaian Restaurant in Guangzhou, China

2010-08-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

"Finally I found it, the elusive Ghanaian restaurant. It was not the same place I had been to 2 weeks before; it seemed more like a restaurant. The establishment even had a name, Ghana Dish, run by Madame Atta. The last place I went to was run by some old guy and it makes a big difference when Ghanaian food is served by a large Ghanaian woman. It just feels more authentic. She is from Kumasi and has been living in China for 3 years now. It was great fun chatting with her.

They have a simple menu in her restaurant and like her name card is also printed on the Ghana flag. One thing I must say about Ghanaians is that they seem to be a lot more patriotic than their African brothers. None of the other establishments I visited had any décor that defined where they were from but the Ghanaian restaurant had a few flags up on the wall and even played high life music on the stereo. They only offered a few simple dishes though like Banku, Fufu, Light Soup, Groundnut Soup, Kokonte, Gari, and rice. On order Madame Atta can also whip up some Jollof Rice, Tilapia Fish, and Okro Stew. The field managers name as is, Anyass (Alias Yellow Man)… That is usually what Ghanaians would call a fair skinned or even an albino brother.

I ordered us some Fufu and Light Soup. Fufu is actually a pounded combination of yams and plantains that are made into a ball that resembles dough. It has a sticky texture and does not really taste of anything. It is good starch though and it really fills the stomach.

The Fufu is usually eaten with Groundnut or Light Soup that is a broth cooked with chicken, mutton, or fish. Sometimes even lean cuts of beef. I like the meat with some fat and skin on it that give the soup flavor and texture. It is usually very spicy and flavorful. My cousin had no idea what he was into. The unique thing about Fufu is that you do not chew it. You have to cut a piece using your index and middle fingers, form a small dimple in the piece you have cut (using your thumb), dip the piece into the piping hot soup, and one placed in your mouth you swallow. You DO NOT chew Fufu.

Ghana Dish is the best Ghanaian Restaurant I have been to in Guangzhou. And I think it is awesome to say that because it means I have been to more than one here! As always I am blown away by how much Guangzhou has to offer and how navigable this city is even for a bloke who hardly speaks a word of Chinese. People here are extremely helpful and unprejudiced to people from all walks of life. I am looking forward to walking through the entire building floor by floor trying every eating establishment I find and meeting more people there. But don’t be expecting me to dish out invitation letters any time soon."

This article is an excerpt from the blog Indodreamin.com

Five Minutes with Augustine of Burundi Access

2010-08-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

Augustine is the brains behind Burundi Access, a website which provides information on Burundi for tourism purposes.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the five major tourism attractions in Burundi?

Augustine: Kirundo Birds Lake, Karera Falls, Nile Source Monument, Pierre Livingstone Monument and Rusizi National Park

www.infoafricanow.com: What are the five least unknown attractions in Burundi?

Augustine: Lake Dogodogo spring waters, Teza tea plantations, Bukeye Royal tombs, Kigwena Chimpanzees and Cibitoke World war German tombs

www.infoafricanow.com: As a Tour Operator in Burundi, what advice would you give those planning to visit Burundi in future?

Augustine: Travellers to Burundi should rely on some travel agencies or tours
operators information. I say this because, it is not easy to find great travel news on Burundi tourism even through the national tourism office.

www.infoafricanow.com: How has can Burundi make use of the Internet to attract more
tourists?

Augustine: Burundians don't believe Internet can help them attract tourists to
Burundi ,that's the reason I decided to build my website where I can
publish what we can offer in Burundi in terms of travel services ,hotel
,car rental ,travel agents , and other services people can search from
internet .

People build a website but once they are finished, few try to promote
their company through internet. They believe building a website is enough .
I wrote an article about this http://burundiaccess.com/ba.php?article50

www.infoafricanow.com: How has the Government of Burundi supported the tourism sector?

Augustine: I can say Burundi Government has not yet thought about the power or importance of the tourism sector in the country development.
Government officials have for a long time considered tourism sector as unproductive sector .

Burundi Access Offers Advice on Travel Agents

2010-08-05T03:16:00.000-07:00

Burundi Access is a simple website that offers booking facilities for tourists interested in traveling to Burundi. Here is their take on why the tourism industry should not solely rely on the internet for bookings....

How is the Internet affecting the travel industry?

The Internet has helped transform the travel industry. It helps educate the consumer by providing vast amounts of information about destinations and different travel options. Both consumers and travel professionals have benefited from the Internet, which makes the possibility of travel to exotic places more imaginable. It has helped consumers see in full color and, in some cases, real time, where they would like to visit. The Internet gives travelers the ability to do comparative shopping for attractive deals or packages. It also has helped many travel agencies, hotels, resorts and other travel-related suppliers flourish by bringing in business through Web sites

What are the benefits of using a travel agent compared to the Internet?

The Internet can be a powerful tool. It can increase the scope and reach of a consumer’s efforts and allow a person to check hundreds of options or research destinations in depth.
But to make the Internet work effectively, a person has to understand where to look and what questions to ask, otherwise hours can be wasted surfing the Web and ultimately produce unsatisfactory results. This is where a travel agent can make a world of difference.
A professional travel agent is trained to guide a client through the entire process of planning a trip, whether for business or for leisure. Travel agents take classes, participate in seminars, become destination specialists and join professional associations, in order to ensure they make each client’s travel experience as personalized, convenient and memorable as possible.
When planning a business trip or family vacation, the Internet can be a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise and guidance of a travel agent. Also, during travel crises, the Internet can’t replace a human being who will persist to help a client. Travel agents, meanwhile, can offer a myriad of intermediate options.

Will the Internet replace the need for travel agents?

There are some things technology cannot replicate, and personal touch is one of them. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent.
At a time when travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, travel agents have all of the information at their fingertips, saving valuable hours of surfing on the Web. Agents also can offer insider tips generally based on personal experience.

Why should I use a travel agent?

Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it’s no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that is precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.
People know travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares.
It is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent. The best thing an agent can do is to match up travelers with the vacation that’s right for them.

The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions. Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided free or for a nominal charge, by travel agents :

1.Distilling the product information:

Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information:

No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3.Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions:

Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4.Analyzing the current promotions:

The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions:

Again, the benefits of a professional’s experience can save traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction:

Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

7. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities:

Agents can add to the client’s experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

8. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations:

Whether it’s airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

9. Getting problems resolved:

The agent serves as the consumer’s advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong. The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn’t questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

Tanzania's Fashion for Health with The Vodacom Foundation

2010-07-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

Introducing the Delightful Sydney Based Moroccan Feast Restaurant.

2010-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

www.infoafricanow.com had the great pleasure of interacting with Australia's Moroccan Feast. Here is what the charming restaurant has to offer the world:

"In the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, we created a
Moroccan atmosphere, which through its traditional themes, colours,
scents and flavours, transports you to far away Morocco.

Our dishes are cooked and served in the centuries-old tradition that
has been passed down from Moroccan mother to daughter for many
generations…with the number one rule in mind that guarantees that
special taste: To cook from the heart!

The Moroccan kitchen has a rich history and its dishes provide bountiful
variety, so every few months at Moroccan Feast, we will add, change and
improve our current offerings. That way you won’t just have your
favourites, but you’ll have a reason to come back and try out our
different Feasts…

We would like to share the world of Moroccan cooking with you.

A mix of dishes from our menu will be explained in our private cooking
demonstrations which are held periodically. If you are interested,
please join our mailing list or check out our news on our website.

Moroccan Feast would love to help you celebrate any occasion with our unique,
warm culture of fantastic hearty food, belly dancing and music.

We are available for private and corporate events. Please contact us for more information. Enjoy your feast!"

Yariv Rozen,
Manager
Moroccan Feast

Kenyan Gospel Music....Keeping the Authentic African beat

2010-07-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

The one thing I appreciate about Kenyan gospel music is its uniqueness. With Roughtone and Daddy Owen leading the pack, I confess the following two songs have been outstanding in 2010...

African Pleasures Presents Hand Made Cards by Kenya's Tasha

2010-07-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Tasha is a cheerful, passionate designer with a deep seated desire to make a difference through hand crafted art.

www.infoafricanow.com was pleased to have a chat with her...

Infoafricanow.com: What does African Pleasures do?

Tasha: We sell whole sale hand made cards to individuals and shops around East Africa. We have dealt with Silverbird, Village Market, Chakacha, Undugu, Tazama Africa, Serena Hotels, Blue Elephant and Marula Studios. We are currently working on an online store which will expand our market.

Infoafricanow.com: How did you start designing cards?

Tasha: I started in 2008. I had previously been involved in several other ventures. Once I tapped into my creative side there was no turning back!

Infoafricanow.com: How much are your cards?

Tasha: We sell them at wholesale and retail prices. On average the cards cost three to five dollars.

Infoafricanow.com: How did you link up with Cards from Africa?

Tasha: I contacted Cards from Africa and requested to be one of their agents. I was very pleased when they accepted my offer. I am now their sole agent in Kenya.

Infoafricanow.com: What difficulties have you encountered so far?

Tasha: Well, a lot of Kenyans do not really appreciate hand made crafts. As a result, most of my clients are tourists and expatriates

Infoafricanow.com: What are your future plans?

Tasha: I hope to create a market for those making hand crafted items. I look forward to acting as a channel for all those creative artists who need an outlet for their beautiful work. Currently, I stock Cards designed using banana fiber by Kenyan artist.

I also wish to promote our cards for all seasons of the year. We have cards for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Weddings, Celebrating a newborn child, Birthdays, Get Well Soon Cards General cards and much more.

The cards are custom made. We can also make them in bulk if orders are made in advance.

For more information, contact Tasha on +254 20 2365786. She can be reached via email on africanpleasures@gmail.com

Hand Made Cards by Kenya's Tasha

View more presentations from Akinyi Adongo.

Eki Orleans, Representing Africa Worldwide.

2010-07-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Eki Orleans philosophy is about fusing vibrant prints with the delicate texture of silk. The designer, Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, whose inspiration is traditional West African patterns, creates her own interpretation of these cultural and intricate patterns. Like many upcoming designers, she is self-taught. The concept of the line began with a collection of scarves that combined different fabrics from India and Africa. After perfecting her technique of combining cultural prints, Hazel ventured out into designing her own garments that embody the uniqueness of her concept and collection. This is what makes Eki Orleans truly distinctive. For more information, visit the Eki Orleans website here.

Ghana's Black Stars are Africa's Stars...

2010-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 26 June 2010, Long Street in Cape Town erupted with the sound of vuvzelas and car horns. People were singing and dancing in the street and giving high-fives to car passengers stuck in the slow moving traffic. Ghana had just beaten the US to become the only African team to reach the quarter finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the euphoria in the Cape Town city centre was tangible.

While many of the celebrating fans wore the Ghana colours, a big percentage were wearing shirts supporting the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, with the honking cars still decked out in South African flags. This highlighted one of the most interesting phenomenons of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - the way South African fans and fans from other African countries have adopted the Ghanaian team as their own.

The article that follows, written by Nosimilo Ramela for MediaClubSouthAfrica, further illustrates that Africans are now pinning all their hopes on Ghana.

Black Stars shine for Africa
"We are so proud of Ghana, they've played really well and have kept Africans' hopes alive in our first African World Cup," said Thabiso Malesa from Tembisa, east of Johannesburg.

The team, popularly known as the Black Stars, sent Africans into fits of excitement on Saturday when striker Asamoah Gyan scored the winning goal three minutes into injury time, defeating the US 2-1.

"In 2006 we made the second round, now we have gone a step further. We have made Ghana proud and the whole of Africa proud. I am the happiest man in the world," said Gyan.

Samuel Musah, a fan from Ghana, shares his sentiments: "This is just amazing. These boys have represented this continent with such heart, have made us so proud and given us hope for Africa."

Musah was one of the 34 976 fans who attended the game at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, in South Africa's North West province. "The energy was fantastic at the stadium. I think our support, singing, screaming, dancing, praying and blowing the African horn motivated the guys. They knew the whole of Africa was behind them and they played their hearts out for their country and the entire continent," he said.

Speaking after the game, Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew said: "We did it for Africa. We knew we had the whole continent behind us and we did not want to disappoint. It gave us more energy to beat the US."

Carrying Africa's hopes
South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon were all eliminated in the first round of the tournament, leaving the Black Stars as the only team in the tournament to represent the continent.

"It's amazing to have the whole of Africa behind us," said fellow midfielder Sulley Muntari in a post-match interview with Fifa.com. "Football means so much to Africans. Having the World Cup here is just incredible. It would have been nice if more African sides had reached the last 16, but we're very proud to carry their hopes."

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has congratulated Ghana for advancing to the quarter-finals, saying their victory is a positive indication of Africa's ability to perform.

He said the team has always been known as Ghana's Black Stars, but they should consider changing their name to Africa's Black Stars because they have represented the entire continent and made it proud with their performance.

"I wish Ghana to proceed to the semi-finals and hope the whole continent, not only South Africans, will support the team," said Mbeki.

South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has also said the Ghanaian team has made Africa proud.

The party's Jackson Mthembu said they are fully behind Ghana. "We are, as the ANC, calling on all South Africans and all people who come from the length and breadth of Africa to be behind the Ghanaians. In fact, they are no longer Ghanaian stars, they are African stars."

When Ghana first qualified to play in a FIFA World Cup in 2006, the team got through to the second round, before being knocked out by Brazil. They are the third African team to reach the quarter-finals, after Cameroon and Senegal did so in 1990 and 2002 respectively.

"We've created history," said right back John Pantsil. "It's the first time that Ghana has reached the quarter-finals and it's incredible."

Musah says that when Ghana faces two-time World Cup winners Uruguay on Friday 2 July at Soccer City Stadium, "the whole of Africa will be behind the team. I believe their commitment and our support will carry them to the next round".

By Nosimilo Ramela
MediaClubSouthAfrica.com

German Born, London Based Eva Sonaike

2010-06-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard about Eva Sonaike yet you are missing out on one of the most original and talented designers of our generation. Eva is also a seasoned journalist affiliated to several prominent European fashion publications such as German Elle and Instyle Magazines.

Eva has a keen eye for beautiful vibrant African fabric which is the core of her work. Her products includes cushions, bags and notebooks with the signature African fabric.

Eva has been featured in blogs such as SparkleShock, Bellanaija, Style House, atelier africa and Existing Visual

Some of her divine designs include:

For more on Eva's Ikoyi Collection 2010..

German Born Eva Sonaike

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Introducing The DAWA (Discovering Africa's Web Assets) Initiative

2010-06-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that we at www.infoafricanow.com reveal The DAWA (Discovering Africa's Web Assets) Initiative.

Dorcus Beads Initiative, Nairobi, Kenya

For months we have been listing African and Africa based companies, individuals, organizations and governments on infoafricanow.com. As the days went by and the entries increased in number (over 15,000), we realized that there is a large group of African business people, organizations and individuals who have the desire to have an online presence but lack the incentive or means to do it.

Thus the DAWA Initiative was born. The DAWA Initiative’s core aim is to create more web content on Africa by designing over one million web portfolios for African companies, individuals, organizations, projects and governments.

Friends Taxi and Car Hire

As we write this, less than one percent of the billions of websites currently online are dedicated to African content. This illustrates the need for the information gap to be filled. Through the DAWA Initiative, we wish to achieve the following:

1. Make the internet relevant to Africa by creating content which appeals to the African internet community.

2. Create a platform which will give African businesses visibility on-line, thus increasing the reach of their markets globally.

3. Give African artists a face. Most musicians, sculptors, painters and dancers do not have an opportunity to showcase their work worldwide. The internet will give them a chance to do so.

4. Showcase African attractions: Most African tourism attractions do not have a comprehensive description online. With the exception of wikipedia, there are few portals on the web dedicated to the thousands of attractions that Africa has to offer like the mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, wilderbeast migrations and many more marvels of nature within the continent.

Think Tank Marketing, Nairobi, Kenya

5. Recognizing the most outstanding Africans: Africans throughout the continent and the world over have excelled in so many fields, but sadly this has gone unnoticed by the rest of the world. We look forward to compiling a comprehensive list of as many outstanding Africans as we can.

That said, here are the first five web portfolios we have done so far, 999,995 to go!!

Directions Unlimited, Nairobi, Kenya

Happy Nairobi Kids supported by Cafe Des Arts, Nairobi, Kenya

South Africa Soccer World Cup Schedule, 2010

2010-06-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

2010 World Cup Schedule

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Africa: An economic giant that’s ready to wake up by Geoffrey York

2010-05-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Africa’s newest architectural miracle is a gigantic stadium in the earthy colours and shape of a calabash, the traditional cooking pot that symbolizes African village life. At night, on the Soweto horizon, it glows like the embers of a slumbering fire, waiting to be stirred into life.

On June 11, the embers will awaken. Nearly 90,000 people will crowd into Africa’s biggest stadium, known as Soccer City, for the opening ceremonies of the World Cup, the most popular sporting event on the planet, held on African soil for the first time ever.

History will approve.

The stadium was built in the apartheid era as a soccer venue, mostly for South Africa’s black population, and it was here that Nelson Mandela spoke to 100,000 adoring supporters in his first Soweto rally after his release from prison. With apartheid long dead, the stadium has sat empty for three years as workers overhauled it for Africa’s new day in the sun.

The renaissance of Soccer City marks an auspicious beginning for an era when another sleeping giant, Africa itself, is being reborn. After a year hobbled by the global slowdown, Africa is quietly preparing for a growth trajectory that could astonish the world.

Its popular image is still the same: hunger; corruption; war; poverty. But take another look. Beyond the stereotypes, Africa’s potential is explosive. Its human talents, its vast natural resources, its rising democracies and new technologies – all are reaching a tipping point that could send it surging dramatically upward.

The economy of sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow by 4.75 per cent this year, faster than the world average, and will accelerate to an impressive 6 per cent in 2011, according to the International Monetary Fund. It will be the strongest recovery that Africa has ever managed to achieve after a global downturn, and it is testament to its greater resilience, smarter policies and growing popularity among foreign investors.

Little noticed by the world, the African economy had grown at 6 per cent annually for five years before the global slowdown. Its inflation rates and budget deficits have declined, its foreign exchange reserves have grown 30 per cent since the 1990s, and its external debt has sharply decreased. And so, when the global economy contracted last year, Africa succeeded in avoiding a decline, maintaining 2-per-cent growth even at the depths of the slowdown.

Africa’s rebirth has often been touted in the past, only to falter. Magazine covers in the late 1990s touted “Africa Rising” and “Emerging Africa.” Leaders such as U.S. president Bill Clinton toured the continent, and South African president Thabo Mbeki made passionate speeches about the “African Renaissance.” But soon the optimism was fading, and a disillusioned cover story in The Economist a decade ago dismissed Africa as “The Hopeless Continent.”

But this time is different. For the first time, Africa is becoming a bigger lure for investors than for aid donors. Africa’s poverty rate has been declining by 1 per cent annually since the 1990s, and investment is growing dramatically. A decade ago, Africa was receiving less than $5-billion (U.S.) in foreign investment annually. By 2008, it was attracting nearly $40-billion in direct foreign investment – more than it received in foreign aid. One survey found that 40 per cent of emerging-market equity investors are putting money into Africa today, compared with 4 per cent in 2006.

“I think there are great opportunities in Africa,” says Richard Maponya, one of South Africa’s most well-known black entrepreneurs, who capped a 60-year business career by building a massive $90-million shopping mall in Soweto three years ago.

“We’re growing every day,” he said in an interview. “Ever since we put up the mall, property prices have gone up, and the lifestyle of people has become much better. There are a lot of wealthy black people in Soweto, and there’s a big growth in the middle class. They call Soweto home, and they’re not excited about moving to the white suburbs.”

Under apartheid, Soweto was notorious as a place of rebellion and violence. The sprawling black township was the site of the 1976 uprising that ignited the final battle against the apartheid system. But many of its two million inhabitants today are middle-class consumers, and savvy entrepreneurs are recognizing it as a place to make money.

On the township’s famed Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once lived in a small brick house, two businessmen have created popular restaurants that lure thousands of tourists and local customers. Both are rapidly expanding their businesses in time for the World Cup.

Mr. Mandela, in fact, has signalled the business revolution in Soweto by giving strong support to its entrepreneurs. Seventeen years after his speech at the soccer stadium, he returned to Soweto to cut the ribbon to open the Maponya Mall. Since then, the mall’s 200 shops have been surprisingly successful. Even in the depths of the 2009 downturn, its revenue grew by 5 per cent. Among the mall’s luxury tenants are an Audi dealership, a sushi bar, a boutique selling Prada and Versace sunglasses, four jewellery shops, and a cigar store where customers buy $30 Cubans.

Across Africa, pro-business policies are much more common. A survey by the World Bank found that 28 African countries had adopted 58 business-friendly measures last year – more than in any previous year. African stock exchanges are bustling, from Johannesburg to Nairobi to Accra. The continent has more than 1,000 banks and other financial institutions, including the hugely successful Ecobank, based in Togo, which has been consistently profitable and has 11,000 employees in more than 750 branches across 29 African countries.

Some of Africa’s economic advantages are obvious. It contains 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves, including 40 per cent of the world’s gold, and is one of the biggest sources of the oil that fuels the U.S. and Chinese economies. Lured by these resources, many foreign investors are abandoning their hesitations about the region. Canadian mining companies, which had invested less than $1-billion (U.S.) in Africa in the 1990s, have now poured $21-billion into the continent.

China is the most ardent of the new suitors. By 2008 its official investment in Africa had reached almost $8-billion (U.S.), but some estimates say its investment is closer to $50-billion if loans and other contributions are included. Its annual trade with Africa has soared from a mere $2-billion in 1999 to a stunning $107-billion by 2008, putting it in close competition with the United States as Africa’s biggest trading partner, and offering a strong alternative to the usual sources of funds for African business.

Vijay Mahajan, a marketing professor and business consultant who published a book on Africa last year, argues that Africa is following the same economic path as China and India and will offer the same business opportunities. Many of its countries already have a higher per-capita income than China and India, he notes. “Africa is richer than you think,” he tells readers in Africa Rising.

Even the continent’s fast-growing population may be an advantage, rather than a burden. Africa’s population has recently surpassed one billion. By 2050, it could reach two billion people, a fifth of humanity, thanks to a rapid decline in mortality rates. But its birth rates are also dropping fast, so its working-age population over the next two decades will have fewer dependants for which to care. This is the kind of “demographic dividend” that helped fuel the economic miracle in the Asian Tigers of the past 20 years.

What’s equally significant about Africa’s renaissance is the growing importance of new technologies, including cellphones, Internet businesses and mobile banking. Since 2003, Africa’s use of cellphones and the Internet has been growing at twice the global average. A decade ago, there were only 3 million Internet users and 11 million cellphone subscriptions in the whole continent. By 2009, the number of Internet users had increased to 86 million, and there were 400 million cellphone subscriptions. By 2012, there are expected to be more than 500 million cellphone subscriptions – more than half of Africa’s entire population, compared with 2 per cent a decade ago.

Businesses are seeing the profit potential in Africa’s telecommunications sector. In one of the most spectacular of recent deals, Indian company Bharti Airtel spent $9-billion (U.S.) this year to acquire Zain’s cellphone operations in 15 African countries. The company said the deal was justified by the continued likelihood of high growth in Africa.

The lure of Africa is boosted by new African-based technologies that are beating the world. Mobile banking, for example, is increasingly popular in many African countries, even as the technology has yet to arrive in Canada in any significant way. By using their cellphones to transfer money and pay bills, Africans are making a big dent in their transportation costs, a major cost savings for rural people and the urban poor.

In Kenya, for example, more than 9 million people – about 40 per cent of the adult population – use their cellphones to make financial transactions through SMS text messages, thanks to a service called M-Pesa (its name based on the Swahili word for money). The service was created just three years ago by Safaricom, the country’s leading cellphone company, and already is providing an average of $320-million (U.S.) in monthly transactions.

A similar service, called Wizzit, has signed up more than 300,000 customers in South Africa, providing a virtual bank account for poor and rural people who feel excluded from regular banks. Its slogan is “My bank in my pocket.” The company is so successful that it is expanding into several other African countries, including Zambia and Tanzania, and even into European countries such as Romania.

Another of Africa’s technological innovations is Ushahidi (a Swahili word meaning “testimony”), an Internet mapping tool with global applications, created in Kenya in 2008 in the aftermath of election violence there. Its crowd-sourcing technology allows people to report anonymously on any phenomenon, creating instantaneous maps that are invaluable to the search for solutions. Ushahidi has helped create maps of election fraud in Sudan, medical shortages in several African countries, and the location of trapped earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile, allowing a faster response by rescue workers.

If Africa’s business opportunities are rapidly expanding, what about its stereotypical problems of poverty, disease and corruption? Those challenges haven’t disappeared, but there is much more progress than most outsiders realize.

Corrupt leaders and autocratic regimes are still commonplace in Africa. Yet multiparty elections are increasingly frequent. By some measurements, there are nearly 30 democracies in Africa today, compared with five at the end of the Cold War, and the number of civil wars has sharply declined. One index of African governance – measuring everything from transparency and human rights to wealth creation and education – found that 38 countries had improved their score over the past decade, while only 10 had declined.

Some of the most dramatic gains are in health and education. Africa’s child-mortality rate is declining by 1.8 per cent annually – twice the rate of decline in the 1990s – due to expanded vaccination campaigns, improved nutrition and greater access to clean water. Malaria rates are sharply falling as millions of insecticide-treated bed nets are distributed across Africa. Adult death rates have improved steadily since 2005, partly because of much better access to AIDS medicine.

Literacy has expanded enormously in Africa since the 1970s. A decade ago, only 58 per cent of African children went to primary school; today it’s nearly 75 per cent. Many African countries have eliminated school fees and other barriers, allowing an extra 42 million children to go to school.

High-school graduation rates have been tougher to improve, but look again to Soweto for an inspiring example. Mduduzi Mathe is the son of poor teachers who earned a few dollars a month in the apartheid era. He remembers how Soweto’s schools were neglected back then. “You’d see students without shoes, sitting on buckets,” he says. “You’d see a classroom without window panes or a proper door.”

When he became principal of Bhukulani Secondary School in 1997, the school was on the verge of collapse, with dilapidated classrooms, broken windows, drug dealers in control of the building, and only 21 per cent of students passing their matriculation exams. But Mr. Mathe, a science and mathematics teacher who had moved into a house within a short walk of the school, worked hard to instill a new sense of discipline and leadership.

He announced a verbal contract with the staff and students, insisting on explanations from anyone who was even a few minutes late. He found more resources for textbooks and equipment. He spent weekends with students at the school, painting the walls and fixing the broken windows. And by 2009, an astonishing 94 per cent of his 1,200 students were passing their exams. Every year on opening day, hundreds of parents gather at his school gate to clamour for admission for their children – although he has to turn most of them away because of a space shortage.

On a typical recent day, Mr. Mathe was giving a stern lecture to a teacher who was seven minutes late. “If there’s a lack of discipline among the staff, it spills over to the students,” he said in an interview. “We pride ourselves on being here on time. I’m devoted to seeing our learners getting better every day.”

But it’s not just a matter of discipline. He also conveys a sense of the joy of education. On a wall board in a school corridor, he has scrawled an explanation of the laws of probabilities – and how they can be applied to the South African team’s chances of winning the World Cup this year. He, too, is waiting for Soccer City to come alive.

Patricia Wakaimba of Bahati Wear

2010-05-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Patricia Wakaimba is a charming young Kenyan lady who is adding the much needed spice to the Kenyan fashion scene. With refreshing, vibrant and practical designs, we were thrilled to have a few moments with Patricia on Bahati Wear.

Bahati Wear by Kenya's Patricia Wakaimba

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Patricia has been mentioned by Capital FM Kenya, Haiya, Jamati.com, Rafiki Kenya, Fashiontribes.com, Ciaafrique and Spain's Efecto Moda

Seven Africans in Time Magazine's World's Most Influential People for 2010

2010-05-12T09:25:00.002-07:00

Time Magazine has recently released their list of the world's most influential people for 2010. Among the laureates are seven Africans who stand alongside the likes of Barack Obama and Steve Jobs as global change-makers. From activists to sports stars, from inventors to big-business leaders, African born heroes and heroines are leaving their mark on the world.

Didier Drogba

In the run up to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa much of the world's attention is focused on football, and particularly African football. Therefore it's not surprising that Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, 32, not only made the Time 100 list, but also the cover of the magazine.

Drogba, who grew up in the Ivory Coast and France, is featured in the "Heroes" category and is the only footballer mentioned on the list.

The magazine states that, as striker for England's Chelsea Football Club and captain of the CÃ´te d'Ivoire team, Drogba "has shown the world what's possible when power and grace fuse on the soccer pitch". Drogba is the all-time top scorer of the Ivory Coast national team.

Eben Harrell writes for Time that, when the World Cup kicks off in South Africa in June, Drogba will carry the hopes of a continent as Africa's best-known soccer star. In fact, according to the magazine, West Africans will be toasting him with a beer glass called the Drogba - a glass nearly twice the size of a normal mug.

But Drogba is also known as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on Africa. He is currently working with the UNDP on a worldwide advocacy campaign to support free and fair elections, and to encourage citizens to vote. He also supports UNDP's work in conflict prevention and recovery.

According to Time, after 22 Ivorians were killed in a crush to see their national team play in 2009, Drogba resolved to donate all his endorsement earnings to a charity he set up to build new hospitals in his home country.

Elon Musk

Internet wizard, rocket scientist and green pioneer Elon Musk was born and raised in South Africa with a South African father and a Canadian mother. Musk moved to Canada aged 17 after matriculating from Pretoria Boys High School in South Africa. He is now based in the United States and his influence is felt across different spheres of business and industry.

Musk first rose to prominence as co-founder of PayPal, a safe and simple method of online payment. PayPal was eventually bought by eBay for US$1.5 billion. One of his current companies, SpaceX, develops and manufactures space launch vehicles. According to Time Magazine Musk designed the Falcon 9 booster that may serve as NASA's next vehicle to transport cargo and humans into space. He also helped to create Solar City, the largest provider of solar-power systems in the United States and he designed the Tesla, one of the first electric cars of the modern era.

John Favreau, director of the Iron Man movies, writes for Time magazine that Musk was also the inspiration for Robert Downey Jr's interpretation of genius billionaire Tony Stark in the blockbuster movies.

Valentin Abe
If we give a man a fish, we feed him for a day. If we teach him to fish, we feed him for a lifetime. But Dr. Valentine Abe has gone a step beyond; he teaches people to feed the fish, so that many generations can be fed and prosper.

Hailing from CÃ´te d'Ivoire, Abe is a Fulbright scholar and received his Masters and PhD degrees from Auburn University in the US. After Abe married a Haitian national he moved to the country, and became devoted to restoring Haiti to its rightful place as a commercial fish producer in the Caribbean.

When Abe arrived in Haiti, he was startled that fishing that wasn't a large part of the island nation's economy. Abe had a simple vision: fish farming could be the solution for poor Haitian communities, providing jobs and lean proteins for malnourished people. He powers his entire operation with solar energy, and he involves fish farmers, whose incomes he's multiplied two or three times or more.

Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. President and the founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, spoke highly of Abe in the Time magazine article. "I met one man with eight children who said that because of his partnership with Valentin, he had been able to send his children to school for the first time. There are people like this all over the world. They don't get noticed very much, but they have a profound influence on the people whose lives they touch."

Neill Blomkamp

South African born director Neill Blomkamp makes the list on account of the unexpected and widespread success of his first feature film, District 9. Well known director Ridley Scott writes that "from time to time, there are people in the film industry who appear on the horizon with a unique vision. South African director Neill Blomkamp is one of those rare people."

The alien-apartheid allegory received, among others, a Golden Globe nomination, two BAFTA Award nominations and an Academy Award nomination. According to Scott, this is more acclaim than most directors will ever achieve.

"Neill's extraordinary talent is a force to be reckoned with, and I know that we all look forward to seeing what lies ahead for this game-changing filmmaker," says Ridley Scott.

Matt Berg

32-year-old Matthew Berg was born in a small village in Cameroon and grew up in Dakar, Senegal, in West Africa. After graduating from Thunderbird School of Global Management, in the US, Berg became the ICT Coordinator for the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) based out of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. He was responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of ICT activities across the fourteen Millennium Villages sites in Africa. Prior to joining MVP, Berg was the Director of the Geekcorps' Mali Program, a USAID funded project aimed at improving access to information to rural areas of Mali.

In Partnership with the MVP, Berg is currently leading the push to track disease in Africa with SMS. As technology director for ChildCount+, he helps oversee a network of community-health workers who regularly examine local children, whom they treat and then text back the status of the child. This allows for improved health monitoring, faster interventions and better immunisation and treatment campaigns.

ChildCount+ has been in existence for only nine months and has already reported more than 20,000 nutrition screenings, 500 cases of malnutrition and 2,000 of malaria. Berg and his colleagues are now scaling up to monitor more than 100,000 children under 5.

"Remarkable as Berg's work is, its greatest achievement will come when he's no longer the one doing it," wrote Katrin Verclas, co-founder of MobileActive.org.

Graca Machel

Graca Machel is perhaps most famous for being the wife of South African icon Nelson Mandela and the widow of former Mozambican President Samora Machel. But according to Time magazine she is one of the world's most effective â€“ and joyful â€“ advocates for the rights of children, women and refugees, and a potent voice for justice that is always listened to.

Machel started her political career as a member of the Mozambican Liberation Front (FRELIMO) while working as a schoolteacher. When Mozambique gained independence in 1975 she was appointed Minister for Education and Culture, and married Samora Machel, who would become Mozambique's first President, in the same year. He died in a plane crash 11 years later and she became Nelson Mandela's third wife in 1998.

Time calls her a "sturdy shoulder that the South African leans on" for her campaigns against pediatric AIDS and the abuse of children and refugees. She was re-elected as chancellor of the University of Cape Town this week, and has won many humanitarian awards, including the 1995 Nansen Medal from the United Nations in recognition of her longstanding humanitarian work for refugees and children, and the 2009 World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child from the Swedish Children's World Association.

Tidjane Thiam

The FTSE 100 is a share index of the 100 most highly capitalised UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange

Tidjane Thiam, who had previously been the Ivory Coast's Minister of Planning and Development, joined Prudential, the largest UK insurer by market value, in 2007 as the finance director at the firm. In October of 2009, Thiam took on the role of chief executive. After the announcement of Thiam's appointment, Prudential shares were trading up 5.6% on the news.

Aside from his running of Prudential, Thiam has also been involved in the Commission for Africa and currently sits on the Africa Progress Panel.

Michael Eboda, the founder of Powerful Media, who puts together the most influential black Briton list, in an interview with the BBC said, "It is very significant because it sets a wider precedent... he has an incredibly impressive curriculum vitae." In 2008 Thaim was named the second most influential black Briton, behind the Sudanese-born founder of mobile operator Celtel, Dr Mo Ibrahim.

Ethnic minorities have little representation in Britain's boardrooms, and Thiam's appointment was described as a "watershed" moment by Sandra Kerr, director of Race for Opportunity which campaigns for equality in the workplace.

Bob Geldof, musician and a activist, wrote "He is a brilliant, elegant, media-adept family man... His insight and analysis are always impressive, his opinions invaluable."

African inspiration
African change-makers are no stranger to the Time 100 list, with five African laureates included in the 2009 list. For a continent that is forging into a new era of development and growth, it is important for Africa to know her heroes and heroines; for children to grow up with effective role models, people who show them that anything is possible. As Richard Stengel, the Editor of Time Magazine, wrote: "The TIME 100 is not about the influence of power but the power of influence."

For the full Time 100 list for 2010, please visit Time Magazine's website.

By Linda Krige and Matthew Choate

R.I.P Former Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua 16th August 1951-5th May 2010

2010-05-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Wednesdays at Carnivore, Nairobi, Kenya

2010-05-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Carnivore Kenya invites you to sing (how you will sound is up to you...) at Cocktail Wednesdays with Karaoke hosted by Kui Koinange, Dj-Edgar Burn and Cloud 9 Entertainment from 7 p.m this and every Wednesday. Entry is free! Tequila Shots for singers (as stocks last...)

Uganda's Fred Mutebi, A Seasoned Artist

2010-05-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Fred Mutebi is a Multi-color woodcut artist who uses his art to celebrate the natural beauty of Uganda, his homeland.

Actor Forest Whitaker enjoys the woodcut art pieces given to him by Michael Kirkpatrick, participant of the Let Art Talk organization in Uganda. One of the two art pieces was made by a student from the Hope North school whom Whitaker met during a visit there.

Using a vibrant array of colors, Fred Mutebi creates woodcut prints that depict stories about critical social events in Uganda or that portray images indigenous to the Ugandan environment. The works are made even more authentic by his use of a special technique called the “progressive reduction method”, which prevents the production of more than ten woodcut prints of the same composition.

Uganda: Fred Mutebi Catalog of Artwork

His development as an artist and as a teacher has grown to a level where he believes that it is paramount that art should be used to inform people about global challenges. He strongly feels that it is extremely important to reach as many ordinary people as possible with art that relates with their issues, especially the youth of Uganda.

He graduated from the School of Industrial and Fine Arts at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda in 1993.

As a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Fred Mutebi played an integral role in imparting an appreciation for this particular art form and a passion for the country called “the pearl of Africa”. From lecturing on the history of art in Uganda and the history of printmaking, to conducting woodcut printmaking workshops for art students, Mutebi captivates his audiences.

In addition to Christian Brothers University, Mutebi has also conducted workshops and lectures at the University of Colorado, Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, Memphis College of Art, Indiana University - Purdue University of Fort Wayne, Manatee Community College, Marian College, Dallas Baptist University, and the University of North Texas. He has also been the featured artist at the World Bank gallery in Washington DC.

Fred Mutebi created an innovative and unique way to address important issues facing Uganda and the global community by launching Let Art Talk in 2007. The objective of the organization is to educate the diverse segments of Ugandan society by using common terms and creative techniques in order to encourage constructive change for a positive future. The mission is to use art as an educational tool to empower people and communities at the grassroots level. The goal is to transform lives by strengthening leadership, advocating reconciliation, and imparting problem solving skills

Uganda: Let Art Talk Brochure

Fred has developed a method of communicating to communities in Uganda called Talking murals™. Important topics are discussed in a public forum and then translated into the words of the local language with corresponding themed pictures. Community members participate in the creation of the mural with their ideas, words, and artistic contributions. Talking murals™ have been created to commemorate many special events like The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, World Population Day, Ugandan Independence Day, and World AIDS Day.

Fred Mutebi has been mentioned is several publications, for example, US Embassy in Uganda The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, The Independent, UNAA Times Online, All Africa and African Greetings

Jamila Vera Swai and Robert Morro designs at the Origin Africa Designer Showcase in Kenya, on 28th April

2010-05-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

Robi Morro's Designs

Jamila Vera Swai's Designs

Hajo van Beijma of Text to Change Foundation

2010-04-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hajo van Beijma co-founded Text to Change (TTC) and has been working on the Text to Change programs. Hajo is responsible for developing new programs, partnerships and heading the finance department.

With a special interest in health communication it has been always one of his goals to work in Africa. When he learnt about the enormous growth of mobile telephony, especially in Africa, he got the idea of using Mobile telephones to reach out to people with health and educational messages. Together with two colleagues he founded the Text to Change (TTC) Foundation early 2007.

Until now Mobile telephony was never been used on such a large scale and systematic manner for this purpose. Text to Change has created an uptake in HIV testing of 35% in the regions where they launch their text message based quiz. After the pilot period TTC has scaled up and is now working on all health topics in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia.

We were honored when Hajo took time out of his busy schedule to address our questions...

www.infoafricanow.com: What inspired you to work in Africa

Hajo: Being born in The Netherlands the first thing I learned is that the world is bigger than the 15 million people there. I always looked for a job with more adventure and once you hit the ground in Africa you know you want to go back and do more with the resources we have in Europe to support the bottom-up ICT innovation in Africa.

www. infoafricanow.com: How did the concept of TTC come about?

Hajo: The three founders of TTC had a mixed background: ICT, Marketing and a medical doctor. The medical doctor discussed the lack of innovation at HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns around the world and the other two came up with text message quizzes, one thing led to another.

www.infoafricanow.com: With resounding success in Uganda, what are TTC's future plans?

Hajo: TTC has expanded to Kenya, Namibia and will soon start in Tanzania, Cameroon and Bolivia. TTC wants to address more health topics and is starting to work on adding value to economic development and educational programs as well.

www.infoafricanow.com: How can the private sector in Africa support mobile phone initiatives?

Hajo: The private sector is very important, mobile operators play a key role in our partnerships and we have also setup awareness campaigns among the employees of companies in Uganda and Kenya.

www.infoafricanow.com: Any words of advice to those wishing to venture into the African
mobile phone market?

Hajo: Look at bottom-up demand from people in the region where you want to work, mobile banking and mobile money transfers are a great example that include a business model as well. Combining current microfinance projects with mobile phones and ventures working on social mobile advertising have my interest...

Hajo van Beijma - Mobiles for development

View more presentations from Mobile Monday Amsterdam.

For more information, have a look at www.texttochange.com

Bush Adventures of Kenya

2010-04-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Laura and Silas started Bush Adventures in 2009, with the basic aim of giving an individual the authentic experience the Maasai way of living, as they have lived for thousands of years.

Here we quote Laura's update on Bush Adventures, 8 remarkable months later....

"It's been a momentouos 8 months since Silas and I first started developing the idea of Bush Adventures, and we are very proud of how fast and how well we have managed to set everything up. In December we opened our tented camp and started welcoming our first visitors: their comments were enthusiastic, they really liked the experience and this has been very encouraging for us.

Since we really enjoy developing new activities, we are designing different programmes to suit special interests. Besides the three trainings on the website, we have developed a 4 days program for families with children 5-11 years old, with games and traditional activities for the kids alongside some warrior training activities for the parents. We are currently looking for an adventurous family that would like to come out here and test the activities with us- we know they are safe, we just want to check that they are fun for kids. If any of you is interested, please let me know.
In June we shall run a pilot Maasai/marathon training for those who wish to take part in the Lewa marathon on June 26 (http://www.lewa.org/lewa_marathon.php ): one week running in the bush and learning fighting techniques, tracking animals and traditional survival techniques. If you are interested in taking part in this pilot trip please send me an email. And if you have some ideas for the name, please let me know!

Media are starting to notice us: we have had a few journalists coming to visit us, and their articles should appear soon in some major Italian magazines and UK newspapers: I shall send you some more details as soon as they are published- perhaps we’ll become famous ...

If you would like to try our trainings, our standard prices are $ 1650 for the introductory program, 3000 $ for the survivor program and $ 4950 for the full 12 days program. Prices are all inclusive from your arrival at the camp to when you leave it, i.e. they exclude international flights and transport from Nairobi – however I can organize the latter for you.

For those seeking a more traditional safari here in Kenya, I can help you to choose unusual and beautiful itineraries, as well as to find hotels and lodges outside the well trodden paths.

I hope to hear from you all soon,

Kind regards"

Laura.

Fisherman's Camp, Kenya

2010-04-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Fisherman's Camp in Naivasha is a household name in Kenya. With a magnificent view of Lake Naivasha and plenty of space for camping enthusiasts, this campsite is one of our personal favourites.

In the evening, hippos emerge and graze as dinner is served on the camp's balcony, an enchanting sight indeed!

For more information: http://fishermanscampkenya.com/

Winnie Ojanga's Summer Collection 2010

2010-04-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Winnie Ojanga is a Switzerland based designer with a great 2010 collection just released, and here is a taste of her style

UK based Beauty of Rwanda

2010-03-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

www.infoafricanow.com just had the pleasure of having a one on one with Beauty of Rwanda, a UK based company whose sole purpose is to sell Rwandan artifacts to Europe and the rest of the world. The new company has wonderful plans in store, and we are honored to share them with you...

infoafricanow.com: What is Beauty of Rwanda?

Beauty of Rwanda is a unique for profit company that is working to change the lives of impoverished Rwandans. We are trying to restore and heal the people of Rwanda. The vision of the company is to sell Rwandan artifacts to people in the west thus helping all the craftsmen and women of Rwanda, many of whom are survivors of the Rwanda genocide against the Tutsi that took place in 1994.

www.infoafricanow.com: Where are you based?

Beauty of Rwanda: We are based in Newcastle, United Kingdom.

www.infoafricanow.com: What products do you sell?

Beauty of Rwanda: We sell hand made products from Rwanda. They are made from papyrus, sisal, banana and grass fibre and other raw materials from Rwanda.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are some of the challenges you are facing in the process of selling crafts in the west?

Beauty of Rwanda: I know that there is huge interest in African artifacts both from ex-pats living in Europe, North America etc.and/or others who may have visited Africa on holiday as tourists.
The challenge is to find a way to bring to market genuinely locally sourced products rather than mass produced fakes which do not benefit the real crafts men and women of Africa.

www.infoafricanow.com: What is your take on the African Crafts market?

Beauty of Rwanda: The market is there and it's huge but how huge is the key question.... We are trying to sell from a website (www.beautyofrwanda.com) so that we can capture those who can't physically travel to Rwanda to buy the crafts. In other words, we are going to bring Rwanda to them!

www.infoafricanow.com: Are you open to partnerships with artisans in other African countries apart from Rwanda?

Beauty of Rwanda: Yes, absolutely, provided that it fitted in with the overall ethos of Beauty of Rwanda.

www.infoafricanow.com: What inspired you to venture into this trade?

Beauty of Rwanda: I knew of different men and women associations based in Rwanda that sold rwandan crafts. Most of the members of these groups are survivors of the genocide as I had earlier mentioned. Some are the wives of men serving time for atrocities they committed in the genocide. Others are women who were raped and are HIV positive. The work they do is their only means of earning a livelihood for them and their families. These women are very skilled and their crafts are beautiful but their finished products were only being sold in Rwanda and one or two other countries....They are my inspiration.

www.infoafricanow.com: What are your future plans?

Beauty of Rwanda: Our dream is to bring the traditional culture and produce of Rwanda to a worldwide audience. The success of the company will be measured by the improved quality of life and opportunities of the craftsmen and women of Rwanda. One day, maybe a shop right here in Newcastle? Wow...that would be amazing.

www.infoafricanow.com: What advice would you give anyone venturing into the international crafts trade?

Beauty of Rwanda: One has to research the market just like any other thing I suppose. This is a first for us so we are still learning and taking every good advice on board. We hope many people will take the journey with us.

For more information, email Beauty of Rwanda at info@beautyofrwanda.com, or take a peak at their beautiful website: www.beautyofrwanda.com They can also be found on twitter: @beautyofrwanda

Kenya's Mara Timbo Camp

2010-03-26T05:51:00.000-07:00

Weaver Press Zimbabwe linked to www.infoafricanow.com

2010-03-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Weaver Press Zimbabwe is now linked to www.infoafricanow.com. Weaver press is an authoritative publishing house in Zimbabwe, covering topics like literature, history, law and children's books. We have successfully listed over seventy books from Weaver Press on www.infoafricanow.com.

For more information, the following links will be useful:

http://www.weaverpresszimbabwe.com/
http://www.weaverpresszimbabwe.com/useful-links.html

Nigeria's DJ Fabulous

2010-03-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Nigeria is without a doubt one of the top nations when it comes to African music with the likes of P Square, D'Banj and Fela Kuti leading the pack. It is therefore our pleasure to have a quick word with Lagos' upcoming DJ Fabulous(Yusuf Idris)....

infoafricanow.com: How long have you been a DJ?

DJ Fabulous: I have been DJ for 3 years now.

infoafricanow.com: Which Clubs/Parties have you played in Nigeria?

DJ Fabulous: I have played in several parties in Nigeria.

infoafricanow.com: How many songs have you recorded? What type of music do you sing?

DJ Fabulous: I have one demo

infoafricanow.com: What type of music do you play?

DJ Fabulous: I do Hiphop and RnB

infoafricanow.com: What do you think about the Nigerian music scene?

DJ Fabulous: Well the Nigerian artists are doing a great job.. now we are just like America in music

infoafricanow.com: Which Nigerian artists/DJ's do you respect?

DJ Fabulous: I respect Eedris Abdulkareem who happens to be my role model. I also respect Dj Humility.

infoafricanow.com: Which African musicians would you like to work with in future?

DJ Fabulous: I would love to work with many African artists but the ones I really want to work with are, Eedris Abdulkareem, Faze, OJB, JJC, VIP of Ghana, Tiny, Femi Kuti, Pasuma Wonder etc

infoafricanow.com: Any last words?

DJ Fabulous: Yeah! I just wanna shout out to everybody out there expect DJ Fabulous very soon.... music is my soul, music is in me. I will bring music edifies to the industry...WATCH OUT

Email DJ Fabulous: djfabulous87@yahoo.com

Namibia's KunsHuis Graphic Design Consultancy

2010-03-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

KunsHuis is a Professional Graphic Design Consultancy with 6 years experience. They specialize in the design of:
• Logo’s
• Stationary
• Brochures
• flyers
• annual reports
• Magazine layouts
• small ad designs
• Signage
• Packaging Design
• Vehicle Branding
• Website Design and any other visual element needed by businesses.

KunsHuis Graphic Design Consultancy have experience working on clients such as:
• British American Tobacco
• BP
• Lexus
• Windhoek Gymnasium
• Old Mutual
• Meatboard of Namibia
• SAA
• Avis Fleet Services
• Diamonds Industry of Namibia
• Pupkewitz
• Namibia Tourism Board
• MultiChoice Namibia
• Toyota
• Lexus
• Roads Authority
• Agra
• Namfisa
• Government Campaigns
• Central family Practice
• Vespa among others.

For more information, check out http://kunshuis.com

Cameroon's Limbe Labs

2010-03-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Limbe Labs is a consultancy and startup incubator located in the heart of Central & West Africa. They are a group of technologists and entrepreneurs who share a passion for all things tech, with a special interest in African ingenuity. Limbe Labs has three main business units focused on consulting, socially-responsible outsourcing and incubating technology startups.

careers.limbelabs.com provides job listings available at the trend-setting company. Limbe Labs is active in the Cameroon tech scene, having sponsored BarCamp Cameroon. They provided logistical support and networking infrastructure on November 7th 2009.

Africa Gathering DC talk

View more presentations from Bill Zimmerman.

For more information have a look at the Limbe Labs Website

The Kenya Events Festival & Conferences Forum, 22-23 April 2010

2010-03-17T03:48:00.000-07:00

Kenya will for the first time host a forum in events, festivals and conferences in April this year.
Makini College and the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) have partnered to hold this ‘first of its kind’ forum that will help develop an international benchmark for events and enable standardization of competency in event management in the region.
The two – day event will take place on the 22nd- 23rd April 2010 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. The aim of the conference is to provide a professional learning experience for all stake holders involved in the Events Industry.
Among the attendees will be the following top event Gurus from around the world, who will join Kenyan event organizers in discussing way forward in the event industry. They will include: William O’Toole, Events Development Specialist for Abu Dhabi city, New Zealand and Scotland governments, Eva Schausberger, Director, Foreign Credential Recognition at Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and Janet Langley, of South African, among other local stakeholders.
The events industry has been around for a while, but has not had a stable foundation in Kenya; most of the event managers in the country are not aware that international standards for holding events/conferences exist. Kenya has no specific body that recognizes event organizers and persons who derive their wellbeing from the industry. Hence, this event will bring out the importance of developing competency based standards, forming association for professional organizers and forming professional programmes that are relevant to event / conference/ festival managers.
The event hopes to:
• To develop a competency based standard with industry for event managers and the event industry.
• To develop a Forum that brings all stakeholders to learn about event management
• To develop relevant programmes in event management.

Some of the topics that will be covered in the forum are:
• How to bid for events
• How to promote and develop events
• Risk management and analysis of an event
• How to measure ROI on event sponsorship
• How to develop competency-based standards for event management
• How to benchmark event safety standards
• To develop internationally recognized training programs in event management

Who can participate? The event has attracted interest from corporate, government, non-governmental organizations, hotels & tour operators, churches and religious forums as well as independent event organizers and event service providers.
An exciting programme of events is lined up for participants that includes a forum where the guest speakers will address topical issues; break out sections where group discussions will be formed, a workshop which the attendees will be rewarded with a certificate, and an exhibition that will go on during the conference to allow sponsors to showcase their products and services.
We would like your media house to attend this event and accord it coverage.

For more information please contact:
Silvia Mochorwa
KICC (+254 724 274 170)
Tel: +254 20 247277
Email: smochorwa@kicc.co.ke
Or
Amelia Watindi
Tel: +254 20 24 98 759
Email: amelia@makinicollege.com

For more information, log onto www.kenyaevents.org

Wanted: African Freelance Reporters and Video Production Companies

2010-03-02T03:52:00.000-08:00

A Message from Africa Interactive

To serve our fast growing portfolio of international clients - like Philips, KLM, Heineken, Starbucks, Nestlé and Nike - Africa Interactive is urgently
looking for Freelance African and Non-African reporters living and workin in Africa to do paid assignments.

We are looking for:

* African cameramen/women
* African video and film production companies
* African journalists
* African photographers

in all African countries

who speak English or French or Portuguese

If you like to sign up, please send your cv to:

bas@africanews.com

If you want to see who are in our reporter database now, please follow this link:

http://www.africanews.com/site/page/reporters

If you like to read more about becoming a reporter for Africa Interactive, please follow this link:

www.africa-interactive.net

I am looking forward to working together.

If you know other African Media professionals who might be interested in working with Africa Interactive, please forward this message.

Best regards,

Bas Vlugt, founder Africa Interactive
bas@africanews.com

Africa Interactive is the publisher of AfricaNews.com, the world's leading Africa website

www.africanews.com

www.infoafricanow.com at the 8th Property & Home Living Expo 2010, Nairobi, kenya

2010-03-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

The just concluded Property & Home Living Expo 2010 was timely. Africa as a developing continent has a vibrant and rapidly expanding real estate market. This event was useful and showcased some of the best real estate companies in Kenya. Hass Consult and The Nairobi Water Company sponsored the Expo. For a more information on Real Estate companies in Kenya, take a look at:

http://www.infoafricanow.com/directory.php?do=Category&CountryID=23&CatID=24

www.infoafricanow.com at Samatha's Bridal Weddings Fair 2010, Nairobi

2010-02-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

Samantha's Bridal Weddings is easily the most authoritative wedding Magazine in Kenya. Under the stewardship of the dynamic Dr. Catherine Masitsa Rozsa, the magazine has transformed the wedding scene in Kenya by introducing a whole new array of options for the bride and groom to be.

The Samantha's Bridal wedding Fair was full of color, pomp and stunning new concepts for 2010 weddings in Kenya.

Ghanaian Man of God voted one of “Top Ten” of 2009

2010-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Ghanaian born clergy, His Eminence Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, has been voted one of “Top Ten” individuals of 2009, by Inside the Vatican Magazine. “Our selection of Cardinal Turkson as one of our “Top Ten” of 2009 is in part the selection of all those in Africa, and around the world, who labor to bring justice and peace in their countries. He himself doesn’t waste a thought on the idea — he is focused on doing what he can now to help bring the Gospel to Africa, and in so doing, to bring a better life to the people of his troubled continent” the Magazine uphold.

Tanzania’s Top Fashion Designers' 2010 Collection

2010-02-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

Mustafa Hassanali, Tanzania’s Renowned Designer launched his first collection of 2010 PARFUM D’AMOUR in Cameroon Premiere Fashion festival, Afric Collection on 6 February.

The New Collection “Parfum d’Amour” is a sensual collection Inspired by the Love of Life aptly timed for the St Valentines Day.

“It’s a collection for the Women of Confidence, Power and Prestige. The Gowns are Elegant and Exquisite to the Core flaunting Feminine Fragrance of Sensual Spirituality”

Nairobi's Latest Magnificent Magazine

2010-01-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

It is with great delight that I thumbed through the pilot issue (January-February 2010) of Up magazine.

The publication is pleasant to the eyes, has well penned content and is what Nairobi needs! We at infoafricanow.com wish you all the best in your endeavor to take the Nairobi magazine scene to the greatest heights!

www.infoafricanow.com at the South American Dinner/Fundraiser for the Children's Cancer Ward, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi

2010-01-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

Friends and colleagues from various South American countries working or based in Nairobi, Kenya, recently joined forces and held an impressive fund-raising dinner. The proceeds went to the purchase of mosquito nets, medicine, food and toys for children in the Cancer ward of one of Africa's biggest public referral hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital.

The community was able to raise over 180,000 Kshs, an amount much needed by the ailing children in the overwhelmed public hospital. It was an honor for us at www.infoafricanow.com to be part of this simple, gracious gesture.

Sandwich Scholarships for visiting PhD students from developing countries

2010-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Scholarship Description

FSC awards up to four visiting 'Sandwich' scholarships to PhD students from developing countries for a period of six months, beginning April 15, 2010. The Center wishes to attract outstanding PhD students pursuing a career in academia or development collaboration. The scholarship aims at increasing their previously gained scientific knowledge and skills relevant to food security related issues. Successful candidates will receive a scholarship for conducting PhD thesis related research studies in collaboration with the research staff of FSC’s partner universities, research centers or development organizations located in developing countries (e.g., one of the centers of the CGIAR) to conduct a specific research project contributing to the mission of FSC. Funding for research is expected to be provided by the applicant’s and/or supervisor’s institution and/or other organizations. The objective of the collaboration is to write at least one joint, peer-reviewed journal publication or paper to be presented at an international conference that contributes to FSC’s mission and is relevant to the PhD thesis. Interregional South-South collaborations are encouraged in particular. Successful candidates should present their research proposal, state of research and preliminary results in the partner institution’s seminars/workshops. Furthermore, FSC aims at establishing an active, long-lasting collaboration with the PhD students and their home institutions.

The scholarship is given for a stay at a FSC partner institution, research center, or development organization located in a developing country. The monthly grant is 500 Euros in 2010. In addition, FSC pays for traveling to/from the partner institution. Health insurance and other potential costs must be paid for privately.

Required skills

The applicant must provide proof of:

· outstanding study performance (i.e. excellent or very good MSc grade);
· completed graduate studies in agricultural, nutritional, natural, social, economic or political sciences, or related disciplines with specification on food security related issues with a minimum grade of 2.5;
· working on doctoral studies at her/his home institution by the time of application;
· track record of knowledge in the proposed field of study;
· excellent proficiency in oral and written English.

Furthermore, the applicant must:
· be able to conduct innovative research;
· have excellent interpersonal skills and team spirit;
· be able and willing to work well in an interdisciplinary, multicultural environment with individuals from different scientific, societal and cultural backgrounds and with organizations from the public, private and civil society sector;
· be available for the entire period of the research stay;
· be a national of a developing country according to OECD DAC list.

Application

Please submit the following documents to fsc@uni-hohenheim.de, with the subject line of the e-mail mentioning the specific scholarship you are applying for (“Application for South – South Sandwich Scholarship”):

· Cover letter (please mention the name of the scholarship program as stated in the FSC announcement);
· Detailed Curriculum Vitae (no longer than 3 pages);
· Proposal (maximum 2,000 words) specifying your planned research activities during the stay at a research institute in a developing country. This should include information on the methods, timetable, funding of research and name of the proposed supervisor at the research institute in a developing country. The research proposal must be developed in collaboration with and formally agreed by the supervisor at the research institute in a developing country (which can be a national or international research institute in a developing country). The country can be in the region of the applicant, however, FSC especially supports cross-continental exchange and the country of origin and/or country of residency of the applicant are not eligible.
· Master thesis abstract (maximum 1,000 words);
· Scanned copies of all relevant academic certificates obtained. All certificates must be accompanied by an explanation of the grading system. Documents issued in languages other than German or English, must be accompanied by a German or English translation.
· List of publications;
· Two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors.

Please send FSC all documents as a PDF in one e-mail. We would like to ask you to reduce the number of attached files to a minimum by compiling various documents into three files (File 1: cover letter, CV, proposal, thesis abstract and list of publications; File 2: scanned copies of all relevant academic certificates obtained; File 3: two letters of recommendation). Please name all files in a systematic way: your last name – scholarship category – file number.

The deadline for the application is January 30, 2010.

FSC will confirm the receipt of all (complete) applications (i.e., if an application is not complete, FSC will not consider it and will not confirm receipt of the application).

All accepted applications will be selected according the following criteria:
1. Fulfillment of announcement criteria (cf. “required skills” and “application”);
2. Quality of proposal and project feasibility;
3. Overall, equivalent distribution over regions and Hohenheim disciplines;
4. Fulfillment of demands (e.g. emerging from collaborations with development organizations).

The selected applicants will be contacted no later than March 16, 2010. Please be aware that FSC will contact only successful candidates.

https://fsc.uni-hohenheim.de/79514.html

www.infoafricanow.com listed as one of Kenya's top websites for 2010!!!

2010-01-04T18:20:00.001-08:00

It is with great glee that i provide the link below:

http://johnkaranja.com/2009/12/20/kenyas-tech-scene-2010-kts-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-1985

John Karanja runs an authoritative blog on business and technology in Africa. Therefore when he listed us as one of the websites to watch in Kenya in 2010, we at www.infoafricanow.com have no choice but to accept the glowing recommendation with great pleasure. Thank you John!!

Dell in African colour

2009-12-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

The African in me would love to get a hand on these stunning dell laptops whose covers were custom designed by African artists Joseph Amedokpo (Togo) and Siobhan Gunning(Kenya). The third design was by Bruce Mau(Canada)

Here are the stunning pieces!!

Joseph Amedokpo (Togo)

Siobhan Gunning(Kenya born now South Africa based)

Bruce Mau(Canada)

Africa's Top 100 Websites

2009-12-28T14:11:00.000-08:00

In the process of searching and sieving through thousands of websites in a bid to list the best links on www.infoafricanow.com, a thought struck me. Why not compile a list of the most exceptional African websites.

I intend to have a list of websites which:

i) Have exceptional content.

ii) Have a good design/layout.

iii) Are updated frequently.

iv) Are Africa based or have at least 80 percent African content.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the beginning of a list like no other; Africa's top 1oo websites!!! If you have any suggestions, post them and lets create a useful inventory for Africa's online community.

1. www.africabusinesssource.com

Highs: Africabusinesssource.com has well written, profound articles that cover African business extensively. Comments and contributions are allowed.

The events section has a list of upcoming business occurrences in and out of Africa.

The profiles segment lets you know who's top in African business.

Lows: The directory has less than 100 African companies listed. I hope in future there will be more entries.

2. http://africanartists.blogspot.com

Highs: Officially this is the first blog I have come across that has an interesting list of artists and galleries across Africa. It is worth checking out for those keen on African art....

3. www.whive.com

Whive.com is a social networking website whose theme is "Connecting Africa". I like whive. The website is easy to use and has features that give facebook a run for its money.

Whive's theme colour is yellow. The shade used is just enough to make the site appeal to the eyes, yet it is equally not overwhelming. There are plenty of applications to play with, but they do not compromise the website's loading time per page. Whive gets two thumbs up!!

www.infoafricanow.com at Wasini Luxury Homes' Dreaming of a White Christmas Party Dec 10th '09

2009-12-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

Wasini Luxury Homes is a fully serviced and lavishly furnished resort situated in the up market and leafy suburb of Nairobi’s, Westlands Area.

On December 10th 2009, the management organized an exclusive Christmas party with the theme 'Dreaming of a White Christmas'. The food was delicious and the music irresistible....Wasini is definitely the place to stay when visiting Nairobi....www.wasiniluxuryhomes.com

www.infoafricanow.com at Fifa World Cup Trophy Tour in 2009 Nairobi, Kenya

2009-12-14T15:41:00.000-08:00

Tanzania's Designer Mustafa Hassanali Oxybleach India International Fashion Week 2009

2009-12-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Tanzania's Top Designer, Mustafa Hassanali

2009-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Mustafa Hassanali, Tanzania’s Renowned Designer who Just Showcased For Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief in Aid of White Ribbon Alliance Has been Invited to Showcase at the Oxybleach India International Fashion Week 2009 to be held from 3-5 December at Crowne Plaza Hotel, New Delhi, India

Africa's Designers are stepping up and showing the rest of the world just how creative and talented we are.........All the best Hassanali!!!

A piece of heaven on earth....Wasini Luxury Homes, Nairobi, Kenya

2009-11-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

The first time I strolled into Wasini Luxury Homes last year I was deeply enchanted. To my delight I still feel the same way today.

The concept is simple, serviced apartments for that constant traveler who seeks the comfort of a soft warm bed to rest in after a gruesome day of attending conferences and closing deals. The brilliant decor is tastefully done, as is the in-house restaurant, Clubhouse, gym and Spa. Internet connectivity is easily the fastest I have encountered in Nairobi.

Set in one of the best neighborhoods in Nairobi, Wasini Luxury Homes puts all other furnished, serviced apartments to shame. They excel in a aspects of the service they deliver. The staff is ever-smiling and genuinely soothing, to a point where I dread my departure!

After tedious hours spent hunched over my laptop, I could not possibly resist the charm of the bewitching jacuzzi, which truly replenished my fatigued self. The next time you're in Nairobi, there is only one sanctuary of choice, Wasini Luxury Homes!

Cafe Des Arts, Nairobi, Kenya: Lunch, 15th September 2009

2009-09-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

Sue Deiters is simply put charming. You would mistake her for a softspoken young Zimbabwean girl, while the truth of the matter is she is your defination of an upcoming entrepreneur, your new school no nonsense African woman. I shall spare you the feminist chat and proceed to the point.

Cafe Des Arts has a brand new menu, and Chef. Gaby is a genius. Not only did my fish melt in my mouth (a rare occurance in Africa), broccoli never tasted better. I savoured my fish and tenderly let it stimulate taste glands I never thought existed! As if that wasnt enough, Sue let me taste her chicken sandwich. I am extremely picky about sandwiches. They have to be toasted to my liking, and the components should be in harmony, none overpowering the other. You guessed it, I was in awe if this sandwich of the gods.

Colin, a good friend from the Canadian Embassy summed it up, there is actually a really great restaurant in Nairobi, one whose menu measures up internationally. Keep it up Sue!!

Watch Nigerian Movies Online :-)

2009-08-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Nollywood is online on www.izognmovies.com log on to www.infoafricanow.com for more quick links to Africa

3000+ Entries Listed :-)

2009-08-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Its 5:58 am, and I just hit the 3000 mark.......Africa, if you own a company with a running website, get in touch!!

info@infoafricanow.com/akinyiadongo@infoafricanow.com.........

Africa's Premium Business Directory

2009-07-15T09:16:00.001-07:00

At last we proudly present www.infoafricanow.com. We are the first directory of our kind, covering the entire continent, From Morocco down to Madagascar.

Our aim is to make access to information much easier on a continent generally percieved to be backwards, corrupt and underdeveloped.

Join us in creating a strong, content driven website that will change the face of our beloved Africa!