Ghana Ce 17,000 I Kenya KShs 190 I Nigeria N 300 I South Africa R 17 November/December 2009 Vol.10 No. 3 Switzerland CHF 5.– I UK £ 2.20 I Euro Countries € 3.50
THE VOICE OF AFRICA IN THE DIASPORA
Canton Zurich Prof. Akunyili on Angélique to perform encourages Migrants rebranding Nigeria in Zurich
ITU Telecom World 2009 “ICT is transforming Africa” Eine gemeinsame Kampagne der Kantone AG, BL, BS, BE, SO,ZH und SO,ZH Begegnung www.aller-anfang-ist-begegnung.ch BE, BS, zur BL, AG, Bundes Kantone der des Kampagne gemeinsame Eine ALLER ANFANG BEGEGNUNG. IST von Menschenunter gewinnen.» heisst kämpfen, an Sicherheit «Für die olympische SpielePeking2008 Bronzemedalliengewinner Aschwanden, Sergei Integration schiedlicher Herkunft.
Fotograf: Tim Lüdin EDITORIAL
Falling Short of The Mo Ibrahim Mark
On 19 October 2009 the Mo Ibrahim Foundation announced its decision not to award the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Excellence in African Leadership this year. The Foundation reassured IMPRINT ISSN 1661-44-29 the public of its continued commitment to the promotion of good governance in Africa and its support for excellence in African leadership that will improve the economic and social prospects AFRICA LINK of the people of the continent. (Registered in Switzerland) A service to Africa and Humanity In an interview with BBC Mo Ibrahim said his Foundation is trying to re-brand Africa with the cash award that was launched in 2007. It offers former sub-Saharan African leaders who Published by AFRICA LINK ORG. have promoted good governance during their tenures in office a lump gratuity of $5 million, and Postfach 156, 8914 Aeugst am Albis a pension of $200,000 per year for the rest of their lives. Switzerland “We need to celebrate success. All the time we talk about failures. We wanted to reward great Tel. +41 44 776 25 60, Fax +41 44 776 25 63 achievers,” he explained. [email protected] The Prize Committee is aware that the importance of high quality leadership in sub-Saharan www.africalink.ch Africa cannot be overstated. There are many challenges and often few resources of state to address them. That is why the efforts of those leaders who rise above these constraints to develop their Editor-in-chief Mr. Johnson Oduwaiye countries, lift people out of poverty, and pave the way for future prosperity and success should be Tel. +41 79 664 13 54 recognized and celebrated. [email protected] The first to bag the award in 2007 was Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique. He was elected President in October 1994 in the country’s first multiparty elections, and then Editor Mr. Atsen Ahua again in December 1999. He stepped down from the Presidency in 2004 without seeking the [email protected] third term that the constitution allowed. In 1992, he had helped to end Mozambique’s 16-year civil war and reconcile a divided Associate Editors nation, working tirelessly to negotiate peace with the RENAMO (Resistência Nacional Moçam- Mr. Mohomodou Houssouba bicana) rebel group. To cement the reconciliation, President Chissano offered 15,000 places in Mr. Misseli M. Bationo Mozambique’s 30,000-strong army to former opposition RENAMO soldiers. Contributing Editors During his time in office, Mozambique began the journey of reconstruction and development, Ms. Folake Idowu, Dr. Priscilla Bowens (US), with improvements in healthcare, increased access to education and greater empowerment of Mr. Sherlock Fortuin, Mr. Gerome Tokpa, women, among his other progressive moves which qualified him for the award. Mr. Paul Nzeshi (Nigeria), Mr. Dennis Onyango (Kenya), Charlene Truter (Germany) In 2008 Festus Mogae was selected as the Ibrahim Laureate by a Prize Committee of six eminent individuals chaired by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Technical Editor Presenting the award Kofi Annan, Chair of the Prize Committee, said, “Botswana dem- Write to Express onstrates how a country with natural resources can promote sustainable development with good Pictures governance, in a continent where too often mineral wealth has become a curse”. All by Africa Link, President Mogae’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic was also recognised. except otherwise stated Former President Mogae speaking at ceremony where he received the award in Alexandria said, “Africa is reforming and improving. Botswana and Mozambique are not unique. There are PR Officer other examples of good governance in Africa.” Mr. Carlson Ngwa We all thought until the October 19th announcement that there were many more Mogaes Editorial Board Members and Chissanos to be found in the continent’s 54-odd countries. Mr. Peter Hevi, Dr. Sarah Kamau, However according to reports all the three former leaders that emerged top-most among the Mr. Carlson Ngwa, Mr. Dirk Visser, nominees for the extant award had fallen short of the Mo Ibrahim mark. John Kufuor of Ghana, Ms. Carole Soricelli honored in 2006 as a champion of democracy, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria and Thabo Mbeki Layout of South Africa all failed to attain the mark that would qualify them for “Excellent!” Obasanjo Typefact, Zürich apparently disqualified himself by brazenly seeking a third term in office when everyone expected him to do a Mandela. The unsavory crisis that surrounded the stepping down of the pensive Mbeki Account No. 0276-813239.40 N whose mien would have almost qualified him as an excellent philosopher-king from the Southern UBS Bahnhofplatz 10 tip of the continent was not to his advantage. John Agyekum Kufuor that had so much going CH-8910 Affoltern am Albis for his stature literally and figuratively unfortunately stained his good work with a last-minute Opinions published do not necessarily derailment of economic focus. reflect those of the editorial board The failure of the Ibrahim Prize Committee to find any former head of state worthy of the All correspondence to prize this year should not discourage the present crop of African leaders, rather it should breathe AFRICA LINK, Postfach 156 new life into their performance by motivating them to even higher standards of excellence in 8914 Aeugst am Albis, Switzerland leadership. In the words of former President Mogae it is our “earnest hope that present and future or E-mail to [email protected] African leaders will be inspired by this prize to rule their respective countries in the best interest © by Africa Link Org of their citizens and emulate the best in the world.” We wholly concur.
November/December 2009 3
CONTENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Editorial 3 Falling Short of The Mo Ibrahim Mark Swissline 5 Crises put Swiss political system to the test Interviews 7–8 Canton Zurich Encourages Educational, Socio-economic Integration of Migrants Mo Ibrahim: “I left BT out of frustration” Book Review 10 Swiss political -system put to test page 6 Why Industrial Revolution By-Passes Afric Nigeria 12–13 Rebrand Nigeria “Profess Positively On Nigeria” Celebration 14 Ugandans celebrate 47th National Day Forum 15–16 Nigeria and Angola Open For Business Networking toward increased solidarity with Africans living with HIV/AIDS ITU Telecom world 2009 17–23 Photo News ITU Telecom World 2009 page 21 “ICT is transforming Africa” Africa is mobile continent World Bank, AfDB back Telecom Infrastructure in West Africa Photo News A Period of Considerable New Opportunities Echoes from Pavilions Health 25 Largest Ever HIV Vaccine Trial Results Very Encouraging Photo News Algeria National Day page 29 Business&Economy 26–28 Africa: new bubbling opportunities at time of global crisis Celebration 29 Algeria National Day Celebration Echoes 30 Politics & Diplomacy 31 South Africa: Reflecting Confidence
Religion 32 South Africa: Reflecting Confidence page 31 “Praying Badly vs. Praying Boldly” Entertainment 33–35 Angélique Kidjo coming to Zurich Reclaiming cultural space Playing the spirits to life Art 37 Hope and the BEA at the Centre de l’Esperance Sports 38 Hope and the BEA at the Centre de l’Esperance page 37
4 November/December 2009 3rd EDITION OF AFRICA LINK SOLIDARITY AWARDS
We are pleased to inform you that the 3rd whose support and contribution has made a Edition of the Africa Link Solidarity Awards positive impact on the lives of ordinary Afri- will take place in May 2009. We therefore cans in any part of the continent or who have invite nominations from our readers and the contributed to enhancing the understanding public in the following categories based on of Africa and its issues in their countries of the stated criteria. origin. African Envoys of Excellence: These may THE CATEGORIES be African diplomats and other players in the African Diaspora Community and the Champions of Democracy and Transpar- international community whose contribution ency on the continent: These may be policy- has led to greater understanding and positive makers or technocrats whose vision, courage appreciation of Africa and its people. and action have led to a noticeable positive Champions of Development: This goes impact on the lives of Africans in any part to political actors and social entrepreneurs of the continent, and who have encouraged at the sub-national level such as provincial, and promoted democracy and transparency state or local government heads that have on the continent. shown outstanding performance in the physi- Friends of Africa: These may be non- cal and human development of their com- African individuals or corporate entities munities.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE Each nomination must contain the following – Gender and nationality 3rd EDITION OF AFRICA LINK information: – E-mail & Telephone SOLIDARITY AWARDS – Profession/Occupation Particulars of the Sponsor – Award Category Africa Link Organisation will accept nomina- – Name and address – Justification for the nomination: An Essay of tions for the awards from November 1, 2009 – Gender and nationality not more than two hundred words. to February 28, 2010. Nominations may be – E-mail & Telephone sent by post or by email to: – Profession/Occupation Nominations must reach the Organisation by Africa Link Solidarity Award, – Brief Biography February 28, 2010 at the latest. Africa Link Organisation Postfach 156, 8914 CH-Aeugst am Albis Particulars of the Nominee Atsen J. Ahua November/December 2009 [email protected] – Name & address Secretary, Africa Link Organisation 5 SWISSLINE
Crises put Swiss political system to the test
The traditional Swiss system of power- “Major political issues and the global Under fire sharing and consensus in government has economic crisis have certainly had repercus- withstood major political upsets over the sions for Switzerland, the parties and their The government faced a fair deal of criticism past two years. strategies. But political life is slow and moves over its decisions in the past few months. It in small steps only. was accused of weakness in dealing with the But political experts say the cabinet showed “There are a number of in-built hurdles financial crisis and defending Swiss banking signs of weakness in handling the crisis over and limits that block hasty and radical secrecy and in handling the diplomatic row banking secrecy and the diplo- with Libya. matic row with Libya. Moeckli agrees that the gov- In contrast to the image of ernment failed to show a clear Switzerland as a haven of po- strategy and a unified position litical stability, the country has in those cases, but this is partly been going through a turbulent due to the strong position a period since 2007 when parlia- cabinet minister has under the ment and the cabinet began Swiss system. their four-year terms: “The only choice the govern- A cabinet minister was un- ment has is to demonstrate at seated, the largest of the four home and abroad that it speaks main political groups decided to with one voice,” Moeckli said. go into opposition, two cabinet He adds that the problem in ministers joined a new party – the recent crises “was not the and as a result, a seven-member government system, but the cabinet was made up of members The outgoing Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz people that are in the cabinet”. of five different parties. The changes on the political stage could changes. At least as long as the main princi- Unfinished work be termed unusual in modern-day Swiss ples and the strengths of the political parties democracy or even historic. remain the same,” Ladner said. Over the past two years parliament has not For nearly half a century, from 1959 to As a result neither the centre-right nor the managed to advance on major issues left 2003, the allocation of seats in the Swiss centre-left have an absolute majority. over from the previous term. cabinet had remained unchanged under what It was faced with unexpected crises and, became known as the Magic Formula. New perspective often against its own will, had to accept deci- Since then there has been an element of sions by the government, notably in the case uncertainty in Swiss politics, which have The turbulent past few years have shown a of banking data handed over to the United become a touch more unpredictable. But new political perspective on a national level. States or the destruction of files in a case of the pillars of the system have not collapsed The consensus system, which was based on suspected nuclear proliferation. as some had feared. the traditional power-sharing formula in “Indeed lawmakers had to make extra On the contrary, a new form of stability cabinet, was able to adapt to the changes. efforts to deal with issues that were not was established. The political parties have It even stood the test in a renewed con- tabled on the programme of this term such held onto their share vote, according to a frontation between the two main centre-right as the UBS bank and banking secrecy,” said survey by a leading research institute. parties – the Radicals and the Christian Moeckli. And the alliances between the groups in Democrats – in a fight over a cabinet seat. “A lot of time was also taken up by parliament and government over specific is- “The Swiss system must not be reduced rivalries between cabinet ministers and to sues have remained intact. to consent on the allocation of cabinet posts elect successors to Defence Minister Samuel between the main parties. It does not exclude Schmid and Economics Minister Pascal Small steps disagreement between the groups ahead of Couchepin who both stepped down.” taking decisions,” says Silvano Moeckli, Andreas Ladner, political scientist at the political scientist at St Gallen University. Armando Mombelli, swissinfo.ch (adapted from Swiss Graduate School of Public Adminis- “It is the ability to find a compromise Italian by Urs Geiser) tration in Lausanne, says world affairs have acceptable for all sides in the end, a solution an impact - although a limited one - on the in the common interest and based on the course of Swiss politics. democratic institutions.”
6 November/December 2009 INTERVIEW
Canton Zurich Encourages Educational, Socio-economic Integration of Migrants
Canton Zurich is leaving no stone un- in skilled labour rather than continuing turned to encourage migrants to be edu- to be “office cleaners.” According to her, cationally and socio-economically in- canton Zurich’s new policy is to encourage tegrated by providing some relevant op- newcomers to make use of the wide range of portunities for those who want to improve language classes from day one of their arrival their status. to minimise loss of time. Still talking about the integration chal- One of the sectional heads of the canton’s lenges facing the Africans, Mrs. Morais integration department, Mrs. Julia Mo- disclosed some specific challenges in the rais discussed these opportunities with areas of “health” and “law and legal issues.” the Editor-in-chief of Africa Link Johnson She pointed to the illegal practice of fe- Oduwaiye when he paid her a courtesy call male genital mutilation in canton Zurich, an in her office recently. offence that is punishable with many years of She explained that the canton has intro- imprisonment. Because the canton attaches duced a model of integration based on the great importance to its prevention the canton principle of “Fördern und Fördern” (col- has launched a specific project aimed to ad- laboration) which engenders the migrants dress the practice. to play a certain role in the opportunities Also she lamented that due to the alleged provided by the canton that would enable relatively high number of Africans involved them to achieve a higher professional and in drug-pedalling on the streets, the image socio-economic level. and reputation of those not involved in such According to her, “all migrants are a criminal act often suffers. As a result some welcomed and are encouraged to adhere to Africans feel they are being treated unfairly specific requirements set out such as learning and resent the perceived discrimination the German language, obtaining professional against them. qualifications and acquiring knowledge of Julia Morais The editor, having heard all these chal- Swiss laws and social skills. With this in mind lenges facing migrants asked in what way we offer a variety of language and further The second project “Integrationsverträge” Africa Link could help to further the integra- education classes.” meaning “integration contracts” are contracts tion of Africans. She explained that the primary objective between migrants and the actual cantons. She said “by publishing what our inte- and priority of the canton’s integration policy The objective of these contracts is to oblige gration policy offers and also by providing is the achievement of equal opportunities for migrants who demonstrate a significant lack a platform for current integration issues” migrants. Since the knowledge of language of skills in terms of language acquisition adding that the authorities in Zurich are keen in any land is essential for communication to visit language classes to enable them to to establish a good level of communication and personal development, she urged the maximise their potential. There are other and exchange of opinion with all migrants. migrants to take advantage of the many integration classes which offer professional Explaining the structure of the integration language classes offered which aim at their skills, all in an effort to achieve equal op- arm of the canton, she said the “Fachstelle integration according to their individual, portunities and facilitate the integration of für Integrationsfragen” is directly answer- social, and professional abilities. migrants in the country. able to the Canton’s Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Morais hinted that the canton col- She also pointed to one migration problem headed by Dr Markus Notter, who is very laborates with cantons Basel Stadt, Basel- facing the Africans. This is in relation with interested in all issues, questions and queries lanschaft and Solothurn, in two namely, their qualifications brought from the conti- regarding integration, while she is personally the “Öffentlichkeitskampagne”, a publicity nent which in some cases are not recognised. responsible to make sure that all these issues, campaign, and the “Integrationsverträge”, Because of this some of them have to engage questions and queries of migrants are directly integration contracts. in unskilled labour. She believed such a situ- communicated to local government, and that The publicity campaign, “aller Anfang ist ation could be remedied if the migrants are the canton’s council, der “Kantonsrat”, is con- Begegnung” means “it all starts by getting to ready to play their part in an effort to get cerned with all issues regarding integration. meet and know each other”. This is meant to their qualification or skill recognised. She The editor promised to work with the local provide general information about migration, was specifically concerned about the mar- authorities to promote the canton’s integra- address preconceived ideas and the issue of ried women in this category who could have tion policy especially among the African racial discrimination. benefited from available training to engage communities.
November/December 2009 7 INTERVIEW
I left BT out of frustration – Mo Ibrahim in an interview By Dave Lee
From humble beginnings in Sudan as the son of a clerk, Mo Ibrahim has had quite a journey.
Now worth over $2.5bn (£1.5bn), the en- trepreneur and philanthropist is changing lives across Africa by using his money and influence to encourage clean politics.
He moved to the UK from Sudan in 1974 to study electrical engineering in Bradford before going on to do a PhD in Birmingham. By 1983 he was technical director at BT Cellnet – now known as O2. But despite the benefits and salary that comes with a high- profile job, he wasn’t happy. “I had no ambition to be a businessman,” he told Carrie Gracie on the BBC World Service’s The Interview. “I left BT out of frustration. I got fed up. When you leave you lose your job, your car, your secretary, your mobile phone – all the nice things. What do you do? You say: ’OK, Mo Ibrahim I’m a consultant.’” He went home and told his wife he would expensive projects with upfront major capital a real journey: boats, lorries, horses, some be setting up an office in the dining room. investment. Before you make a penny you walking. It might take you a week to tell you From here, he founded MSI (Mobile Systems need to invest a lot.” mother: ’Hey Mum, I got engaged.’ By the International), which he sold to Marconi for He accuses big networks of ignoring the time you got back to Kinshasa, your fiance $916m in 2000. opportunity of Africa, saying that stories probably found another girl!” His next company, Celtel, was bought of tyrants and corruption strikes fear into Politically, Mr Ibrahim says mobile com- for a reported $3.4bn (£5.1bn at the August international investors. munication is having a huge impact on 2000 exchange rate) and now provides mobile “Africa is not that bad. stamping out corruption, particularly in phone coverage for more than 25 million “Two or three terrible tyrants, which is Zimbabwe. people in Africa. still too many, but there are 53 countries in “When people tried to tinker with the “The mobile industry changed Africa,” Africa. Corruption exists everywhere. Cor- results, it was not possible. For the first time, he said. ruption exists in [the UK] also. We have to people were able to communicate with them- “I must admit we were not smart enough have a balanced view of governance.” selves, to photograph local results, transmit to foresee that. What we saw is a real need “How would you feel if I came [to Europe] it around. for telecommunication in Africa, and that and all I talk about is Hitler and Milosevic “Mugabe did not declare the results for need had not been fulfilled. For me that was a – you had your bad guys. two months because they wanted to find a business project, but also a political project.” “Let us be a little bit balanced in the way way to deal with it. They couldn’t, and they we view things.” published the real results. Why? Because Investing in Africa evidence was there, they could not do any- Totally disconnected thing about it. The success of MSI meant that he could “That is a wonderful achievement.” finally dip into his own pocket to invest in Mr Ibrahim believes no country – especially African telecommunications. in Africa – can prosper if it is disconnected. Rebrand Africa “Before we started, nobody really wanted “If you were a teacher working in Kin- to invest in Africa in general – mobile shasa and you got engaged – you want to In 2008, he was named Britain’s most telecoms in particular, because it is very tell your mother. You may have to really take influential black person. He has wealth
8 November/December 2009 INTERVIEW
beyond the comprehension of his family the case. He says that the money provides fi- Mauritius currently tops the list, but Mr and peers. nancial stability to allow great leaders to carry Ibrahim concedes it isn’t perfect. “I’m the same African boy who grew up, on their work once they give up power. The “We could not find any recent data in came here and worked hard. And I was fortu- winners for 2009’s prize will be announced Africa about poverty. Everyone’s screaming nate enough that things I have done worked. on Monday 19 October. (There is no winner) about the Millennium Development Goals – So there’s nothing unusual or fantastic. how are we going to measure that?” “I’m the same person. I still drive the Measuring governance same type of car. I live in the same house. World’s libraries Most of the money I made has gone back to The foundation also produces a yearly gov- Africa, or is going back to Africa. I decided ernance report, ranking Africa’s countries Excited at the prospect of new high-speed the money will go into something really ef- on how well the foundation believes them internet access coming to Africa, Mr Ibra- fective and worthwhile. That’s what I hope to be run. him hopes it can tempt big corporations to our foundation will do.” “I really believe that the essential require- properly invest in the area. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is, he said, ment for Africa today is good governance. “Imagine what that will do to our schools trying to re-brand Africa. The award for Without good governance there is no hope. and our universities. We don’t have enough Achievement in African Leadership offers “We need a scientific, objective basis for books. If you are connected, you have the a prize of $5m (£3.1m) to former leaders the discussion. We say: ’OK, what exactly whole libraries of the whole world.” who have promoted good governance, with have you delivered? How many hospital He said he was surprised that major cor- $200,000 (£123,000) per year for the rest beds, how many schools, for how many porations like Google and Microsoft were not of their lives. children? Are your people safe? How many investing in the area, arguing that the poten- “We need to celebrate success,” said Mr violent deaths in your country? How many tially huge user base could provide massive Ibrahim. “All the time we talk about failures. unemployed people?’ revenue opportunities through advertising. We wanted to reward great achievers.” “The important thing is to get this in- “I hope some of those people are listening He notes that in western countries, suc- formation and disseminate it to the widest to us now,” he said. cessful leaders make huge amounts of money possible audience. So the citizens in every when they leave office. In Africa, this is not country know what the government is doing.” By Dave Lee , BBC World Service
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and growth-ladder the best people of the continent as the lead- models. In these ers of progress. models, the prior- A very simple, short and sweet world-class ity problems solved writing, the book has opened new avenues for are those of indif- the continent and proffers simple and easy ference and secrecy to apply solutions, which to every African among innovators in should serve as a source of pride and strong the continent. As incentive for action. Copies of the book could never been done be- be obtained at bookstores and through the fore, the book shows publisher: Adonis&Abbey: London, United how in the presence Kingdom. of indifference and secrecy among inno- Hilary U. Nwokeabia is an international vators Africa could development economist that has not successfully go worked and published extensively on up a sustainable Africa’s development issues and the development lad- problems surrounding them. He was a der. With private key contributor to design and evaluate and unrewarded African Priority Programmes for Eco- knowledge bearers nomic Recovery (APPER), United Na- innovating in isola- tion’s New Agenda for Development of tion and dieing in Africa (UNNADAF), the African The bookWhy Industrial Revolution the same fashion, the continent has experi- Growth and Opportunity Act and New By-Passes Africa provides a compelling, enced what the book intelligently classified Partnership for Africa’s Development perspicacious and powerful analysis of the as “continuous but non-additive innovation (NEPAD), among others. Born in Achi complex dimensions of development in system” versus a “continuous and additive in Enugu State of Nigeria, educated in Africa, by focusing on an endogenous and innovation system”. Nigeria, the United States, and the Unit- highly promising new development-path in This book stands out in all measures as an ed Kingdom., Hilary Nwokeabia has the continent. example of unfettered ingenuity, sophistica- worked in Nigeria’s Ministry of External Appealing and easy to read, the book tion in understanding the development proc- Affairs, United Nations Headquarters in uniquely identifies as well as explains the fail- ess, a broad-based approach to development New York, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, ure of innovations and knowledge in the Afri- that puts people as the solution and not the and the United Nations Conference on can setting, to generate industrial revolution victims, and most importantly, a mechanism Trade and Development in Geneva. through two main models: the motivation that reaches out to the hearts and minds of
Ghana Ce 17,000 Switzerland CHF 5.–I Kenya KShs 190 I UK £ 2.20 I Nigeria N 300 I Euro Countries I South Africa R 17 € 3.50 January/February 2009 Vol. 9 No. 5
THE VOICE OF AFRICA IN THE DIASPORA
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November/December 2009 11
$' [ 6%% LQGG NIGERIA
Prof. Akunyili with Johnson Oduwaiye
Rebrand Nigeria “Profess Positively On Nigeria”
By Johnson Oduwaiye / Atsen Ahua
Nigeria’s feisty Minister of Information the green passport is sighted,” she argued. “We found that they have one thing in com- Prof. Dora Akunyili took the doctrine of “We want people to stop defining who we mon. And it is that the people generally felt rebranding to the recently-concluded ITU are based on a few criminals in our midst. that each of them was a government thing, World Conference 2009 held in Switzer- No. We are not all criminals, we have good it was not their own,” she said. land. Cornered by Africa Link at the Ni- people,” she added. To succeed this time around, they realized gerian pavilion in Palexpo, the Trade Fair The minister said she appreciated “the that Nigerians must not only buy into it but Centre in Geneva, Professor Akunyili re- pain of our brothers and sisters in the Di- actually take ownership of its key concepts sponded to questions put to her by Africa aspora but let us try to profess all that is and messages. “We therefore asked Nigerians Link. positive about Nigeria.” to evolve a slogan for us.” Giving the background to the country’s A competition was put in place where “It is of no use running down our leaders and rebranding strategy and the origin of the Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora it is of no use running down our country,” slogan ’good people, great Nation’ the min- were asked to send in entries. The over she asserted. “When we do that, we demean ister explained that Nigeria had tried many 3,000 entries that were received, were ourselves. Who will clap for you when you times in the past to develop and implement screened by a 22-member committee who say Nigerian government is useless, and Ni- image improvement initiatives without suc- came up with the slogan ’Good people, gerian leaders are corrupt? They will just look cess. The only time the country succeeded Great Nation.’ at you as somebody that is stupid, though in beginning to turn things around was “We are not saying that we just started they may not tell you.” with the ’war against indiscipline’ but this by saying good people, we are also anchor- She appealed to Nigerians both at home was not sustained. The latest was ’heart of ing this rebranding on attitudinal change, and in the Diaspora to engage in construc- Africa’ which “could not fly because it was re-orientation, change of mindset, change tive criticism. launched abroad” and was foreign in concept of the way we do things today. We know She agrees that Nigerians have infrastruc- and approach. Besides, the slogan ’heart of we are not doing all things correctly. We ture problems, corruption and all other prob- Africa’ had been appropriated by Malawi cannot keep lying to ourselves. But we must lems as most countries do, “but that should years earlier. also keep on imbibing our beautiful old not give anybody the liberty to be treating us The Minister informed Africa Link that to cultural values and having a sense of pride like lepers, to be calling us criminals, and not sustain the new initiative, they had to study and patriotism in our dear country as we giving us the benefit of the doubt whenever all previous initiatives and why they failed. have no other.”
12 November/December 2009 NIGERIA
Asked what the government is doing to try identified and established a clear role not. When we are talking of rebranding we save the embarrassment that Nigerian for Nigerians in the Diaspora and any are talking of change of attitude. Anybody embassies suffered not long ago with their mechanism for engaging with them? who is still negotiating and collecting bribes, rents not paid, telephones disconnected, Yes we have engaged with them. We need I hope when the person hears this, it will be and staff not paid for months leading to them. They are part of us. When people talk pinching such person’s heart and hopefully their children being sent out of school and about 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora, pushing him or her to the path of change. how this state of affairs impinged on the I believe there must be more because of So the first step is talking about change rebranding project, the Minister lowered those who have not registered. Nigerians in of attitude. Yes, some politicians are behav- her voice. the Diaspora can help us individually and ing below expectations. I accept, but some “I want to tell you that what happened in collectively. politicians are very good, and I want us to those days will not happen again. President The way a Nigerian behaves in the country encourage the good ones. Because if you Yar’Adua is addressing the wealth of the na- of residence projects Nigeria either positively keep on saying politicians are corrupt, they tion aggressively. I know how many times we or negatively. Nigerian groups in various are all bad, it hurts me and I sometimes feel have discussed the welfare of the missions in countries can also get together and start depressed. How can everybody be called a the Federal Executive Council.” talking to one another on the project. We thief? And I feel there are some politicians “We also as a ministry are working with will also travel to talk to them whenever the who feel the same way I feel occasionally the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because re- need arises. We need them. Many of them when I see people running us down. branding does not only centre on Nigerians have done excellently well, and some are not We are not wishing away our failures, or in Nigeria but also on Nigerians abroad. We doing well because of circumstances. Even for inadequacies. No. And rebranding on the know that with over 17 million Nigerians in those, we have to look at them with sympathy other hand does not in any way reduce or the Diaspora, each of them is an ambassador, not just condemnation. distract government from providing concrete and our embassies are the windows of Nigeria. infrastructure deliverable for the good people So they need to be taken care of, so that they What would be your message to those who of Nigeria, it rather complements. can present a good image of the country,” she are sceptical about the gulf of credibility The 130 million naira budgeted for ’heart further explained. that exists between your rebranding rheto- of Africa’ which we are using for rebranding She believes very soon there will be ric and the impunity that pervades the is too small for the task. Of course we also changes, though it may be gradual, “because actions and activities of political actors appreciate some support we are getting from this rot took place over a long period so it in Nigeria who seem to see the least need corporate bodies. But imagine the entire could not be possibly wiped away overnight.” for change? budget of rebranding cannot even tar one “I want you to know there are good kilometre of road in some of the country’s Also asked why there are no more Infor- politicians. All politicians are not acting areas with challenging topography. It is not mation officers in the embassies who were with impunity, to use your word. I am a disturbing anybody rather it is complement- usually the image-makers of the country, politician too, and I am trying my best, and ing so that in line with the 7-points agenda and whether there is a move to revive such I know there are politicians who are also we can achieve Vision 2020. It is possible. service, the Minister responded: trying their best. After all, where was Malaysia eleven years Thank you very much for this question. As We cannot all be lumped together and ago? It is a matter of our having the will and soon as I came to the office as Minister of In- described as if we are all criminals. We are commitment to do it.” formation and Communication in December last year, one of the first things I said I would do is to see that Information officers are sent back to our missions. Consequently when we had the National Council on Information in Makurdi, Benue State, it was brought up. And the Council agreed that I should take the need to revive posting of information officers to our missions to the Presidency. I have taken it up. I have written a letter to the president. What I can tell you about the president from the bottom of my heart is that he is a listening president. I am waiting for a feedback, and I feel it will be positive. She said though it is desirous to have information officers in all the missions, this may not be possible because of the global economic melt down, adding “this is also not the time to expand.”
On the rebranding project, has your minis- Prof. Akunyili flanked by some VIPs at the opening ceremony of ITU Telecom World 2009
November/December 2009 13 CELEBRATION
Ugandans celebrate 47th National Day
Story & Photos by Misseli M. Bationo
H.E. Maurice Peter Kagimu Kiwanuka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations Organisation Geneva (UNOG) held a reception on 9 October 2009 th in the Palais des Nations to celebrate the 47 anniversary of the country’s independence. Many of his African peers to UNOG, UN agencies and international organizations, directors and the Ugandan community in Switzerland joined to enjoy Uganda cuisine, fashion show and dance among other highlights to mark the occasion. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Rep- resentative to UNOG in July this year, H.E. Kagimu Kiwanuka was Minister of State for Economics Monitoring in the Office of the President (2006-09), Member of Parliament (2003-06) and as Bukomasimbi Constituent Assembly Delegate, participated in the Ambassador Maurice Kiwanuka and spouse awaiting the arrival of guests making of the current Constitution of Uganda (1993-94). Among other responsibilities, he was the founder of Bukoma- simbi Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO); Chairman of the Board of Ben Kiwanuka Foundation, a Charity organization and the current Chairman and Managing Director of Kiwanuka Estate Ltd,
6HDVRQ¶V*UHHWLQJVWRRXUFXVWRPHUV:HZLVK\RX DMR\IXO&KULVWPDVDQGWKHEHVWLQWKHFRPLQJ Mrs Kagimu Kiwanuka, right, with some guests 14 November/December 2009 FORUM Nigeria and Angola Open For Business By Africa Link Staff A Swiss-based consultancy firm Rainbow was jointly organised by Rainbow Unlim- Marnoto, Director Africa with Bureau Ver- Unlimited GmbH has embarked on creat- ited, the Embassy of Angola in Switzerland, itas, Carlos Magalhaes, CEO of Transorga ing awareness about business opportuni- the Commercial Representation of Angola Engineering, Marco Franchi, Vice President ties in Africa. in Geneva, Swiss- with Cotecna and Cham Southern Antoine Turrettini, Business trip to Nigeria The firm together with Osec Business Africa, and Swiss- : Advisor Project Fi- Network Switzerland, the Embassy of the Cham Africa. 25-29 January 2010, nance with the Com- Federal Republic of Nigeria in Switzerland High-ranking Abuja and Lagos pagnie Benjamin de and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, guest-speakers in- Rothschild. Industry and Services (CCIG) organised an cluded among oth- Business trip to Angola: Both seminars in- information event in Geneva and Berne on ers were Dr. Apoli- 22-26 February 2010, Luanda cluded a general in- business opportunities in Nigeria on 8 and nario Correia, the troduction on busi- 9 October respectively. Over 45 participants Ambassador of the ness opportunities, attended the event. Republic of Angola Deadline for registration: followed by sector- Guest-speakers were Ambassador Martin to Switzerland, Dr. 30 November 2009 specific presentations Uhomoibhi of Nigeria to Switzerland and Lukonde Luansi, and concluded by the Permanent Representative to the UNO Minister Coun- Costs: 990.– CHF plus flight presentation of Swiss Geneva , Isaiah Bozimo, Associate Partner sellor and Trade Switzerland–Nigeria/Angola companies success- Nkankwo-Ikwueto Law Firm (who also rep- Representative in fully doing business resented the Nigerian Investment Promotion Switzerland, Nzuzi plus visa in Nigeria and An- Commission NIPC) and Emmanuel Ajayi, Katende Antonio, More details and registration: gola respectively. Managing Director and CEO of CG Bios- Investment Advisor www.rainbow-unlimited.com The events were tadt Limited (former Syngenta Nigeria Ltd). with the National described as “suc- A similar event on Angola held in Geneva Agency for Private cessful” by partici- and Zurich on 28 and 29 October respec- Investments (ANIP), Domingos Eduardo pants, as they achieved their objective which tively, attracted over 100 participants and from the Ministry of Industry, Jean-Michel is on one hand to raise awareness among the Swiss business community for Nigeria and Angola as future trade and investment destinations, and on the other, to motivate participating Swiss companies to join busi- ness trips to Nigeria and Angola at the end of January 2010 and February 2010 respectively. The business trips will consist of a general information part for all participants and a “tailor-made” part responding to the specific A cross section of participants at the Nigerian H. E. Uhomoibhi addressing the forum needs of each participant. Forum A cross section of participants at the Angolan Dr. L. Luansi addressing the gathering Mr. Marco Franchi telling the success story of Forum, H. E. Correia 2nd left Cotecna in Angola November/December 2009 15 FORUM Networking toward increased solidarity with Africans living with HIV/AIDS By Mohomodou Houssouba In 2004, statistics about high rates of in- fection prevalence among African immi- grants made the headlines in Switzerland. The press took hold of the alarming statis- tics and some right-wing politicians called for tests at the entry to keep out new waves of infected and sick persons. The contro- versial proposals led to a flurry of picked responses, especially from the Swiss Aids Federation, which pointed out that reci- procity in such matters would also mean that Swiss travelers would be tested at air- ports and other ports of entry abroad. If undergoing such systematic, compulsory testing proved pleasant for the Swiss, then it would only be fair to apply the same principle to foreign citizens visiting Swit- zerland. Noël Tshibangu of Swiss HIV/AIDS Hilfe and Rita Bossart The feigned irony of the response barely hid medically, especially if they live in precarious of affected persons. These two elements were the exasperation of the professionals who de- situations: working poor, short-term permit tied together by the afternoon guest speaker, signed programs intended to stop infections residents, asylum seekers, illegal immigrants Thandiwe Haruperi, founder and director and take care of affected persons. They knew or clandestine workers? How could they be of the RestorEgo counseling service in the that the population would be responsive to integrated into the job market, how could United Kingdom. simple measures to protect it against per- they get access to adequate housing, while In her presentation, Ms. Haruperi related ceived threats from the outside. The call to just being an immigrant could be a basic her personal history from her immigration stop infected invaders could be easily relayed handicap? In 2008, the first networking to England to her diagnosis. She retraced and accepted while prevention programs took meeting took place in Bern. Coordinated by her trajectory: the “sudden death” of find- a long time to reach the target groups. a tandem from the Swiss Aids Federation, it ing out about her positive status, the period In this sense, the creation of the Afrimedia brought together individuals as well as mem- of retreat into silence, social isolation and project in 2003 was a good contrast. The bers of African associations and umbrella self-abandonment, and the recovery. In all network was put together by the Swiss Red organizations: network of African doctors this, she decided, at the outset, to speak Cross and the Swiss Tropical Institute under in Switzerland, solidarity groups (mostly openly about her status, to her family and the coordination of the Swiss Aids Federa- led by HIV-positive women), mediators and friends. This point came up often in the long tion. Groups of mediators received special members of African organizations and press exchange following her statement; that is, training and professional mentoring to be groups. The initial meeting aimed to keep a how should a person deal with the informa- able to work inside African communities in momentum to make the annual exchange of tion? Different speakers in the room related Geneva, Lausanne and Zurich. The project these groups and new ones around one goal: their own experiences and choices in this marked a shift in policy at the Federal Office ways and means to improve the access of regard. Like her, several believed that being of Public Health, which funds such initia- Africans living with HIV-AIDS to informa- open about one’s infection has real benefits tives. Behind this involvement of members tion and care. for the person’s self-awareness and ability to of the communities, there was a real need for The second meeting took place on Sep- set life goals. However, Ms. Haruperi made creative and innovative approaches, to recruit tember 2, 2009, over a full day. The morning it clear that the decision would be up to each people who were ready to try new ways of program was covered by the Swiss Aids Fed- person. The primary role of the community is reaching groups that did not receive public eration. It focused on the strategies behind to bring aid and comfort to a person in need, health messages through domestic channels. mobilizing African organizations in order to to respect his or her choice regardless of the Five years later, the thinking turned more increase the level of awareness, empathy and prevailing condition. toward people who live with HIV-AIDS. active solidarity within African communities From the concluding remarks, this net- Regardless of interpretations and political in Switzerland. To this end, the federation working effort seems to pick momentum with uses of statistics, there are people behind assists with a robust “advocacy” program to the possible relay of ongoing exchanges by the numbers. How could they be supported improve the legal information and defense the African press units involved. 16 November/December 2009 ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 “ICT is transforming Africa” Geneva: From different re- Swiss Confederation and of ports and presentations at the local sponsors, to whom we ITU Telecom World 2009, would like to extend our warm Information and Communi- thanks. These sponsors are the cation Technology (ICT) is Foundation for Tourism in transforming Africa, acceler- Geneva, the Geneva Finan- ating her economic develop- cial Centre Foundation, the ment to a higher level. Geneva International Airport, the Geneva Municipalities As- President Kagame of Rwanda sociation, the Geneva Tourism describing Africa as “late-com- and Convention Bureau, and ers” yet embraces and indeed Palexpo Ltd. starts “from a low base in creat- It is our dearest wish that ing information and communi- participants in this major event cation technology sectors, ICT should return home with re- is nonetheless fundamentally newed creativity and an im- transforming our nations and petus to deploy beneficial ICT continent.” in their own contexts, as well Forging top-level strategies as with new business leads. For aimed at harnessing the power our part, we will not bid you of technology to enhance our “adieu” at the end of the event, global well-being was the focus but rather “see you again soon”, of this year’s ITU TELECOM as we look forward to greeting WORLD 2009, which con- you in 2011 for the celebration cluded on 9th October, at- of the 40th anniversary of ITU tended by over 2,250 VIPs, in- TELECOM — in Geneva, the cluded UN Secretary-General place where it all began! Ban Ki-moon, Presidents Paul In his closing remark he Kagame of Rwanda and Robert said “During this past week, Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Vice I have had the pleasure and Photo by ITU / D. Keller President Alhaji Chief Sahr Dr. Hamadoun Touré privilege of meeting with par- Sam-Sumanaof of Sierra Leone, ticipants from all walks of the Prime Ministers Pakalitha B. Mosisili of bers keep rising, for example, with healthy industry; from young entrepreneurs heading Lesotho and Mizengo Pinda of Tanzania, growth in such key markets as Brazil, China, start-ups to CEOs of major ICT companies and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Ali Bin India and Nigeria. The adoption of mobile and prominent political leaders.” Khalifa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. broadband is accelerating in several regions, A quick walk through the exhibition halls Others are ambassadors, heads of regu- and ICT are becoming increasingly energy was enough to confirm that the ICT industry latory agencies, and CEOs from around efficient, helping us to both save money and continues to be driven by rapid innovation, the world, for the week-long event, which combat climate change. despite the economic downturn. But while featured a series of top-level roundtables, “Nevertheless, many challenges remain. visitors were often dazzled by the many excit- meetings and lively debate on the role of in- The ICT sector is still grappling with the ing technologies on display, Touré stressed formation and communication technologies effects of the economic slowdown and confi- the importance of working together to make (ICTs) in addressing many of the most press- dence needs to be restored. Also, despite good global networks accessible to all, and to ing issues of our time, such as climate change, progress, there is still work to be done before achieve the Millennium Development Goals. global economic recovery and cyber-security. we reach the target of the World Summit on “ITU believes that meeting connectiv- The conference kicked off on 5 October. the Information Society — connecting the ity goals in ICT will help other sectors like In his welcome address Dr Hamadoun Touré, unconnected by 2015 — and so help achieve health and education meet their targets by ITU Secretary-General described the confer- the United Nations Millennium Develop- 2015. The concrete connections and partner- ence as “a milestone event, at which we can ment Goals by the same date. It is my sincere ships forged this week, and the discussions take stock of the significant developments in hope that at ITU TELECOM WORLD we I’ve been privileged to share, inspire me the information and communication technol- will examine the challenges and find solu- with confidence that nations and industry ogies (ICT) industry that have occurred since tions for moving forward.” are committed to transforming lives by the previous TELECOM WORLD event, in ITU TELECOM WORLD would not harnessing the power of modern digital Hong Kong in 2006. Mobile subscriber num- be so successful without the support of the technologies.” November/December 2009 17 ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 Photo by ITU / D. Keller l – r. Mr Moritz Leuenberger, Swiss minister of Environment, Transport, Energy & Communications, H.E. Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-Moon and ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré jointly cutting the tape to open the event Participants and delegates attended from The criticality of information-sharing in new, action orientated partnerships and fur- 186 countries – almost the entire gamut of disaster response was reinforced by a key ther cooperation among stakeholders”, said ITU’s 191 Member States. The show floor announcement at the event that will see 18 Abdul Waheed Khan, Assistant Director- played host to 456 exhibitors from 49 coun- countries around the Indian Ocean rim par- General for Communication and Informa- tries, spanning just about every ICT domain, ticipate in a United Nations-backed tsunami tion, UNESCO. “As the role of ICTs in from the very latest wireless innovations to exercise. The exercise will stress the fact that, enhancing our global well-being was in the low-cost broadband solutions to satellite through good climate science and informa- spotlight this week, we feel real progress has systems. tion sharing, ICTs can help reduce the risk been made in achieving that goal. This event “ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 is an and impact of natural disasters. brought together the whole world of ICTs outstanding forum that provides businesses, Forum sessions brought together players and underlined a vital message - that ICTs governments and NGOs the opportunity to from across the ICT sector, from Ministers must be accessible to all.” collaborate on today’s leading issues,” said to CEOs, CTOs and technical and policy Over 290 Youth Fellows from 140 coun- John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco experts to discuss areas such as the new tries took part in this year’s Youth Forum, Systems. “Under the visionary leadership technologies shaping the future of ICT, the following an action-packed programme of of ITU Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun challenges of regulation in a fast-changing discussion and debate focusing on areas Touré, this year’s ITU TELECOM WORLD environment, and cyber-security. Sessions including Innovative technologies and serv- has unveiled new ways that ICTs can improve featured roundtables and interactive panel ices; New Visions, Policy & Regulation; the global standard of living through health- discussions, with participants encouraged to and Connecting Schools to Connect Com- care, education and sustainability.” put forward their questions via a range of dif- munities. During the course of their week VVIP summits brought Heads of State ferent formats. For the first time, Forum ses- in Geneva, Youth Fellows had opportunities and Government, ICT ministers and heads sions were webcast live to a global audience, to interact and develop mentor relationships of regulatory agencies from around the allowing many more to share in the debate. with senior members of the ICT sector, such world, together with top C-level decision Companies, countries and regions from as government officials, industry executives, makers for discussion on critical areas such across the globe demonstrated the latest technology leaders and more. as cyber-security, climate change and the technologies on the show floor. Alongside Story by Africa Link/ITU Release role of ICTs in economic development. major names and household brands were 35 Heads of State and Heads of Government pavilions from around the world, including were unanimous in recognizing the role of a range of thematic pavilions which focused It pays technology as a key tool in helping combat on key areas such as Green@ICT, e-Health, climate change, acknowledging the need to and empowering people with disabilities to read and have ICTs recognized in the upcoming Co- through ICTs. penhagen agreement. They also joined forces “UNESCO, together with its partners, advertise in to offer condolences for victims of the recent came to TELECOM WORLD 2009 to natural disasters in Indonesia, the Philippines display assistive technologies and raise aware- Africa Link and the Pacific Islands. ness of our mission – which is to mobilize 18 November/December 2009 ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 Africa is mobile continent By Misseli M. Bationo From a continent where you would strug- typically have elevated penetration levels. telecommunications into areas that have not gle to find a phone ten years ago to one that Larger countries such as Nigeria, with almost had access in the past. is on the forefront of a telecommunications 150 million people. should take longer to revolution, Africa is very much the mobile reach high penetration levels. The fixed broadband market continent. That is the summary of the fact- finding team comprise of 28 senior figures Regional differences Voice services should remain the largest and decision-makers active in the African contribution to operator revenues in the telecommunications industries. West Africa has seen its growth driven pri- medium term, but data could start to play an marily by developing in its largest market, important role. The catalyst of this change During the period from 2002, Africa has Nigeria. In 2008 Nigeria overtook South should be the arrival of the new submarine experienced 49.3% growth in the telecom- Africa as the largest mobile market on the cable systems. At the same time, many opera- munication market. In the same period, the continent: The region is expected to continue tors and governments are building national French telecommunications market grew at to be the fastest growing region with Nigeria and metropolitan fiber networks to enable a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% and and Ghana showing the strongest subscriber easy access to the new services. the Brazilian market at 28%. growth. Africa has the lowest internet penetration This growth has been powered by an Growth in Southern Africa, however, in the world at 5.4% with 12 countries having African economy that has been thriving is beginning to slow as the South African a penetration rate of over 1%. on the back of the commodities boom and market starts to reach saturation point. The Various efforts to address this issue such increased liberalization. Even with the cur- more liberalized markets in both Southern as the NEPAD eSchools initiative to provide rent economic downturn, it is expected that and Eastern Africa have made these regions computers in schools, with pilot projects in the African telecommunications market will attractive to investors and both have experi- 12 countries, have met with mixed success, continue to grow faster than any other region enced high levels of foreign direct investment. mainly due to the high cost of bandwidth over the next three to five years. Because the saturation point is approaching, within almost every African country. operators are working quickly to broaden African Markets their offerings and move to the enterprise Telecommunications and African services field. economics African markets are at different stages of East Africa is moving ahead, with coun- evolution, not just in the telecommunications tries like Kenya and Tanzania reporting rapid Growing at an average of 14.5% since 2003, field, but across the broader economic and growth. Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, the African economy has seen substantial social spectrum. From countries like South while small markets, are moving aggressively development since the turn of the century. Africa and Egypt, which have the largest to use telecommunications as a catalyst for As a critical element of the modern in- economies, to countries like Somalia, which broader economic growth. formation society, telecommunications has has a limited formal economy, the differences The Horn of Africa remains under- a direct influence on the performance of an are significant. penetrated. Because of political uncertainty economy. It is estimated that a 10% increase In telecommunications, the pace of de- in Somalia, mobile penetration remains in telephone penetration results in a 1.2% velopment has been equally varied. In 2008, low. In Ethiopia, limited competition has increase in GDP in emerging markets, and a Libya became the first African country to resulted in mobile penetration remaining 0.6% increase in developed markets. pass the 100% mobile penetration mark, with below 2% mark. The introduction of private mobile op- South Africa not far behind at 98%. North Africa has a reputation for having erators to the continent has unlocked new A deeper look into these figures reveals the most mature markets on the continent growth opportunities for many African that only 6 countries (Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, but the delayed privatization in Algeria and economies. The investment by mobile opera- Gabon, Seychelles and South Africa) have Tunisia is holding them back. The closure tors has also brought significant foreign direct penetration levels higher than 80%, while of the second fixed-line operator in Algeria investment and increased opportunities for 24 fall below the 20% penetration mark in late 2008 is a testament to the status of formal employment in countries where the and 17 have mobile penetration levels of less competitiveness in that market. The “digital informal economy dwarfs the formal. than 10%. divide” still needs to be crossed. The global economic crisis is expected to Demographics have a key influence on With 70% of the population of sub- have a limited impact on the region telecom- the speed at which penetration increases. Saharan Africa still living in rural areas, munications market. Countries like Seychelles (108% penetration) the challenge to operators is to reach remote Relative market maturity and limited and Gabon (91% penetration), which have pockets of potential consumers in a cost- exposure to global markets should see African smaller populations (82,000 in the case of effective way. Government across the conti- telecommunications continue on its current Seychelles and 1.4 million for Gabon), will nent is particularly concerned with driving growth path. November/December 2009 19 ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 Representatives of the stake-holders at a press conference during the ITU Telecom World 2009 World Bank, AfDB back Telecom Infrastructure in West Africa By Misseli M. Bationo One of the major announcements concern- governments in structuring Public/Private countries and international and regional ing Africa during the last ITU Telecom Partnership under the program. organizations World 2009 summit was the endorsement The World Bank and African Develop- by the World Bank of a $215 million, ten- Development Impact ment Bank, in partnership are committing year Central African Backbone Program significant resources and making progress (CAB Program) to support the countries Until now, people in Central Africa have the on the ground in helping to achieve the of the Central African region in develop- lowest quality and highest cost internet and goals outlined at the October 2007 Connect ing their high-speed telecommunication telephone services in Africa. The popula- Africa Summit which was convened in Kigali backbone infrastructure to increase the tion pays up to two times more in monthly (Rwanda) by the International Telecommu- availability of high-speed Internet and Internet rates than people in the other part nication Union, the World Bank, the African reduce end-user prices. The program will of the continent, and up to three times more Development Bank, the African Union, and also help countries harmonize the laws than those living in other parts of the world. the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and regulations that govern the ICT sec- “Ultimately, our goal is to develop re- and Development. tors to increase private sector investment gional and national broadband backbones and improve competition. and significantly reduce the cost of ICT West African Power Pool services in Central Africa: Through better Three countries - Cameroon, Chad and and affordable connectivity, the aim is to Limited inter-country connectivity in the Central African Republic (CAR) - are leverage the transformational powers of ICTs Economic Community of West Africa States participating in the initial $26.2 million to support economic growth, ME develop- (ECOWAS) region results in inefficient, phase of the program. A further eight coun- ment, employment creation, productivity costly routing of calls between neighboring tries that also eligible to participate in the gains and trade integration in the region” says countries by satellite. Policy makers in the program are Republic of Congo, Equato- Mohsen Khalil, Director of Global Informa- region have identified the emerging electric- rial Guinea, The Democratic Republic of tion and Communication Technologies at ity infrastructure as a way of improving high Congo, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé the World Bank. bandwidth regional communication capacity. and Principe, and Sudan. The electricity networks have built fiber-optic The CAB program is being supported Modernization and integration cables whose spare capacity can be utilized through a partnership between the World to provide backbone services to communi- Bank Group and the African Development In addition to infrastructure development, cation providers on a wholesale basis. The Bank (AfDB); the program also aims to the program will strengthen the capacity World Bank and AfDB have been closely leverage an additional US $98 million from of public institutions such as the sartorial involved in developing the regional electric- the private sector. ministries and regulatory authorities and will ity transmission infrastructure through the In conjunction with the Economic and promote a competition-friendly environment West African Power Pool (WAPP). This Monetary Community of Central Africa by liberalizing the sector and structuring transmission infrastructure will also be able (CCEMAC), the African Union Commis- telecommunications operators. to carry telecommunications traffic. In 2008 sion (AUC) will play an important role in The program is also meant to be a model a stakeholder workshop in Benin endorsed facilitating inter-governmental cooperation of regional integration and successful public- the opportunity and committed to removing and policy harmonization. The International private partnership. Its design and imple- the bottlenecks associated with creating a Finance Corporation (IFC) will also assist mentation require the cooperation of several regional backhaul network. 20 November/December 2009 PHOTO NEWS ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 l –r. H.E Mr Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, Alhaji Chief Sahr Sam-Sumanaof, Vice President, Sierra Leone, Dr. Hamadoun Touré, ITU Secretary-General and Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General (Photo ITU/ F. Rouzioux) The ITU officials elected and the participants of the ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 at the closing ceremony (Photo by ITU / V. Martin) Photo by ITU / D. Keller Giacomo Mazzon, European Broadcasting Union, Dr Touré speaks with Youth fellows at Youth Forum opening lunch (Photo by V. Martin) receiving a certificate in recognition of his work in Child Online Protection (COP). H. E. Dr. Martin Uhomoibhi of Nigeria with Dr. Touré at Nigeria Day celebration right: M. Khan of 3iPublishing with some of Sierra Leone’s Delegates to ITU Conference at Nigeria Day Celebration ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 A Period of Considerable New Opportunities innovative solutions to while connecting them to international save our planet. gateways. That is why we are This is vindication of our belief in the gathered here as pub- private-led growth and development, and in lic and private sector the role of ICT as an industry as well as a leaders, policy makers, facilitator of other sectors. experts and knowledge We may highlight the following devel- workers to reflect on opments in the Rwandan context since the how to employ ICTs to Connect Africa Summit. address the economic Over half a billion US dollars have been crisis and climate invested in communication infrastructure - change in a more sus- 70% of which was private investment. tainable manner. The cost of communications has been The powerful theme reduced by 35% and as result of this increased of this Summit – Open investment, reduced costs and expanded Networks - Connected coverage, the number of users has increased Minds – is therefore by over 200%. appropriate and has a These billions of dollars in investment and particular meaning for returns in Africa are neither aid nor loans us in Africa. that lead to national debt traps. Being late-comers This remarkable progress in Africa and in in embracing, and in- our country is due to improving business en- deed starting from a vironment, better policies, enhanced Public low base in creating Private Partnership and increased efforts in President Kagame delivering his address information and com- skills development for our workforce. This munication technol- surely indicates that that Africa is becom- ogy sectors, ICT is ing an integral part of the global economy Being the address presented by President Paul nonetheless fundamentally transforming our especially when one considers that most of Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda at The ITU nations and continent. the noted infrastructure is improving its Telecom World 2009 in Geneva on 5 October connectivity to other markets. 2009 Consider for example the recent develop- It is also important to note that Africa ments on our continent since the “Connect continues to reform its institutions creating a (All protocols observed) Africa Summit” held in Kigali in October more conducive investment climate. This has 2007. Investments in communications in- been recently confirmed by the World Bank I begin by congratulating the United Na- frastructure alone exceeded eight billion Group’s 2010 Doing Business Report which tions Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon US dollars. shows that Africa’s investment Climate is and ITU Secretary General Hamadoun The impact of these investments on Africa improving at a fast rate with Rwanda ranked Touré and his team for bringing together has been significant in a number of ways. as the top global reformer. this impressive gathering of corporate and Firstly we have seen a reduction in charges In conclusion, we are gathered at the ITU government leaders to discuss the role of averaging 30% thereby enabling more peo- Telecom World 2009 with the shared purpose ICTs in addressing global challenges. You ple to access communications services and of engaging in a dialogue to ensure that ICTs continue to raise the United Nations fam- improve their livelihoods. remain a focus for new economic and social ily of institutions to a higher level to serve Secondly these investments have produced development policies. I trust that we will ap- the underserved global majorities to im- returns of over 40 billion US dollars for the proach this important task with innovative prove their lives. investors. insights for practical ICT solutions. Thirdly these investments have contrib- In this respect, the emerging markets While this gathering takes place amidst the uted significantly to the expansion of our including Africa must be seen as ever grow- global crisis and climate change, this is also nations’ tax bases, creation of small and ing markets and as a part of many solutions a period of considerable new opportunities. medium enterprises, as well as new jobs. and not as a burden, or as presenting many We witness everyday further evidence that Finally, these new infrastructures are challenges. environmental protection and economic proving to be very powerful tools of regional I thank you for your kind attention. development are inseparable if we invest in integration as they link individual countries 22 November/December 2009 ITU TELECOM WORLD 2009 Echoes from Pavilions Africa Link visited some of the African countries’ pavilions for comments on their presence at the exhibition. Tanzania Nadeem Juma, Managing Director E-Fulusi Africa (T) Ltd.: As providers, and developers of the first mobile banking solution in Tanzania, and other solutions that allow users of mobile phones more use and leverage, we believe it is appropriate to be present here. Our products include M-Solution which allows users to access their banking information, and other banking activities from mobile phones, and Airtime Vending Solution that allows operators to distribute airtime electronically and helps them to move away from traditional voucher and recharge credit systems. We wish to expose these products to other countries on one hand, and develop relation- ships with others as commercial success can be achieved through such relationships. In short, we are here to exhibit what we have, and to Mr. Juma at the Tanzania Pavilion learn from others, and form a strong relationship we can take home. Kenya Hon. Samuel L. Poghisio, Minister of Information and Com- munications: Kenya is a natural hub; the fibre optic cable and undersea cable are landing in Mombasa, Kenya, before they go to other parts of the continent. Two or three more cables are expected next year all for the continent. So Kenya becomes the hub not only in telecommunications but also in business and transport (air and sea). Basically what we are saying now in IT is ’Do IT in Kenya’ because it is going to be the hub for Africa where distributions take place for most African countries. This is a shared service but it happens naturally to be in Kenya. We are marketing the country as a gateway to do business in Africa because it offers necessary infrastructure Hon Poghisio at the Kenya Pavilion for sourcing business process outsourcing. It is our flagship project that we must use ICT as a driver of our economy. Kenya is known for tourism, now we are saying come to Kenya and do IT business because as a window, it opens you to the rest of Africa. Nigeria Ernest Ndukwe, CEO Nigerian Communication Commission: Nigeria plans to facilitate broadband growth, which currently stands at about 3 percent penetration, to bring down prices. Under a programme called Fibre Without Borders, the country intends to connect with fibre-optic links thus providing broadband services and international calls. Also under the State Accelerated Broad- band Initiative (SABI) bandwidth is subsidised for operators, thus enabling them to be able to sell broadband services to subscribers at Visitors at the Nigeria Pavilion a reduced price. Nigeria is open to business as the hub of Africa to the Americas among others. Burundi Salvator Niyibizi, Executive Secretary for Information and Com- munication Technologies: First we want the world to know that since the end of the war in 2005, there is perfect peace in Burundi. We are trying to develop ICT because we know it is the engine for the country’s development. We are working with the World Bank that finances the fibre project for our big project called Burundi Backbone. It connects through Mombasa in March next year. We Mr. Niyibizi, right, with the Minister of Information and Communications at are now asking for investment in this sector. the Burundi Pavilion November/December 2009 23 NIGERIA BUSINESS FORUM NBF SWISS S W I T Z E R L A N D Theme: Promotion of Nigerian - Swiss Business Partnership Date/Time: November 20–21 2009, 9:00 hrs till 17:30 hrs Venue: Universal Postal Union (Weltpost), Weltpostrasse 4, 3000 Bern, Switzerland Registration required at www.nbf.swiss.org Speakers: «General Security Situation and Rebranding of Nigeria» Prof. Dr. Dora Akunyili, Hon Minister of Information and Communication, Abuja, Nigeria Elder Godsday Orubebe, Hon. Minister of State for Niger Delta, Abuja Mrs Farida Waziri, Executive Chariman, Econ & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC «Nigeria Open for Business: Abundant Investment Opportunities in Nigeria» Dr. Abba Sayyadi Ruma, Hon. Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Abuja Engr. Mustapha Bello, Exec. Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC «Tax Incentives for Foreign Investment in Nigeria» Ifueko Omogui Okauru, Exec. Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue, Abuja «Practical Experience in Doing Business in Nigeria» Martin Kruegel, Director, Finance & Control, Nestlé Nig. Plc, Lagos Emma Ajayi, CEO, Biostadt (Syngenta) Nig. Ltd, Lagos Amb. Dr. Pierre Helg, Swiss Deputy Secretary of State, Bern Special Features: • Presentation of projects by European and Nigerian companies • States’ Opportunities presentations by Nigerian Governors • Presentation of Swiss Businesses in Nigeria • Diaspora Fund & Database: Strong Instruments for Nat. Development • Panel Discussions on Investment in Nigeria • Nigerians in Diaspora dialogue with Swiss and Nigerian Businessmen • Full coverage by NTA News, AIT Int’l, BEN TV London & Vanguard Newspaper Nigeria Business Forum, Postfach 551, CH-3000 Bern 7, Switzerland Tel. +41 79 476 74 83, +41 78 913 10 64, E-mail: [email protected] NBF SWISS For more information, updates and online registration, please visit www.nbf-swiss.org Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe Swiss-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce Nigeria Embassy in Bern Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC Abuja 24 November/December 2009 HN[GTPKIGTKC# KPFF HEALTH Largest Ever HIV Vaccine Trial Results Very Encouraging Geneva-The World Health Organization The Phase III trial, involving 16 395 adult developed numerous policy documents relat- (WHO) and the Joint United Nations male and female volunteers in Thailand, was ing to access to care and treatment for trial Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) are a test- of-concept of a novel HIV vaccine participants, design and purpose of test of optimistic about the results, announced regimen with two different candidate vac- concept HIV vaccine trials as well as scientific today, of the largest ever HIV vaccine cines developed by parameters. clinical trial held to date. Sanofi-Pasteur and WHO and UN- the non-profit or- AIDS will work The study results, representing a significant ganization Global with the global scientific advance, are the first demonstration Solutions for In- HIV stakeholder that a vaccine can prevent HIV infection in fectious Diseases. community to fur- a general adult population and are of great The trial was per- ther understand importance. formed by the Thai and resolve a range The two UN agencies congratulate both Ministry of Public of questions related the principal investigators, sponsors and the Health, sponsored to the potential in- trial volunteers who have made this encourag- by the United troduction of an ing result possible. States Army Sur- HIV vaccine of The RV144 HIV vaccine study results, geon General and moderate protec- revealing a 31.2% vaccine efficacy in pre- received funding tive efficacy. This venting HIV infections are characterized as from the United includes additional, modestly protective. However, these results States National in-depth trials in have instilled new hope in the HIV vaccine Institute for Al- different popula- research field and promise that a safe and lergy and Infec- tions with diverse highly effective HIV vaccine may become tious Diseases and host and virus ge- available for populations throughout the the United States netic backgrounds. world who are most in need of such a vac- Army Medical Until a highly cine. No vaccine safety issues were observed Research and Ma- effective HIV vac- in the trial. teriel Command, cine becomes avail- Much more work, though, has to be Department of able UNAIDS and done by the principal investigators and a Defense. WHO underline large group of international collaborators to WHO and the importance analyse the trial data, understand the protec- UNAIDS began of effective and tive mechanism, determine the duration of supportive work proven HIV pre- protection, and map next steps. Licensure at for this trial 18 years ago, in 1991, when vention methods for all people. A comprehen- this point in time may not be possible solely Thailand was recommended as one of the sive HIV prevention package includes, but is on the basis of this study’s results, and it WHO-sponsored countries in preparation not limited to, behavioural interventions to remains to be seen if the two specific vaccine for HIV vaccine trials and the development reduce sexual risk practices, including cor- components in this particular regimen would of the National AIDS Vaccine Plan. In par- rect and consistent male and female condom be applicable to other parts of the world with ticular, WHO and UNAIDS through their use, early and effective treatment for sexually diverse host genetic backgrounds and differ- HIV Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) transmitted infections, male circumcision in ent HIV subtypes driving different regional provided continuous technical guidance and high HIV prevalence settings, harm reduc- sub-epidemics. Once an HIV vaccine does advice for review, approval and implementa- tion for injecting drug users, post-exposure become available, it will need to be univer- tion of the RV144 trial protocol. In 2006, prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs, and sally accessible by all persons at risk. VAC performed an external evaluation of interventions to prevent HIV transmission In addition, early HIV vaccines with mod- the trial examining various ethical and in health care settings. est levels of efficacy would most likely have community-related issues: this evaluation to be used as complementary tools in com- showed that the trial was being conducted at Contacts and further information: bination with strategies to promote changes the highest scientific and ethical standards • UNAIDS: Sophie Barton-Knott, in behavioural and social norms, promotion and with active community participation. +41 22 791 1697; [email protected] of correct and consistent condom use, access Moreover, WHO and UNAIDS, in • WHO: Melinda Henry, +41 22 791 2535; to safe injection equipment, as well as male collaboration with partners, such as the +41 79 477 1738 (cell); [email protected] circumcision. Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise have jointly November/December 2009 25 BUSINESS&ECONOMY Africa: New Bubbling Opportunities at Time of Global Crisis By Hilary Nwokeabia Africa is tipping toward a major rise again. Treehugger – “Renewable Energy Revolu- just a few years ago when it was commonly The new wave of bubbling prospects to tion Sweeps the US”, (www.treehuger.com)). referred as an ’economic tragedy of the 20th profitably commercialize its vast and pris- Strikingly, statistics show a continent fizzy century’ and the ’most resistant to growth’ tine renewable energy potential offers a with great new performances and on its way (see for instance William Easterly and Ross timeless solution and long term respite to economic glory. The general situation has Levine (1997), Africa’s Growth Tragedy: to profitably preserve the Earth. The hor- turned more splendid with pleasant picture Policies and Ethnic Division). On average, rid demise of world financial markets and that would have been difficult to imagine the economy has grown by almost 6% a year new technologies have, vividly, slingshot these potentials into the spotlight. It also comes at a time when lack of direction has created an overextended downstream panic for businesses that are swiftly loos- ing steam. Between the businessmen and their cheer leaders in the media, there has been an astonishing swirl of frustrations on whether new batch of collapses are still coming, and what next for the world economy. In time, the crisis has catapulted world leaders into a nightmare hunt for innovative ’silver bullets’. Much to everyone’s dismay, some technical analysis still suggest that the staying power of world economy might yet again be tested, soon. Why? Put simply, since the Clinton administration encouraged the technological Source: Mercier (Mercier, Jean-Francois (2007)). "sub-Saharan Africa – Turning A Commodity leap to the worldwide web (www), in early Boom Into Development", a presentation to Citigroup Investment Research – a division and service mark of Citigroup World Markets Inc.). 1990s, no new major initiative has come up to invigorate the world economy; as the web moves toward its steady-state equilibrium. As a sequel, the key indicators in the economic and financial prospects, such as stocks-bear market appear set for new lows.1 World investments are most likely about to challenge their previ- ous lows. The G8 and some other leaders have promptly articulated actions, with long term vision. The leaders aim to tackle interlinked economic crisis and poverty, and spotlight Source: UNCTAD (www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=3277&lang=1). climate change.2 But people still wonder: what Note: FDI figures are in market current prices. An upward change in the continent’s share of global FDI was about 2% in 2008. does this mean and where do they invest their minds and money for the future? The debut of the new global long term vi- sion is where Africa’s pristine treasures open up into a two-tier prospect for lucrative busi- ness investments and growth. At the first tier is its superb performances of recent time; and second tier, the great business opportunity to globalize its vast renewable solar energy for “green energy revolution” (for more on green energy revolution, see for instance, Source: UNCTAD (www.unctad.org/Templates/Page.asp?intItemID=3277&lang=1). 26 November/December 2009 BIZ&ECONOMY Figure 4 The Sahara area for solar PV in EUMENA region. Source: Concept Desertec-EUMENA (www.desertec.org) Figure 5: The tectonic plates of Africa Rift Valley with large supply of thermal energy. Source: USGS/Wikimedia Commons (www.commons.wikimedia. org/wiki/File:Rift_Valley.JPG) from 2001 to 2008 (figure 1). In Africa south FDI inflows higher than the entire continent power of the continent’s natural resources of Sahara, GDP per capita ranges from a high got in the 1970s and the projection is that for economic transformation. It brings up of $7,470 for Equatorial Guinea to $91 for more than 18 countries are expected to each the new but less visible, and perhaps huge the Democratic Republic of Congo. receive FDI inflows higher than $1 billion by investment window of opportunities that In African countries (Angola, Cameroon the end of 2010. The continent has witnessed quickly integrates Africa, in a rapid fashion, and Nigeria), GDP per capita has grown a more active influx of new investment and into the world drive for business-friendly and steadily since the beginning of the millen- trade partners from Asia, particularly China. lucrative environmentally model. The data nium. For others (Mozambique, Tanzania, In many senses, there has been an expansion and thinking behind this could fill a book, Uganda and Zambia), such growth started of business opportunities in the continental so we will simplify. earlier, in the 1990s (figure 1). markets, including by Africa transnational It is about the “returns” from: 1.) the As an important enabler of future exports corporations (TNCs). tiny rectangle vices superimposed on the and economic growth, foreign direct invest- And then came the economic crisis. This vast expanse of Kalahari (900,000 km²) and ment (FDI), an important conduit for tech- opened a world of new tier of opportunities Sahara (8.6 million km²) deserts to harness nology transfer to put the vast resources of for business, in Africa, in ways that exist no the fierce renewable power of the desert sun; the continent to use reached over $88 billion where else. It presents ways that would cre- and 2.) the hydroelectric, geothermal and in 2008—overtaking official aid flows as a ate new jobs, extends across continents, and wind energy potentials. The African deserts major source of investment for development teeming with porsche prospects for huge and can generate enough solar energy for Africa, (UNCTAD 2009) (figure 2). FDI stock in lucrative investments. Two key factors are Europe and Middle East in the new bid for the region has risen to $511 billion in 2008 outstanding: the technological advancement “green energy revolution”. Granted that from $39 billion in 1980 (figure 3). Since and goodies of nature. The crisis offers a good by 2030, the world energy consumption is 2001, many African countries have attracted market test of the resiliency and staying projected to be 55% higher. November/December 2009 27 BIZ&ECONOMY In Europe, thousands of Europeans al- other coasts. The coastal winds generally lie many times over.4 A number of industrialists ready shivered through a bitter 2008 winter in vast directions and have a mean velocity have started operation on the Sahara, but the because of a standoff between Russia and of about 10 knots. potential remain huge.5 Ukraine over supply of gas. Given these, the Economically, even if the wind is not To be sure, the basic mathematics can- renewable solar energy sources represent some blowing hard enough in the North Sea, it not be fooled because a simple new vision is forward planning business strategy. In the would be strong in the African coastal lines. articulated. Commercializing and globaliz- model, the vast arid African desert lands pro- More so, largest volumes of water would ing African vast renewable energy potential vide huge potential for solar farms – through continues to fall at the dams, the thermal provides powerful and complex dimensions photovoltaic (PV) cells, heat to boil water to heats in the rift valleys of East Africa will be to a highly promising new development-path. drive turbines for renewable energy across Af- boiling, but most importantly, the sun will In the models for progress suggested here, the rica, Europe and Middle East. A new private be shining on solar farms in the continent’s new world problems may point to new path investment in super grid, sending electricity deserts. Harnessing the wind energy of the for Africa to successfully start its leap up a that would also allow countries in Europe, vast coastal line, hydro energy at the dams, sustainable development ladder. Suppose, such as the France, Germany, Italy, Portu- the thermal energy, and the Kalahari and the new economic ’doomsday scenarios’ do gal, Spain, United Kingdom, Denmark and Sahara intense and strong sunshine would not come true and there is no new waves Israel, to have surplus energy, besides hydro be effective renewable sources of energy. of economic crisis, the world economy still and geothermal power. Satellite-based studies Solar PV panels in Northern and South- needs new avenues of energy supply to stay on have shown that, by using less than 0.3% of ern Africa could generate in multifold the a sustainable path out of crisis, and for now the entire desert area of the MENA region, electricity compared with similar panels new solutions are in Africa. This article has enough electricity and desalinated seawater in Northern Europe. At this point, the opened new possibility for renewable energy, can be produced to meet the growing needs idle cash that investors are waiting to put and proffers easy to apply solutions, which of these countries and of Europe. (figure 4). to work, become lucrative. These could be to every prospective investor eying Africa, job generating. Algeria has begun work on should serve as a strong incentive for action. Renewable sources a vast combined solar and aims to export “Preserving the Earth has eventually 6,000 megawatts of solar-generated power to become profitable. Put money on the sun en- How much more renewable sources of power Europe by 2020. By 2050, it could produce ergy, hydroelectric, thermal and wind power are available elsewhere in the continent, 100 gigawatts, more than the combined – what a lucrative and abundant sources of besides the sun? It turns out to be a lot electricity output from all sources in the renewable energy in Africa. The world does more. A list of the alternatives, including United Kingdom, with investment inflows not have to wait for oil and gas to run out hydroelectric, wind and thermal sources of to the continent of around $648 billion. before we tackle that”. To stay sustainable, renewable energy that are yet to be exploited Total activities, economic and social, on the the world must leave hydrocarbons before or fully explored, exists in the continent. The renewable sources of energy in the continent they leave us. hydroelectric sources are vast and superior could go up to $7.2 trillion.3 to many, elsewhere in the world. The Inga hydroelectric scheme, for example (Inga 1, Innovation 1 Source: MSNBC: “Buffett: The economy has ’fallen off a cliff’, Investor tells CNBC unemploy- Inga 2, Inga 3 and Grand Inga) is located ment level could climb a lot higher, ”, March 9 224 kilometers southwest of Kinshasa. It Assuming this new input is effective, renew- 2009 (www.msnbc.msn.com). lies on the largest waterfall by volume in the able energy grids in Africa would be part of 2 Source: Financial Times: “G8 agrees big world, the Inga falls, where the Congo River the innovation the world needs to profitably greenhouse gas emission cuts” (www.FT.com), drops 96 meters (315 feet) over the course of preserve the Earth. It also puts people back published July 8, 2009. fourteen kilometers with an average flow of to work, get idle capital moving and gener- 3 Projection based on PeakOil (www.peakoil. 42,476 m³/s. Another is the Africa’s Great ates profits of a different kind for business com) estimate of a rapid decline in hydrocar- Rift Valley, a 96,000 kilometers of crack at a time of world economic crisis and rapid bon production in less than 20 years, increase (fissure) in the earth’s crust, stretching from climate change. Admittedly, scaling up in prices of those and policies widely accepted in Europe and around the world to begin Lebanon through Ethiopia to Mozambique solar PV, hydroelectric powers, thermal switching to renewable energy sources, and varies in width from 30-100 Kilometers, energy and wind power by having large particularly for Western Europe. The Western which offers sources for thermal energy farms could help bring their costs down European budget on Energy consumption justifies this figure. (figure 4). for consumers. In the Mediterranean and Evidence of high energy reserve of the southern Italy, solar PV would correspond 4 Source: Peopleandplanet – “The coming volcanic activity along the rift is provided to electricity price of 15 cents (US) per kWh, energy revolution”, 4 January 2008 (www. peopleandplanet.net/doc. by the presence of numerous boiling and below the average consumer price (see for php?id=522§ion=7) strong hot springs. The other key source of instance EuPD Research I International renewable energy besides the rift valley is Solar (2007), – overcoming bureaucracy 5 On July, 13th 2009, a group of European companies and the DESERTEC Foundation the 356,000 kilometers of coastal line of on Italian PV market). The facts about the signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa which mostly lie fallow. Winds at African sources show that renewable energy the aim to put the DESERTEC Concept into these coast, depending on the area and time technologies can be put to use, quickly, on effect in the EUMENA Region.Source: Desertec Foundation – “Turning the vision into of the year, are prevailing (more frequent) a large scale and have the potential to meet reality” (www.desertec.org), referenced 4th and predominant in strength than in many parts of world renewable energy demand August, 2009. 28 November/December 2009 PHOTO NEWS ALGERIA NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION A cross section of dignitaries who joined H. E. Riache , left, to celebrate the anniversary. r – l: Ambassador El-Haoués Riache, his daughter Shiroz, Mrs Hayat Sait, Minister, The Ambassador receiving an Algerian family and Mr. Bensalem Omar ,1st Secretary waiting to receive guests l – r: H. E. Rafiaâ Limam Baouendi of Tunisia, H. E. Nabil Masarweh of Jordan, and l – r: Mr. Urs Von Arb of Swiss Office for Migration and his wife, and Mr. Jürg Bühler Ambassador Pierre Helg of Swiss Dept of Foreign Affairs of Swiss Ministry of Defence l – r: H. E. Apolinario Correia of Angola, Mr. Schneider . Chief Protocol Swiss Dept. r – l: H. E. Hussein Rammal of Lebanon and his spouse, Dr. Raymond Bloch and his spouse of Foreign Affairs, H. E. César Gonzàlez of Venezuela, and H. E. Isaac Torres of Cuba South African Ambassador George Johannes and his wife Algerian leaders of tomorrow r – l: Sait Lyna, Hociue Sabtt, Riache Shiroz, Hocine Farah ECHOES Tunisia Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative met to disarm rebels appear to have foundered. President Ben Ali Re-elected with the President of neighbouring Burkina “Despite the arms embargo northern and Faso, Blaise Compaoré, who is the Facilitator southern Ivorian parties are rearming or re- President Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali won 2009 of the Ivorian Dialogue. equipping with related material,” a report by Presidential Elections held on 25 October After the meeting in Ouagadougou, the a UN panel of experts said. with 89.62 % over Mr. Mohamed Bouchiha, capital of Burkina Faso, Mr. Choi welcomed The UN Security Council is due to renew Secretary General of the Popular Unity Party the progress made so far in resolving some its arms embargo against the country but of the issues surrounding the stalled polls. the report raised the possibility of renewed Mr. Choi, who heads the UN mission in serious conflict if the political situation Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), also highlighted deteriorates. the challenges which remain, especially the "[We] cannot exclude a situation in which posting of the provisional electoral list and armed violence may escalate rapidly, particu- underscored the urgent need to find a com- larly in the north," the report said. promise on the issue. The authors of the report urged Burkina The names of more than 2.75 million Faso to investigate the transfer of weapons people who had registered during the iden- to rebels in the north. tification and voter registration process have Burkina Faso was accused of supporting President Ben Ali subsequently disappeared. rebel forces during the 2002 civil war, but Mr. Choi was accompanied at the meeting its leader Blaise Compaore helped broker the (PUP) who polled 5.01%. Other contestants by UNOCI’s Force Commander, General UN-backed peace process which led to the at the elections are Mr. Ahmed Inoubli, Fernand Marcel Amoussou, and the Chief of unity government. Secretary General of the Unionist Demo- the mission’s Electoral Assistance Division, The conflict erupted when a coup attempt cratic Union (UDU) party 3.80% and Mr. Ahmedou El Becaye Seck. split the country in half, with rebels holding Ahmed Ibrahim, Secretary-general of Ettaj- UN News Service on to the north and the government control- did Movement 1.57%. ling the south. 2009 Presidential Elections registered 4,737,367 participants, 289,979 are residents Côte d’Ivoire’s old foes “rearming” BBC NEWS aboard. The rate of Tunisian participation Former foes from Côte d’Ivoire’s 2002 civil reached 89.40% while the participation of war are rearming in defiance of an arms citizens abroad rises up to 90.25%. embargo, UN experts say. Angola AP Angola Grateful For Support Given To Refugees Côte d’Ivoire The Angolan government expressed its gratitude for all the unconditional support UN Envoy Appeals to Ivorian to given to its citizens who lived as refugees in Hold Presidential Elections other countries, due to the internal instabil- The United Nations envoy to the Côte ity caused by the armed conflict that swept d’Ivoire Young-Jin Choi called on the West Angola. African nation to build on momentum to- This stand was expressed by the minister wards holding its much-delayed presidential President Gbagbo of Social Reintegration, João Baptista Kus- elections, slated for the end of November. sumua, who represented the Head of State, In a bid to give new impetus to efforts to A UN report accuses both the rebel-held José Eduardo dos Santos, in the special sum- stage Côte d’Ivoire’s elections, originally north and the government-controlled south mit of the African Union on Refugees and scheduled for as far back as 2005 and are now of stocking up on weapons, a month before a Displaced People, held recently in Kampala, planned for 29 November, Secretary-General presidential election. It also says neighbour- Uganda. ing Burkina Faso is systematically transfer- In his speech, the minister reminded that ring weapons and ammunition to the rebels. Angola also provided assistance to other The country was split in two by the civil countries, mainly the neighbouring ones. He war but has been ruled by a power-sharing also said that the various armed conflicts that government since 2007. A presidential elec- hit Angola for three decades forced about five tion is scheduled for 29 November, but million people to be displaced, among them election officials say it is likely to be delayed four million internally and others abroad. again. With the peace process, he said, it was possible the return of the refugees to their “Rapid escalation” areas of origin and the process of reconstruc- The country has been edging towards a po- tion of their lives and social reintegration. President Compaoré litical resolution to its troubles, but efforts ANGOP 30 November/December 2009 POLITICS & DIPLOMACY South Africa: Reflecting Confidence By Denis Worrall Since his retirement as president of the country and joint Nobel Peace Prize win- ner with Nelson Mandela, former presi- dent F. W. de Klerk has very commend- ably devoted himself to promoting South Africa internationally. As a lawyer, his point of departure has been the Constitu- tion, and recently he again returned to the Constitution in a speech at his alma mater Potchefstroom University. After saying that the Constitution “is the indispensable basis of our national unit and our best and abiding hope for continuing freedom, prosperity and stability”, he went on to identify seven threats to the Constitu- tion. These include legal amendments to the Constitution; erosion of the Constitution by ordinary legislation; government neglect of parts of the Constitution that it did not like; an executive or sectionally-minded judiciary; apathy; and “political subversion”. This is a reference, De Klerk said, to the fact that “power did not rest with parliamentary ex- ecutives but with whatever faction controlled the majority party”. Most lawyers, when it comes to constitu- tions, tend to look at formality – substance is less important than conformity to the rules of the Constitution. To his credit, however, De Klerk gives substance to the Constitution’s provisions. For example, he relates “dysfunctional service delivery” to Former South Africa’s president F. W. de Klerk Constitutional guarantees – by reminding us that key constitutional rights are undermined country is threatened, and with it stability gives fresh insights into the opportunities and because of the State’s inability to assure them. and order. longer-term strategic importance offered by For example, “rampant crime deprives people Getting back to the positivist approach, emerging economies. But what is significant of their right to life; the right to be free from although there haven’t been a lot of positives is that South Africa is identified in the report violence; and the right to property”. in these last ten days – what with the Eskom as among the top four key markets for global De Klerk’s approach to building con- disaster, red lights flashing in virtually every investors. fidence is an unusual one – because most state enterprise, and qualified audits of De Klerk ended his speech by reassert- people would look to build confidence not several state departments - as this is Media ing his optimism and confidence in South on negatives (threats) but on positives. They Freedom Day in the world the one positive we Africa – something which, notwithstand- would identify and list things like the eco- should celebrate is South Africa’s progressive ing the inefficiencies and deficiencies of this nomic and strategic value of a country’s re- stance on freedom of expression. society, most of us naturally concur with. In sources; the strength of its financial services; Another positive has been a UK Trade fact, South Africa stands on the edge of the its strength as a food producer; or that it has & Investment report on emerging markets BRIC countries from a promising growth and the most sectorially-developed economy on released recently by UK Secretary of State investment point of view. That’s the nub of the continent, etc. The one advantage of De Lord Mandelson. Addressing the Econo- what Lord Mandelson was saying. Klerk’s approach is that he is setting down mist Intelligence Unit’s Emerging Markets markers or drawing lines in the sand: if this workshop, the report “Survive and Prosper: Denis Worrall is the CEO of Omega Invest- or that happens, then constitutionally our emerging markets in the global recession” ment Research ([email protected]) November/December 2009 31 RELIGION “Praying Badly vs. Praying Boldly” By Rev. Richard A. Davis Text: Luke 18:9-14 considers less worthy than himself — as step- better about ourselves is to find others around ping stones up onto his own little pedestal. us who seem to be worse than us. It’s easier Jesus tells us a parable about humility in This is the first sign of spiritual sickness to look down on others than to look up to prayer. Humility is one of those elusive when we start comparing ourselves to others Christ. When I look at Jesus, I see how far things in life, like love or happiness. The in such a way that we always come out on I have to go and how much I have to grow. harder we try to find it, the less likely it top. What makes a person good? But if I find someone who appears to be more is that we will. Humility isn’t something Does not doing bad things mean that we messed up than I am, I feel so much better that comes by our own efforts, nor can it are good? The Pharisee apparently think so. about myself. The Pharisee in the parable be bestowed upon us by others. He practices what’s called “negative justifica- knew this, so he’d stopped looking up to God tion.” He reckons that he is good in the eyes in order to look down on everybody else. He Isn’t it ironic that we want to be seen as of God because he doesn’t do things that are wasn’t prayerful; he was prideful. humble so that others will think more highly blatantly bad. This is the trap of religion. The tax collector made his living by work- of us? How strange is that? We think not doing bad equates with being ing for the Roman oppressors and cheating The word “humility” comes from the good. But it doesn’t work that way. While his fellow Jews, in order to line his own word “humus,” which means “earth” or it’s true that the ability to stop sinning is an pockets. To his neighbors, he was lower than “dirt.” If humility is a virtue, how do we important step in moving closer to God, it low. But Jesus wants us to listen to the prayers acquire this virtue? The more I strive to im- is only a baby step. of this lowly man rather than the prayers of press others, the less impressive I am. That’s By not sinning I don’t become a saint. a Pharisee. “The tax collector, standing far because, according to Scripture, the road to That’s a transformation that’s much harder off, would not even look up to heaven, but greatness goes in the direction of downward to make. It’s something that only the Holy was beating his breast and saying, ’God, be mobility. Spirit can do in me. So if not doing the wrong merciful to me, a sinner!’” Jesus gives us this parable about two men things isn’t the answer, can we become good Notice his eyes. What is he looking at? who go to the temple to pray. Luke gives us by doing the right things? He’s looking at the ground. He’s afraid even the moral of the story before we hear the The Pharisee also has this base covered. to glance in the direction of heaven. He’s story: “He...told this parable to some who He now turns his negative justification into not worthy. Notice his body language. He’s trusted in themselves that they were right- positive justification. He boasts, “I fast twice standing off alone, away from the other eous and regarded others with contempt.” a week, and I give away a tenth of all my worshipers, not because he’s too good for “Two men went up to the temple to pray, income.” This isn’t just any Pharisee; this is them but because he feels he doesn’t deserve one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Super-Pharisee. Jewish law required fasting to mix with them. He knows how much The Pharisee, standing by himself, was pray- once a week; this man fasted twice as much. they hate him. Unlike the Pharisee who puts ing thus, ’God, I thank you that I am not The law also required a person to give ten others down, this man beats himself up. He like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, percent of what he had “grown.” In other grieves over his sorry state. And listen to his or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a words, ten percent of the net output from his prayer. He pleads with God for mercy. No week; I give a tenth of all my income.’” labor. This man had been giving ten percent self-justification. No defense. No deflection. Jesus was frustrated with the Pharisees of gross! Impressive. Impressive, but it’s not He simply begs God to do what he can’t do because they claimed to be close to God to the same as holiness. for himself. He prays for forgiveness. speak to the people on His behalf, and yet Rather than focusing all his attention on Two men, both drawn to the same place their hearts were so far from Him. To Jesus, God, notice who the Pharisee is looking at. but for totally different reasons. One goes to they were misrepresenting His Father. Jesus He’s looking at a tax collector standing alone church to be seen didn’t view them as enemies but as confused nearby. Why was he checking out others in by others while he’s hiding from God. and arrogant colleagues. They were sincere, the temple when his eyes should have been The other goes to church to hide from others but they were dead wrong. This can be a closed in prayer so he could concentrate on while baring his heart to God. What a con- problem with religious people. They can be God? As a child, my first defense whenever trast! And here’s the punchline: “I tell you, very sincere while being dead wrong. my parents accused me of doing something this man went down to his home Was the Pharisee in Jesus’ story a bad guy? wrong was to point out that one of my justified rather than the other; for all who Not necessarily. He actually was doing the brothers or sisters had done the same thing, exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who right things. He went to the temple to pray. or even something far worse. It’s “the art of humble themselves will be exalted.” That’s a good thing. He began his prayer with deflection.” I deflect blame away from myself I want to encourage you to use this par- a word of thanksgiving: “God, I thank you.” and onto someone else. able as a mirror for your own soul. What do That’s a good start. But then he veers off into Christians can be experts at the art of you see? Which one of these characters is self-righteousness. He uses others — those he deflection. We discover that one way to feel reflected back at you? 32 November/December 2009 ENTERTAINMENT Angélique Kidjo Angélique Kidjo coming to Zurich Angélique Kidjo has become one of Af- brought her back to her roots in Benin. through December 2009, anyone can join rica’s most eminent voices. The Grammy- In her songs, Kidjo also happens to sing the global effort to eliminate MNT by simply Award-winning singer from Benin rep- about corruption and war, pleading for downloading the song for free. For every resents the music from Africa which is peaceful communication between nations download, Pampers will make a donation highly popular in Europe and succeeds in and religions. in support of UNICEF’s tetanus vaccination blending various genres of music: Zouk As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she activities for women of childbearing age and and Makossa, Afro-Funk, Latin-Ameri- just launched ’Give the Gift of Life’, a new newborn babies. can rhythms are uniquely combined with campaign with Pampers to help eliminate We are excited to hear Angélique Kidjo’s American Black Music. maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) by latest work, which she will present in this 2012. exclusive Swiss concert at Kaufleuten Zurich. Kidjo’s latest album “Djin Djin”, featur- At the campaign kick-off, Kidjo debuted ing illustrious guests such as Alicia Keys, ’You Can Count on Me’, a song she has Q16.11.2010, Kaufleuten Zürich – More Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel and Carlos Santana, composed for the campaign. From October information and tickets: www.allblues.ch 6TCXGN/CFG'CU[ ǡ Ǩ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ November/December 2009 33 ENTERTAINMENT Reclaiming cultural space By Charlene Truter Hip Hop has evolved from Cape Flats) was rife with poverty, an art form where negative underdevelopment . . . and a few Americanized images domi- varkblomme (Aron lilies, called nate, to one that has been ’lo- pig flowers in the native tongue) calized’, with people all over amongst the dirt here and there”, the world including Africans he says with his characteristic in the Diaspora, using it to humorous twist when asked about tell their stories in their own his childhood days. “Hip Hop vernacular. It has thus in a connected us through community sense gone back to its origi- radio, park jams and matinees at nal African bardic tradition. clubs.” And instead of being driven These park jams were free by materialism, the current of charge; community gather- collective Hip Hop voice is ings on dusty fields where Hip a very critical one, speak- Hop stars like Goliath’s personal ing out against injustices, idols, Prophets of the City, and commercialism and poverty. emerging artists could “exhaust One such voice is the Afri- themselves in rhyme”, at the same kaans Hip Hop artist Quin- time educating the communities tin Jitsvinger Goliath from on issues such as HIV/Aids and South Africa. abuse, but moreover, building their self-esteem. It created the Afrikaans belongs to white opportunity for young people to people – a prevailing notion Quintin J. Goliath be “magnificent”, as he calls it. amongst many colored and This sense of nostalgic reflec- black South Africans throughout the apart- looked events in the media and mobilizing tion with which he talks about his commu- heid years, instilled and sanctioned by soci- communities, especially on the Cape Flats. nity, filters through to his music. His debut ety. The language was an instrument used One of the newest proponents of the Hip album Skeletsleutel (2007) (translatable as by the nationalist government as a means to Hop movement is artist Quintin Jitsvinger ’key to the bones’), recorded at a friend’s oppression (Afrikaans education was forced Goliath. makeshift studio talks about “mieliepap en into black schools resulting in the 1976 Internationally he has performed at nu- oats” (kinds of porridge) and peanut butter Soweto uprisings). But post-1994 there has merous festivals in Europe and Taiwan and brown bread sandwiches for school – both been a general movement to free the language collaborated with many artists from opera to important references as this was/is the sta- from the baggage of the past by uncovering jazz, a process he sees as vital for creativity ple food of poorer households – escaping and celebrating its varied origins, from the because it “forces one to take a cultural stance “the heat” and “lamming” (taking a break influence of Dutch colonials, to the much and leads to self-knowledge”. or finding new strength) in the shadow of less celebrated aboriginal Khoi-San and Cape One of the outstanding collaborations has his father’s life instructions. But it also has slave population. been with Hip Hop artists from around the harsh words for those who allow themselves This also included recognizing the cul- globe for the Swiss project Rogue State of to be indoctrinated, those who deny their tural importance of marginalized vernacular Mind. Recently he has also collaborated with roots, those who succumb to mediocrity, variations of the standard form geographi- jazz pianist Kyle Shepherd, an artist with racial prejudices and last but not least, bad cally spread across South Africa, of which whom he shares “the same consciousness” television. Kaapse Afrikaans in the Western Cape is although they operate in different genres, “I don’t want to romanticize the ’old days’, most widely known. A more important de- for a show in Amsterdam. A self-taught but our communities are rich with stories velopment was that artists within these com- musician, it was a tough battle for Quintin and self-acquired knowledge that needs to munities started slaughtering holy cows by : fighting against the economic challenges of be unearthed and honored. I still get goose using their own vernacular to express their his environment to pursue his dream. bumps if I think about all the stories we were connection to the language and “Growing up in the eighties and nine- told on visits to Knysna (mythical, pictur- ) using progressive art forms like Hip ties my generation got exposed to an influx esque forest land on South Coast) where my Hop to do so. of television programs filled with violence, parents originally come from. The area near This Kaaps Afrikaanse Hip Hop move- pornography and consumerism on a daily the Tsitsikamma forest, I later discovered, is ment started giving the street report on over- basis. Kuilsriver (where he grew up on the ancient Khoi-San holy ground. My mother 34 November/December 2009 ENTERTAINMENT and her sisters picked tea in the veld. My There being a debate on the further applica- with pride. Until then, he will keep rhyming. grandfather knew the history of the area tion of Afrikaans in the South African soci- better than anyone. They had more botanical ety, he is often quoted as a commentator or *Quintin Jitsvinger Goliath is currently and geographical knowledge than what they invited to lecture, as the respected emerging working on his second album in Amsterdam, were given credit for,” he says. face of the language. This is a position which The Netherlands, to be released later this year. Quintin picks up these tales and puts he tries to avoid so as not to be ’boxed-in’ or Next year sees a musical theatre collaboration them into rhyme in Afrikaaps, as he calls co-opted for any cause other than free expres- with Kyle Shepherd and singer Black Pearl the Kaapse Afrikaans vernacular. Sometimes sion. What he is hoping for is more courage on the history of Afrikaans. See following in- with the full blast of mixed beats, sometimes on the part of young artists to express them- terview with Jitsvinger. http://www.myspace. on his own and sometimes with his guitar, selves in Afrikaaps in the public arena and com/jitsvinger giving the message a melodious troubadour claim their identity as valid practitioners of sound that reaches even older audiences. the language, to inhibit their cultural space Playing the spirits to life By Charlene Truter A Cape Town jazz pianist is paving the way for a sound that is innovative and fresh, yet at the same time deeply rooted in his ancestral musical history. In the process, he is playing the spirits of long forgotten legends to life. Cape Town is well-known as a jazz oasis for visitors to its shores. The legacy of slaves and exiled Muslim dissidents opposed to colonialism who were brought from the East to this former Dutch port, are captured in the foot stomping Ghoema (traditional musical style that got its name from a round barrel- like drum played by slaves), moppies (tradi- tional, seemingly light-hearted songs sung by carnival troops at New Year’s festivities) and nederlandsliede (songs of Dutch origins adapted and molded in the mouths of Cape Malay choirs) to name but a few. All these influences eventually distilling into what is unmistakably known as the Cape Town Jazz sound. Yet, many of the jazz legends who have pioneered this musical style attained limited financial success or industry recogni- tion, and at the academic level serious study into this genre is still fighting for a place. Kyle Shepherd has from a young age dedicated himself to just that. In fact, he describes his critically acclaimed debut Kyle Shepherd album fineART (2009) as ’the culmination of the study of great South African masters.” paints pictures in conversation that are not Park, a suburb on the Cape Flats, or African A painter, poet, singer and multi-instrumen- always harmonious but as dissonant and raw Zionist churchgoers going down to the river talist, Shepherd digs way beneath the layers as the forces which has shaped his corner of to baptize new believers. of ignorance brought on by commercialism the world. They paint scenes of slave ships The music also evokes a sense of being and conformity to uncover the mad richness approaching, muezzins calling the faithful privé to a very personal spiritual moment. of his ancestral musical history. His music to prayer, the street corners of Hannover When asked about this, the answer is quite November/December 2009 35 ENTERTAINMENT simply: “The connection (between music on a grand piano we cannot go there. Also, own jazz masters (e.g. Errol Dyers, Abdul- and spiritual consciousness) is that there is when people are not eating I don’t expect lah Ibrahim, Robbie Jansen, and Winston no disconnection.” This is part of what he them to be interested in jazz.” Mankunku); playing their own material, calls “living within an African vibration” The fruit of their dedication to honest art taking this path . . . this whole life, whole where the ancestral collective knowledge is starting to show, though. “If I think of how soul, whole devotion to a craft.” is honored and self-pedagogy encouraged. we did it, this should actually not have been It has to be said: inspiring people to Music to him is a way of achieving ’inner- possible. This is why I believe so many artists grow a music genre that pays homage to attainment’, he says quoting the man he often don’t come out with what they have to say the past yet strives towards a better future refers to as his master, the saxophonist Zim and succumb to playing what is fashionable. is a wondrous thing. It is, like playing dead Ngqawana. “We come through schooling and Two years ago many of my peers were not bones to life. university systems that lead us away from thinking beyond finishing music school and *Kyle Shepherd is currently working on two finding ourselves. It fails to teach us how becoming teachers themselves. Now we see albums Live Trio and South African History X to relate to the world, but to come from an young people organizing gigs honoring our to be released in 2010. www.kyleshepherd.co.za African core,” he says; something which he manages masterfully, as numerous tours to Europe have proven. “I always come back with a sense of af- firmation that our music has its own shape and validity. Some South African musicians, when they get to Europe, they want to be all Worldwide proudly African. At home, they only want to play ’serious’ jazz, but over there they want to use it (their Africaness) as a way in, as a excess baggage way to be different in the world. I can say I am as African in Europe as I am at home.” In South Africa he has been hailed as one of the new leading figures in South African service improvised jazz, some equating his eventual influence to that of internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Born on the Send your excess baggage Cape Flats, an area which has its origins in apartheid re-settlements of colored people in with us and save up to the seventies, he recalls how he used to bunk school to practice at Ibrahim’s M7 music institute. That he was drawn back to this site and its sounds was prenatally determined. His mother, a violinist, started teaching at M7 when she was still expecting him. When 70 peers were playing jazz standards, he was composing original material, much of which appears on fineART. Before turning 22 he toured Europe extensively and collaborated % with South African greats. Although the album was met with critical acclaim, it was by no means an easy road for him and business partner, Theo Lawrence. The project was independently funded and interest from record companies was slow. Intrapass GmbH Although homegrown, home didn’t seem to Check-in 2 have much of an interest in it. Also, the social Postbox 209 and structural problems of South African 8058 Zurich Airport Switzerland society were proving challenging. On ground level cultural growth is still lamed by a lack of facilities rather than people’s disinterest, Phone +41 43 816 28 18 he believes. “People in townships cannot get Fax +41 43 816 28 19 to Seapoint (the predominantly white suburb where the national broadcaster has its studios E-Mail [email protected] and where he often plays). Because we play Web www.intrapass.ch 36 November/December 2009 ART r – l: Poncerry, V. Beaulaz, Daniele and Brigitte Hope and the BEA at the Centre de l’Esperance By Folake Idowu “Art” within the framework of a charita- also help with the management of natural were present on the evening of the vernissage ble event is always a positive thing to hear resources. to support their project in Cameroon. about, perhaps because it is rare. The will- While the agricultural project that the That night, the walls were lined with the ingness to use their creative talents for the exhibition intended to finance will be based photographs and paintings created by artists betterment of their community or other in Cameroon, it was interesting to see that who have dedicated their efforts to making individuals is a wonderful demonstration not all the artists are Africans, nor are they art that reflect their personal sojourn into of generous humanity. all based in Geneva. It is rather symbolic that creativity. Some of the techniques were inno- they are all from different countries in the vative and unusual such as the use of recycled The BEA or the Binguela-Eyenga Associa- world. This is a cross-borders association that metal from burnt cars to make a mixed media tion recently decided to demonstrate such demarcates a happy fusion of African and painting in silver by the dynamic Poncherry. humanity by organising an exhibition at the European artists working together to achieve Brigitte Roux demonstrated the power of Centre de l’Esperance in Geneva. The Centre a joint objective. They have come together colour with her dynamic swirls of orange de l’Esperance was perhaps the perfect place to create a symbiotic exhibition for art and which convey movement; the photographs to host their small and intimate exhibition to concurrently raise money for charity. The by Virigine Bajulaz and Danielle Rene also as the Centre has a relatively long history of association was founded with the hope of evoked a sense of peace, time and harmony. supporting artists and creative talents wish- building a link between what they are able to Their works will stay on display in the ing to express their creativity within their create and what they will be able to achieve Centre de l’Esperance in Geneva and are for adaptable spaces. together through the sharing of their work sale. The funds will be used to support their The BEA consists of Virginie Bajulaz, with the general public. agricultural and local development project Poncerry and Brigitte Roux and Danielle in Cameroon. It is their intention to invest René and they are all self-trained artists who Godmother in the local economy so that in the future, have dedicated themselves to making art those living in that community will be self accessible to all. In this particular instance It is a positive sign that their exhibition was sufficient and able to make the most of the for their exhibition which took place on supported by the wife of the H.E. Ambassa- crops planted and the technical knowledge 10 September 2009, their aim was to dor of the Permanent Republic of Cameroon, they would have gained. promote eco-tourism and protect the Mrs Therese-Marie Nkou. Acting as the In order to support these artists, it is im- ecology in Cameroon by raising money to Godmother of the association’s exhibition, portant to visit the exhibition and support finance an agricultural project which would she as well as her husband the Ambassador, their project financially. November/December 2009 37 SPORTS Rwanda Adjovi-Boko who was a key figure at RC Lens, have their origins Sprint Ace to Train in Holland in Senegal. Briefing reporters recently in Dar Es Salaam, Boko said apart Kigali – Rwanda’s acclaimed sprint ace, Islam Mulinda is set to from imparting soccer skills to youngsters, their academy will offer relocate to Holland. The 100m and 200m national record holder ordinary education to talented players. insists that moving abroad is the only way he will get the best possible He disclosed that they had already discussed the matter with the preparations for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports, and the government Mulinda claims that the move is being pushed by his potential promised to approve it without much delay. agent Akim Dimal whom he said would help him (Mulinda) in ac- Lama, who once coached Kenya’s Harambee Stars and was Inter quiring a visa, cater for his air ticket to Holland and also find him Milan player, and Patrick Vieira are important stakeholders of the a training camp in the country. project. The Diambars’ tour coordinator, Rahim Kangezi said as During the 2008 Tusker athletics championship, Mulinda swept soon as the government approves it, the academy would be opened. the 100m after clocking 10.57seconds while securing a third spot “We are still waiting for the government’s response and also they finish in the 200m after returning at a time of 21.70seconds. plan to bring Arsenal defender William Gallas to share his views,” In a related development, the local athletics federation (RAF) he said. has started a campaign to find agents for local athletes. According ’Diambars’ is a Senegalese word for the fighters, which the acad- to the federation secretary Constante Twajamahoro, RAF is already emy borrowed to address the plight of African football stars who working closely with Rwanda’s ace athletes Dieudonne Disi and seek fame and fortune at the expense of education. Mathias Ntawukuriryayo to realize this dream. The first academy was built in Senegal with the help of some Already, long distance athlete Sylvain Rukundo, Jelvain Hakiz- French professional footballers and legends. imana, Claudette Mukasakindi and Eric Sebahire have relocated to Italy and France repectively. The Citizen The New Times Eritrea Eritrea’s Tadese defends World Half Marathon title South Africa Country’s Top Driver Named Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea has set a record in winning the World Half Marathon title for the third time in a row and Dathan Ritzenhein Pretoria – Excellent driving skills have paid dividends for a 31-year- of the United States finished third. Kenya’s Mary Keitany won the old North West bus driver after he was announced as this year’s women’s race. top winner of the annual National Driver of the Year competition. Andries Vumazonke was presented with his prize of R15,000 at a gala dinner held in Polokwane on Friday 23 October night. The event was graced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele, who also handed over the prizes. The competition has gained popularity since it was introduced a few years ago as a bid to encourage responsible driving in the public transport sector. The event was co-hosted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Limpopo’s Department of Roads and Transport. North West MEC for Public Safety, Howard Yawa congratulated Vumazonke and urged other bus drivers to celebrate the win with Vumazonke by striving for a zero involvement of busses in road accidents. The New Times Zersenary Tadese Tadese pulled clear of his rivals after 6.2 miles of 13.1-mile road Tanzania race and crossed the finish line in 59 minutes, 35 seconds, beating French Stars Set to Open Academy the championship record he shared by 21 seconds. Kenya’s Bernard Kipyego placed second, 24 seconds back and Dathan Ritzenhein of Founders of the France based soccer academy, Diambars, are planning the United States finished third in 1:00:00. to open one branch in Tanzania, according to its officials. Keitany led the women’s race from the start to finish in a Kenyan The academy was established by former France ace players Bernard 1-2. She finished in 1:06:36, while Philes Ongori was second, more Lama and Jimmy Adjovi and have managed to open sister branches than a minute behind. Ethiopia’s Aberu Kebede took third. in Senegal and South Africa. Lama, who played for the French national team in the 1990s and AP 38 November/December 2009 XXX November/December 2009 39 *M[[MZIT[ LQM_MZJMSIVbTMQKP LI[7ZQOQVIT ,Z]KSKMV\MZ +WXa;PWX !! ! ___ZWTQ[KP