African Leadership Magazine May 2023

Afric n

The Imprints of Focused Leadership MOKGWEETSI MASISI

Eyes on Ghana’s First 11:

Promoting African dignity & opportunities globally

Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana –

President, Republic of Botswana

CRDB Bank:

14.

16. CRDB: Powering People & Enabling Businesses In Tanzania

20. Botswana: A Country's Unbroken Bond with Focused Leadership

22. Changing the Science Story in Classrooms

25. Mending Fences: How President William Ruto & Raila Odinga Can Work Towards a Progressive Kenya

30. Success of Civil Space in Africa: An Activist Point of View

34. Egypt: A Country's Journey to Securing Her Future Through Education

36. Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana –A Troika worth Mirroring Across Africa

54. Africa's Top 10 Women Inventors

45. NIGERIA-CAMEROUN Debacle on Bakassi Peninsula –Epitome of an African Diplomacy

39. Tony Elumelu @ 60 The Story of a Colossus

52. Ethiopia's 25 Billion Tree Planting Feat – Economic Strategy & Lessons to others

56. The Richest Man In Ghana - Early Life, Business Empire & Secret

61. Disrupting the Statuesquo: Kenyaʼs Top 10 Young Innovators & their Innovations

42. Eyes on Ghanaʼs First 11: Possible Successors in the President's Team

48. Preserving South Sudan Through Financial Sagacity

Ghana's Dilemma: “Life or Debt”

64. Pivotal Place of Entrepreneurship Among African Youths

Afric n Leadership Magazine

...A Publication of The African Leadership Organization

Ken Giami

Founder & Executive Chairman

Group Managing Editor - Kingsley Okeke editor@africanleadership.co.uk

Group Head, Editorial & Content Development - King Richard king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk

Head of Creatives - Joseph Akuboh A.

Editorial Board

Peter Burdin, London UK - Chair Nwandi Lawson, Atlanta USA - Member

Simon Kolawole, Lagos Nigeria - Member

Peter Ndoro, SABC EditorJohannesburg - Member

Frenny Jowi, Nairobi Kenya - Member

Brig. Gen. SK Usman Rtd., Abuja Nigeria - Member

David Morgan, Washington DC USA - Member

Furo Giami - Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director

Boma Benjy - Iwuoha - Group Head, Finance & Administration

Sasha Caton - Manager, UK & European Operations

Ehis Ayere - Group Head, Sales & Business Development

Samuel M. Elaikwu - Manager, Sales & Business Developments

Happy Benson - Director of Operations North America

Christy Ebong - Head, Research & Admin - North America

Stanley Emeruem - Business Development Manager

Muna Jallow - West African Rep. for The Gambia & Senegal

Oluwatoyin Oyekanmi - Head, South African Bureau

Bernard Adeka - Head, Nigeria SS/SE

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MASISI

The Imprints of Focused Leadership

H.E. MOKGWEETSI

President, Republic of Botswana

Steven Friedman, an author and one of Africa's most thought-provoking and insightful intellectuals, in his book Power in Action: Democracy, Citizenship and Social Justice, argued that if we must understand African democracy's constraints and possibilities, then there is an urgent need to move beyond the 'leadership' explanation and find more plausible reasons why African leaders often seem unwilling or unable to ensure stronger and deeper democracies. Friedman further argued that the core democratic idea is that members of political communities should govern themselves – that, in principle, citizens should decide what is best for their societies. If Africans reject this, it must surely be because they prefer not to choose and would rather have the leaders agree for them. This collective decision-making power vested in the hands of one man has been the distinguishing factor between prosperous African countries and those struggling to keep their governments afloat.

One of the leaders who has continued to up the ante in Leadership in Africa is Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Elected in 2018 as the country's 5th president, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has led the country through all-around reforms – shattering all major development indices to maintain its top spot in global leadership rankings.

Sound Leadership has positioned Botswana as one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, reaching upper-middle-income status in 2005. The country is among the world's development success stories with significant mineral wealth, good governance, and prudent policies. Under the Leadership of Masisi, the country weathered the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively than many of its neighbours. A successful vaccination campaign and sound macroeconomic management have allowed Botswana to recover to its pre-pandemic output level.

Since assuming Leadership of the country, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has reiterated his commitment towards prioritizing climate change; creating jobs; accelerating digital transformation; curbing the burden of HIV/AIDS, in addition to promoting sustainable growth and good governance.

In 2022, the Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) voted Botswana the best African country in "Leadership and Foresight." The Singapore-based non-profit, built around the notion that every nation deserves good Leadership, sound policy and effective institutions and systems that work, rated the country first in Africa and 16th in the world.

The report by CGI is based on over 50 open data sources, measuring government capabilities and

outcomes across 104 countries (about 90 per cent of the world's population). It focuses on seven pillars: Leadership and Foresight; Robust Laws and Policies; Strong Institutions; Financial Stewardship; Attractive Marketplace; Global Influence and Reputation; and Helping People Rise.

prosperity

Masisi's Leadership is leaving indelible marks on Botswana's political and economic landscape through his visionary Leadership. His Leadership has been marked by numerous transformative policies and initiatives that set the country on a sustained growth

According to the CIG report, "Leadership makes a difference. What public sector leaders decide, do, or say impacts public trust in government. Good leaders create and sustain cultures of integrity, competence and service. They have a clear sense of their government and country's medium- and longer-term pathways. They cultivate the foresight needed to anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities."

The "Leadership and Foresight" pillar is a compound measure for "Anti- Corruption, Long Term Vision, Adaptability, "Strategic Prioritization and Ethical Leadership."

We don't have to stray too far to see tangible progress made thus far by the Masisi-led Leadership in Botswana responsible for repositioning the country and putting it on a solid path to progress and

and development trajectory

Life & Leadership

Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi was sworn in as the fifth (5th) President of the Republic of Botswana on 1st November 2019. This followed his party's, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), victory in the country's General Elections, which took place on 23rd October 2019.

Before assuming his substantive five-year first term, President Masisi succeeded former President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on 1st April 2018, after President Khama's two five-year terms in office. Before this, President Masisi served as Botswana's eighth (8th) Vice President from 20142018. In this capacity, he oversaw Government programmes and was the Leader of the House of the

National Assembly

Masisi's leadership style is characterized by a laser focus on results, a commitment to inclusivity, and a willingness to take bold and decisive action. Throughout his tenure, he prioritized job creation, economic diversification, and poverty reduction, which are critical to Botswana's long-term prosperity

Masisi also prioritized involving citizens in decision-making by engaging with them through various platforms, such as town hall meetings and social media. This approach helped build trust and confidence in his Leadership, evident in the overwhelming mandate he received in the 2019 general elections.

Strides & Progress

One of Masisi's most notable accomplishments was the launch of the National Transformation Strategy (NTS) in 2018. The NTS is a comprehensive blueprint that outlines Botswana's development priorities for the next decade. It aims to transform the economy by promoting innovation, diversification, and competitiveness and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Under Masisi's Leadership, Botswana also embarked on a series of infrastructure projects to improve the country's connectivity and reduce regional disparities. These include the expansion of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the construction of a new railway line, and the upgrading of several roads and bridges.

Masisi's administration also prioritized women and youth empowerment through various initiatives such as the Youth Empowerment Scheme and the Women's Economic Empowerment Program. These programs provided funding and support to aspiring entrepreneurs, helping to create jobs and promote economic growth.

Masisi's presidency also reformed Botswana's justice system. The reforms aimed to increase efficiency and accessibility by introducing alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, digitizing court processes, and increasing the number of judicial officers.

Another significant legacy of Masisi's presidency is his commitment to environmental conservation. Botswana is home to some of the most pristine natural habitats on the African continent, and Masisi recognized the need to protect these areas from degradation and exploitation.

Under his Leadership, Botswana banned elephant hunting, a controversial decision that drew criticism from some quarters. However, Masisi stood firm in his conviction that the ban was necessary to protect Botswana's wildlife and preserve the country's reputation as a leader in conservation.

Masisi also oversaw the establishment of the Okavango Delta Management Plan, a comprehensive framework for managing one of the world's most important wetlands. The plan aims to balance the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources, such as water and fish, which are critical to the livelihoods of local communities.

In addition to his domestic achievements, Masisi has been a prominent voice on the international stage, advocating for issues such as climate change, gender equality, and democratic governance. As a member of the United Nations Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, Masisi has been at the forefront of efforts to promote the responsible use of technology for development.

Masisi has also been a vocal advocate for African unity and integration, emphasizing greater collaboration among African countries to tackle common challenges such as poverty, disease, and conflict. In 2019, he was elected as the Chairperson of the African Union. This position gave him a platform to champion the continent's development agenda and advance its interests on the global stage.

On education, President Masisi has made significant strides too. Recognizing that education is crucial to the country's long-term development, he prioritized initiatives to improve access to education, reduce dropout rates, and enhance education quality

To this end, the government has launched the National Human Resource Development Strategy, which seeks to align education and training with the needs of the labour market, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote lifelong learning. The strategy recognizes the importance of vocational training and has established several centres of excellence to provide training in engineering, agriculture, and hospitality. Another key initiative is the Presidential Scholarship Program, which offers full scholarships to talented and deserving students to study at top universities worldwide. The program has

Recognizing that education is crucial to the country's long-term development, he prioritized initiatives to improve access to education, reduce dropout rates, and enhance education quality

helped produce a new generation of young leaders with the skills and knowledge to drive the development of Botswana.

Masisi has also strongly advocated for gender equality, recognizing that women's empowerment is essential for sustainable development. In 2019, he launched the National Policy on Gender and Development, which aims to promote gender equality and mainstream gender perspectives in all sectors of society. The policy recognizes the need to address gender-based violence and discrimination, promote women's economic empowerment, and increase women's participation in decision-making at all levels.

The fight against corruption has also received a considerable boost under his Leadership. He acknowledges that corruption is a major obstacle to development and a threat to the rule of law The government has established the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime to investigate and prosecute corruption cases. It has also implemented measures to enhance transparency and accountability in public procurement and financial management.

Mokgeetsi Masisi's leadership style and accomplishments have undoubtedly inspired other leaders on the continent. He has elevated leadership benchmarks and inspired emerging leaders from the continent to see possibilities in the continent beset with monumental challenges. Masisi's commitment to inclusivity, results, and bold action has set an example for leaders across the continent. By launching the National Transformation Strategy, investing in infrastructure, and empowering women and youth, Masisi has helped to create a more prosperous and equitable Botswana.

President Masisi's Leadership has had a transformative impact on Botswana's development

trajectory, making significant strides across all major sectors – including job creation, economic diversification, environmental conservation, education, gender equality, and anti-corruption efforts. Masisi has set an example for leaders across the continent and beyond through his commitment to inclusive growth, bold action, and results. As Botswana continues to become a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable nation, Masisi's imprints of focused Leadership will undoubtedly be remembered as a critical part of the country's success story

Masisi once said, "I am committed to leaving this country better than I found it, and I will not rest until we achieve that goal.”

Mr. Kingsley Okeke, General Managing Edit

Ghana's Dilemma: “Life or Debt”

By Stephen Williams

The issue of Africa's sovereign debt, that is debt carried by an African state, has been of growing importance as various countries struggle to meet their domestic and international financial commitments. This struggle has fed into economies, perhaps most notably in Ghana where the country's independent power producers (IPPs) are adamant that debts owed to them by government must be paid in order for them to continue supplying power

According to the IPPs, shutting down power plants remains the only viable option if the debts are not settled, and the state's power company has resorted to cutting power to those entities that did not meet their debts. This even threatened the power supply to Ghana's parliament until a last minute arrangement was reached.

The Ghana government has attempted to restructure this debt with a proposal to the IPPs to honour its debt-servicing obligation to both domestic and external creditors this year. The projected interest payments on loans could cost the state about GH53bn ($5bn) putting government in a parlous fiscal position.

A $3bn bailout package from the IMF was reached at a staff level and was contingent on a mammoth debt operation exercise. The IMF's support is dependent on Ghana meeting a string of conditions, such as raising revenues through hiking the rate of value added tax, tariff increases on public utilities and an end to central bank finance for the government. The fund also asked Ghana to make progress on restructuring its domestic debts.

Ghana's Minister of finance, Ken Ofori-Atta claims the fund's conditions had been met. “Those are literally all done, so we are pretty much there,” he said. “We have done what is required.” Its restructuring talks are being closely watched by other low and middle-income countries who are in, or at risk of, default.

However, the IPPs have stubbornly refused to reschedule the bulk of Ghana's domestic debt. An added difficulty has been that the debt has been denominated in US dollars. The US currency has steadily appreciated against the Ghanaian Cedi.

Additionally, the initial power purchase agreements (PPAs) stipulated a take-or-pay clause, i.e.

that an off-take levy was payable whether or not the power was utilized.

In 2018, excess generation capacity contracted under take-or-pay PPAs cost the government $320m in capacity charges, which was projected to hit $620m annually with the addition of new plants in 2019, Today there are over 30 PPAs operating in the country and the country's energy sector generates a debt burden of about $1bn and excess capacity charges of $500m annually. At the end of 2021, when Ghana's debt GDP ratio reached an unprecedented 80% threshold, IPP payments were a major factor, but sovereign debt was also a significant problem.

There is a strong argument that Ghana's debt woes began with its first issuance of a Eurobond in 2007 when the discovery of off-shore oil sparked a surge in economic optimism.

The country's debut bond of $750m was followed up by the issuance of two additional Eurobonds totaling $2bn in 2013 and 2014.

Other countries in Africa soon followed suit. In 2011, Zambia obtained its first sovereign credit rating from Fitch that enabled the country to issue two Eurobonds in 2012 and 2014. This increased Zambia's external debt by an incredible 300% in three years.

Kenya likewise jumped on the bandwagon, issuing three Eurobonds between 2014 and 2019 that totaled around $5.5 billion.30

According to the World Bank's International Debt Statistics handbook, the stock of Eurobond debt for sub-Saharan Africa grew from about $32bn in 2010 to $135bn in 2020, a 322% rate of increase. Despite their name, Eurobonds are denominated in US dollars.

In mid-April, during the annual IMF-World Bank

meetings, the Paris Club met. Ghana's sovereign debt was high on the agenda. The hope was that the Paris Club group, which is essentially a consortium of countries such as the US, EU and UK (but not China) that have lent to developing countries, would coordinate their response to requests for debt rescheduling.

Ghana had reached an agreement with the IMF for a $3bn support package in December. But the Fund required bilateral lenders to provide assurances they will restructure its debt as a condition of signing off on the loan.

Ghana's finance minister said that official creditor financial assurances were expected by May, and that the country's domestic debt exchange programme would yield 38 billion cedis ($3.16bn) of debt service savings in 2023. He also confirmed that $20bn of external debt was eligible for restructuring, 66% of the external debt stock. Of that, $5.4bn in official creditor debt will be restructured.

An understanding with official creditors and an agreement in principle on Eurobond restructuring is expected in July, with the 2030 Eurobond (partially guaranteed by the World Bank) included in the restructuring, the minister said.

He added that Ghana needs a $1.5bn financial stability fund to ensure appropriate solvency and liquidity. “The World Bank has fortunately agreed to support this fund with a quarter of a billion and government, looking at the space we have, also committing about $500m to that,” Ofori-Atta said at the virtual press briefing following the Paris Club meeting. Ghana's net foreign exchange reserves fell sharply in 2022 and are currently $2.6bn, Ghana's central bank governor Ernest Addison said at the briefing.

CRDB Bank: AFRICAN

CRDB Bank has established itself as a leader in Tanzania's financial sector by providing customer-oriented services and prioritizing its people. Its approach not only strengthens the bank but also contributes to the country's economy. CRDB's commitment to youth, women, and small business owners sets it apart from its competitors. It achieves this by designing products that target young people from a young age. The bank's Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela, recently emphasized its desire to empower the youth by enabling them to engage in meaningful economic activities and

Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela Group CEO & MD CRDB, Tanzania

productivity.

From fulfilling its community social responsibility to providing tailored financial products and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, CRDB has endeared itself to the people and bolstered the national economy, resulting in numerous accolades from Tanzania and the international community. In an interview with African Leadership Magazine, the Managing Director of the Bank highlighted some of the institution's significant accomplishments, such as securing a partnership program worth $100 million with the United Nations that aims to benefit approximately six million people.

CRDB recently reported a net profit of about 31 percent in 2022, and this, no doubt, points to your incisive leadership at the bank. Can you share some of your efforts towards building CRDB into one of the most profitable banking brands in Tanzania and East Africa at large?

"Well, the results you see are a product of the hard work and dedication of the staff of CRDB Bank and the trust that our customers have in us. As a leader, I am proud of what we have accomplished as a team, and I remain grateful to our stakeholders, our board of directors, my colleagues at CRDB Bank, and above all, our loyal customers.

Over the past five years, we have been undertaking strategic reforms to align our group for growth. I am happy that the financial performance, alongside other transformations, are the tidings of

these reforms, and today, CRDB Bank is best-positioned to be the undisputable leader in the industry and in the region.

More importantly, we have invested in a responsive business model that puts the customer at the center of everything we do. Our medium-term strategy fully recognizes our long-term ambitions and has considered the market risks that continue to shape the business environment. I am confident that the bank will perform even better in the coming years.

Last year, the CRDB signed a $60 million financial package comprising $50 million in subordinated debt to support the bank's regional expansion efforts and a $10 million senior loan to accelerate access to finance for small businesses managed and owned by women in Tanzania. Can you tell us how these funds will accelerate your planned expansion program and the growth of womenled small businesses in the region?

"CRDB Bank prides itself as a champion of financial inclusion in Tanzania. We have several products tailored for the underserved segments of the population, especially women and youth. We are also a market leader in lending to small and medium enterprises since we view SMEs as the engine of growth for the Tanzanian economy

The subordinated debt will augment our financial capital resources to grow these two portfolios, which are the center of our focus in the medium-term strategy for 2023–2027. We are keen on leveraging value chain financing for SMEs, especially those in the key sectors of the economy, with a broader view of supporting the economic transformation agenda.

We have placed a high premium on women-led enterprises because we know the potential that lies therein. Our experience has shown us that women-led enterprises have a higher propensity to succeed and have a multiplier effect on society in

terms of value distribution".

CRDB's digital transformation strategy is helping to promote the country's financial inclusion agenda. Can you share some of the bank's milestones in this regard?

"Our success in recent years has been buoyed by our ability to provide convenience to our customers in a cost-effective way This was the main goal of the digital transformation strategy, which targeted expanding our reach and deepening access to financial services. We continue to invest in scalable technologies while at the same time strengthening our distribution network to reach the rural population.

The milestones achieved over the past five years include successfully expanding our digital banking services through our proprietary SimBanking platform and mobile banking options. Today, our customers can open and operate bank accounts through their mobile phones. We see this as revolutionary because it allows us to reach more people effectively and efficiently

Secondly, we have significantly grown our agency banking network (CRDB Wakala), from just above 5,647 in 2018 to more than 22,000+ in 2022. This is the largest agency banking network in the country, providing services to more than two million Tanzanians every month. For us, this is a big breakthrough since it eliminates the cost of brick-andmortar branches.

With these expansions, we have been able to onboard many customers, further deepening access. As a result, we have also grown our credit portfolio by providing digital loans to customers who previously lacked access to financial services. This has had a multiplier effect on households and livelihoods".

SMEs are the engine room for sustainable economic growth and development, and CRDB Bank has an extensive history of supporting

these businesses in Tanzania and other markets. Can you share some of the strategic outcomes of the bank's sustained support for small businesses in the region?

"Our growth strategy is premised on the simple principle that for us to grow sustainably, we have to empower people to invest and generate income from various activities within the wider economy The structure of our economy is still heavily driven by agriculture and trade, and so we have modeled our support for these sectors along their value chains.

Our focus in the agriculture sector is staggered along the entire value chain, from farm inputs to

financing solutions to address the capital challenges, especially for enterprises providing services to the government or those engaged in trade and agriculture value addition. This continues to transform households and has contributed to improved liquidity in the economy".

With the growing demand for green investments on the continent, can you share some of the Bank's efforts to support green projects in the region?

“At CRDB Bank, we see ourselves as an environmental steward in Tanzania and the region. Over the past years, we have made deliberate investments in building our capacity to create impact and contribute to

charge a lower interest rate to customers by as much as an estimated 60% below current market rates while maintaining their target spread over their cost of funding.

We work closely with the nationally designated authority, the Ministry of Environment in Tanzania, in identifying projects and programs that contribute to the national goals on climate action.

In addition to this, we have integrated an environmental and social management framework into our corporate lending, especially towards big projects. In our appraisals, we assess the impact of individual projects on the

we have also grown our credit portfolio by providing digital loans to customers who previously lacked access to financial services. This has had a multiplier effect on households and livelihoods

harvesting, storage, post-harvest processing, and marketing. We have created partnerships with governmental institutions and foreign companies to create ready markets for local products and raw materials. Principally, we are the biggest lender in the agriculture sector, with loans constituting about 646% of our retail portfolio.

The outcome of these efforts is increased agricultural productivity, especially for commercial crops such as coffee, cashew, and tea. We have also seen improved incomes for farmers, who are now able to repay their loans, as seen in the low ratio of our non-performing loans.

For SMEs, we have developed

global efforts towards climate action.

We are the first commercial bank in Tanzania and the fourth on the continent to be accredited by the United Nations' Green Climate Fund (GCF) to champion green financing. Already, our first proposal, titled Tanzania Agriculture Climate Adaptation and Technology Deployment Program (TACATDP), got approved by GCF for financing to the tune of $100 million. The program targets smallholder farmers engaged in farming practices that promote climate adaptation in Tanzania and is expected to benefit more than six million people over the next five years. GCF's funding allows CRDB to

environment in the long term".

As a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience in retail, commercial banking, banking operations, and control functions, what would you say are your biggest achievements?

"Well, for any professional banker, leading a successful enterprise is an achievement big enough in one's career. But I would say that I am proud to have played a role in the transformation of the banking sector in Tanzania. Although not an individual effort, I am happy that I have donated my knowledge, skills, and experience towards the betterment of the financial services industry both as a

professional banker and as a captain of the industry. We have witnessed tremendous reforms in the industry, all of which are the results of extensive engagements and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders, regulators, and peers"

As the world's largest reservoir of young people, Africa's biggest assets are its young people. How is the bank supporting young people in the region?

"CRDB Bank is passionate about young people. We are among the leading banks in the region, with more products targeting young people from their tender ages. We have integrated this into our sustainability strategy as a focal point, understanding that to build a wider pool of our customer base, we must empower the young into meaningful economic activity and productivity

We have programs specifically designed to address some of the challenges facing youth, such as unemployment and drugs. Through our social investment programs, we engage youth through sports. We support career sports such as basketball and football. We also provide scholarships for deserving students to help them pursue higher education.

Through our financial inclusion initiatives, for example, we have youth entrepreneurship programs undertaken in partnership with other institutions or organizations of goodwill, including innovation hubs, with the aim of building capacity for young people in tech and entrepreneurship".

Can you share some of the bank's philanthropic strides across its markets?

We have a social investment strategy anchored in four pillars: education, health, the environment, and youth and sports. These four pillars guide our philanthropic activities across all our markets. We chose the pillars based on our understanding that these areas are integral to the development of any society. We invest in health because we believe that for people to be productive, they must be healthy

Every year, nearly 60% of our annual CSI budget is spent on health causes, including the purchase of hospital equipment and building amenities such as wards. We also donate sums of money towards medical procedures for infants with congenital heart

include annual tree-planting fairs and urban clean-ups"

As one of the continent's lights, you have contributed to a massive change in the financial system of Tanzania. What do you have to tell the young people who aspire to be where you are today?

"My counsel to the youth would be to ask them to trust the process. The banking profession is a highly specialized career that requires one to learn and master their area of specialization. More importantly, they should endeavor to learn and acquire diverse knowledge because the world is changing rapidly, and if one doesn't upskill, he or she may be rendered irrelevant in a shorter period of time. Above all, endeavor to build credibility through your work

One must link what they do with the impact it has on the people around them or the community at large, as this is also a good measure of success. Doing this will grow you and prepare you better for the days ahead".

problems. We do this in partnership with reputed institutions like the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and Ocean Road Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

We also have an annual marathon that serves to raise funds from partners and institutions of goodwill. Proceeds from this annual activity are channeled towards a social cause in the health sector

Our passion for the environment has led us to create a strong footprint across our markets through tree planting. We have integrated this into our culture, and all our branches and subsidiaries take it as a practice to take care of the environment. Our main activities

You have been invited to speak and receive the African Leadership Council award. What does this mean to you and CRDB?

"For CRDB Bank, this means our impact creation ambition is bearing fruit. We are proud to be counted among influential brands and happy that we are making a meaningful contribution to the economic emancipation of our continent.

For me, it is an honor and privilege to represent my colleagues at CRDB Bank. I carry the pride of the men and women at CRDB Bank, who put in hours of their lives to serve our customers, irrespective of the challenges around us. I am merely their agent; therefore, this is a moment of pride for all of us at CRDB Bank".

A Country's Unbroken Bond with Focused Leadership

Botswana is a unique African country that has maintained a continuous democracy since its independence in 1966. Despite its vulnerability as a landlocked country bordered by white minority governments in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Botswana has achieved political stability, democratic government, and remarkable economic growth.

Under the leadership of its first democratic president, Seretse Khama, Botswana prioritized security and prosperity in a non-racial democracy. This commitment to political freedoms and individual protection without racial discrimination earned Botswana credibility within multilateral forums and bilateral meetings, attracting aid from international bodies.

Botswana has effectively managed its rich mining industry, particularly in diamonds, using the returns to

Botswana has shown that through effective leadership, commitment to good governance, and investment in education and infrastructure, African countries can achieve political stability and economic growth, even in the face of significant challenges

invest in health, education, and infrastructure. The country has also accumulated large foreign exchange reserves to prepare for economic downturns.

Despite its successes, Botswana has yet to develop a significant manufacturing sector, with manufacturing value added accounting for only 5.2% of GDP. The mining sector, while profitable, employs few people and has limited linkages to the rest of the economy

Botswana's success can be attributed to good policies that encouraged investment and economic development, underpinned by institutions of private property

Furthermore, Botswana's political stability has also contributed to its economic success. With a stable government and a consistent policy framework, foreign investors have been attracted to the country, leading to increased investment and economic growth.

In addition, Botswana's commitment to education has played a significant role in its development. The government has invested heavily in education, resulting in a highly literate population that is able to participate in the country's growing economy

Suffices to also add that, government has also been

praised for its efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. The country has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world, but through aggressive prevention campaigns, widespread testing and treatment programs, and a commitment to destigmatizing the disease, Botswana has been able to reduce its HIV prevalence rate from around 25% in the early 2000s to around 14% in recent years.

However, despite its successes, Botswana still faces challenges. The country has a high level of income inequality, and its economy remains heavily dependent on diamonds, which leaves it vulnerable to fluctuations in global demand.

Botswana's experience demonstrates that sustained economic growth, political stability, and good governance are possible in Africa, even in the face of significant challenges. The country's success provides valuable lessons for other African nations seeking to build strong, prosperous democracies.

Botswana has shown that through effective leadership, commitment to good governance, and investment in education and infrastructure, African countries can achieve political stability and economic growth, even in the face of significant challenges.

Changing the Science Story in Classrooms

Interview with an African Inventor

Science education has undergone significant changes in recent years and Charles Ofori Antipem, a Ghanaian Entrepreneur, Co-founder and CEO of Dext Technology Limited has contributed his quota to this change. He is an inspiring figure who is working to transform science education in Africa by providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

His vision for changing science in the classroom has the potential to impact countless students and drive economic growth and development across the continent.

In an exclusive interview with African Leadership Magazine's Ghana Correspondent, Janet Abena Quainoo, he gave an in-depth knowledge and understanding of who he is, what he stands for, his challenges and his prospects as an inventor.

EXCERPTS

Understanding your background and experiences is key to identifying how you can contribute to your organization.

We are eager to hear more about your story. So, could you share with us what inspired you to become an inventor, and how you started in this field?

My inspiration was my father, he was a science teacher and his passion for science bore in me the desire to be an inventor. Also, his support and belief in my dreams always made him invest the little he had to give me exposure to technology and science. His constant push and drive in investing in my dreams helped me develop a sense of curiosity that has stayed and helped me hunger for problem-solving and innovation.

Being an inventor, especially at a young age, can be challenging. From coming up with innovative ideas to securing funding, navigating the patent process, and so much more, there are numerous

obstacles to overcome. What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a young inventor, and how have you overcome them?

Access to funds and building the right team has been my greatest challenge. Also, challenges in personal development, drive, and encouragement to make it. Developing the mindset required to succeed in our environment can be difficult and this can affect your personal growth and development and thoughts to succeed in the

one of your most successful inventions and how it has impacted the world?

The Science Set has stood out amongst my inventions. This is an affordable science toolbox that provides students with hands-on science, to build their creative capacity, increase their interest in science and equip them with the skills they need to create tomorrow's technology. It contains 45 individual materials for over 38 experiments and it is small enough

create. How do you come up with ideas for your inventions, and what is your creative process like?

I enjoy solving problems and that is the beginning point of most of my ideas. When I see a challenge or a problem, then I need to address it immediately, hence I start thinking about a way to solve the problem till I get a satisfactory solution. This is my nature and I have accepted it as part of me.

Being an inventor requires a unique

technological world. Developing confidence in yourself to change the world and define your future, developing the tenacity to keep going, and the courage to be a pioneer can be questioned. I was lucky to have parents who embodied all these attributes.

As an accomplished inventor, your insights and stories will inspire and motivate our young ones and shed light on the creative process behind game-changing inventions. So, without further ado, tell us about

to fit on a student's desk. There are currently over 100,000 students in Ghana, Nigeria, DRC, Sierra Leone, the United Kingdom, and the United States with access to the science sets.

THE SCIENCE SET SCIENCE SET SERVED ITS PURPOSE IN THE CLASSROOM

Inventors have always played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in, and it is exciting to learn more about how they think and

set of skills and qualities that can be developed through passion, dedication, and hard work Inventors have the unique ability to turn their creative ideas into tangible solutions that can positively impact our society especially other young inventors. What advice would you give to other young people who are interested in becoming inventors?

It is a fact that inventions and product innovations are the biggest drivers of economic development

hence it's a great field to be involved in however, being an inventor or innovator is a big responsibility and it can be rewarding and like every meaningful occupation it requires diligence, consistency, and hard work to make your dream a reality

With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, how is invention likely to shape our lives in the years to come and what are some of the most exciting developments you are looking forward to?

The 3D printer was one of the key tools that enabled us to develop the science set and put it into small scale-manufacturing with the few resources we had. I look forward to more advanced tools and manufacturing processes that will empower lowresourced innovators to bring their inventions and innovations to the masses. Micromanufacturing space to watch out for

How do you balance the business and financial aspects of being an inventor with your passion for creating and inventing?

The best way to create a balancing act is to have balanced elements working together. It is all about the team. I was lucky to have a co-founder who was a perfect fit from the beginning. After we create a product, I get out there to look for market access and he sets up the systems for production.

Inventing is not just a creative process but also a business, how do you navigate this complex terrain of balancing the demands of running a business with their desire to invent hence what are some of the ethical considerations you keep in mind when developing new inventions?

Inventions and innovations can be used for good or evil. This is something I understand and keep at the back of my mind. Fortunately, most of the problems I think about stem from a place of empathy. This means most solutions I come up with are almost by default because they are beneficial to lives and positively impact people and my innovations are also ethically sound.

As we explore the world of invention and innovation, one clear ng is that collaboration plays a vital role in the success of any inventor or innovation. That said, finding the right collaborators and working effectively with them can be challenging. How important is a collaboration with other inventors and experts in your field, and

how do you approach finding and working with these collaborators?

As I stated earlier getting the right team has been critical since day one. We also actively partner with other creators on different projects. That notwithstanding, I will say that the collaborations that often matter more are the ones with entities that are not directly involved in the innovation process such as collaboration with academia, and business entities being key

Understanding your vision for the future is key to finding the right fit for your organization. Could you please elaborate more on your long-term goals as an inventor, what you hope to achieve through your work, and what kind of legacy you hope to leave in this field?

Currently, we are making the science set a ubiquitous tool. Soon, every student on the African continent will experience the science set. If we can achieve this, then in 30 years Africa will have more Scientists and Engineers than other continents in the world.

How President William Ruto & Raila Odinga Can Work Towards a Progressive Kenya

The Kenyan elections have come and gone, but the dust is yet to settle, due to the growing tension between the incumbent President William Ruto and the opposition leader Raila Odinga. Recently, President Ruto threatened to take opposition leader Raila Odinga to the International Criminal Court if he doesn't put an end to antigovernment riots. Ruto himself appeared before the ICC a decade ago accused of orchestrating deadly post-electoral violence, but the case against him was eventually

dismissed.

Kenya's political landscape has been marked by polarization and animosity between political leaders and their supporters. Among the most notable of these leaders are William Ruto and Raila Odinga. The two have been at loggerheads for years, with their political differences culminating in the 2007-2008 postelection violence that claimed the lives of over 1,000 people.

However, as the 2022 general elections has come and gone, both

leaders are enjoined to move from politicking to governance by prioritizing unity and cooperation over division and acrimony. In this article, we explore how William Ruto and Raila Odinga can work together to build a more united Kenya.

Building Trust and Reconciliation

The first step towards building a united Kenya is to address the deep-seated mistrust and resentment between supporters of William Ruto and Raila Odinga. This

can be achieved through a sustained dialogue and reconciliation process that involves both leaders and their supporters.

One approach could be a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, similar to the one that was set up in South Africa after the end of apartheid. Such a commission could provide a platform for victims of past political violence to share their stories and for the perpetrators to seek forgiveness and make amends.

Through this process, both Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to national unity and reconciliation, and in turn, win the trust and support of a wider section of the Kenyan population.

Collaborative Leadership

The second step towards building a united Kenya is to adopt a collaborative leadership approach. This means that both William Ruto and Raila Odinga must be willing to put their political differences aside and work together for the greater good of the country

Through this collaborative leadership approach, Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to working together and building a more united and prosperous Kenya.

Economic Development

The third step towards building a united Kenya is to focus on economic development. Kenya is a country with enormous potential, but its growth has been stunted by corruption, mismanagement, and ethnic divisions.

To overcome these challenges, Ruto and Odinga must work together to implement policies that promote economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. This could include investing in infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Through this focus on economic development, Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to creating a more prosperous and

equitable Kenya, and in turn, win the support of a wider section of the Kenyan population.

Addressing Ethnic Divisions

One of the biggest challenges facing Kenya is ethnic divisions. Political leaders have often used these divisions to gain support and consolidate power, which has led to a culture of mistrust and animosity between different ethnic groups.

To address these divisions, Ruto and Odinga must work together to promote unity and inclusivity. This could include adopting policies that promote inter-ethnic cooperation, such as affirmative action programs and the promotion of cultural diversity

Through these efforts, Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to building a more united and harmonious Kenya, and in turn, win the support of a wider section of the Kenyan population.

Promoting Good Governance

Another key issue that needs to be addressed is the need for good governance. Kenya has struggled with corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency, which has hindered economic growth and led to widespread disillusionment among citizens.

To address these issues, Ruto and Odinga must work together to promote good governance practices. This could include adopting policies that promote transparency and accountability, such as implementing anticorruption measures and strengthening institutions that promote good governance.

Through these efforts, Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to creating a more transparent and accountable government, and in turn, win the support of a wider section of the Kenyan population.

Reforming the Electoral Process

Finally, another key issue that needs to be addressed is the need

for electoral reform. Kenya has a long history of electoral violence and disputes, which has undermined the credibility of the electoral process and led to widespread disillusionment among citizens.

To address these issues, Ruto and Odinga must work together to promote electoral reform. This could include adopting policies that promote fairness and transparency in the electoral process, such as implementing measures to prevent voter fraud and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the electoral process.

Through these efforts, Ruto and Odinga can demonstrate their commitment to creating a more credible and trustworthy electoral process, and in turn, win the support of a wider section of the Kenyan population.

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to national unity and reconciliation by working together to address the key challenges facing Kenya. This can be achieved through a sustained dialogue and reconciliation process, a collaborative leadership approach, a focus on economic development, and the adoption of policies that promote unity, inclusivity, good governance, and electoral reform. The path towards a more united Kenya requires a concerted effort from all political leaders and their supporters. William Ruto and Raila Odinga have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to national unity and reconciliation by working together to build a more united and prosperous Kenya.

This can be achieved through a sustained dialogue and reconciliation process, a collaborative leadership approach, and a focus on economic development. Through these efforts, Ruto and Odinga can create a legacy of unity and prosperity for future generations of Kenyans.

Success Stories of Girl-Child Education in Africa

Access to education is a basic human right for all. However, due to various socio-cultural and traditional reasons, the African girl child has over the years been deprived of this basic right and has been left behind by the male folk.

It is in the quest to bridge this gap across Africa that governments, non-governmental organizations, private bodies, and other relevant agencies have taken up the responsibility of putting more emphasis on getting the girl child educated at all costs.

Have these moves yielded any positive results so far? We will find out in this piece, which relays the achievements recorded by African countries in their pursuit of getting

the girl child well educated.

In the past, the girl child in Africa was plagued with socio- and traditional sentiments that left her limited in so many areas of life, including education, which put her at the mercy of the men folk through lack of education, early marriages, farmwork, and house chores.

However, over the last decades, several efforts have gone into changing this status quo and meeting up with normal standards of life where every child, whether boy or girl, has an equal right to life and, in particular, education.

These efforts have led to the relegation of traditional and cultural beliefs and, on the other hand,

brought about an increase in the number of girls enrolled in schools in Africa.

The various activities and support from local, national, and international bodies have not been in vain, as there have been records of improvements in school enrollment by girls across the continent.

Some African countries have made appreciable progress in girl child education.

While there are still ongoing efforts across the countries on the continent to educate the girl child, some countries are already witnessing rapid improvements and successes from the various programs and initiatives towards

this goal.

Listed below are some of the African countries that have recorded appreciable success in achieving their goal of encouraging girl child education on the continent.

Rwanda, which has the highest school enrolment rate in East Africa,

One such country in Africa is Rwanda, which has the highest school enrolment rate in East Africa and has done well for itself in the area of supporting more girls' enrolment.

According to a UNICEF report, Rwandan girls have surpassed boys in school enrolment at all levels, with girls at 98 percent and boys at 97 percent.

The Rwandan government, with much determination, is working alongside foreign partners and organizations like the World Association of Girls Guides and Girl Scouts, whose efforts are seen in terms of funding as well as physical and moral support.

With the new level of focus on girl child education in Rwanda, the girls have come to the realization that they can explore new and better options beyond the traditional gender roles.

More government-funded schools now specialize in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and also encourage more girls' participation.

For instance, the Rwanda Coding Academy admits 50 percent of girls and women and aims to resolve the shortage of engineers through a focused engineering program at the high school level for girls.

Malawi's success story

Elsewhere in Malawi, it is another success story, as combined efforts from both local and international bodies have helped reduce the impact of early marriage and pregnancy, which contribute to

high dropout rates among girls in the country.

Through the activities of different international agencies taking up specific roles in areas of feeding, provision of infrastructure, health amenities, and the like, as well as the communities and parents saddled with the responsibility of continuous monitoring and guidance, the country is doing well in increasing the number of girls in schools.

With such a program as the Joint Programme on Girls' Education, implemented by UN agencies and funded by the Government of Norway, girls' enrolments in schools in Malawi have increased tremendously while the school drop-out rate has dropped.

There is also AGE Africa's program for girls in the country, which offers scholarship programs to support the girl child's education by providing uniforms, educational materials, etc. to beat the scourge of poverty, which hinders their enrollment in school.

It has also recorded success with its social program tagged Creating Healthy Approaches to Success (CHATS). The two-year program, which is an after-school life-skills program, targets giving scholars tools to overcome social barriers like poverty, early marriages, and the like, which affect girls' education.

CHATS has made visible impacts because, through its efforts in selected areas of the country, 90% of participants complete secondary school and 91% delay marriage and pregnancy until after their 18th birthday with renewed hopes for a better future.

In Zambia, the future looks bright for girls.

For girls in Zambia, the future looks bright, especially with the government initiative "Zambian Girls 2030 Programme: Realizing My Potential," which provides an

opportunity for the most vulnerable girl pupils to be exposed and inspired into a chosen career path.

Before now, many girls in Zambia had their dreams stifled by several social and economic factors, including poverty and a prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in their communities, but through the initiative, a triad of heads of schools, parents, and community leaders have been successfully created who work as a team to ensure that girls go to school and do not drop out.

Funded by the governments of Sweden and Ireland, the project not only encourages school enrollment for girls but also specifically partners with national institutions such as the Zambian National STEM Foundation and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) to encourage young women and girls to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Zambian government has also instituted a national response to address child marriage, which is the major root cause of girls dropping out of school, by launching a multi-stakeholder antichild marriage campaign that seeks to lower the rate and build "a Zambia free from child marriage by 2030".

The program has put in place structures to effectively fight child marriage, including a civil society coalition against child marriage.

As a result of these initiatives, girls in Zambia now have access to break into the earlier maledominated STEM programs, create their own space, and even encourage others along that line.

Sierra Leone's achievement

Having identified the root cause of the high rates of dropout of girls from schools in Sierra Leone as teenage pregnancy and wanting a way out, an initiative of the informal education system through community learning centers was

adopted across the country to encourage pregnant girls not to miss out on their studies.

The centers came in the wake of the Ebola crisis, when, according to a UN study, teenage pregnancy surged from 30 to 65 percent in the country

The center had specially trained teachers who taught the girls using accelerated learning approaches, which condensed the regular

system between 2016 and 2017.

The success of the informal learning centers got legal backing from the government with new policy frameworks. In 2020, the government approved an inclusive education system that overturned a ban on pregnant girls and teenage mothers attending school and sitting for exams.

In 2021, the policy was further strengthened by a radical inclusion

just one thing, it is using the law to fight for the rights of the girl child in education.

Working hand in hand with one another, the NGOs and other partners have consistently engaged the government to ensure that girls access education, have a safe learning environment, and also live free from sexual violence.

With all hands on deck and continuous initiation of relevant

curriculum into a shorter time frame to help the girls catch up.

The initiative, which had the support of community leaders and influential community members, yielded positive results, such that in 2015, with the support of international donors, close to 15,000 pregnant and breastfeeding girls were enrolled in community learning centers, out of which 5,000 got back into the formal school

policy for the education of historically marginalized groups, including pregnant girls, parent learners, children with disabilities, children from rural and underserved areas, and children from lowincome families.

Sierra Leone has several nongovernmental organizations, NGOs, and international bodies working for the rights of the girl child in the country, and if they have achieved

programs, all countries on the continent will get it right with the girl child to give them room to make meaningful impacts on their societies because educating the girl child goes beyond just education; rather, it comes as an empowerment mode to break the cycle of poverty and in turn affect the economy positively

Success of Civil Space in Africa: An Activist Point of View

A successful civic space enables civil society organisations, and a wide range of actors to fulfill their roles and act autonomously in the pursuit of democracy, inclusive participation, good governance, and human rights.

In most of Africa, civil society has been effective in bringing about social and political change. Through shared goals and ambitions, civil societies unite people for the development of the society.

To highlight the successes of Civil Societies in Africa, African Leadership Magazines' Judith Ukoh spoke to human rights activist, Barrister

She began the interview by highlighting the success of civil society organizations in Africa, and why they are important.

Oshiniwe : “The Civil Society in Africa is a very key component of a successful and peaceful society. They bridge the gaps between the Government and the People, the High and the Low. They are the voices of the voiceless and the less privilege. They act as intermediaries between the Government and the masses so they are very important”.

Anthonia Oshiniwe

To what extent do civil societies influence and enforce social and political changes across Africa? Would you say they have been widely successful in bringing about desired change?

“Civil society has played a very important role as a change agent in Africa and it is an on-going process. The civil society has been and are still defending collective interests and increasing accountability; they provide solidarity mechanisms and more importantly promote participation; they are involved in decision making and directly engaging in service delivery

Well, I would say civil society have been successful in these activities; about bringing the desired change? It is still an on-going process but it is obvious that there has been a shift in the narrative”

Can you share examples of cases where the civil society has been successful in influencing change?

“Civil society monitors Government policies and actions. They hold Government accountable. An Example can be cited from the signing into law of the Freedom of Information Act. Since it was signed into law, the Civil Society has taken it up to engage Government and make them accountable for their actions. The Government are being tasked to give account for whatever action they claim to have taken.

“Civil Society engage in advocacy and offers alternative policies for the Government, private sectors and other institutions.

Civil Society has also helped in the facilitation of some policies to enable peace building in our society Civil Society go as far as volunteering just to get things done and adequately”

You founded Theios Caregivers Initiative for women and girls. Can you shed more light on what the initiative does and how successful it has been in achieving its mandate in your immediate community since it was founded?

Theios was founded to be voice to the voiceless in the society with special preference to women and girls. Basically, what the initiative does is Empowerment, sensitization, psycho-socio, legal services.

In our society of today, the women are seen as less privileged in the society. It is not about education; it is not about wealth. It is rather about women knowing their importance in the society. A lot of women are just wasting away simply because they are women. We try as much as possible to empower women, not to go against their husbands but rather to be a contributory factor to the growth and success of the family. Where a woman's right is been trampled on, we at Theios help to fight for these rights. When we say fight, we are not saying we take all cases to court and start litigation, most times we handle cases via

mediation instead of litigation and God has been helping us. It is when it is a criminal offence and mediation is not entertained that we have no choice than to proceed to litigation.

Theios has also been involved in several sensitizations for young school girls, market women in our effort to build and mentor these young ones before they attain the age of adulthood. Despite the successes you have highlighted, I am sure there have been challenges in the civil space nonetheless. Can you state some of these challenges?

“The main challenge faced in the civil space in Africa is acceptance. When you want to deal with an existing belief, it is often a big challenge. For instance, the issue of Female Genital Mutilation, it is a serious challenge trying to get the people to divert from what they already believed in. we have hundreds of questions to answer every time we go on advocacy visits on FGM.

Another challenge is funding, most times there are no adequate funding to carry out some activities. For instance, one of the goals of the organization concerning sexually abused girls is to remove them from such environment and provide a more conducive environment for them, we try not to stop their education and social life. This is a huge task for the organization so we rely on partnership from bigger organisations or the government. However, we don't get this support all the time”

What should be done to maximize the civil space in Africa? How can we encourage more success stories for civil societies?

”The Government should support and give more encouragement to the Civil Society; they should erase the belief that the Civil Society are out to witch-hunt them. The Civil Society is more concerned about having a conducive and easy to live society

The Civil Society should also engage more in continuous advocacy and sensitization.

Barrister Anthonia Oshiniwe is a seasoned lawyer and an ardent girl-child activist who has led several campaigns across rural communities in Nigeria. She served as the Kwara State Coordinator, Child Protection Network; and she is the founder of Theios Caregivers Initiative- an initiative that protects the rights of young girls and women”

The Government should support and give more encouragement to the Civil Society; they should erase the belief that the Civil Society are out to witch-hunt them. The Civil Society is more concerned about having a conducive and easy to live society

Lessons from the Wealthiest Blackman

Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote is not just the richest in Africa but also the wealthiest black man in the world.

This article would focus on how he made his wealth to become Africa's richest man, and how he runs his business and his family life affairs.

The Man Aliko Dangote

He is the founder, Chairman, and CEO of the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa known as the Dangote Group. The Dangote Group is one of the biggest Conglomerates on the

African continent.

Aliko Dangote is Africa's wealthiest man and he has held this position for more than 10 years.

In 2022, he earned the position for the 11th time as Africa's richest man.

According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote's net worth is estimated at US$18.7 billion as of January 2023.

Dangote made his first billion in 2007, that was when he became Nigeria's first billionaire.

Early Life/School

He is a famous business man and his passion for business did not start at his mid ages, but he had been a business minded person right from his childhood, when he was learning to do business through his father

He was born in Kano state, Northern Nigeria in 1957.

Dangote's mother is Mariya Sanusi Dantata, the daughter of business mogul Sanusi Dantata.

Dangote's father Mohammed Dangote was a businessman associated with Sanusi Dantata who is the father of Mariya Dantata.

He obtained his primary education at the Sheikh Ali Kumasi Madrasa, and then proceeded to Capital High School Kano state.

In 1978, he graduated from the Government College, Birnin Kudu and proceeded to Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies.

Dangote's Business

After he had graduated from the University in Egypt, Dangote came back to Nigeria to begin his business career

Then, he founded the Dangote Group as a small trading firm in 1977, before which he had collected a loan from his uncle and he used the loan to establish his own cement trading business.

After some years, in 1981, he transformed the company to become the Dangote Group. This company enlarged its operation between 1980 and 1990.

Most of Dangote's money comes from Dangote Cement, which produces 45.6 million tons of cement per year and operates in more than ten African countries.

In the 1990s, he approached Nigeria's apex bank, with the idea that it would be cheaper for the bank to allow his transport company to manage their fleet of staff buses, a proposal that was also approved.

The Dangote Group moved from being a trading company to be the largest industrial group in Nigeria, encompassing divisions like Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Flour

The Company dominates the sugar market in Nigeria, with its refinery business being the main supplier to the country's soft drink companies, breweries and confectioners.

In 2012, Dangote approached the Nigerian Ports Authority to lease an abandoned piece of land at the Apapa Port in Lagos State, which was approved. He then built facilities for his sugar company and it has become the largest refinery in Africa and the third largest in the world.

The refinery produces about 800,000 tonnes of sugar annually

The Dangote Group owns salt factories and flour mills and is a major exporter of rice, fish, pasta, cement, and fertiliser

The company exports cotton, cashew nuts, cocoa, sesame seeds, and ginger to several countries and it has major investments in real estate, banking, transport, textiles, oil, and gas.

Today, the Dangote Group can boast of over eleven thousand employees in west Africa.

Family life/Philanthropy

Aliko Dangote lives in Lagos State, though he travels a lot for business and vacations.

He has been married and divorced twice. The marriage produced three daughters.

In 2014, Dangote donated 150 million naira (US$750,000) to the Nigerian government to halt the spread of Ebola.

He had also given a pledge of $10 million to support Nigerians affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in 2016.

In March 2020, Dangote donated 200 million naira (US$500,000) towards the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Dangote has also worked alongside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on public health issues.

From his early life to education and decision not just to venture into business but to keep expanding his economic empire are some of the reasons why he has remain the wealthiest Blackman in the world for more than a decade and for those who wish to accumulate wealth, there is a lot to learn from this colossus, Aliko Dangote

Egy pt : A Country's Journey to Securing Her Future Through Education

Egypt, known as part of the cradle of civilization, has contributed significantly to modern-day appreciation for math, science, and art. The country's education system has been influenced by its early civilization, which was practical, technical, professional, and utilitarian, aimed at establishing social stability by slotting individuals into their respective social, political, and economic classes. This education system also placed emphasis on a religious view of the world, with education containing religious and philosophical studies that aimed to achieve society's beliefs and ideals.

At the turn of the 21st century, the Egyptian government began prioritizing the improvement of the education system. With assistance from organizations such as the World Bank, Egypt has increased access to early childhood care and education and incorporated information and communication technology (ICT) at all levels of education. In 2008, Egypt launched its National Strategic Plan for Pre-University Education Reform, which is committed to ensuring quality education for all and developing a knowledge society. The plan aims to bring about a comprehensive, sustainable, and collective approach towards education.

In 2018, the Ministry of Education and Technical

Education launched an ambitious series of reforms called Education 2.0, aligning with the country's newly developed 2030 Strategic Vision for social and economic change. The reforms aimed to modernize Egypt's education system and improve the quality of education for K–12 schooling. These reforms sought to bring about large-scale transformation in the education system, which had persistently faced persistent strains such as a rapidly increasing student population, deteriorating teaching quality, rigid curriculum, inequality, uncertain political will for change, and a lack of resources.

Over the past three years, Egypt has transformed its education system into a competency-based system, amending 30 educational programs and adding new ones. In August 2022, the Ministry of Education announced the launch of the National Strategy to Reform and Develop Technical Education ("TE 2.0") to meet the needs of the workforce market according to international standards. A total of 85 curricula have been

redeveloped and reformed, with the new curricula applied to all students in the first secondary class in private and public schools already implementing the new programs. The Technical Education 2.0 program has been prompted, in part, by evaluations of Egypt's TVET sector by the World Bank between 2012 and 2014, which showed that Egypt

was giving more importance to the number of students passing through the system than the quality of education.

Currently, technical education has more students, around 2.2 million, compared to secondary education, with 1.9 million students. Technical education is a popular choice for students who do not meet the minimum grades required for secondary education, which leads to university education. The TE 2.0 strategy aims to provide jobs to graduates after three years of training, at 18 to 19 years of age, and has started implementing changes in its 2,300 technical schools. The technical education sector is divided into four categories: industrial training, commercial technical education, agriculture, and tourism. Commercial technical education is popular with young

The country's long-standing history of education and its commitment to reform and improve the education system make it a worthy example for other countries to follow. The country's focus on practical, technical, and vocational education, combined with a strong emphasis on religious and philosophical studies, has created a unique approach to education that is aimed at establishing social stability and achieving societal beliefs and ideals.

Egypt's recent educational reforms, such as Education 2.0 and TE 2.0, are ambitious and aimed at modernizing the education system, improving the quality of education, and meeting the needs of the workforce market according to international standards. These reforms include redeveloping and reforming curricula, implementing competency-based

women, accounting for 65% of students.

Educational skills are also being amended to reflect job opportunities outside of Egypt, as the economy is unable to absorb all graduates into the workplace. All technical schools are expected to have adopted the competency-based approach by September 2024, and all teachers will be evaluated. Vocational and technical training are crucial to providing the necessary skilled labor and curbing the unemployment rate, and the focus on vocational and technical training must continue.

In summary, Egypt's education system has undergone significant changes to provide quality education for all and develop a knowledge society

The TE 2.0 strategy is a step in the right direction towards meeting the needs of the workforce market and align

systems, and providing technical support to comprehensive technical education.

It is also encouraging to see that Egypt is working to align its educational skills with job opportunities outside the country, reflecting the changing global economy and the need to provide graduates with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce.

As Egypt continues on this path of educational reform, it is sure to face challenges and obstacles. However, with its rich history and culture of education and its commitment to improving the system for the benefit of all, Egypt is well-positioned to succeed in creating a knowledge society and developing a skilled workforce that will contribute to the country's social and economic growth.

Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana –A Troika worth Mirroring Across Africa

Zambia is a country in South-central Africa that is surrounded by many neighboring countries. The neighbors include Zimbabwe and Botswana to the south, Namibia and Angola to the west, Malawi and Mozambique to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Republic of Tanzania to the north and northeast.

Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe are landlocked neighbors in Southern Africa whose development and ability to compete globally depend heavily on regional integration and the progress of neighboring states.

Zambia and Botswana have a strong relationship. Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, emphasized that Zambia is not only a good neighbor and a strategic partner in Botswana's developmental efforts, but also a friend and an important ally in the region as well as at an international level. Both countries gained independence within two years of one another and are committed to accelerating the conclusion of all issues necessary for the operationalization of the Kazungula bridge, including the speedy conclusion of the bilateral agreement that aims to operationalize the One-Stop Border Post and the agreement establishing the Kazungula Bridge Authority. On health issues, Botswana and Zambia are exchanging expertise, and the citizens of Zambia residing near the Kazungula border have been provided with COVID-19 testing by Botswana. Botswana has learned from Zambia on textile, agriculture, and mining, which helps boost the economic order of both countries.

Zambia and Zimbabwe share a bilateral relationship that has promoted the economic stance of both countries. Both countries were members of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland from 1953 to 1963. In 1963, the 770-kilometer (479-mile) border between Zambia and Zimbabwe was first formed as a frontier within the British colonial realm. Both

countries are rich in minerals, with copper in Zambia and diamonds, gold, chromite, and nickel reserves in Zimbabwe. Both countries could be wealthy if they harvest their minerals responsibly, and the world markets offer stable prices. Both countries have huge potential supplies of hydroelectric power. The Zambezi River is the border between them, and the Kariba Dam (which they share) supplies a separate power station in each country. The majority of the electricity needs for each country are met by hydroelectricity generated from dams or rivers.

Zambia and Zimbabwe are taking steps to increase opportunities for women and young people in both rural and urban areas so they can secure their food security and earn a living. The facilitation of new insurance and financial services as well as the development of marketable skills are important initiatives that, among other things, support economic growth and offer protection from climate-related calamities. The creation, promotion, and adoption of nutrient-rich, climate-resilient crops, and climatesmart agriculture practices are additional priorities of the Zambia-Zimbabwe relationship. Both countries aim to fight inequality, alleviate poverty, build communities' resilience, increase food security, and improve access to services, especially healthcare. The relation also aims to increase political participation and establish accountable and resilient public institutions.

The Zambia-Zimbabwe relationship is working on addressing climate change, which is considered to be a threat multiplier. They promote climate-resilient solutions and systems to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on communities. The relationship encourages women's and young people's engagement in decision-making processes, including decisions on business and the economy, to assist their communities in determining their own destiny

Tony Elumelu is one man, but he wears many hats; husband, father, mentor, entrepreneur, investor, chairman, AFRI capitalist, economist, and the king of soft life. Indeed, he is a Colossus.

In the aftermath of his 60th birthday, this article celebrates Tony Elumelu, and the many hats he wears.

In the Beginning: Early life and Education

Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu, fondly called TOE by his closest friends and associates, was on born 22 March 1963 in Jos, Plateau, Nigeria, to Suzanne and Dominic Elumelu from Onicha-Ukwu in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is one of the five children his parents are blessed with.

Tony Elumelu attended Ambrose Ali University where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and then proceeded to the University of Lagos where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Economics. Ambitious man that he is, he

continued his educational plight to the prestigious Harvard Business School for an advanced management programme.

Early Career

Elumelu worked in the Nigerian veteran Bank, Union Bank as a Youth Corp member during his National Youth Service Corps in 1985, before starting his career as a salesman.

He came into the limelight in 1997 when he led a small group of investors to take over a small, floundering commercial bank in Lagos. He turned it profitable within a few years and in 2005 he merged it with the United Bank for Africa.

Tony became a bank chief executive at the age of 34, one of the youngest in the industry at that time. Upon retiring in 2010 from the United Bank for Africa after the Central Bank of Nigeria's directives limiting bank chiefs to 10 years, he founded Heirs Holdings.

In 2010 he set up Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) a nonprofit organization designed to assist entrepreneurs in Africa and groomed them into leaders in the private sector.

The Present: Business Interests and Holdings

As of today, Tony Elumelu is one of Africa's leading investors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. He is worth over 1.98 billion USD

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading champion of entrepreneurship in Africa. Its main objective is to empower women and men across the African continent, catalysing economic growth, driving poverty eradication and ensuring job creation.

Inspired by Tony's economic philosophy of Africa's capitalism which positions the private sector as the key enabler of economic and social wealth creation in Africa, the foundation committed $100m in a 10-year programme to fund, mentor and train African entrepreneurs. So far, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has trained, mentored, and funded over 15,847 young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries through its Entrepreneurship Programmes, and provides capacity-building support, advisory and market linkages to over 1 million Africans through its digital networking platform, TEF Connect.

As the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, his family-owned investment company, an upstream oil and gas company, whose assets include Nigerian oil block OML17, with a current production capacity of 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and 2P reserves of 1.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with an additional 1 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources of further exploration potential. The Foundation is active in 54 African countries.

Tony is committed to improving lives and transforming Africa, through long-term investments in strategic sectors of the African economy, including financial services, hospitality, power, energy, technology and healthcare.

Tony is also the Chairman of the pan-African financial services group, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), which operates in 20 countries across Africa, the United Kingdom, France, and the UAE, and is the only African bank with a commercial deposit-taking presence in the United States, with $2 billion market capitalization and well over 10,000 workforces across and $12billon in assets.

He also chairs Nigeria's largest conglomerate, Transcorp, whose subsidiaries include Transcorp Power, one of the leading producers of electricity in Nigeria and Transcorp Hotels Plc, Nigeria's foremost hospitality brand.

Tony also owns extensive real estate across Nigeria and a minority stake in mobile telecom firm MTN Nigeria, among other assets.

He sits on a number of public and social sector boards including the World Economic Forum Community of Chairmen and the Global Board of UNICEF's Generation Unlimited.

Awards and Recognition

Ÿ He was conferred with the title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR) in 2003

Ÿ He was recognized as banker of the year by African Banker Magazine in 2008

Ÿ He was recognized as one of Africa's 20 Most Powerful People in 2012 by Forbes magazine

Ÿ In 2016, he was voted by Investor Magazine as African leader of the year

Ÿ He was named in the 2020 Time 100 Most Influential People in the World, recognised for his business leadership and economic empowerment of young Africans.

Ÿ On 11 October 2022, Elumelu received the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Love of Family

Tony is married to Awele Vivien Elumelu. The couple has seven children. His love for family is obvious in his public display of affection for his family across most social media platforms. Despite his busy life as an entrepreneur, he makes out moments to spend time with his family and they are often photographed vacationing together or simply enjoying quality family time in their home.

Golden Nuggets that Define Tony

'A true leader is one who remains committed to a higher purpose that most others do not yet see'.

'Things are only impossible if you believe them to be so. Impossibility must never originate with you, always have an open mind, be relentless and apply energy & tenacity and I can assure you that you are more than likely to succeed'.

'With great responsibility must also come great humility. Leadership means that you are first among equals so you must not lord it over others'.

'Good leaders listen and if you want to be an even better leader you must listen even more. As a leader, you must protect the corporate above yourself'.

'You must be humble to succeed'.

Tony Elumelu's great success in entrepreneurship and leadership is indeed a legacy and pathway for the next generation.

Eyes on

Possible Successors in the President's Team

Ghana's democracy has seen a peaceful transition of power, and the need for effective successors to continue the country's progress is paramount. As the tenure of Ghana's current president, Nana AkufoAddo, nears its end, political pundits and citizens alike are already speculating about who could be the best successors to lead the country in the coming years. Akufo-Addo, who took office in January 2017, has made significant strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure during his tenure. However, as he prepares to step down, the focus shifts to identifying potential leaders who can build on his successes and continue the country's progress. In this article, we will explore ten potential successors to Nana Akufo-Addo and why they are considered among the best choices to lead Ghana into the future. These potential successors include Alan Kyerematen, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Kennedy Agyapong, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Albert Kan-Dapaah, and Isaac Asiamah.

Alan Kyerematen

Alan Kyerematen, popularly known as Alan Cash, is a seasoned politician and businessman who has served in various capacities in government. He recently resigned from the position of Minister for Trade and Industry in Akufo-Addo's government. During his time of service, he was instrumental in driving economic growth through trade and investment policies. Kyerematen is known for his excellent negotiation skills and has been successful in attracting foreign investment to Ghana. With his vast experience in both politics and business, Kyerematen is seen as a capable leader who can continue to foster economic growth and create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the current Vice President of Ghana and has been a key figure in Akufo-Addo's administration. He is an economist with a solid track record in the public and private sectors. Bawumia is known for his expertise in economic management, financial policy, and fiscal discipline. He has been actively involved in efforts to digitize Ghana's economy and has championed initiatives such as the National Identification System and the Mobile Money Interoperability project, which have contributed to the country's economic development. Bawumia's leadership skills and economic acumen make him a strong contender for the presidency

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is the current Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in AkufoAddo's government. She has been actively involved in Ghana's foreign relations, promoting diplomatic

relations with other countries and advocating for Ghana's interests at the international level. Botchwey has also been involved in efforts to promote trade and investment, and she has been a major advocate for women's empowerment. Her experience in international relations and her commitment to Ghana's development make her a potential successor to Akufo-Addo.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is a young and dynamic politician who currently serves as Ghana's Minister for Information. He has been at the forefront of government communication efforts, advocating for transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Nkrumah has been actively involved in shaping government policies, especially in the areas of media and communication, and he has been recognized for his efforts in promoting digital innovation and entrepreneurship. His fresh perspective, communication skills, and commitment to good governance make him a potential candidate for Ghana's presidency

Kennedy Agyapong

Kennedy Agyapong is a well-known Ghanaian politician and businessman known for his outspoken and fearless approach in addressing social, political, and economic issues. He has served as a Member of Parliament for Assin Central constituency and has gained considerable experience in Ghanaian politics. Agyapong's unwavering commitment to anticorruption efforts, business acumen, and loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) align with President AkufoAddo's agenda. However, his confrontational style and controversial nature have also drawn criticism, and he would need to balance his outspokenness with the need for inclusive and constructive leadership as a potential successor to Akufo-Addo

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful is the current Minister for Communications and Digitalization in Akufo-Addo's government. She has been a driving force behind Ghana's efforts to digitize its economy and promote digital inclusion. Owusu-Ekuful has been involved in policy-making and implementation in areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. She has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and has championed initiatives to empower women in the digital space. Her expertise in digital transformation and her commitment to social inclusion make her a potential leader for Ghana's future.

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is a seasoned politician and the current Majority Leader in Ghana's Parliament. He has been actively involved in legislative affairs,

leading the majority caucus and advocating for government policies in Parliament. Kyei-MensahBonsu has been known for his leadership skills, negotiation abilities, and commitment to the development of Ghana. He has also been a strong advocate for infrastructure development, especially in rural areas. His experience in legislative affairs and his dedication to Ghana's progress make him a potential successor to Akufo-Addo.

Kwaku Agyeman-Manu

Kwaku Agyeman-Manu is the current Minister for Health in Akufo-Addo's government and has been at the forefront of Ghana's efforts to improve its healthcare system. He has been actively involved in policy-making and implementation, leading efforts to expand access to quality healthcare, improve health infrastructure, and promote health insurance schemes in Ghana. Agyeman-Manu has also been recognized for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing Ghana's response efforts and coordinating vaccination campaigns. His experience in the health sector and his commitment to improving healthcare for all Ghanaians make him a strong contender for the presidency

Albert Kan-Dapaah

Albert Kan-Dapaah is a seasoned politician and the current Minister for National Security in Ghana. He has been actively involved in efforts to safeguard Ghana's national security, combat terrorism and organized crime, and maintain law and order. KanDapaah has also been involved in policy-making and implementation in areas such as defense and intelligence. His experience in national security, his commitment to upholding Ghana's sovereignty, and his leadership skills make him a potential candidate for the presidency

Isaac Asiamah

Isaac Asiamah is the current Minister for Youth and Sports in Akufo-Addo's government. He has been

actively involved in efforts to promote youth development, sports participation, and sports infrastructure development in Ghana. Asiamah has also been a strong advocate for the empowerment of young people and has championed initiatives to create employment opportunities for the youth. His expertise in youth and sports issues, his commitment to youth empowerment, and his passion for sports make him a potential candidate for Ghana's presidency

Mavis Hawa Koomson

Mavis Hawa Koomson is the current Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in AkufoAddo's government. She has been actively involved in efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices, protect Ghana's marine resources, and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities. She has also been a strong advocate for women's empowerment and has championed initiatives to promote gender equality in the fishing industry. Her expertise in fisheries and aquaculture, her commitment to sustainability, and her advocacy for gender equality make her a potential leader for Ghana's future.

From seasoned politicians to young and dynamic leaders, these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to Ghana's development through their contributions in various sectors such as governance, economy, social justice, health, education, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The best successors are those who have a track record of integrity, leadership skills, commitment to social justice, and the ability to mobilize support for their vision of Ghana's future. They must also have a deep understanding of Ghana's challenges and opportunities, and a clear plan to address them. These individuals have shown their dedication to the development of Ghana and have the potential to build upon the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration while also addressing the country's pressing issues and promoting inclusive growth.

Forum on Free Trade Zones Administration

The Intercontinental Resort Balaclava Fort, Mauritius

NIGERIA-CAMEROUN

Debacle on Bakassi Peninsula –

Epitome

of an African Diplomacy

How the peaceful and quick resolution of the Nigeria-Cameroon dispute over the Bakassi peninsula was achieved is worthy of note in diplomatic classes where amicable dispute resolution is key.

The natural resources-rich Bakassi is a peninsula in the Gulf of Guinea howbeit close to Calabar, in Cross River, Nigeria. Since the 1880s, when the British Empire controlled the territory around Calabar in Nigeria, including the peninsula, Bakassi had hitherto been referred to as a part of Nigeria.

Even with the exit of Southern Cameroonians from Nigeria in 1961, Bakassi remained under the Calabar administration in Nigeria but not without various contests until the Peninsula was finally ceded back to Cameroon in 2002 through a court judgement.

This piece will explore the major incidents that led

to the court judgement which made Nigeria give up the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.

The Bakassi Peninsula is currently being governed by the government of Cameroon following a ruling by the International Court of Justice which transferred sovereignty of the peninsula from Nigeria to Cameroon.

Before this became a reality, many clashes had occurred with several deaths and injuries.

Origin of the Nigeria/ Cameroon conflict on Bakassi

The Bakassi dispute between the two West African countries dates back to after independence when the two countries couldn't lay claim to proper border demarcation between them in some regions among which the peninsula was. With time, the tension

increased and worsened the dispute on the border issue.

The tensions got to their peak in early 1994 after the Nigerian troops moved into the area causing severe clashes, a situation which led Cameroon to the International Court of Justice to seek a permanent resolution to the border dispute.

The Court's verdict

Though the dispute was reported in 1994, it took eight years of investigations and deliberations before the International Court of Justice ruled on the case in 2002.

The ICJ judgement ruled in favour of Cameroon affirming that the existing border made by the British and Germans was the international border thereby giving Cameroon sovereignty over Bakassi.

Based on that, the Court gave an order for Nigeria to withdraw its troop, machinery and other official paraphernalia from the area thereby bringing an end to the long-time conflict between the two countries.

Eventual handover of Bakassi to Cameroon

Following the court judgement, the then Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and his Cameroonian Counterpart, Paul Biya on June 12, 2006, signed the Greentree Agreement which was the formal treaty on the withdrawal of troops and transfer of authority in the disputed area- the Peninsula.

Under the treaty, the Nigerian troops had 60 days to withdraw with the possibility of a 30-day extension while Nigeria was allowed to keep its civil administration and police in Bakassi for another two years.

Though the judgement wasn't as expected, the

Nigerian government complied and withdrew its forces.

Nigeria's signing of the Green Tree Agreement showed that it had recognised and accepted Cameroon's authority over the disputed area thereby giving part of the disputed territory to Cameroon.

Two years after the signing of the treaty, the remaining part of the Bakassi Peninsula was ceded to Cameroonian authorities by the Nigerian government putting an end to the age-long crisis between the two countries.

The Final Straw from Nigeria

Many Nigerians from within and outside the country including Nigerians resident in the Bakassi area had expected authorities in the country to challenge the court ruling given that Nigeria had until 2012 then to appeal the ICU ruling with fresh facts.

However, the Nigerian government had kept its cool by obeying the court orders to the letter and rather than pursue any legal redress, it focused on engaging the Cameroon government within the existing framework on the protection of the rights and livelihoods of Nigerians turned Cameroonians.

According to the government, it decided not to pursue the review of the case as it could bring about

more diplomatic rows If Nigeria failed in her quest for an appeal.

The government had based its decision on the advice of a committee set up by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan warned against appealing the judgement stating that there was no fresh fact unknown to the ICJ before the October 2022 verdict.

Having established the noappeal stance, Nigeria finally put an end to the drama surrounding the ICJ ruling.

It's been years since the historical ICJ verdict and the final handover of Bakassi to Cameroon but the story behind it remains as fresh as ever

However, it wasn't all a gloomy situation as it afforded both sides some opportunities.

One major thing that came out from it was the Nigeria- Cameroon Mixed Commission which still exists to date and whose mandate outside of the Bakassi dispute was to effectively ensure the demarcation of the land and maritime boundary between the two countries.

The Bakassi-Penisula saga is exemplary to all nations across the world that are currently engaged in territorial disputes. They should learn from the exemplary display of peace over war for the betterment of humanity in general.

Preserving South Sudan Through Financial Sagacity

During the COVID-19 epidemic, just like several other nations across the world, the Bank of South Sudan, BoSS, under the leadership of Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian swiftly employed some strategic measures that stabilized the country's economy.

Commercial banks were allowed to reschedule loan repayment with clients in other to maintain the stability of the financial sector; the imposition of the Minimum capital requirement for a period of one year was suspended.

The Bank embarked on building international reserves by signing a memorandum with the Ministry of Finance to carry out all payments of government in local currency other than US dollars to ensure the accumulation of the reserves to intervene in the foreign exchange

market.

Hon. Johnny Ohisa Damian, The Governor of the Bank of South Sudan in an exclusive interview with African Leadership Magazine reveals his intricate journey to personal and career success and expressed optimism on the economic growth rate of the African nation as well as the expansion of the commercial bank's credit to the private sector.

Additionally, the Governor gave a quick insight into the purported ban on the US Dollar in the country. The interview.

Please tell us about yourself, vis-a-vis your journey and career in the politics of South Sudan.

· My name is Johnny Ohisa Damian, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan. I served in various capacities within the institution, notably as the

Director General for Currency and Banking Operations in the Bank of South Sudan from May 17th, 2019, to April 30th, 2021. Then as the first Deputy Governor and acting Governor, leading to my current appointment as Governor by the President of the Republic, H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Prior to joining the Bank of South Sudan, I worked as the Deputy Managing Director and later as Managing Director (MD) of the International Commercial Bank (ICB-SS) where I served for years. Prior to joining ICB-SS, I was employed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Program Budget analyst and later as an Assistance Specialist and later a Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist for the United States Agency

requirement ratio (SRRR) at 20 percent. This will allow adequate liquidity for commercial banks to expand private sector credit from 20 percent to 40 percent by end of the year

The Central Bank Rate (CBR) has maintained the CBR between 10% and 15%. This is done to encourage commercial banks to lower their lending rates so that people can be encouraged to borrow money from them to boost the economy by the end of 2023.

Open Market Operations: The Bank uses foreign exchange and term Deposit auctions to manage liquidity optimally. The Bank's sale auctions withdraw liquidity from the system, while the purchase of foreign exchange injects liquidity into the system.

for International Development (USAID) in Sudan, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I also worked for World Vision International in Kenya.

According to Trading Economics global macro models analysis expectation, GDP Annual Growth rate in South Sudan is expected to reach 4.00 percent by the end of 2023. What are some of the policies and reforms of the bank to strengthen economic and public financial management systems in the country?

We project that annual GDP will grow by 3 percent in 2023. To achieve this, the Bank targets to maintain inflation at around 8 percent and growth in broad money at around 11 percent by end of 2023. In addition, the limits the statutory minimum reserve

In recent years, Africa had to contend with economic shocks from the Russia war in Ukraine and the COVID19 pandemic which affected millions of people dependent on the informal economy, and contract and casual workers in the formal sectors. What has been the response of the bank in cushioning the impact of the pandemic and building resilience against future shocks in South Sudan?

The Bank took several measures aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 Pandemic as follows:

· Reduction of the CBR by 500bps from 15% to 10%. Suspend the imposition of the Minimum capital requirement for a period of one year. Commercial

banks were allowed to reschedule loan repayment with clients. That helped maintain the stability of the financial sector

· The Bank embarked on building international reserves by signing a memorandum with the Ministry of Finance to carry out all payments of government in SSP other than US dollars. This allowed the Boss to accumulate international reserves to intervene in the foreign exchange market.

Kindly tell us about the regulatory environment and some of your reforms to strengthen and inspire confidence in the country's banking and financial systems.

The Banks stepped up to strengthen the regulatory environment by introducing Risk-based supervision. The rescinded license of two banks.

Banks must meet the regulatory requirements of supervisors and manage their affairs accordingly

The Bank of South Sudan recently suspended the use of the US dollar and instead directed all transactions be executed in the local currency, the South Sudanese pound (SSP). How has the economy responded to this policy, vis-a-vis other policies aimed at strengthening the SSP?

The Bank did not suspend the use of dollars as stated by the media but emphasized the need to use the SSP as legal tender for all types of transactions. This is the requirement by the law. However, US dollars and other foreign currencies are trading freely in the South Sudan market. Following that

announcement, many businesses are pricing their goods and services in SSP equivalent.

The economy did not react because the transactions which were being affected in US dollars like rent, fees, traveling industry, hotels, entertainment services, restaurants, commercial outlets, and as well as the private services contracts and monetary dealings remained the same because BoSS still has not put the monitoring mechanism to affect the directives.

Since your appointment as 1st Deputy Governor and Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, what would you say are some of your achievements?

Achievements:

· Stopped issuing of all overdrafts to the government of South Sudan which has significantly reduced the growth rate of broad money

· Introduced and operationalized for the first time, an indirect monetary policy tool. The Term Deposit Facility (TDF) is now complementing the use of FX which affect our reserves badly

· Signing memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Finance to operationalize setting up single treasury account in BoSS.

· Initiation of Term deposit Facility (TDF) as a monetary policy tool to mop up the excess liquidity in the markets.

Ethiopia's 25 Billion Tree Planting Feat –Economic Strategy & Lessons to others

Protecting the Environment and mitigating climate change effects are two critical tasks that Ethiopia has undertaken effectively in the last decade.

Beside the importance of tree planting, the Ethiopian government has used the laudable action to augment the economy and boost the employment rate in the country as well as improve on the agricultural sector which many of its citizens largely depends on.

To this end, it has launched several action plans targeted at building a green and resilient economy

Prominent among such action plans is the Green Legacy Initiative launched in 2019 through which the country has embarked on an unprecedented treeplanting initiative that got the country global recognition while improving its environment and

economy

The tree-planting Initiative and its success record

The initiative was launched in June 2019 with a target of planting 20 billion seedlings within four years.

The ambitious tree-planting mission forms part of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's drive to restore the country's forest coverage which has been said to have declined to about four per cent since the early 2000s from around thirty-five per cent in the 20th century as well as combat the effects of climate change and also tackle environmental degradation.

Under the plan, the target for the first year was 4 billion trees across the country by the end of the rainy season in October 2019.

Ethiopia being home to Africa's second-largest population, implementing such a nationwide tree-planting task wouldn't have come on a platter of gold.

However, by the time the tree planting commenced as led by Prime Minister Abiy himself, it wasn't just accepted, it became a national movement that got all and sundry including diplomats, international organisations in the country, the business community as well as public officers, students and others participating actively to make it a success.

And yes, a success it became as Ethiopia made history on 29th July 2019 when it announced that it planted 353,633,660 million trees in just 12 hours, setting a new world record, and breaking India's record of planting 50 million trees in a day

Within the first two years of the programme, a total of 10 billion trees were planted raising the government's hopes of attaining its 20 billion targets set for 2022.

Did this come to pass? It did because as of 2022, the country had successfully planted 25 billion seedlings which included a variety of agroforestry trees and fruit trees like avocado and papaya, across the country surpassing its initial 20 billion four-year goals set at the start of the project in 2019.

Impact of the tree planting initiative

As expected, every initiative would either bring about positive or negative effects on society. The tree planting initiative brought about a lot of possibilities for Ethiopia in the area of job creation, urban development, etc in addition to the initial goals of addressing environmental issues and fighting climate change effects.

In particular, about 767 thousand jobs were created mostly for women and youths in the green economy circle. In the area of sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security, the initiative has helped grow the country's agricultural produce given that close to 60% of the seedlings planted will become fruit-bearing trees which will in turn provide additional harvest and income for farmers as well as increase food sufficiency in the country.If anything, the Prime Minister through the initiative has also encouraged Ethiopians to engage in small farming practices in the comfort of their homes by planting vegetables and fruits to augment the dietary intake of children to reduce malnutrition and also generate income for poor families.

The encouragement was not limited to the country alone as Ethiopia's tree planting activities got

global recognition whereby as little as it may be, the efforts inspired some other countries beyond the shores of Africa to do more in terms of tree planting to save their environment.

Some of these countries that were motivated by Ethiopia's treeplanting success stories include India, China and Pakistan.

Additionally, while Ethiopia was identified as one of the most vulnerable to climate change due to its high dependence on rainfed agriculture, the tree planting project has helped reduce the declining forest coverage, restore degraded soils and lands and overall reduce the country's vulnerability

On its own, the initiative has been able to impact lives meaningfully either directly or indirectly and it is believed that when complemented with other relevant initiatives in the country, will go far in tackling major environmental challenges facing the country

As all these possibilities and more which come from the tree planting initiative have further contributed to Ethiopia's efforts towards meeting its national development agenda as well as setting it on track towards achieving other international agendas like the Sustainable Development goal and the Africa 2063 agenda, all we can hope for going forward is that it is effectively managed and sustained for maximum impact on Ethiopia and the African continent at large.

Africa's Top 10 Women Inventors

Women have been making significant contributions to science and technology for centuries. However, their contributions have often been overlooked or forgotten. In Africa, women inventors have been making groundbreaking discoveries that have changed lives and made the world a better place. In this article, we will be profiling 10 remarkable women inventors from Africa who have made significant contributions to science and technology

entrepreneur. she is the inventor of the world's first waterless bath. His invention has revolutionized the way people take baths, especially in areas where water is scarce.

Marishane's waterless bath is a gel that cleans the skin without the need for water. It is a convenient and affordable way to stay clean and healthy, especially for people who do not have access to clean water. her invention has helped to conserve water and has made a significant impact on people's lives in South Africa.

of the electronic payment system

Dr. Rebecca Enonchong is a Cameroonian entrepreneur, technology executive, and investor. She is the founder and CEO of AppsTech, a leading provider of enterprise application solutions. Dr Enonchong is also the inventor of the electronic payment system. Her invention has made it easier for people to make payments online, and it has revolutionized the way people do business in Africa.

Dr. Enonchong's electronic payment system is a secure and efficient way to make payments online. It eliminates the need for physical cash, which is often stolen or lost. With her invention, people can now make payments from the comfort of their homes or offices. This has made it easier for businesses to operate and has increased the efficiency of the payment system in the continent.

2. Ludwick Marishane - South Africa - Inventor of the world's first waterless bath

Ludwick Marishane is a South African inventor and

made from recycled plastic

Nzambi Matee is a Kenyan inventor and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Gjenge Makers, a company that produces bricks made from recycled plastic. Her invention has helped to solve two major problems in Kenya: plastic waste and the shortage of affordable housing.

Matee's bricks are made from a mixture of plastic

1. Dr. Rebecca Enonchong - Cameroun - Inventor

3. Nzambi Matee - Kenya - Inventor of bricks

waste and sand. They are strong, durable, and affordable. Her invention has helped to reduce plastic waste in Kenya and has provided an affordable and sustainable solution for housing.

4. Dr. Olivia Mugumbate - Zimbabwe - Inventor of the low-cost ceramic water filter

Dr. Olivia Mugumbate is a Zimbabwean inventor and researcher. She is the inventor of the low-cost ceramic water filter. Her invention has helped to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa.

Dr. Mugumbate's ceramic water filter is made from locally available materials such as clay and sawdust. It is affordable, easy to use, and effective in removing impurities from water. Her invention has helped to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in Zimbabwe and has improved the health and wellbeing of many people.

5. Esther Gacicio - Kenya - Inventor of the mobile

Minsob's water filter is made from a mixture of agricultural waste such as corn cobs and coconut shells. It is an affordable and sustainable solution for providing clean water to communities that lack access to clean water. Her invention has helped to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases in Togo and has improved the health and well-being of many people.

breastfeeding

kit

Esther Gacicio is a Kenyan inventor and entrepreneur. She is the inventor of the mobile breastfeeding kit, a device that helps mothers to breastfeed their babies while on the move. Her invention has made it easier for working mothers to breastfeed their babies and has helped to improve the health of infants in Kenya.

Gacicio's mobile breastfeeding kit is a simple and affordable device that can be attached to any clothing. It allows mothers to breastfeed their babies while doing other tasks, such as working or shopping. Her invention has helped to increase the rate of breastfeeding in Kenya and has improved the health of babies by providing them with the nutrients they need.

6. Logou Minsob - Togo - Inventor of the water filter using agricultural waste

Logou Minsob is a Togolese inventor and entrepreneur. She is the inventor of a water filter that uses agricultural waste. Her invention has helped to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in Togo and other parts of Africa.

Inventor of a wearable device that monitors vital signs

Dr. Nthabiseng Legoete is a South African inventor and entrepreneur. She is the inventor of a wearable device that monitors vital signs. Her invention has helped to improve the health and well-being of many people, especially those with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Legoete's wearable device is a small, portable device that can be worn on the wrist. It monitors vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. It can also track physical activity and sleep patterns. Her invention has helped to improve the management of chronic illnesses and has helped people to live healthier and longer lives.

7. Dr. Nthabiseng Legoete - South Africa -

8. Dr. Mary N. W. Ayisi - Ghana - Inventor of an

anti-malaria drug

Dr. Mary N. W. Ayisi is a Ghanaian inventor and researcher. She is the inventor of an anti-malaria drug. Her invention has helped to reduce the incidence of malaria in Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Dr. Ayisi's anti-malaria drug is made from a locally available plant called Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. It is an affordable and effective treatment for malaria, which is a major health problem in Africa. Her invention has helped to save many lives and has improved the health and well-being of many people.

9. Dr. Chao Mbogo - Kenya - Inventor of a

generator. Her invention has helped to provide a sustainable and affordable source of electricity for people in rural areas of Kenya.

Kihato's urine-powered generator is a simple device that converts urine into electricity. It is an affordable and sustainable solution for providing electricity to communities that lack access to electricity. The invention has helped to improve the quality of life for many people in rural areas of Kenya and has provided a sustainable solution for generating electricity

These 10 women inventors from Africa have made significant contributions to science and technology Their inventions have helped to solve major problems in Africa and have improved the lives of many people. Their work is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of African women. Their inventions have not only helped to improve the lives of people in Africa, but also have the potential to benefit people around the world. The water filter invented by Logou Minsob, for example, could be used in other parts of the world where access to clean water is a major problem. The anti-malaria drug invented by Dr. Mary N. W. Ayisi could be a more affordable and effective alternative to existing treatments.

mobile-based healthcare solution

Dr. Chao Mbogo is a Kenyan inventor and entrepreneur. She is the inventor of a mobile-based healthcare solution. Her invention has helped to improve access to healthcare for people in rural areas of Kenya.

Dr. Mbogo's mobile-based healthcare solution is a platform that connects patients with healthcare providers. It allows patients to access healthcare services such as consultations, diagnosis, and treatment, using their mobile phones. The invention has helped to improve the quality of healthcare services in Kenya and has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for many people.

10. Caroline Wanjiku Kihato - Kenya - Inventor of a urine-powered generator

Caroline Wanjiku Kihato is a Kenyan inventor and entrepreneur. She is the inventor of a urine-powered

African Leaders need to celebrate and support women inventors in Africa and around the world, to ensure that their ideas are heard and their contributions are recognized. Women inventors face unique challenges in the male-dominated field of science and technology, but these women have shown that with determination and hard work anyone can make a significant impact.

Africa women inventors have been making ground breaking discoveries that have changed lives and made the world a better place.”

The Richest Man in Ghana-

By Janet Abena Quainoo

Ernesto Taricone is a widely recognized entrepreneur and investor, known for his significant impact in Ghana's business arena. With a staggering net worth of $1.3 billion, Taricone currently holds the title of Ghana's wealthiest individual. He has established a formidable empire through his conglomerate, the Trasacco Group, which has a diverse portfolio spanning agriculture, construction, design, and real estate development among others. Taricone's remarkable rise from humble origins to a prominent figure in Ghana's business landscape speaks volumes about his unyielding vision, relentless perseverance, and unwavering dedication to achieving excellence.

Ernesto Taricone: CEO Trasacco of Group

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ernesto Taricone, an Italian entrepreneur, developed a passion for business at a young age. In the 1990s, he ventured into Ghana with limited resources but a bold vision, starting with importing and selling agricultural machinery. He expanded his business into other sectors such as construction, mining, and real estate development in Ghana.

Founding the Trasacco Group

In 1998, Taricone utilized his previous experience in working with construction developers to develop a plot of land that belonged to his late father, Baron Fiore Taricone. He named the place Trasacco Valley, after his family's ancestral town in Italy. Over time, Trasacco Valley has evolved into the Trasacco Group, which has emerged as one of Ghana's most prominent business entities. The Trasacco Group is a diversified conglomerate with a wide range of interests, including

has become a prominent player in Ghana's construction and real estate development sector. The group is known for delivering high-quality projects that meet international standards, and has developed luxury homes, office complexes, and shopping malls. Taricone's Trasacco Estate Development Company is the owner and developer of the Villaggio Vista Condominium, the tallest building in Ghana, showcasing his commitment to excellence and shaping Ghana's skyline with iconic structures.

Design

Taricone's deep passion for design and aesthetics is evident through the Trasacco Group's design division, known as Casa Trasacco, which offers a diverse range of design and architectural services. The group has been actively engaged in designing and constructing numerous iconic buildings in Ghana, spanning across residential and commercial

agriculture, construction, mining, design, and real estate development. Under Taricone's astute leadership, the Trasacco Group has experienced significant growth, diversified its operations and established a formidable presence in various sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Agriculture

Taricone has recognized the potential of Ghana's agriculture sector and made significant investments through the Trasacco Group. He owns Sant Agata Agricultural Property, spanning over 52,000 acres, and a separate plot of land for tourism development. His strategic approach showcases his business acumen and commitment to harnessing Ghana's resources for economic growth.

Construction and Real Estate Development

Under Taricone's leadership, the Trasacco Group

properties, hotels, and resorts. This reflects Taricone's unwavering commitment to incorporating exceptional design elements into the Trasacco Group's projects, further solidifying their reputation as a leading force in Ghana's design and architectural landscape.

A living room decor done by Casa Trasacco Co-Founding of Royal Aluminium Systems

Taricone's co-owned company, Royal Aluminium Systems, who has achieved significant success in Ghana's market for aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walls. The recent completion of their advanced glass factory, coupled with their commitment to product excellence and impressive production capacity, has positioned them as the market leader in Ghana in terms of both volume and quality of supply. Taricone's dedication to delivering high-quality products has played a crucial role in the company's success in the country

Contributions to Ghana's Economy and Community Development

Taricone's business ventures have not only brought him success, but they have also made significant contributions to Ghana's economy and community development. Through the Trasacco Group's operations, Taricone has created thousands of job opportunities for Ghanaians, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment in the country

Also, the group's agricultural investments have increased local food production, improving food security in Ghana. Taricone is also committed to philanthropic initiatives, earning him respect and admiration in Ghana.

Challenges

Ernesto Taricone's path to success has been marked by challenges as he built a business empire from the ground up in a foreign country. Navigating unfamiliar business environments, cultural differences, and bureaucratic obstacles were some of the hurdles he faced. However, Taricone's unwavering determination, resilience, and innovative problemsolving approach have enabled him to overcome these challenges and achieve remarkable success.

Successes

Taricone's business acumen has been evident in his ability to diversify the operations of the Trasacco Group across various sectors, which has been instrumental in navigating market fluctuations and ensuring stability and growth. His forward-thinking approach and strategic vision have enabled him to identify and capitalize on business opportunities in

Ghana's competitive landscape.

Taricone's unwavering commitment to quality and excellence has also played a significant role in his success. The Trasacco Group is recognized for delivering projects and services of the highest standards, earning a reputation for reliability and professionalism. This commitment to quality has fostered customer loyalty and nurtured long-term business relationships, contributing to the group's achievements.

Ernesto Taricone's accomplishments as a businessman and investor in Ghana are truly remarkable. Starting from modest beginnings, he has built a billion-dollar conglomerate, the Trasacco Group, which stands as a testament to his unwavering vision, determination, and perseverance.

The success story of Ernesto Taricone is proof that Africa remains one of the best places to do business in the world.

Kenya's Top 10 Young Innovators and their Innovations

Young, restless and innovative are fitting appellations for Africa's young people, who spend half of their waking hours looking for ways of simplifying hitherto difficult tasks. For them, tilling and manual labor isn't sassy. Thus, they daily seek for ways of reinventing, through reimagination. Young people are fearless, brave, impulsive, dynamic, and selfassured.

In this piece, African Leadership Magazine looks at the Top 10 Kenyan Young Innovators, whose innovations are helping to make the world a better place.:

Roy Allela's six-year-old niece was deaf from birth. She struggled to communicate with her family, none of whom spoke sign language.

As a result, Allela, a 25-year-old Kenyan technology evangelist who works for Intel and teaches data science at Oxford University, developed intelligent gloves that convert sign language movements into audio speech.

Flex sensors are stitched onto each finger of the Sign-IO gloves. The sensors measure the bend in the fingers and process the signed letter

The gloves connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone application developed by Allela, which then vocalizes the letters.

He aims to place at least two pairs of gloves in each special needs school in Kenya, believing that they can help the 34 million children worldwide who have disa bling hearing loss.

2. Beth Koigi

Beth Koigi was horrified when she moved into her university dormitory in eastern Kenya and discovered that the tap's water was filthy and contaminated with bacteria. She built her first filter in months and began selling filters to others.

Therefore, when drought hit in 2016, and water restrictions caused Koigi's water supply to be cut off completely, she began to consider water scarcity and its relationship to climate change.

During a four-month program at the Silicon Valley-based think tank Singularity University, Koigi, 27, collaborated with two other female colleagues - An environmental scientist from America Anastasia Kaschenko, and a British economist Clare Sewell - to develop Majik Water, which uses solar technology to capture water from the air and convert it into drinking water

According to Kaschenko, the device, has won the first prize at the EDF Africa awards. This is because it can provide a solution for 1.8 billion people predicted to face a water shortage by 2025, according to the UN.

Majik Water - derived from the Swahili Maji for water and "k" for kuna (harvest) - draws moisture from the air using desiccants such as silica gels. The water is then released by heating the gels with solar power.

The current system can produce up to 10 litres of filtered water per day, and the team hopes to scale it up to 100 litre-system for only £0.08 per 10 litres. According to Koigi, the

solar panels used in the prototype are the most expensive component of the device.

3. Collins Oluoch

Collins Oluoch, a Kenyan, was working as a community health worker in Nairobi in 2015, knocking on doors to register children for a national immunization drive.

The work was time-consuming and difficult: each of the volunteers was needed to reach a total number of 200 children, but because some families were at work, out shopping, or had moved away, the targets were not always met.

Oluoch, 27, had to choose between inventing child names to meet the target (as many other health workers were doing) and converting the existing pen-andpaper registration system into a digital database.

He chose the latter and, in 2016, launched Chanjo Plus, an online vaccination platform accessible to health clinics and hospitals across the country

The database creates a digital identity for each child based on information gathered by community health workers, including when and where vaccinations were administered.

These records can then be accessed by any public health clinic worldwide, making it simple to identify which children are missing immunizations and providing realtime data on vaccination drives.

According to Oluoch, Chanjo Plus has enrolled 10,000 children at three clinics in Nairobi. It plans to scale up with the health ministry to

1. Roy Allela

target the 1.5 million children born in Kenya annually

He hopes it can be used as a platform throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where one in every five children still lacks access to life-saving vaccines.

4. Sheryl Mboya

Changes inspired MS Sheryl Mboya in environmental deterioration. As a young Kenyan university student, she developed edible plates and cups as an ideal replacement for traditional plastic plates and cups.

She compared her concept to eating ice corn after eating ice cream to a local TV station in Nairobi, Kenya. She believes that the world must act against plastic disasters.

This is in addition to finding a replacement to halt the flow of plastics onto the global market to address the issue of plastic pollution. She maintains her innovation by offering a more inventive and sustainable alternative to plastic consumption and the resulting plastic pollution.

Snack it caters to the latter.

She describes her target market as "every industry that consumes plastics."

Her idea goes far beyond reducing individual plastic consumption. She hopes that the continent will join her in promoting sustainability in the future

5. David Gathu and Moses Kinyua

According to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY, two Kenyan inventors, David Gathu and Moses Kinyua, have created a bio-robotic prosthetic arm controlled by brain signals, which sets a new world record for being the World's First bio-robotic arm controlled by brain signals.

A "NeuroNode" biopotential headset receiver converts the signals into an electric current. This electrical current is then directed into the robot's circuitry, allowing the arm to move. The arm is made of various materials, including recycled wood, and can move vertically and horizontally

He claims that when the virus hit the country, they decided to build a machine to aid in the decontamination of surfaces. It is also suitable for use in schools, restaurants, and hospitals.

They use raw materials from other discarded appliances because we need more space or resources to obtain the necessary materials for mass production.

They have designed numerous technological innovations in recent years, such as a bio-robotic prosthetic arm and a security app, using second-hand parts obtained from old devices.

The sanitizing device, a prototype measuring less

than one meter in length, oxidizes oxygen molecules to produce ozone, which acts as a powerful disinfectant..

6. Anita Soina

Anita Soina (born December 24, 1999) [1] is a Kenyan environmentalist passionate about water and climate change in the Maasai community

She is the author of Green War [1]. She founded the Spice Warriors environmental organization at a younger age of at the age of 18 to help rally youths worldwide and become very conscious with the environment.

Other than this she has also founded The Soina Foundation. The organization aims to address other social issues that deal with sexual reproductive health education, GBV, WASH, and education, among others.

Her efforts have contributed to her being nominated to represent the UK at COP 26, Stockholm plus 50 in Sweden, the Sustainable Energy for All Forum in Rwanda, and COP 27. Anita Soina has been named Global Youth Champion for Sanitation and Water for All for 2023-2024. (SWA).

7. Cosmas Ochiengʼ

Cosmas is the co-founder and Director of Operations at Eco Fuels Kenya Ltd., a social enterprise dedicated to establishing a sustainable agribusiness industry by producing high-value, renewable energy and organic agricultural inputs.

Eco Fuels has converted the croton nut, an indigenous, inedible East African nut with no commercial use, into clean biofuel, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. Cosmas oversees supply, human resources, and operations at Eco Fuels.

He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a Food Science and Technology diploma.

8. Lorna Ruto

Lorna Ruto is a Kenyan ecopreneur and the impressive founder of Eco Post, a nonprofit organization founded to DEVICE alternative waste management solutions to Kenya's massive plastic waste problem.

She founded her company in 2009, which collects plastic waste and manufactures commercially viable, highly durable, and, most notably, environmentally friendly fencing posts widely used throughout Kenya. Lorna was named Sub-Saharan Africa laureate for the prestigious Cartier Women's Initiative Awards in 2011.

Lorna has not only given Kenya a commercial alternative to timber, but has also created over 300 jobs, produced much-needed revenue, saved over 250 acres of forest, and removed over 1 million kilograms of plastic waste from the environment. Her efforts

have earned her many accolades and awards at home and abroad.

Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti (born August 1, 1995) is a Kenyan climate and environmental activist and the founder of the Green Generation Initiative, [1] which fosters young people's love of nature and environmental consciousness at a young age and has planted 30,000 tree seedlings in Kenya.

In 2019, she was titled one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by the Africa Youth Awards. In addition, she received the Africa Green Person of the Year Award from the Eleven Eleven Twelve Foundation.

Binna is a Gender, Governance, and Development Expert. She is also a former journalist and political aspirant. She founded Badili Africa, a nonprofit organization that uses fashion, beauty, and storytelling as political tools to raise awareness about political participation, particularly among young women who are disengaged and disillusioned with politics. Community organizing and mobilizing grassroots women in "Chamas" to influence local development processes in ways that prioritize their and the community's needs.

They are ending all forms of gender-based violence as a significant deterrent to female participation in political and social-economic processes.

9. Elizabeth Wathuti

10. Binna Maseno

Pivotal Place of Entrepreneurship Among African Youths

Africa is a continent with immense potential for economic growth and development. However, one of the persistent challenges that African countries face is youth unemployment. Many African youth struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities due to various reasons, such as a lack of formal education, limited access to job markets, and a growing population. This has led to the realization that successful African youths are often those who possess special skills and are able to create their own opportunities through entrepreneurship. In this article, we will elaborate on entrepreneurship education and skill development, explore the importance and relevance of entrepreneurship among African youths, discuss the need to encourage and promote entrepreneurial spirit among them, outline some challenges hindering entrepreneurship, and identify opportunities for African youth in entrepreneurship.

The Need for Entrepreneurship Education and Skills Development:

To unlock the entrepreneurial potential of African youths, there is a need for entrepreneurship education and skills development. African education systems should prioritize practical skill development alongside theoretical education. Entrepreneurship education can equip African youths with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to start and run successful businesses. It can also instil entrepreneurial values such as creativity, innovation, and ethical leadership.

Also, entrepreneurship education should be integrated into the curriculum of primary, secondary, and tertiary education institutions in Africa. It should focus on experiential learning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical skill development. Entrepreneurship programs should also promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and risk-taking and expose students to real-world business challenges through internships, mentorship programs, and incubation centers.

In addition to formal education, there are informal entrepreneurship skills development programs that are accessible to all African youths, including those who may not have access to

formal education. Such programs can be provided by NGOs, private sector organizations, and government agencies and can include vocational training, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs. These programs should be designed to be inclusive, gendersensitive, and targeted towards addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by African youths in different regions and sectors.

The Importance of Entrepreneurship Among African Youths:

Employment

Entrepreneurship Contributes to Job Creation

Entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by African youths, particularly in the context of high unemployment rates. By becoming entrepreneurs, African youths can create their own businesses, generate employment opportunities for themselves and others, and contribute to economic growth. Entrepreneurship can also foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for addressing the complex societal challenges faced by Africa, such as poverty, healthcare, and climate change.

Economic growth

Entrepreneurship is a key economic driver

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth. By establishing new businesses, entrepreneurs create new goods and services, which can stimulate demand and increase economic activity. This can lead to increased investment, job creation, and improved living standards for citizens.

Innovation

Entrepreneurship is also a catalyst for innovation. African entrepreneurs often have to find creative solutions to problems that the public sector has not been able to address. These solutions can result in new products and services that benefit society, leading to technological advancements and an improved quality of life. Furthermore, competition among entrepreneurs can result in more innovation, leading to new ideas, better products, and superior services.

Empowerment

Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to take control of their lives and become self-sufficient, selfreliant, financially independent, and socially responsible. Many African youth face challenges such as poverty, a lack of education, and limited opportunities. By becoming entrepreneurs, they can take charge of their financial future and improve their standard of living. Entrepreneurship can also empower women and marginalized groups that may face discrimination in the job market. By starting their own

businesses, they can create opportunities for themselves and others, challenge societal norms, and overcome biases.

Promotes Philanthropy

Entrepreneurship can promote philanthropy. It can provide entrepreneurs with a sense of purpose, drive, and motivation to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to the sustainable development of their countries. Successful entrepreneurs can give back to their communities through charitable donations, funding for community projects, or the creation of employment opportunities. Philanthropy is an essential aspect of entrepreneurship, as it allows successful entrepreneurs to give back to their communities and promote positive change.

Valuable traits

Entrepreneurship can also instill a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and risk-taking, which are valuable traits in the rapidly changing global economy.

Means of Promoting Entrepreneurship: Government Support and Policies

Government support and policies play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship among African youths. African governments should prioritize entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic growth and development and create an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive. This can include policies that promote access to finance, reduce bureaucracy, provide tax incentives, and create favorable regulations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In addition, governments should invest in infrastructure development, such as reliable electricity, transportation, and internet connectivity, which are essential for the success of young entrepreneurs in Africa. This can create a conducive business environment that fosters innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.

Furthermore, governments should invest in education and skills development programs that promote entrepreneurship and equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as entrepreneurs. This includes integrating entrepreneurship education into the formal education system, providing vocational training and apprenticeship programs, and promoting entrepreneurship as a viable career option.

Role of the private sector and civil society

The private sector and civil society organizations also have a crucial role to play in promoting entrepreneurship among African youths. Private sector

organizations can support young entrepreneurs through mentorship programs, business development services, and access to markets. They can also collaborate with governments and other stakeholders to create investment funds, incubation centers, and innovation hubs that provide support and resources for young entrepreneurs.

Civil society organizations can also play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship among African youth. They can provide entrepreneurship education and skills development programs, particularly for marginalized and disadvantaged youth. They can also advocate for policies that support youth entrepreneurship, raise awareness about the importance of entrepreneurship, and facilitate networks and partnerships among young entrepreneurs.

Challenges:

While entrepreneurship holds great promise for African youth, there are also significant challenges

innovative business models, and facilitated access to information and resources for young entrepreneurs. Ecommerce, mobile banking, and digital payment systems are transforming the way businesses operate in Africa, providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs to reach customers, access finance, and streamline their operations.

Another opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Africa is the growing demand for solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. Africa faces numerous social and environmental issues, including poverty, unemployment, climate change, and inadequate access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Young entrepreneurs can leverage their creativity and innovation to develop business solutions that address these challenges, creating both social impact and economic value.

Moreover, Africa has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse ecosystem of traditional crafts, arts, and cuisines that can be harnessed for entrepreneurial

that need to be addressed. Some of the key challenges include limited access to capital, a lack of market opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and a challenging regulatory environment. Additionally, cultural and societal norms, such as risk aversion and a preference for formal employment, can also hinder the growth of entrepreneurship among African youths.

Opportunities:

Africa has a growing consumer base, abundant natural resources, and a vibrant informal sector, which can provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, the rise of digital technologies and the increasing connectivity of Africa present new opportunities for young entrepreneurs to leverage technology for business innovation and growth. The increasing adoption of mobile phones and internet connectivity has opened up new markets, created

ventures. Young entrepreneurs can tap into these cultural assets to create unique products and services that have a competitive edge in local and international markets, promoting African culture and creating economic opportunities.

The place of entrepreneurship among African youth cannot be overstated. Entrepreneurship has the potential to transform the economic landscape of Africa and empower its youth to become drivers of economic growth and development. While entrepreneurship requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance, the benefits can be substantial, both for the individual and for society as a whole. African youth should embrace entrepreneurship as a means of creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities and as a way of promoting economic development on the continent. Governments, private sector organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders need to work collaboratively to create an enabling environment that promotes youth entrepreneurship in Africa.

Nigerians and Africans will never forget the legendary Afrobeat icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, as long as the continent continues to exist.

Almost 26 years after the demise of the legendary icon, Fela is still remembered as an influential hero who voiced his opinions on issues bothering Nigeria through music.

He was referred to as one of Africa's most "challenging and charismatic music performers." All Music described him as a musical and socio-political voice of international significance.

He was born on October 15, 1938, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital in Western Nigeria.

Fela was the son of a

feminist and labour activist, Fumilayo RansomeKuti. Fela's mother, Fumilayo, was an outspoken critic and a target of Nigeria's military junta.

The Afrobeat legend Fela died in Lagos on August 2, 1997, after a long illness. Before his death, Fela was known as a Nigerian musician, bandleader, composer, political activist, and pan-Africanist.

To date, he is regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music genre that combines West African music with American funk and jazz.

Fela's Life on Earth

During his youthful years, Fela attended classes for piano and percussion lessons.

He was at Trinity College in London, where he majored in classical music.

In the mid-1960s, he revived Koola Lobitos, a band he had previously played with in London. He combined traditional Yoruba music with American blues, jazz, and rock

After he returned to Nigeria from London in 1967, Fela changed his middle name from "Ransome" to "Anikulapo," which means "he who carries death in his pocket."

In 1970, he founded the Kalakuta Republic commune, which declared itself independent from military rule.

His band, Africa 70, shot to stardom in West Africa, with his biggest fan base being the commoners , as his music addressed issues important to the Nigerian underclass. He was known as a cultural rebel.

Because of the nature of his music, which drives social activism, he ran into trouble on many occasions with the military regimes in Nigeria.

The government-sanctioned attack on his Kalakuta compound in 1977 severely damaged his studio, destroyed his master tapes, and left him with a cracked skull and shattered bones.

The Nigerian government was bent on destroying the afrobeat icon, not minding if it would lead to his death.

The attack on his Kalakuta Republic drove Fela into exile in Ghana, where he later returned to Nigeria in 1978.

In 1979, he founded his political organization, MOP (Movement of the People), and renamed his band Egypt 80.

Between 1980 and 1983, Nigeria was under civilian administration, and Fela was able to record and tour nonstop during this period.

After the military government was reinstated in 1983, in 1984, Fela was convicted of ten years in jail for money smuggling.

He was released in 1985 with the help of Amnesty International.

After his release, Fela released albums about the suffering of African women.

Throughout the 1990s, Fela's musical output decreased due to

the illness that led to his death.

The legendary Afrobeat singer was known to have married about 27 women, although, Fela later divorced most of these women.

The women lived with him in his home, Kalakuta Republic, which made it look like a little village.

A lot of the women that Fela married were his dancers, composers, and vocalists.

He married his first wife, Remilekun Taylor, in 1969, before getting married to the other 26 women in 1978.

Fela cleared the air about him marrying these women traditionally. He said it was to correct the rumour that was making the rounds that he kidnapped those ladies and also as a way of commemorating the anniversary of the attack on the Kalakuta Republic in 1977.

After Fela's death, his home and revolutionary headquarters were turned into a museum. A place where his fans can experience his life. The Kalakuta Museum now houses interesting relics of this intriguing figure.

Till today, millions of Africans still regard Fela Kuti as a hero for his contributions to society as the originator of Afrobeats, a socially critical political activist, an advocate of the oppressed masses, and a philosopher of his political system. His music is adjudged to be relevant to date.

Fela was indeed great, and till today, Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large will never forget him because, through his songs and music, the legendary Afrobeat icon lives on.