Emergence of the African Class

As the world rushes in its quest for economic, political and social freedom, Africa, long considered the Dark Continent, is not being left behind. The continued discovery of oil and mineral prospects across the continent has given Africa the rather enviable tag as ‘The Next Frontier’

World powerhouses, are rushing to set up base in Africa with the hope of building strong economic ties with the oil and mineral rich countries, this can be seen from the huge Chinese investments across the continent, Including the financing and building of the African Union Headquarters in Ethiopia, the massive investments in Zimbabwe and Kenya just to name a few.

The West is not being left behind in this quest, recent monetary signings by the World Bank and IMF to countries like Malawi who are on a reform trail is part of this. The influx of multiple listed western companies establishing bases in Africa is on the increase with General Electric, Google leading the bunch. The so called BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, Canada and South Africa) nations are not trailing either with their listed companies buying into local companies across the continent

Away from all the activity from the Diaspora is an emerging African class. Learned, motivated and with a passion to excel and be at their countries forefronts as resources are exploited. Last year Forbes had a number of billionaires of African descent on their list of the richest people in the world. These are individuals who built empires out of hardwork and dedication.

With key African individuals leading some of the biggest industries in the continent, there has emerged a new set of role models for the African youth. Roles not based on any Hollywood dreams or make it rich schemes but from people who rose above all their hurdles to emerge as world leaders.

So even as the world scrambles for what might be perceived as a second colonization of the continent, history might not be on their side. We have with us, a vibrant youth, who armed with the right skills, education and experience are ready to chart their own destiny and will definitely be involved in the New African Renaissance that will create The African Class.

Foreign Business in Africa – A locals Perspective

Africa, long frowned upon by the developed world is on an upward trend. With diminishing oil stocks around the world, Energy has become big business and Africa bears the mother lode. Hundreds of foreign companies are moving to Africa. Through direct investments, subsidiaries, Associates, licensed brandings and 3^rd part distributors, everyone wants a piece of the African pie.

But as all these companies come into the continent, there is a growing and worrying trend. With Europe and America having been affected by the economic depression in early 2008, a whole lot of professionals lost their jobs. Suddenly there was an influx in talent with nowhere to place them, thus most of the companies decided to ship them to Africa so as to lead their local growth.

The general concept was for the professionals to impart knowledge to the local population and eventually hand over control to the locals. The idea, though greatly mooted has ended up being a source of frustration for most African workers and a high wage bill for the multinationals. With Europe still suffering, most of the expatriates chose an extension to their contracts, some eventually deciding to settle next to the sunny beaches that their host countries provided.

The telecommunications industry which has been in the news lately for mostly laying off workers (HP, Nokia Siemens, Motorola, Nokia) has one of the largest expatriate numbers in Africa. With a young populace eager to learn, and with the initial knowledge platform provided by the professionals no longer in place, the multinationals are doing more disservice to the economies of the host countries.

Statistically a large number remit their taxes back to their home countries thus not contributing to the growth and development of the states they work in. This in essence robs the countries off millions of dollars in taxes. Foreign counties investing in Africa ought to learn that the tides have changed and no longer will the populace play second fiddle to the expatriates. They will demand to be given the same opportunities to prove themselves.

The use of Africa as the dumping spot for ‘professionals’ from the rest of the world should end as we have with us Africans ready to fill in those shoes and contribute to the growth and development of their countries.

Circumstances and Choices

These two words, though so different, hold such weight in our society. The decision to support one as a matter of circumstance or choice..

Editorial Expert

Editorial Expert

State of Nancy Pansies

What is happening to our society? When did we become such coward as not to be able to stand up for what we believed in and what was until recently the state of societal norm. When did it become so wrong to speak on the general social rot the is slowly streaming into our core society. All we do is walk on glass, afraid of breaking it, afraid of stepping on the toes of those who are deemed currently as the norm. I have nothing against people being different.
But i do have an issue with society forcing me to accept them as part of my environment. Like it's the most natural thing on earth. In as much as you have the right to express yourself, so do i too. The society should not force me to conform to your ways. I hate your ways, that is my right as a human being to have an opinion.
I hate that which you represent, i hate the fact that the mainstream media want to portray you as natural, as a something is should embrace. Well i won't. you know who you are and no i will not accept you. I will not accept your plight and i will not deem you normal in any conceivable way. Basically i will not be a Nancy Pansy!!

Christmas Party

Hey Guys

Wanna organise a Xmass party for the Kids at the school and i need all your support in any way that you can.Please tell me of your views and if you might be of help in any way.Thank you.