Samsung Galaxy S5 & Samsung Gear2
New products, new innovations W
elcome to the first issue of S14, aptly entitled Q01. 2014 is set to be an auspicious year - numerically it adds up to number 7 and in Chinese mythology it is the year of the horse. This bodes very well: making it a year of great positive energy and firecracker enterprise. As if to celebrate this Samsung has a round of new releases that debuted at the Africa Forum that took place in Malaga, Spain in February this year. Delegates and press from around the continent came together to witness the unveiling of some trailblazing new products. From smart washing machines to revolutionary fridge designs Samsung's design and innovation continues to make it the forerunner for technological products on the continent. This is especially true as each product is customised to the African market with nuanced additions like the dual power ACDC adapter that is standard in the curved and UHD televisions. The launch of the new S5 plus Gear 2 and Gear Fit garnered an incredible response from the tech community. Revolutionary for it's subtle evolution of design, the new smart phone is truly a result of listening to the Samsung user. With longer battery life, added security and camera features, plus the outstanding Gear and Fit devices Samsung has shown how it can successfully work together with a
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global consumer. This idea of togetherness is pivotal to Samsung Africa over the next few years. Built for Africa, has developed into Build with Africa — a synchronicity of ideology and a dedication to continued growth on the continent. All eyes are on Africa. The global adoration of Oscar-winner and our cover-star, the gorgeous Lupita Nyong'o is testament. Graceful and charming, the Kenyan has risen to her role with humour and alacrity, winning this year’s supporting actress Oscar as well as some of Hollywood’s fiercest critics — the red carpet press. It appears throughout her journey she has kept a sincerity that shone through in her acceptance speech. She said: “may it [the win] remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from your dreams are valid.” Google's new Africa Connect certainly has the ability to make dreams come true. But it is just one of many positive stories we highlight in this issue. The continued love affair the financial market is having with Africa appears far from tipping point, as does the consistent release of enterprising (and often surprising) apps coming out of the continent. ln short, S14 Q01 is about showcasing a wealth of new Samsung product releases and the growth of unique African solutions — whether in entertainment, ethics or economy.
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This idea of togetherness is pivotal to Samsung Africa over the next few years. Built for Africa, has developed into Build with Africa - a synchronicity of ideology and a dedication to continued growth on the continent
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S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 0 3 Nacho Carbonell, Memoralia at Guild Design Fair
56 Image courtesy of Invision/AP Retouching by Sett Digital
48 create/inspire
Need to know.....................................6
S5 & Gear launch. . ...........................16 Africa Forum. . .................................. 20 Enterprise mobility....................... 38 New apps from Africa.. .................. 40 Smart homes . . ............................... 44 Ethical Fashion............................... 48
To enjoy a complimentary subscription to S14 Magazine, visit www.amazeafrica.com
inside S14Q1 64 play Cover stor y: Lupita Nyong’o....... 56 African film makers....................... 62 African polo..................................... 64 Moët . . ................................................ 70 Eco lodges in Mozambique..........74 City Guide: Accra. . .......................... 82 Sleep out.......................................... 88
S14 Quarter 1 Editor in chief Eben Keun Guest editor Emma Jordan Finance Ilan Green Designers Leanie Herbst, Gregory Wylde, Jana Jansen van Vuuren Production Michelle Nelson
share/invest Capturing & recycling heat......... 92 Venture capital in Africa.............. 94 Business leader ........................... 100 Africa Connected......................... 102 Madiba’s legacy............................ 106 A day in the life of........................ 108
Contributors Ameyaw Debrah, Anthony Osae-brown, Brett Rubin, Guild, Nana Ocran, Kate White, Lightfarm, Patrick Latimer, Michail Kontopyrakis, Nafisa Akabor, Nicholas Boerma, Phiona Okumu, Refilwe Boikanyo.
82 For editorial queries contact S14@breinstorm.co.za S14 is published quarterly for Samsung Electronics Africa by Breinstorm Brand Architects, Dispatch Building, The Media Mill, 7 Quince Street, Milpark, SA, 2092 Commissioning Editor Christine Roux
Need to know Created exclusively for Samsung’s #AmazeAfrica collection, designer Marianne Fassler’s woven coat was recently one of the finalists in South Africa’s Most Beautiful Object Competition. Nominated by Elle Magazine Editor Jackie Burger, the coat, inspired by the South African flower genus pin cushions is woven silk and wool with intimations towards the hardiness of the ubiquitous ‘china bag’. Burger told the Sunday Times she nominated the ensemble by Fassler as it represents design with particular relevance to Africa as well as embodying “the tension between aesthetics and intelligence that is central to her understanding of beauty”. “Its amazing to have been nominated because I have always taken a great interest in this award,” says the Johannesburg-based designer. “I love the randomness and the quirkiness of the judging panel and with the inclusion of some ‘celebrities’ as ‘judges’, it has taken the nominated objects out of the ‘design’ world and into popular culture.” S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 0 6
Image by Steve Tanchel
Fassler’s Most Beautiful Object
Experience the difference With over fifteen Experience Stores in Nigeria alone, Samsung customers are starting to feel what it really means to have a 360-degree service offering. Samsung Customer Experience Service Stores are a premium service offering designed to bring the Samsung world to the Samsung client. But that doesn’t mean they should be hard to find. The outlets are designed to be more than just a consumer retail experience. Customers can browse and review Samsung digital appliances such as smartphones, tablets and the latest range of Samsung premium products. The newest store, the Customer Service Plaza (CSP), has been set up in Nigeria’s federal capital city of Abuja. At the CSP, customers engage with dedicated service staff, hand in and collect repairs and make enquiries about Samsung’s latest products. The CSP
also features a comfortable waiting room, dedicated experiential zones where customers can interact with new products and a children’s area. In keeping with Samsung’s commitment to consumer protection, the facility and project has been supported by Dupe Atoki, director-general of the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria. As an example of best business practice, “Samsung has been doing a lot to improve the quality of its service delivery, bringing it nearer to consumers nationwide and should be encouraged and emulated. We are ready to partner any organisation who is committed to improving its service delivery to consumers,” Atoki said. Plot 215 Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja
(L - R) Maintenance Director, Best Service Raya, Mr. Ahmed Magdy, Managing Director, SEWA, Mr. Brovo Kim, Deputy Director, Surveillance & Enforcement, Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), Engr. Shamm Kolo, Head, Service Unit, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Raymond Olatokun and Service Director, SEWA, Mr. Rego Lee cutting the ribbon S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 0 7
Hair we love World-renowned photographer JD ‘Okhai Ojeikere has died aged 83 at his family home in Lagos. He leaves behind a remarkable body of work – most notably an oeuvre of almost a thousand portraits of styles created by Nigerian hairdressers. The Hairstyle Series, spanning almost four decades, is a unique archive of changing styles and culture in a landscape not usually documented. “All S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 0 8
these hairstyles are ephemeral. I want my photographs to be noteworthy. I always wanted to record moments of beauty, moments of knowledge. Art is life. Without art, life would be frozen.” The ethnographic and historical significance of his work has been celebrated at the Venice Biennale, Documenta and at major galleries around the world.
Top African entertainment on the go Buni TV partners with Samsung to offer users access to top quality pan-African movies, short films, documentaries, music videos and unique made-for-web commissioned content. "Buni TV is one of the fastest growing web-based entertainment channels and is respected for the curation and quality of its media offering," says Thabiet Allie, Head of Content and Services for Samsung Africa. "Through the Buni TV app Samsung customers can access films, documentaries, television series, animations and music videos through the convenience of their mobile devices, allowing them to be entertained
wherever they are, and on the move." “Mobile has always been at the centre of Buni TV’s strategy,” said Buni TV CEO Marie Lora-Mungai. “The launch of our Android app is another step towards a better, more fluid and more comfortable video experience for our users." The easy to navigate app is available across all Samsung smart devices and is responsive and visually engaging. In line with sharing content and lifestyle choices, the app allows viewers to create playlists as well as comment on and share videos on their social networks.
Artists unite in Africa It’s that time of the year again, when contemporary African artists, from the continent and those living in the Diaspora, exhibit their work at Senegal’s Dak’Art Biennale, Africa’s premier contemporary art exhibition. From May 9 – June 8 2014, a full exhibition of the latest art, as well as a showcase of artworks owned by the Senegalese government, will be displayed. Contemporary African artists, academics and critics will also meet at panels and workshops to discuss and debate issues around the theme “The Art Professions”. As an antidote to the Europeanised and Western notions of today’s modern art world, the Dak’Art Biennale is a refreshing and important event on the international art scene calendar. www.biennaledakar.org/2014 S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 0 9
Sowing the seeds of greatness On 11 December 2013, The French Academy of Fine Arts, the Académie des Beaux-Arts, recognised one of Africa’s most important artists, 78-year-old Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow. After studying and practising physiotherapy in France, Sow returned to Senegal and began a series of sculptures depicting larger than life Nuba wrestlers. In 1999, these powerful sculptures were exhibited in Paris, bringing him international fame. Last year Sow showed a retrospective of his work in France and New York, including sculptures from The Battle of Little Big Horn and his current work Great Me. His oeuvre will now move to Senegal, where it will be exhibited at a museum being built for this purpose. Sow is the first African invited to join the prestigious academic association. www.ousmanesow.com
Nigeria’s barbie steps out in true African style The lack of black dolls for African children puzzled Nigerian Taofick Okoya. With little competition from international distributors such as Mattel, Okoya decided to create a range of dolls called Queens of Africa. The dolls, specifically designed as an option to the ubiquitous blonde-hair, blue-eyed Barbie, are dressed in traditional Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa clothes. From bead-tipped braids to geles wrapped in the latest styles the Queens and their sisters The Naija Princesses are designed to “draw on the strengths and achievements of our ancestors”, while still celebrating “being an African girl in the 21st century”. Okoya currently distributes in Nigeria, America and is in talks with South African retail giant Game. www.queensofafrica.com
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aYoruba for all Spoken by over 20 million people in West Africa, Yoruba is one of the continent's most widely spoken languages and now you can learn it through the easy to use aYoruba app developed by Genii Games for Samsung. The aYoruba app provides an English/Yoruba dictionary, gives guidance on lexicon, hosts a folklore library and provides pronunciation guidance for the Yoruba language. The simple graphics and easy to navigate tools invite users to play Yoruba language themed games and take part in interactive quizzes. With continued use the app promises users are able to carry out a perfectly intoned conversation, providing a new language skill and confident communication abilities. The aYoruba app is available for download across all Samsung smart devices. Download available at www.apps.samsung.com
Lessons in learning The annual E-learning conference takes place in Kampala this year from May 28 – 30. Attracting over 1 400 participants from more than 90 countries, the conference sees a mix of high-level delegates, corporates, academics and civil society organisations come together to discuss technology-based learning and how it can empower Africans.
This year’s theme is Opening Frontiers to the Future. It’s a dynamic conference where “stories, experiences, research, thinking and expertise” can be showcased and solutions can be found for the “development, education and training in Africa”. www.elearning-africa.com
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Guilding African design Samsung recently sponsored the Talks programme at the GUILD design fair that took place in Cape Town February 28 to March 9. Bringing together celebrated global galleries and institutions to showcase groundbreaking limited edition design. GUILD broke through the creative barrier, by presenting work that struck the imagination and effortlessly pushed the public to consider the concept of good global design. Alongside the international leaders African designers were presented through Design Network Africa (DNA). Conceived, led and funded by the Danish Centre for Culture and Development (CKU) DNA is run by SOURCE and is focused on linking highly respected designers from East, West and Southern Africa who represent “the vibrancy and distinctive expression of a new African identity�. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 2
The team behind SOURCE, Trevyn and Julian McGowan are protagonists of good design, and have been linking African design with a global audience since 2004. GUILD is the first time they have brought international designers to Africa. The TALKS programme sponsored by Samsung included a talk by the curator of Origins Centre, Lara Mullen who discussed Design in South Africa spanning 1.6 million years. Pil Bredahl, the curator of the Danish Crafts Collection and co-founder of Fairtrade Designers, Denmark talked about the integrity of craft in terms of design, culture and social identity. Samsung also sponsored the 3D Talks Programme which introduced the 3D printing concept and artists Michaella Janse van Vuuren and Mariapaola McGurk discussed how it influences their work.
Game over! The Sochi Olympic Winter Games have come to a close. African teams that attended the Games this year travelled from Morocco, Zimbabwe, Algeria and, for the first time ever, Togo. As a sponsor, Samsung had already provided Olympic staff and athletes with an app called WOW, a platform that the Olympic Family of VIPs, organisers, staff and officials used to receive the latest, up-todate information. During Sochi 2014, the app was launched to the public. WOW provided sports fans and media with
real-time news, updated event schedules, weather forecasts, results, medal count, stats and other info throughout the duration of the Games. Users could also upload text and images to share with other WOW app users. The attending teams from Africa were all skiers. African Olympic skiers practice with roller-skis in fine weather, and often travel to Europe to train in the Alps, acclimatising to the harsh weather conditions and adjusting to the different textures of snow found in different parts of the world.
Swipe & ride From July this year, Kenyans won’t be allowed to pay cash for their bus fare. MasterCard joins Visa, Google and Safaricom in creating a swipe card system that will be legally implemented in all public service vehicles. The initiative, designed to legitimise the public transport system, has been welcomed by the sector. However, vehicle operators have asked that the system be implemented in stages. Despite being revolutionary, the tech involved is relatively simple. Vehicle operators install a gadget or activate their mobile phone. To pay the fare, commuters tap their smart card on the device. MasterCard hopes to extend the service to other retail offerings where plug points for card machines are an issue. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 3
create/ inspire
THE SAMSUNG S5:
What customers want IP67
HDR
FHD
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With massive innovations happening in all sectors of the mobile phone market Samsung decided to return to source and ask customers “of all the innovations that have happened over the last two decades, which are the most relevant to you?” The result? The new generation Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone.
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hen it came time to develop the new Galaxy S5, we decided it would help us to understand exactly what features our customers want, need and use the most. We asked them what really matters in their everyday lives, and actively applied this feedback to help us create a device that will fit perfectly into anyone's life.” So says Daniel Yoon, head of Global Product Planning Group, Samsung Electronics. Within this framework, Samsung came to know that a number of consumer’s favourite features could be revolutionised. A longer battery life to cope with the phone’s added capabilities (including the Ultra Power Saving Mode option), the patented IP 67 dust and water resistance casing and a better zoom to take advantage of the superb camera have all been incorporated into the new S5. The 16-megapixel camera has also been upgraded to include a larger image sensor. Other camera updates include: the world's fastest autofocus speed of up to 0.3 seconds, a feature called Selective Focus that allows you to focus on an isolated part of the picture and blur the background to create greater contrast, and a High Dynamic Range (HDR) function that lets you preview colour and light changes before you take the shot. As always, form and functionality are closely aligned. Ki Hyoung Son of the Camera R&D Group assures us that “with the Galaxy S5 we were able to incorporate all needs without sacrificing the device’s design, style and general functionality.”
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We asked them what really matters in their everyday lives, and actively applied this feedback to help us create a device that will fit perfectly into anyone's life
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The perforated pattern on the back cover has been designed to offer greater grip and comes in popular colours such as shimmery white, charcoal black, copper gold and electric blue, while the 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED screen and Adaptive Display provides a superior viewing experience. Internally, the S5 packs a 2,800mAh battery, 2.5GHz Quad Core processor, and runs Android™ 4.4 (KitKat®). To upgrade and personalise S5 security, a Finger Scanner programme has been incorporated into the system. With the swipe of your finger you can make faster, more secure payments via PayPal. When purchasing content with S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 7
HDR
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With the Galaxy S5 we were
FAST AUTO FOCUS
HDR (RICH TONE)
SELECTIVE FOCUS
A great camera The S5 camera features include the fast auto focus, Rich Tone HDR, and Selective Focus
able to incorporate all needs without sacrificing the device’s design, style and general functionality
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DOWNLOAD BOOSTER
MULTI - INPUT MULTI - OUTPUT
The fastest connection The S5 offers the best connectivity available with fifth generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi MiMo, Download Booster for Wi-Fi and LTE, and LTE CAT4
HEART RATE SENSOR
Samsung services, you can use your fingerprint instead of entering your Samsung account password. Your fingerprint is also the unique password for unlocking your phone. To keep connected, S5 users are logged in to the most advanced Wi-Fi and LTE system available: support for Wi-Fi comes in at 802.11ac 2X2 MIMO (two internal Wi-Fi antennas double the connection and accelerate the speed of your Wi-Fi) and the LTE Category operates on level 4 standard. For an even faster connection, Download Booster lets you bond Wi-Fi and LTE simultaneously to maximise data speeds. The S5 has also included a revolutionary Heart Rate Sensor on the back of the phone. Simply place your finger on the Sensor and wait for the reading to appear. Third-party apps are available so that you can synchronise and maximise the full benefits of a modern workout schedule. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 8
S HEALTH
Fitness first The Galaxy S5 in conjunction with Gear products offers the most essential features to help people stay fit
IP67 DUST & WATER RESISTANT
FINGERPRINT SCANNER
Protection The Galaxy S5 offers consumers increased protection with water and dust resistance, finger scanner and safety assistance
Gear up for the next generation Second-generation devices the Gear 2 and the Gear Fit have also evolved to meet customer’s specific needs. The Gear 2’s new 2-megapixel camera has been moved from the strap to the bevel and an easy-access home button has been added. Inside, the battery life has been improved, meaning the Gear 2 lasts three times longer than the Gear. Using a Bluetooth headset you can also listen to music that has been transferred onto your Gear 2. The Gear 2 also functions as a remote control: if synchronised to Samsung home entertainment systems you can adjust volumes and turn devices on or off. The Gear 2 includes the Heart Rate Sensor to monitor and track your fitness in real time, a pedometer and various other tools that measure your exercise, sleep and stress levels. Smaller and lighter than the Gear 2, the Gear Fit is an amalgamation of a health band and the smartwatch and is uniquely designed for people who exercise regularly, but don’t wish to
sacrifice connectivity or style. In an unprecedented industry breakthrough Samsung has managed to create a smartwatch wristband that curves with the contours of the wrist, while still maintaining the clear, responsive benefits of the Super AMOLED display. As per the Gear 2, the Heart Rate Sensor is located under the watch-face and monitors levels of fitness. Choose the walk, run or cycle options, then set distance or time, press start and the sensor will automatically track your heart rate while you exercise. Detailed stats such as calories burned, heart rate details and work out time per distance are available for review during and after your session. According to this information, the Gear Fit is able to make suggestions so that you can bolster your performance stats while in situ. At just 28 grams, the slim lightweight design wears comfortably when exercising and is dust and water-resistant. The device can also be customised
to suit your style: choose between charcoal black, wild orange and mocha grey. These revolutionary updates keep Samsung products at the forefront of product design. Innovations such as the Gear 2, the Gear Fit and the incredible new S5 are only possible because of the unique affiliation between the Samsung customer and product and the Samsung teams that are willing to go the extra mile and push product evolution to the next level.
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Africa Forum S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 2 0
African delegates and press gathered in Malaga, Spain, as Samsung launched a new direction and product inventory for 2014
"I
t gives perspective to stand outside of something and look into its heart," said Mr Hong, CEO and President of Samsung Electronics Africa, addressing the 2014 Samsung Africa Forum held in February this year. "From here I see a place of promise and potential." George Ferreira, COO and VP Samsung Electronics Africa, amplified Mr Hong's vision. He said: "According to Deloitte, Africa is at the start of a 20-30 year infrastructure development boom. And should Africa continue to narrow its infrastructure gap, economic growth could be boosted by as much as 2 percentage points per year. This will also boost business productivity by as much as 40%." He continued: "Added to this Africa will have the world’s largest workforce of 1.2 billion by 2050. This means we’ve got a workforce that is able to fuel long-term growth.” But there is much work to be done. According to the World Bank, around US$93billion is needed annually over the next decade to overhaul sub-Saharan African infrastructure alone. But, only about $25-billion annually is being spent on capital
expenditure, leaving a substantial shortfall that has to be financed. "Some of the leading infrastructure hurdles include lack of electricity. Around 70% of Africans do not have adequate access to electricity, and poor education. This is where Samsung is focusing its investment in Africa." Mr Ferreira went on to introduce the Samsung Digital Villages — an example of which was on display in the exhibition space at the Forum — and announced Samsung plans to open further regional offices throughout the continent. Currently there are over 50 offices in 30 countries in Africa and this year, there are plans to open the first office in Zambia. To summarise the Samsung strategy, he said there would be continued investment in infrastructure development, "merging with local markets to understand their needs and wants, and touching the lives of the people through increased opportunity and mobility. Samsung is a global business with a local touch." Aligning with the needs of the African consumer and finding solutions together, Build for Africa has now grown into Build With Africa, You
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Merging with local markets to understand their needs and wants… Samsung is a global business with a local touch
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& I, 1 Beat. Taking inspiration from South Africa's ubuntu philosophy, Samsung announced this holistic approach to growth on the continent that involves a symbiotic relationship between consumer and technological innovation. New product releases include the ground-breaking Samsung Curved UHD TV, the ShowCase Refrigerator, the WW9000 washing machine, the Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO series, the NX30 cameras and the innovative triangle airconditioner. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 2 1
Behind the scene of the Karen Walker sunglass campaign shoot
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Angling for perfection
The leader in TV technology for eight years, Samsung’s new line-up of curved and UHD TVs with localized Smart TV features ensure the electronics giant remains the front runner S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 2 4
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Samsung’s proprietary Auto Depth Enhancer gives a greater sense of
OPTIMAL CURVATURE
UHD VIDEOPACK
The optimal curvature of 4200 provides the best picture quality from a distance of 3 - 4 meters
A one terabyte hard disc includes UHD quality Fox and Paramount Pictures films and other UHD content
AUTO DEPTH ENHANCER
MULTILINK SCREEN
An algorithm that analyses regions of images and automatically adjusts contrast for a greater sense of depth, giving a 3D effect without glasses
A split screen enables users to bring related content alongside live TV
depth and a 3D effect without glasses
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n 2014, Samsung is delivering an ultimate immersive experience to our African consumers that takes entertainment to new heights,” said Hyunsuk Kim, EVP of Samsung Electronics. “Our 2014 TV lineup and new audio offering combine the best in design, picture quality, regional Smart features and mobile sound entertainment.” Blending innovative Curved Form Factor with UHD TV technology, Samsung is creating a unique curved screen that delivers so much more than the average television. Combining a mighty visual presence and wider field of view the curved screen creates a panoramic effect that makes the display seem even bigger than it is, and provides the perfect viewing angle no matter where your seat in is the house. In addition blending UHD technology with features such as the Auto Depth Enhancer and Samsung’s PurColourTM technology contribute to a viewing experience that is unique in providing spectacular colour, clarity and detail. Further features include UHD upscaling, the UHD evolution Kit and the mighty internal Quad Core Processor. The full lineup of UHD Smart TVs include the S9, U9000 and U8500 and are available in both curved and flat format. In Africa, Samsung is introducing Curved UHD TVs in 78-inches and 65-inches.
MULTI POWER TV
PURCOLORTM
Seven colour adjustment points mean colour is reproduced with even more detail and depth of expression
AC/DC TV gives users stable TV viewing even with an unstable power supply
QUAD CORE
QUAD CORE PROCESSOR
UHD UPSCALING
Full HD, HD and lower resolution sources are automatically converted to nearly-UHD picture quality
The QuadCore Plus is up to two times faster, delivering quicker loading and navigation with an overall improved Smart TV performance
UHD EVOLUTION KIT
Samsung TVs are the only televisions on the market that are future-ready
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PRO productivity
Two new tablet families assert Samsung’s position as market leader in portables for office and home
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“W
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e created the Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO series to kick-off a year in which Samsung truly establishes its leadership in the tablet market,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “This new line offers the best-in-class content consumption and productivity, combining a stunning viewing experience with Samsung’s design legacy.” Productivity, performance and portability put the “PRO” into Samsung’s new line-up of powerful Galaxy PRO tablets. The Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO deliver the industry’s best tablet viewing experience with the world’s first 12.2-inch WQXGA display incorporating more than 4 million pixels. With a viewing area that is 48-percent wider than traditional 10-inch tablets, users can
enjoy stunning Full HD video play and more information at a glance, as well as a new, more intuitive UX design that enhances every type of content consumption imaginable. Both models sport advanced productivity features like Multi Window that allows users to view up to four windows on their screen at once, Remote PC, interactive e-meetings and video conferencing. The optimised virtual keyboard
leverages haptic feedback to produce a more realistic and intuitive typing experience. In addition to the industryleading display, the devices have been designed with a sleek, light, slim frame that is both premium and highly portable. Revolutionising the tablet experience the Galaxy NotePRO is available in 12.2-inch and the TabPRO in 8.4, 10.1 and 12.2-inch sizes.
12.2- INCH WQGXA WIDESCREEN
E- MEETING
MULTI WINDOW
The world’s first large screen tablet offering crystal clear resolution (2560x1600) with more than 4 million pixels and full HD video play
Samsung e-Meeting provides collaboration capabilities by giving users the ability to share content during a meeting without having to access a central server or network
Users can multi-task by splitting the screen up into four different windows and an innovative keyboard
CONTENT HOME UX
PEN WINDOW
Users can organise preferred content in an easy-to-use dashboard with automatic feeds and news updates
Simply draw a window of any size on the screen, and instantly access unique in-application features
The Samsung Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO present the world’s first 12.2-inch widescreen
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VIRTUAL KEYBOARD
A full size virtual keyboard provides enough space to type comfortably
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A new point of view Two new camera releases offer technological and creative image capturing
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he NX30 and the Galaxy Camera 2 are the latest cutting edge additions to the Samsung Digital Imaging range. Both cameras have NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities that offer the next-generation of connectivity. In addition Dropbox, the popular web storage service, is pre-loaded on the NX30 and Galaxy Camera 2 in selected regions – making it the first camera-specific device to offer direct-to-Dropbox uploading and immediately freeing up your gadget’s hard drive.
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
AUTOSHARE
Automatically sends every photo you take instantly to your smartphone or tablet
SELFIE ALARM
Five consecutive, high resolution images are taken, allowing users to select their best angle and share immediately on their favourite social media site
21 X OPTICAL SUPER LONG ZOOM
Photographers can get closer than ever to their subjects
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 The Android-powered Galaxy Camera 2 combines the quality imaging of a high end camera with intuitive sharing capabilities. The next-generation Galaxy camera is a high performance camera with 16MP and 21x optical zoom and full benefits of the Android platform coupled with improved 28 Smart Mode features. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 2 8
SMART MODE
Users can choose from 28 different pre-set modes all designed to address different shooting scenarios
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Samsung NX30
Both cameras have NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities that offer the next-generation of connectivity
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9FPS CONTINUOUS SHOOT
3D COMPATABILITY
Capturing short-lived, fast-paced moments in perfect clarity is achievable with the exceptionally fast 1/8000 sec shutter speed and the 9 frame per seconds (FPS) Continuous Shooting function
The innovative technology provided by the DRIMeIV also enables the 3D capture of scenes and subjects via the Samsung 45mm F1.8 2D/3D lens, letting memories live on through lifelike 3D images and videos displayed on compatible 3D devices
TILTABLE EVF
Shoot from different angles to capture shots with a unique perspective
OLED COLOUR
Record ultimate contrast and real colours to capture rich landscapes and portraits with natural tones
FULL HD 1080/60P MOVIE CAPABILITIES
Samsung NX30 Samsung’s new smart compact system cameras provide the fast connectivity and seamless sharing of pictures that consumers have come to expect from Samsung cameras. The NX30 interchangeable-lens camera includes new and improved technology features, including a powerful DRIMe IV Image processor, 20.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor and NX AF System II technology, to capture every moment in brilliant clarity and rich colour.
In addition to Full HD Video Stereo Recording, the NX30 supports a standard 3.5mm microphone input for high quality audio capture while shooting movies plus HDMI live streaming with full HD30p output
TAG & GO
NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities make it easy for users to tap and share memories instantly and easily, pairing with NFC enabled smartphones and tablets
HIGH LIGHT SENSITIVITY
AMOLED SWIVEL AND
With a range from ISO10025600, you can produce brilliant images even in low light conditions
Flexible screen angles make sure every selfie is a perfect selfie
TOUCH DISPLAY
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Wonder washer The new WW9000 washing machine redefines current washer technology and comes packaged in a great new look
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he new Samsung WW9000 washer features a simple, user-centric design that fits perfectly into any modern home implementing the latest findings of consumer trend – less is more. By removing unnecessary lines, knobs and buttons, Samsung has developed a washer that has a simple, streamlined front with a ripple design running along its side. “Our new washer opens up a new chapter in washing machine design – allowing it to blend in with other home appliances, furnishing and fittings,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, President and CEO of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics. “The time of hiding the washer in the basement or laundry room is gone. Along with its elegant
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design, the WW9000 is also equipped and ready to meet the needs of the modern household, delivering enhanced technology with style.” The new Samsung WW9000 is simple, intuitive and easy to use. Equipped with a large 5-inch color Full Touch Screen the user is able to select a range of settings at the touch of a button. For example, the ‘Most Used’ feature remembers frequently used cycles and washing options while the ‘Favourites’ feature enables users to personalize their wash cycle by configuring various options such as temperature and spin speed. Once Auto Optimal Wash is activated, four sensing technologies gather information about the load: size, degree of dirt and soiling, amount of
water and detergent required. Based on this information, the Auto Optimal Wash decides the most appropriate wash cycle, temperature, time, rinse cycle and spin speed. To make it even more convenient, the Auto Dispense feature automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent and softener. The detergent dispenser can hold detergent for up to 19 loads of laundry, about one month of washing. The Super Speed Wash feature enables laundry to be finished in 60 minutes thanks to its twin water supply, which quickly fills the drum with water. The Speed Spray feature shortens the rinse cycle by shooting powerful jets of water into the drum. No one likes a noisy washing machine. Samsung’s
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Along with its
elegant design, the WW9000 is also equipped
ECOBUBBLE
VRT- M TECHNOLOGY
Air and water are pulled in to generate bubbles, dissolving and activating the detergent, which then penetrates faster and more evenly throughout the wash load
A three dimensional vibration sensor system keeps the drum well balanced at high spin speeds ensuring less noise, less vibration and more performance
LARGE 5 - INCH COLOR
SMART CONTROL
FULL TOUCH SCREEN
Users are able to remotely control and monitor the WW9000 with a smartphone app
and ready to meet the needs of the modern household, delivering enhanced technology with style
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Ensuring effortless usability and control, the user has a range of settings at their finger tips
AUTO DISPENSE AUTO OPTIMAL WASH
advanced VRT-M technology uses a three dimensional vibration sensor system that keeps the drum well balanced at high spin speeds by ensuring 14 stainless steel balls spin together in the opposite direction to the laundry load. At lower drum speeds, powerful magnets hold the balls firmly in place and significantly decrease vibration and noise. To further reduce noise and vibration as well as enhance efficiency and long-lasting performance, the new Samsung WW9000 washer’s motor is equipped with Digital Inverter Technology. It utilizes strong magnets for a quieter and more powerful performance. By eliminating the use of brushes, it also provides outstanding durability, backed-up by a 10-year warranty on the motor.
Once this is activated four sensing technologies gather information about the load: size, degree of dirt and soiling, amount of water and detergent required ensuring an optimal wash cycle
The detergent dispenser can hold detergent for up to 19 loads of laundry, approximately one month of washing
6 SPECIALITY CYCLES
The ‘Gardening’ option will adjust settings to clean grass and mud stains, while the ‘Cooking & Dining’ cycle cleans food and grease marks. Other specialty cycles include ‘Hygiene Care,’ ‘Active Sports,’ ‘Active Kids,’ and ‘Working & Everyday’
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Show off
Innovative ShowCase and InnerCase design revolutionises food storage while Digital Inverter Technology helps keep the cool
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he new Food ShowCase refrigerator’s innovative design provides smart separation in the refrigerator area with two layers of doors: the ShowCase for instant access of frequently used items and the InnerCase for ingredients that require longer storage. The ShowCase section is four times bigger than a conventional home-bar refrigerator, allowing consumers to store and instantly access food items such as snacks and drinks. The InnerCase holds larger and fresh ingredients for
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a longer period of time. “Consumers want quick access to stored items without spending too much time looking for them with the refrigerator door open,” said Boo-Keun Yoon, President & CEO of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics. “We learned this from research into consumer lifestyles, and combined the findings with our engineering and design expertise. The result was the perfect solution for every member of the family – the Food ShowCase.”
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The ShowCase, which opens only the exterior door of the refrigerator, is designed to make organizing and consuming food as easy as possible for every member of the household. Once opened, people can find what they want with one simple glance. There are multiple customizable food compartments within the ShowCase: for sauces, drinks, snacks and others. Divided into three zones, each case could hold the following items depending on the needs of the family: The Cooking Zone (upper level) – cheese and sauces; The Family Zone (mid level) – drinks and snacks. The Kids Zone (lower level) – food items for younger children and others. Separating it into zones allows people to effectively organize and find food items. The Kids Zone, for example, is placed at the lower level
of the ShowCase to provide easy access for children. Additionally, the lower cases are detachable and can be placed directly on the table, further enhancing convenience. The ShowCase also features a Metal Cooling door that effectively keeps cooled air within the refrigerator. The InnerCase is designed to store food items such as vegetables, meat and fruit. Unlike conventional refrigerators with a single cooling outlet for each the freezer and refrigerator, Samsung’s innovative AllAround Cooling evenly cools every inch of the fridge as well as the freezer. Cold air is blown out through multiple outlets at every shelf level. As a result, the refrigerator area keeps fruit and vegetables fresher for longer, and the freezer reduces freezer burn to maintain the quality of frozen food.
SHOWCASE
ZONES
WATER & ICE DISPENSER
An innovative design that opens only the exterior door of the refrigerator, making organizing and consuming food as easy as possible for every member of the household
Divided into three zones, each case could hold the items needed for cooking, drinks and snacks or kid’s eats, depending on the needs of the family
At the touch of a button users can enjoy a refreshing glass of chilled filtered water or fill a pitcher with cubed or crushed ice
INNER CASE
ALL-AROUND COOLING
TECHNOLOGY
This is designed to store food items such as vegetables, meat and fruit
Cold air is blown out through multiple outlets at every shelf level evenly cooling every inch of the fridge as well as the freezer
The DIT improves energy efficiency and cooling performance by automatically adjusting the compressor across seven RPM speeds in response to cooling demands
Samsung's innovative AllAround Cooling evenly cools every inch of the fridge as well as the freezer
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SMART DIGITAL INVERTER
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Airing it Samsung drives innovation with a new triangle design air conditioner that delivers powerful cooling performance and cleaner air quality with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities
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amsung’s new unique triangular design delivers improved performance by circulating cool air faster, further and wider while Samsung’s Digital Inverter Technology provides significantly greater energy efficiency. In addition, the Virus Doctor and Easy Filter eliminate dust, contaminants, allergens, bacteria and viruses. “R&D and design play a key role in how we develop our products as we’re always focused on improving our customers’ day to day experience with technology,” said Michael McKechnie,
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Business Leader for Digital Air Solutions at Samsung Electronics South Africa. “We are relentless in our pursuit of innovation and we are particularly proud of the advanced technology and design of this air conditioner that manages to address the needs of consumers before they are even realised. The unique design and cooling capabilities bring the ultimate in comfort to our customers, while embedded smart features ensure that this is a convenient smart appliance with a long lifespan. That’s the definition of true innovation in this category.
TRIANGULAR DESIGN
This unique design has a wider inlet, wider outlet and a bigger fan to ensure that air is cooled and expelled faster and further
SINGLE USER MODE
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This uses less compressor capacity, reducing power consumption, while still providing a cool and comfortable environment
We are relentless in our pursuit of innovation and we are particularly proud of the advanced technology and
SMART DIGITAL INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
design of this air conditioner
This helps users to stay cool for long periods of time, while using the minimum amount of energy
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Designed to be exceptionally efficient, its unique triangular design has a wider inlet, wider outlet and a bigger fan to ensure that air is cooled and expelled faster (26%), further (14 metres) and wider (2 x wider) – reaching every corner of a room. Energy efficiency is a key purchasing decision for consumers. The Samsung Air Conditioner’s Single User mode uses less compressor capacity, reducing power consumption, while still providing a cool and comfortable environment. In addition the new air conditioner features an energy-efficient Digital Inverter Technology with EER of 10.1. It can maintain the desired temperature without frequently shutting off and on, so it consumes less electricity.
The Fast Cool mode allows the air conditioner to cool any room quickly. It then automatically changes the mode to Comfort Cool to maintain the desired temperature. Users won’t feel cold and don’t have to keep manually changing the settings or turning the air conditioner on and off. Using an application on a smartphone the Smart Wi-Fi function lets users remotely control the settings of the Samsung Air Conditioner to schedule its operation. In any location with a wireless network, users can instantly turn it on and off, select the operating mode and temperature. Additionally, the air conditioner is able to communicate operational time and electricity usage as well as providing filter cleaning reminders.
SMART WIFI FUNCTION
Users can remotely control the settings of the Samsung Air Conditioner to schedule its operation
SMART INSTALLATION
This is a self-diagnosis feature that ensures the air conditioner is installed perfectly by the service engineer
SMART CHECK
An automatic error-monitoring system detects and diagnoses problems and provides easy troubleshooting solutions using a smartphone application
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detail of Uufie by Rosanna Orlandi at Guild Design Fair
Enterprise mobility A shift in business practises ensure work from everywhere works best for all and with Samsung Knox security is no longer an issue. Words Nicholas Boerma
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he way that the business world conducts itself is in a constant state of flux but there is one change that is rapidly altering the face of offices around the world. Enterprise mobility is the term used to describe this change and it applies to the way that mobile devices are being used to extend the workplace. The result? A centralised location isn’t as important as it once was and it is now perfectly possible to work a full day without going anywhere near what was once termed “the office�.
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The rise of enterprise mobility has been permitted by the availability of smart, mobile computing solutions and the spread and adoption of cloud-based software and systems in everyday business. Mobile device deployment brings with it a series of advantages that, as with everything else new, also carries a set of challenges to be overcome. In its favour, enterprise mobility is permitting workers of all stripes to enhance their productivity without being tied to a desk. It is quicker and easier to assess a situation
and update progress when a mobile device, such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone, is bolstering those decisions while their user is in the field. Having the option to work from home leaves more time for family matters while still being as effective as if they were in the office. And these changes in the way that the workday is completed frequently don’t require that specialised equipment be issued to employees thanks to the proliferation of smart devices in modern life, a phenomenon that is known as BYOD or Bring Your Own Device. Cloud-based services allow collaboration across distances and even time-zones, so that several people can work on the same project at the same time while still having it available for supervision. Email can be dealt with literally anywhere, even underwater if you’re feeling adventurous, and accessing a secure cloud server can be done from just about any smart mobile device. But this life- and business-changing innovation has a cost to be paid and it isn’t always measurable in currency, unless an IT department does something catastrophically wrong. Securing a cloud system, depending on the business in question, is either as simple as a series of Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions and a Dropbox account or as complex as sourcing and developing a custom-built
internet-dependent setup. One is just a question of funds; the other is an investment in terms of both time and (scads of) money. In the end, either will result in greater efficiency in the workplace – as well as happier staff. BYOD is another investment. Not in the devices already owned by employees but in a security system that is capable of supporting a non-homogenous collection of smartphones and other gear within the same company network. It is no easy task to convince various devices to play nice AND still ensure that the levels of access to a company network by these gadgets are appropriate and secure. Investment and improvement here is the work of a jacked-up IT department, which may have to be expanded to cope with the increased workload. On the plus side, they can then set up their own mobility with little effort. There is no doubt that enterprise mobility, in spite of the challenges that arise from its implementation, is drastically altering the shape of business from the inside. It is increasing the freedom of employees, letting them be more productive even as they are spending less time at the office. Though a whole new paradigm is needed to fully exploit the changes that are coming, the end result is a sleeker machine – except for IT departments everywhere, which will need to bulk up a little.
Knox-it Ensuring information is safe and secure Samsung KNOX is an end-to-end secure mobile platform solution designed to provide advanced data and privacy protection for enterprise users. “Samsung developed KNOX as a secure and complete mobile platform for the enterprise and we continue to evolve it to protect and respond to ever-changing enterprise mobility and security challenges,” said Injong Rhee, Senior Vice President of KNOX Business Group, IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. The Samsung KNOX platform is the first Android implementation to provide full support for Workplace Join to Active Directory, introduced by Microsoft in Windows Server 2012 R2. Offered on the latest Samsung mobile devices, Workplace Join will eventually be available on all Samsung KNOX devices. Workplace Join enables users to register devices of their choice with their company to allow access to corporate resources. By controlling access to corporate resources, IT administrators can manage risk while helping users remain productive. As a seamless experience for end users, Workplace Join offers a second factor of device authentication through Active Directory. “As a proud and long standing Microsoft partner, we are delighted to be able to offer their Workplace Join users with the full security and support that the Samsung KNOX platform offers,” said Rhee. “We are also pleased that Microsoft has enabled device management through Windows Intune, enabling enterprise IT managers to take full advantage of the management capabilities offered by Samsung KNOX.”
App’ing Africa From e-commerce, to entertainment, productivity and finance, Africa continues to innovate with specialized mobile applications tailored to the African consumer. S14 rounds up this year’s apps to watch. Words Nafisa Akabor S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 0
Nigeria
Jumia
Nigeria’s online shopping site Jumia has already won best ‘Online Retail Brand of the Year’ award at the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) Awards in 2013, and recently launched a mobile app to take e-commerce one step further. Android users can now download the app for free and have access to the more than 30,000 products and over 500 local and international brands ranging from fashion, electronics, beauty, toys, jewellery and books, right at their fingertips. The size of the app is quite small too, at 4.7MB. The store has been optimised for mobile, and offers various secure payment methods, including cash on delivery. It has daily deal notifications, discounts and specials for those who sign up. Not limited to the Nigerian market, the store has international sites for Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire.
Kenya
Twende Twende
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Twende Twende means “let’s go” in Swahili and sends motorists free text messages on traffic conditions
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The Twende Twende mobile application helps Kenyans avoid Nairobi traffic, which is a huge problem that costs the city approximately US $600,000 a day. The app aims to ease traffic daily to the cities over three million citizens. The name Twende Twende means “let’s go” in Swahili and sends motorists free text messages on traffic conditions. Motorists just need to send a message with the road name they want traffic information on, which also sends a recommended alternate route. The system reads traffic camera feeds by an image recognition algorithm, including a separate algorithm for streets not covered by cameras to send out recommendations. Users have a choice to receive them via text or through a map interface. The service can be accessed through USSD on the Airtel and Safaricom networks by dialling *384*3#.
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The app is in Swahili and provides suggestions on what crops to grow, production cycle information, when and how to grow crops, harvesting and insect control
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Marodi TV
Marodi TV is an online video platform that broadcasts African content and now has an app that brings the same content to smartphones and tablets. The app has also won US $10,000 in the VentureOut Challenge recently, including 6 months of mentorship. The innovative app is dedicated to replaying TV from the African continent at no cost. It lets users in Senegal and Cameroon watch television shows through the app or online at any time. The app aims to pull more than a million unique users by the end of 2014, with already more than 70,000 unique visitors visiting the website. Marodi TV plans to bring video content to other Sub-Saharan countries, like Ivory Coast and Benin. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 2
Tanzania
Kilimo Fasta
An Android app called Kilimo Fasta created by Tanzanian developer Benson Rukantabula aims to boost the production of farmers in the country, a sector (agricultural) that employs 80 percent of the Tanzanian population. The app was created after the Planning Commission of the Tanzanian President’s Office released a study around the country’s low agricultural production caused by lack of farming skills and being unable to distribute market information. The app is in Swahili and provides suggestions on what crops to grow, production cycle information, when and how to grow crops, harvesting and insect control. Farmers who wish to make use of the service can subscribe via email or SMS to get updates on crops and market information. Farmers can also participate in discussions. Additionally, it provides information about banks and financial institutes for anyone needing a loan.
Senegal
Prowork
Prowork is an app that lets users collaborate on projects in real time, from anywhere and anytime. The app works on Android and can be accessed from the web as well. The trio from Nigeria who created the app have vast experience in creating mobile and web applications. The app is aimed at the enterprise market to help project managers, software developers, event management, sales or just manage personal to do lists. After a simple sign up process, you start creating tasks and assign it to members of your team by adding their email addresses. They do not have to be registered in order to be assigned a task, but will receive a notification via email, which they can then sign up from. The interface lets you monitor progress until the task is complete.
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Prowork is an app that lets users collaborate on projects in real time, from anywhere and anytime
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Kenya
M-Ledger
M-Ledger is an Android application that gathers M-pesa transactions and lets you view it in a report form. The M-pesa mobile money service needs no introduction with 17 million users making use of the service in Kenya alone. An additional 5 million users transact with it in Tanzania, and it’s also available in Afghanistan, South Africa, and India. The app transforms transactions to provide a quick overview of your finances. The app scans your handset for SMS messages from M-pesa and creates a database out of it. The data is automatically synced with the website, internet connection dependent, so it can be accessed later. The system encrypts your data, so it’s safe to use. The app lets you export your transactions to Excel or PDF, allowing advanced charting capabilities. The app comes with a 30 day free trial and costs 200 Kenyan Shillings. Premium subscriptions with more features are optional. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 3
Illustration being redrawn Cloud-based Smart Home server
The future of smart living is here One of the biggest trends for 2014, apart from wearable technology, is home automation. Remote controlling your home means optimal living conditions – and is the next level in technological advancements. Words Nafisa Akabor S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 4
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30º
Warm
Live View: On Press to view
More Appliances Energy Saving: On
Welcome
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t CES in Las Vegas earlier this year, Samsung Electronics announced the next evolution in the way we live. Can you imagine controlling all your home devices from a single application? Think smart TVs, fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and lighting. A central server will allow access to both home appliances and personal devices, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. The Samsung Smart Home will provide three main services – device control, home view and customer service. The Smart Home app can be accessed from a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to control one or multiple devices simultaneously from wherever they are. Home view lets you get access to your home in real-time through appliances that have built-in cameras, while customer service informs you when you need to service an appliance or replace consumables, and provides after sales services.
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Can you imagine controlling all your home devices from a single application?
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The company plans to start offering Smart Home products in the first half of 2014, and has already announced a Wi-Fi controlled washing machine for the African continent at the Samsung Forum that took place in Spain in February. The WW9000 smart washing machine has a minimalist, elegant design, which lets you operate it via a 5-inch colour touchscreen above the front loader. While other manufacturers have S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 5
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Apart from the straight forward controlling of devices from a smartphone app, Smart Home goes a step further and supports voice command
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washing machines that can interact with a smartphone, Samsung’s WW9000 model is the only one that lets a user start and stop a cycle from a mobile device, from anywhere. The app also lets you pause the cycle, and get notifications on remaining cycle times and once the wash is complete. Another product that is making use of Smart technology is the Samsung air conditioner. Users can select mode and temperature control remotely, thereby ensuring when you arrive home your house is at optimal temperature; users can also keep track of power consumption and receive error information. Apart from the straight forward controlling of devices from a smartphone app, Smart Home goes a step further and supports voice command. Users may speak to their mobile devices instead of the usual tapping on-screen. A user could make use of this function by saying something like ‘going out’ and have their appliances S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 4 6
and lighting turned off, or saying ‘good night’ to a smart TV remote and have the TV switched off. It could also be useful for the visually impaired or elderly. Also new to the smart living space is Google, with its acquisition of home automation company Nest for US$3.2bn. The company designs and manufactures Wi-Fi enabled, programmable thermostats and smoke detectors. It monitors user patterns and uses this data to provide a more customised experience but doesn’t share this data with third parties. The purchase of Nest by Google means the company is moving further into the hardware business and now making it a huge competitor in the smart living space. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and current executive chairman of Google told the Guardian earlier this year that Nest is a “natural evolution” of these kinds of devices [smart living] and that Google’s technology when applied to
what Nest already does will be “infinitely more intelligent and more useable”. He adds that they’re making an important bet and he is very excited about it. Of course, the issue about privacy arises, however Nest has said that its privacy policy will not change. It is unclear how Google plans to use user data from Nest. Samsung has already mentioned that its Smart Home service will be extended to third parties. The company plans on collaborating with partners to make its services accessible to a wider audience. Initially it will focus on its own range of smart TVs, home appliances and smartphones, then gradually expand to other Samsung products before offering the ecosystem to other manufacturers’ appliances and devices. In the bigger picture, there are plans to extend the Smart Home service to cover homeenergy, healthcare, secure home access and eco-home appliances with third-party service providers.
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Images courtesy of Karen Walker
Fashioning change Can what you wear effect real micro-level change on the continent? The numbers say yes. Additionally ethical fashion may just be Africa's USP on the global design stage. Words Emma Jordan
Images from the Karen Walker sunglass campaign
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arlier in the year Karen Walker released a sunglass campaign featuring models who were not glossy maned fashion stars, but rather everyday people - factory workers and Maasai warriors living and working in Kenya's urban slums and rural isolation. The campaign, entitled Visible, was shot by Derek Henderson and turned the lens on the artisans who have been working on Walker's new ethical line, a collection of sunglass pouches released with the featured 2014 range. Noteworthy and successful as a beautiful campaign, it marries all the elements enchanting the fashion conscious: a global, noteworthy designer producing beautiful pieces in a mindful manner and celebrating this journey. Instigated by the Ethical Fashion Initiative of the International Trade Centre (ITC) it is just one such collaboration the UN-appointed agency has facilitated. Previous design partnerships include a handbag range with Vivienne Westwood entitled Africa and sold exclusively
through online retailer ASOS, Stella Jean, Marni for Isetan and Stella McCartney. Founded in 2009 under the leadership of Simone Cipriani, a Business of Fashion 500 leader, the Ethical Fashion Initiative works to help eradicate poverty and empower previously disadvantaged communities through connecting micro-entrepreneurs with the international fashion supply chain. This was accomplished with a social enterprise based in Nairobi: Ethical Fashion Africa Ltd. The infrastructure, developed through EFAL became the core part of a network of production hubs and microenterprises. Today there are 1,250 people in more than 30 different community groups that make up these microenterprises all managed through EFAL. "Growth is apparent in the nearly six-fold rise in Kenyan Ethical Fashion products – 94,600 units in 2013 compared with 16,000 units in 2012," says Cipriani. "EFAL workers also sharply reduced the number of rejects, ensuring the
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Behind the scenes of the Karen Walker sunglass campaign shoot
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Production of Karen Walker sunglass pouches
Images courtesy of Karen Walker and Tha Supply Change
sustainability of the marketdriven linkages between the international fashion market and Ethical Fashion communities. For the community groups working with EFAL, increased production has meant better livelihoods." Chrissie Lam, a former senior concept designer at American Eagle Outfitters, runs a company called The Supply Change. On a smaller level she facilitates introductions and inspirations, running Sourcing Safaris — taking designers out in the field to meet with artisans and view their capabilities. "Large brands and retailers have market access and channels already in place to
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Ethical fashion is not about novelty craft but about social awareness
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distribute a high volume of products," says Lam. "By tapping into their supply chains and opening them for artisan groups, these collaborations allow for bigger socio-economic
impact within the communities they partner with. Artisan groups struggle because they lack the design direction from brand partnerships and capital investment which in turn, causes a lack in proper infrastructure, resources and market access. Fashion brands have what the social-enterprises are missing... that's why these partnerships are so crucial." The success of these partnerships hinges on management and skill matching: a function both EFAL and Lam fulfil. Not to mention connections. Diana Opoti, the presenter and founder of Designing Africa, a cross-continent television fashion programme, posits S 1 4
A Merry Masai Christmas Photoshoot concept for CTC x Whole Foods
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Chan Luu bracelet production at the Korogocho group, Kenya
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Stella Jean backstage of the SS14 show at AltaRoma
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Images courtesy of International Trade centre ( images on this page by Karmali Tahir) International Trade centre ( image by Brendan Bannon)
the question: should international companies be coming to Africa sourcing handicrafts or should they be helping to grow and sustain a fledgling fashion industry? The broader question is are the two mutually exclusive? It is the drive of the ITC to empower. Although the programme is new, the growth is there: volume has increased four-fold over three years; a difference to over 1,200 people and their families. Global awareness and demand has grown, the long term vision looks very positive. Ethical fashion is not about novelty craft but it is about social awareness. In a world of mass production, hand-made is a luxury. Hand-made with skill and consciousness is an even bigger luxury — buying a product, and being able to display your holistic allegiance to a greater good is akin to carrying your faith very beautifully on your arm. As Cipriani says “the stories of responsibility and development behind each product must be collected and told in such a way that the authenticity is
verifiable to consumers." Currently local buying power is not strong enough to sustain this sort of enterprise internally. Additionally fashion is becoming a predominately global business – disregard for seasons and online retail mean traditional modes of consumerism is null and void. “In recent years, fashion brands have begun to collaborate with social enterprises — dipping their feet in this sector, and in turn, creating a precedent for establishing successful partnerships,” says Lam. “There are 3 main ways that these collaborations have been structured, Vendor, Partner, Investor. The level of involvement depends on both sides’ goals and levels of commitment. This is a new and exciting sector of the fashion industry and there is potential for huge growth with the right brand partnerships.” Cipriani asserts this: “This is not a niche initiative: it is underpinned by a methodology designed specifically to make real trade possible in challenging circumstances. The aim is
to promote sustainable business rather than aid dependency by helping disadvantaged communities of artisans enter the international value chain, thus developing their export capacities while also strengthening their domestic and
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The success of these partnerships hinges on management and skill matching
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regional markets. The Ethical Fashion Initiative enables entire communities to improve their livelihoods.” As Walker says: "In short fashion can be a vital vehicle out of poverty."
Vivienne Westwood’s Gold Label show in Paris featured a
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Maasai beaded clutch made in Kenya
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play
Lupita’s limelight The wildest dreams of the most optimistic of Hollywood-hopefuls could never conjure the moment that 30-year-old Lupita Nyong’o is having right now. Words Phiona Okumu
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At the 86th Annual Academy Awards, after winning the category Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in 12 Years a Slave , Lupita Nyong’o poses with her Oscar
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Image courtesy of Rex Features
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I grew up in a world where the majority of people were black so that wasn’t the defining quality of anyone
Image Courtesy MTV International Networks
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olden Globe and Oscar wins, a Miu-Miu endorsement deal and that unforgettable Vanity Fair Hollywood edition cover within less than a year of her coming to international prominence? That doesn’t just happen. Especially not to ‘Black Female Actors’ in America. The Kenyan actress is handling her new found fame with surprising alacrity. Wideeyed, bubbly and utterly charming she corrects late night American TV talk show host Jimmy Fallon’s pronunciation of her surname. (The “g” is soft as in “singing”). The usually quick-witted Fallon is hanging on to her every word while his tumble out as they please, it seems. And who can blame him? That perfect pout, those chiseled arms, that ballerina-like posture, that now infamous skin that illuminates every single gown she sails in down a string of red carpets will fluster anyone. Another chat show anchor, multi-award winning Queen Latifah is just as infatuated during their one-on-one on Lupita’s press drive right before the Academy Awards. The knowing tone belying the parting sisterly advice she offers the younger actress says it all: “Make sure you enjoy these moments cos they don’t come around very
often. Trust me I’ve been there.” In her country Kenya, her senator father and cancer activist mother and some of her five siblings reside. Nyong’o will have experienced some issues within the country’s under-funded TV and film industry - in 2010 she played Ayira in MTV’s drama Shuga: Love, Sex, Money - but none remotely comparable to the ones inherent in the racially divided global film arena in which she now participates. “I grew up in a world where the majority of people were black so that wasn’t the defining quality of anyone. When you’re describing someone, you don’t start out with “he’s black, he’s white.” No, I was a girl, I was my ethnic group Luo, I was middle class, I was many things before I was black,” Lupita described her jarring encounter with the politics of the entertainment business, speaking to CNN. It was while she was working with the production crew of the Constant Gardner filming in Kenya that Lupita, then an undergraduate student, experienced her career a-ha moment. To hear her tell it, the film’s star Ralph Fiennes advised her to get into acting only if she felt like she couldn’t live otherwise. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 5 9
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Her devastating debut as Patsey... certainly
Her devastating debut performance as Patsey in the highly acclaimed film 12 Years A Slave based on the autobiography of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a freeman kidnapped into slavery certainly carries a life-and-death intensity. Nyong’o was just three weeks shy of her postgraduate Yale Drama School degree when she got the call from director Steven McQueen which would turn her fortunes forever. Previously he had watched an audition tape from Lupita and S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 6 0
suspected even before she read for the role that she was right for it. In an interview with New York Magazine British-born McQueen’s admiration is clear: “You know, there’s been a lot said about dark-skinned black actresses and the limitations they have within film. Well, I just hope that directors and other creative people have the idea of putting her in great and interesting projects, because she’s extraordinary.”
Image Courtesy of Fox
carries a life-and-death intensity
Who is
Steve McQueen?
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ad Steve McQueen’s other half not come across Solomon Northup’s autobiography from 1853 we probably wouldn’t have known about the freeman taken captive whose story the film 12 Years A Slave is based upon. She persuaded him to make it into a film and since it’s screen debut in October 2013, the response has been unanimous. Yes, it has borne a gorgeous new star and yes, it was nine times Oscar-nominated and two-times a winner, taking home the coveted Best Picture award. But most importantly, hard to watch as it is, with its equally difficult subject matter, 12 Years has calibrated the conversation about humanity. The topic of slavery and its impact is front and centre. Starting this year, Solomon Northup’s story
will be incorporated into American public high school curricula, a dream for McQueen. Toast of Hollywood he may be right now but McQueen’s aesthetic never suggested he was ever interested in mainstream adoration. In 2008, the Turner Prize winning visual artist with a specialty in film installations became the first British director to win a (first time director) Caméra d’Or award for Hunger. Two rare short films he shot in Africa are worth watching: Gravesend, which explores the extraction of coltan in the Congo and Western Deep, also based around mining experimentally investigates the TauTona gold mines in South Africa. McQueen was also a creative consultant on Soweto’s Apartheid Museum.
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African film makers you should know David “Tosh” Gitonga
Kenya While some are willing to accept Nairobi's high crime rate, new kid on the block David “Tosh” Gitonga asks why it’s so high in his feature film Nairobi Half Life. A movie about gang culture, it's the first Kenyan film to be considered for a foreign Oscar, garnering the nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012. Mwas, the film’s lead character travels to Nairobi city from his village with dreams of becoming an actor. What he finds is a grim crime-ridden reality, which he survives by befriending a gangster. The Oscar might have eluded Nairobi Half Life but Joseph Wairimu, who plays Mwas, won best actor at the 2013 Durban International Film Festival. The film itself won one out of the nine awards it was nominated for at the African Movie Awards. Not half bad for a first time.
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Jahmil Qubeka
South-Africa Film maker Jahmil Qubeka had a time of debuting his sinister film noir feature film Of Good Report at the Durban International Film Festival last July. It’s about a high school teacher who lusts after and obsesses with a 16-yearold student, and was initially banned after the South African Film and Publication Board (FPB) deemed it to be child pornography due to a sex scene between the student and teacher. Though inconvenient at the time, the censorship action worked in Qubeka’s favour making Of Good Report the most talked about South African film of 2013. The ban was lifted shortly after Qubeka contested it and his film has gone on to receive several international accolades including the most recent honour, the award for Best Feature Narrative at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Andrew Dosunmu
Nigeria Andrew Dosunmu has an eye for beauty. After all, his first foray into the visual arts industry was as a design assistant for Yves Saint Laurent. It was through his music video directing artists like Kelis, Maxwell and Common that Dosunmu’s profile really became visible in the US. After that, making films felt like a natural progression and so came his two documentary films, 1999’s Hot Irons and 2011’s The African Game. Unsurprisingly, close to the heart of the film maker who spends his time between Lagos and New York City is the immigrants’ story. He explores it in Restless City, his first try at feature narratives. Visually, the film is breathtaking but the critics mostly settle on one adverse point – the script is nowhere near as gripping as the cinematography. On his second try though, Dosunmu nails it. Playwright and actress Danai Gurira, who also starred in Restless City really shines through on Mother of George, a story of a Nigerian couple living in New York. Plans are underway for Andrew Dosunmu to take over from Steve McQueen who was previously slated to direct Fela Kuti’s biopic.
Akosua Adoma Owusu
Ghana Ghanaian film maker Akosua Adoma Owusu has had her work selected as one of Art Forum’s Top 10 artists. Supported by Focus Features Africa First Program and The Sarah Jacobson Film Grant, she shot her film Kwaku Ananse in Ghana, collaborating with Ghanaian legendary ethnomusicologist Koo Nimo and combining semi-autobiographical elements with the tale of Kwaku Ananse, a trickster in West African stories who appears as both spider and man. Owusu rallied financial support from fans who pledged donations via IndieGogo allowing post-production of the film to be completed. The result: Kwaku Ananse won the 2013 African Movie Academy Award for Best Short Film.
A still from the film Nairobi Half Life
A still from the film Kwaku Ananse
A still from the film Of Good Report
A still from the film Restless City
Biyi Bandele
Nigeria Whoever casts the talent for MTV drama Shuga sure knows how to pick em! The series, which highlights the attitudes of young people to sex, was first filmed in Kenya. Late last year a Nigerian version debuted with playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele at the helm. The UK-based director was charged with the challenging task of adapting Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel Half of A Yellow Sun into its critically acclaimed screenplay starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. Shot in Calabar and Creek Town in Nigeria on a grueling five-week schedule, the movie is said to be the most expensive Nigerian movie to date, with a reported budget of $8 million, setting the bar high for the second largest film-producing region in the world.
A still from the film Half of A Yellow Sun
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New kings at play Across the continent men and women are taking up sticks and mounting ponies as the glamorous game of polo gains popularity. Words Nana Ocran S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 6 5
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he grand title ‘sport of kings’ is one that’s been leveled at horse racing, but polo, with all its affiliations of being a lifestyle sport, definitely comes under this banner. Undoubtedly a game that attracts royalty, it’s an equestrian pastime that’s often associated with elite European lifestyles or Argentine playboys. Its flashy, regal association is helped along by the fact that Prince Charles and both sons, Princes William and Harry make up two generations of players. In addition, the game’s international celebrity stakes, have been upped by the fact that Hollywood A-listers Tommy Lee Jones and Sylvester Stallone both love the sport enough to have invested in private playing fields. The high profile connection goes
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The continent first embraced polo around the 1900’s, with one of the earliest games played on an airstrip in Nigeria
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even deeper. In the 1890s, President Theodore Roosevelt had a club in Long Island, New York, while back in the day, two of Tinseltown’s finest – Bing Crosby and Clarke Gable – also dabbled in the game. Even the US comic strip, Flash Gordon, was originally drawn as a handsome polo player before his onscreen character opted for the more grassroots
American football. All this speaks volumes about the refined status of the game, but its popularity in Africa for some time has been lesser known beyond its sporting circles. The continent first embraced polo around the 1900’s, with one of the earliest games played on an airstrip in Nigeria by British naval officers in 1904. The Lagos Polo Club
developed from there, with Nigerians picking up the game from 1958, when the prominent businessman Oladele da Rochas Afoda became the club’s first African player and member. The Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club in Kano, Northern Nigeria was founded in 2001, but elsewhere in Africa, there are other historic clubs. The Nairobi Polo Club dates back to 1907 and has two full-sized pitches, while Zambia’s Lusaka Polo Club has been the site for Emirate Airline’s sponsored games in the past. In Ghana, the Accra Polo Club captain, Kwakye Dopoah Dei is on a mission to attract more members to the game and open the sport up to schools by making it a national pastime and less of an egalitarian activity. This is perhaps a kick against the fact that owning or maintaining polo ponies isn’t
cheap. The tag of elitist is one that regularly gets attached to a sport that relies on a string of thoroughbreds, but is this label a fair one? It isn’t, according to Nigerian player Kola Karim. “To say a sport is elitist because it is expensive is a fallacy”, he says. “It’s a sport played by people who have a love for horses. The costs that go into polo make it quite expensive, from the price of membership to the cost of the horses and horse care, but there are organisations and institutions that own facilities and provide opportunities to play.” His views are somewhat echoed by South African player Wayne Hartley, who says, “It certainly attracts kings and captains of industry into its addictive grip. Worldwide it’s generally an expensive pastime but to start the sport doesn’t always require coming in at the upper end. Prospective
players have the option of leasing horses and or starting with only one or two and playing at a lower level to mitigate the initial costs. The level of enjoyment for a player is still the same whether playing for chukkas of a two goal player or six chukkas of 20 goal. ” The ‘addictive’ nature of the sport must come from the fact that whether engagement comes as a player, or a spectator, there’s something about a game that has a particular type of early 20th century history, a pull of celebrity and corporate business sector players and an international following, which means that all players – African or otherwise – become sporting ambassadors, skilled with a horse, ball and mallet in a sport that’s now actively played in seventy-seven countries and counting.
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Top African polo players �
I gained an abundance of confidence after playing my first major at the Ibadan Polo Tournament, and the rest, as they say, is history
� Kola Karim Recently voted onto Forbes’ list of the 10 Most Powerful Men in Africa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Shoreline Energy International, Kola Karim, has a parallel existence as one of the most popular polo players in Nigeria. For him, 1997 was the pivotal year in which he really felt he’d come into his own as a professional sportsman. “It was the Beginner’s Club chukkas at the Lagos Polo Club,” he recalls. “I gained an abundance of confidence after playing my first major at the Ibadan Polo Tournament, and the rest, as they say, is history.” World travelled, there are specific playing grounds that are close to his heart. In the UK, one of his preferred turfs is Cowdray Park in West Sussex, while he acknowledges that The S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 6 8
Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park has been at the forefront of supporting polo for younger players. To him, the multiple world class pitches at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club make the site a complete package, but still, Lagos Polo Club remains a personal favourite. “It’s because of the camaraderie, friendship and level of talent exhibited amongst the players,” he states. With younger generations of Africans now being attracted to the sport, Karim is keen to see this continue. In fact, he’s already keeping it in the family. “My son, Adebayo Karim has been sitting on a horse since he was two years old,” he says. “Today he’s a very focused and agile player and I believe more international polo players will spring from Africa in the next few years.”
Raphael Nzomo Managing Director of Afrika Aviation Services, Kenyan polo player Raphael Nzomo plays the sport for fun. He has, however, played in enough tournaments to sound like a professional. His first game was in 2005 at the December Christmas Tournament for Beginners, held annually at the Manyatta Polo Club in the Rift Valley of Northern Kenya. Since then, he has been to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Argentina – all in the name of the sport. “I usually play in the number one position,” says Nzomo. “It’s an offence oriented position. I’m not sure there’s any relationship between playing this number and my general character, but I certainly never throw in the towel both on and off the pitch.” An admirer of the late legendary Simon Kuseyo, who was “arguably the best ever African polo player,“ Nzomo is inspired by the quality and level of playing at home. “Our fields are average at best,” he states, “but this demands more from the players. The beauty of this is that when we get an opportunity to play on world class pitches out there, we just kill it!”
Uneku Atawodi An undeniable crowd puller for her skills on horseback, Nigerian, Uneku Atawadi (best known as Neku) is also one of the few professional black female polo players in the world. Seemingly on a non-stop tour of all the international polo tournaments, she sees the game as a ‘passport to the world,’ coining a related quote by Winston Churchill, who was also a keen player in his youth. For her, seasons are spent in countries around the world, which makes polo such a special lifestyle sport. As much a campaigner as she is a player, she founded Ride to Shine in 2011. It’s a charity that she set up to teach African children to ride horses and play polo. The mission is to teach the young members the skills and benefits of good sportsmanship alongside the range of ways to be savvy on a horse. “The organisation has an aim to open international doors for the children,” she says. “We don’t accept financial donations. We believe in the donation of time. The children are amazing and I think they teach me more everyday about life than I could ever teach them.” S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 6 9
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Moët & Chandon
‘Champagne is the only wine that enhances a woman’s beauty’. So said Madame de Pompadour, chief mistress of King Louis XV and family friend of Jean-Remy Moët, enterprising French vintner and pioneering internationalist. Words Nana Ocran
Images courtesy of Moët
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nown as one of the first luxury brands in history, Moët Chandon dates right back to the eighteenth century – 1743 in fact – when Claude Moët established his wine trade under the name of Moët and Co. It wasn’t until his grandson Jean-Remy upped the game once he’d gained inheritance of the House of Moët that the family business was infused with a broader spirit of internationalism. Capitalising on his social network of friends in high places, Jean-Remy created elite ambassadors for the family’s brand, Madame de Pompadour being one, and lifelong friend Napoleon Bonaparte – whose name and position was honoured with
the champagnes Impérial trademark – being another. By 1832, Jean-Remy had retired and passed the mantle on to his son Victor Moët, and his son-in-law Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles – and from there, the Moët Chandon union was born. Connecting this historical back story to the growing popularity of Moët Chandon in Africa isn’t hard. Over the last few years, the word luxury has been slowly but surely seeping into conversations about regions of Africa, most notably in Nigeria, which is becoming a hotspot for exclusive heritage products – for those who can afford them. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 7 1
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It’s probably not a surprise that if champagne is synonymous with a sense of glamour, high-end living and life in the fast lane, then the aspirational nature of many go-getting Nigerians is an easy fit
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As far as the African market for prestige drinks goes, back in 2010, the Paris-based magazine Jeune Afrique placed Nigeria at the top of the continent’s list of champagne consumers. Having popped just over half a million bottles in that country alone, this figure is close enough to fifty per cent more than the nation’s wealthier rival, South Africa. Evidently, it’s thirsty work being part of a growing West African elite, so Moët Chandon has neatly capitalised on the high appetite for celebration and enjoyment that comes as part of any number of sponsored red carpet events that take place in Africa. 2013 was a big year for the brand. The launch of the first Africa-located Social Media Week happened in Lagos, and it was Moët Chandon who played host to a broad range of African business leaders, tech professionals and opinion formers. Held at the city’s Porsche centre, copious glasses of champagne helped lubricate a series of roundtable discussions. Last October the luxury drinks brand was behind the launch of Nigeria’s version of Hello! Magazine, and a month later, the annual Ghana Fashion and Design Week also got the Moët Chandon sponsorship treatment. This was a repeat partnership that kept up the sense of high glamour for the second of Accra’s contemporary fashion showcases. But Moët Chandon isn’t just big in West Africa. Over to the east, the company launched its Nectar Impérial brand in Tanzania’s largest city – Dar es Salaam – at an exclusive event at the Rouge, Hyatt Regency
nightspot. Socialites and potential consumers mingled for a taste of this sweeter strain of the champagne, with the general consensus being that with the availability of Moët Chandon on east African soil, the cost of procuring any number of bottles would fall pretty radically. The brand’s flavours do vary. As well as the Nectar, there is also the Rosé Impérial, Moët Ice Impérial and the vintage range – including Moët 2004 – which is always made from the grapes of a single exceptional year. Other productions come under the Moët Chandon umbrella, including the vintage Dom Pérignon, famously named after the French Benedictine monk. As to access and availability in Africa, most bars can cater to champagne drinkers, but it’s Shoprite, South Africa’s largest retailer, that is the most successful vehicle for the brand. With seven stores in Nigeria it’s still basking in the bumper success of 2012, when its Nigerian outlets sold more Moët Chandon than all the group’s liquor stores in South Africa combined. That’s not bad, and who knows what the numbers say in the fifteen other African countries including Uganda, Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana, where Shoprite exists. Still, what is it about the Moët Chandon champagne brand that’s making it persistently popular in Africa? Big as the numbers are in Nigeria, it’s probably not a surprise that if champagne is synonymous with a sense of glamour, high-end living and life in the fast lane, then the aspirational
Images courtesy of Moët
nature of many go-getting Nigerians is an easy fit. With champagne being a prestige drink, it’ll get you more attention than if you opt for ordering a row of beers, but there’s also the essence of success, vintage quality and deep heritage that offers something more than just the chance to indulge. Tracking back to Moët Chandon’s early days, its famous courtly or military ambassadors have evolved and now feature iconic celebrities of the day. Roger Federer’s championship status was a shoe-in for an ambassadorial partnership that started in 2012. A slick promo video showing the tuxedoed tennis champion in a series of photo shoots is an homage to vintage style and the allure of success. The star’s projection Moët events in Nigeria
of ‘a few cool years with the brand’ brings Moët Chandon’s old world heritage right up to the present. All the opportunities for entering new markets are considered – with Africa being right up there on the compass. But obviously, Moët Chandon’s essence of celebration goes way beyond the continent. At the same time as snagging Federer it launched a year-long #MoetMoment campaign that saw a global audience posting important life events across social platforms – all for the promise of a golden jeroboam of the sparkling product. Within Africa, the free flowing appetite for champagne is obviously driven by the surge in numbers of the middle classes, but it’s not just the super rich who are buying
bottles at somewhere around $120 a throw. Anything that qualifies as disposable income might go towards a champagne night out, and if it means sealing that business deal, or attracting that date then it’s more than the super rich who are going to buy into the luxury vibe. As for the social element behind the growth of Moët Chandon in Africa, the parallel activities of brand campaigning and various other forms of creativity across sectors – from launching new stores, hotels, books, artists and design shows throughout the continent – means that the opportunity for more and more consumers to get a kick out of this particular brand of champagne is set to keep on rising.
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In search of sustainable luxury
Ilha de Moçambique and Baixo Pinda in the North of Mozambique are East African boutique tourist destinations drenched in cultural history, signalling a new breed of sustainable luxury tourism. Words Eben Keun
Images courtesy of Villa Sands
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he UNESCO World Heritage site Island of Mozambique is not easy to reach. It requires at least two flights (international and local) before crossing over the 3,8km single lane bridge to get to the island. Its remote location is what makes it a sought after destination for a few. Once there it is easy to lose yourself in the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that surrounds you everywhere on the Indian Ocean island. For over 350 years Ilha de Moçambique (or Ilha as locals call it) was the focal point of Portuguese East Africa. This changed in 1898, when the island started to fall into neglect after Portugal abolished the slave trade in its colonies and moved the
capital from here to Lourenço Marques (Maputo). What makes this island so extraordinary is that modernisation passed it by for nearly 100 years until 1990, when Ilha was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The uninterrupted use of the same building techniques, materials and decorative principles lends Ilha the outstanding architectural harmony for which the UNESCO status was granted. Many of the historical buildings of Stone Town endure the test of time. Fortaleza de São Sebastião the island’s largest structure, is also one of the southern hemisphere’s oldest standing buildings. Ilha is a very walkable island only 600m wide and barely 3km long. Over the last decade a series of ongoing
restoration projects has made the island more accessible to the connoisseur tourist market. Villa Sands is a beautiful boutique hotel and architectural delight. Converted from three sea-facing warehouses, eight rooms open up on a central courtyard where a splash pool collaborates with the sea breeze to function as natural airconditioning. The hotel was designed, built and is managed by Swedish-born expatriate architect Marcus Antman, who has an impressive number of culturally sensitive renovation projects elsewhere on the island including the conversion of Antiga Mercantil. Antman’s flavour of architecture employs ancient artisanal construction techniques towards an aesthetically pleasing Scandi-African result. S 1 4
The open courtyard at Villa Sands with a pool acting as natural ventilation
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A room at Villa Sands overlooking the ocean with furniture pieces from the island’s rich heritage.
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For the second leg of our journey we venture further north to exchange the urban hustle of Ilha for nature. Flying over Mozambique’s northernmost regions in a small plane must be one of life’s greatest thrills. Seen from the top a white triangle breaks the clear azure water every so often — the sail of a dhow, driven by local fishermen against the trade winds of the
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Flying over Mozambique’s northernmost regions in a small plane must be one of life’s greatest thrills
Images courtesy of Nuarro
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Indian Ocean. Landing with a chartered plane on a private airstrip is the only way to avoid driving the six hours from Nampula to the unspoilt beaches of the Baixo do Pinda Peninsula. Nuarro is a pristine tropical beach and bush eco lodge situated on the dunes, overlooking the enchanting Memba Bay. Twelve beautiful and spacious chalets are connected by a meandering pathway that stretches the kilometre between the restaurant and the open lounge and bar from where humpback whales can be seen frolicking in the waters below. Based on a strong concept of fair trade tourism, the lodge was built and is clearly managed with passion
for the environment. Most of the cuisine is prepared from products grown by the local community or harvested from the sea, before it is served in the restaurant built on the rocks. All electricity is generated at a solar farm deeper inland. The trees and ocean compete for the position of main attraction at Nuarro. The lodge is surrounded by indigenous baobabs and 3 km of secluded beach that is swept clean with grass brooms after every high tide. Each chalet has magnificent sea views with its own beach access and a private sundeck. These natural havens are designed to let the sea breeze through and the sound of leaves in. Time passes slowly at Nuarro, you can lounge around the entire day, wander between the giant baobabs and other dune flora or relax in a hammock on the beach. For amateur snorkelers pristine coral is accessible from the shallow pools at low tide or more experienced scuba divers can take a boat to the unspoiled reef wall a little deeper into the ocean. Riding the trade winds of the Indian Ocean on a dhow in the bay with the local fishermen is another way of slowly passing the hours. On the other side of the peninsula lies the biggest attraction hidden away from the world. This is the only place on the continent where all four kinds of mangrove trees appear together in one forest. The mouth of the river where the mangroves grow in salty seawater is only accessible at low tide by motorboat. On arrival at the river mouth you transfer to a small kayak to explore the snaking river estuary where tree frogs can be heard diving into the water and a colourful Malachite Kingfisher hides. A strange magical paradise that boggles the mind forever after.
Where to eat Ilha style One of the best things about Ilha is the choice of good places to eat. Local fishermen, whose livelihood depends on tourism, trade daily with restaurant owners to put massive crayfish the size of your forearm on the dinner table. Other local delicacies include matapasiri-siri (a slow cooked stew of indigenous salt water sprouts cooked in ground cashew nuts), prawn rissoles (inherited from the Portuguese) and a refreshing mango sorbet. Ancora d’Ouro (the Golden Anchor) opposite The Museum of Sacred Art is open from early morning to late at night and has the ambience of a friendly neigbourhood cafe. Everyone on the island seemingly pops in once a day to catch up on local gossip. The cafe serves a wide range of breakfast options, including Swedish pancakes and a lunch and dinner menu that changes daily according to seasonal produce. Bar Flor is a 'watch the world go by' roof top restaurant with unrivalled ambience and a tasty Italian menu, or watch the sunset, caipirinha in hand to the sound of Afro-lusophone. Located next to the old hospital. For travel information visit: www.villasands.com www.nuarro.com
Pristine private beach at Nuarro
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Dinner of local produce at the restaurant on the rocks at Nuarro
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The open lounge and bar overlooking Memba Bay at Nuarro
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Detail of Warhorse, Handspring Puppet Company, Guild Design Fair
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Accra City Guide Accra is a growing cosmopolitan city offering delightful and colourful things to see and do for citizens and visitors alike. Ameyaw Debrah guides S14 through what to see and where to eat, sleep and play.
Main image courtesy of Michail Kontopyrakis
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tretching along the Ghanaian Atlantic coast, the capital city of Ghana presents a taste of tradition, history and modernity as it strives to become a true modern metropolis that fits Ghana’s political and economic clout within the West Africa sub-region and beyond. Blessed with beaches, world class nightclubs, restaurants and hotels, as well as recreational centres and an energetic entertainment industry, Accra has something for everyone.
Villa Monticello If you are looking for a private and lush place to sleep while in Accra, then the Villa Monticello boutique hotel delivers all the comforts you’d expect from a world-class luxury hotel. Villa Monticello offers an exclusive retreat that features 14 individually custom-decorated suites, each
designed to feel more like a home and less like a hotel. A stay at Villa Monticello comes with the perks of a tranquil swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and access to a dedicated luxury concierge service for those looking to have a deeper experience of Accra and the surrounding region. No. 1A Mankata Ave. Link, Airport Residential Area www.villamonticello.com
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Vienna City Beach Labadi Beach is also known as La Pleasure Beach and is the busiest beach on Ghana’s coast. Vienna City Beach is the hugely popular, super chic bar and restaurant and the perfect place from which to base yourself for an afternoon of beach relaxation: there are beach recliners, delicious seafood and great cocktails. Guests can also partake in the general activities on the beach which often include performances of reggae, hiplife, Playback, and cultural drumming and dancing on weekends and public holidays. There is also horse-riding and sand sculpting on the beach. www.consulgames.com
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Labadi Beach Hotel For those looking for more traditional hotel accommodation, Labadi Beach Hotel is a good pick. Located on the stretch of the popular Labadi Beach, the hotel is set amidst tropical landscaped gardens overlooking beautiful beaches. The pristine rooms and luxury suites each come with a private balcony, and the outdoor area features a sizeable swimming pool, with a smaller children’s pool and fountain. Guests can break some sweat at the gym, floodlit tennis courts, volleyball court or play table tennis. There are sauna and massage services available and the resort has two bars and a restaurant to choose from. www.legacyhotels.co.za/en/hotels/labadi
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Blessed with beaches, world class nightclubs, restaurants and hotels, as well as recreational centres and an energetic entertainment industry, Accra has something for everyone.
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+233 Jazz Bar and Grill
Melting Moments Melting Moments is a cozy café/patisserie in Labone and is a good place to go for a long brunch. There is also a good selection of light lunches and snacks served throughout the day. These include sandwiches, wraps, paninis, fajitas and salads as well as the more conventional chicken, chips and jollof rice. Drinks include smoothies, milkshakes and cocktails. 78/5 1st Norla Street, Labone
With a large terrace and live bands six days a week, the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill is the place to go for fab grills and great music. A great atmosphere and ample seating inside and out make it a popular Accra destination. The food – burgers, hotdogs, chicken, chips, kebabs and pork chops – is mostly off the grill, and the music varies between highlife, blues, jazz and sometimes hiphop on themed nights. Off Cantonments Road, 4th Lane, Osu
in the bar area. The menu is full of Italian staples like antipasti platters of smoky black olives, rich cheese, tender artichokes, full-bodied passatas and cured meats. Mains include tagliata with parmesan and rucola and of course, pizzas. Fourth Ln, Accra, Ghana +233 0247474007
Bella Roma Nicknamed Accra’s Little Italy, Bella Roma is a restaurant with DJ bars. Guests can choose between dinner in an indoor restaurant area, outdoor patio, or lounging on the banquettes S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 8 5
Rockstone’s Office Time to meet Accra’s party people! Rockstone’s Office is a bar/nightclub for Ghana’s young affluent and socialites. Resplendent with white leather sofas, guests can enjoy cocktails at the Django Bar or grills at the very relaxed outside terrace. There’s often live music on Wednesdays and it occasionally hosts several private parties and local celebrities. There’s also the Grand Papazz next door – a VIP only area. Osu Avenue Extension (Off Ring Road, behind Police Headquarters and Japanese Embassy), Accra
Maquis Tante Marie Maquis Tante Marie offers tasty Ghanaian and West African cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The menu is definitively African with authentic dishes predominantly from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire including tilapia and banku, nyama choma and fish yassa. There are two branches of MTM in Accra. The Accra Mall
branch mixes some African décor with the modern mall decor while the Labone branch is the most atmospheric with open-sided seating and tasteful bamboo furniture. The Accra Mall or 5th Norla Link, Labone
The Art Centre Before leaving Ghana drop by the Art Centre also known as the Centre for National Culture to pick up a bargain on crafts and souvenirs from Ghana. The main part of the market is full of stalls crammed with textiles, carvings, bags, clothing, instruments and jewelry, and the outdoor market holds interesting metal ornaments, drums, wood furnishing, antique pieces and leather goods. For some history, you can cross the road to the Kwame Nkrumah Monument to find out more about Ghana’s first president. 28th February Road, Accra Central
Ameyaw Debrah runs the blog www.ameyawdebrah.com S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 8 6
The Marina Mall For some last minute shopping before leaving the city of Accra, Marina Mall is located inside the Airport City area. With more than 45 outlets spread across three floors, Marina Mall features a mix of designer fashion brands, a kid’s entertainment area, a huge supermarket and a varied food court. Local Ghanaian fashion brands can be found here and include Daviva, ReneeQ and SO Aesthetic. The mall opens on Mondays – Saturdays from 10 am - 9 pm, and on Sundays and Holidays from 12 - 8 pm. Airport City www.marinamallghana.com
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Images courtesy of Michail Kontopyrakis
Sleeping out A new approach to luxury lodging proves it is possible to truly experience the wealth of diversity Africa offers international and local travellers. Words Kate White
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and relationships of trust are the glue that holds a country’s society together. These networks are crucial to growth in any economy but particularly in emerging markets.” The site has also won numerous awards, as well as being listed by CNN as one of 2014’s top start-ups to watch. The fourteen members of staff work together to, in the words of Jenson, “help travellers find and conveniently book cool places”. Now based in Mauritius, CTO Paul Schwarz has also joined and is building a team of world-class software engineers for the second phase of the project. From the budget conscious, to luxury some people can only dream of, the site is simple, easy to use and extremely popular. SleepOut is testament to the power of vision – if you can build it, they will come. www.sleepout.com
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Networks and relationships of trust are crucial to growth in any economy but particularly in emerging markets
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Images courtesy of www.sleepout.com
luxurious villa on a beachfront or a rustic mud hut in the mountains? Butlers on hand or not a soul in sight for hundreds of kilometres? Whether it’s browsing for a dream holiday in the distant future, or securing a bed for tomorrow night, Africa’s SleepOut website is the accommodation portal for travellers on the continent and in the Middle East. In 2011, enamoured with the beautiful homes on Lamu Island in Kenya, Johann Jenson and Ayako Bertolli started taking photos and uploading them to a website. They soon realised that an accommodation offering would fit brilliantly into the format that they had created. The site, similar to AirBnB, offers users thousands of destinations in over fifty African and Middle Eastern countries. Best of all, SleepOut provides an insider’s assurance. “[Travel consultants] are on the road everyday literally knocking on doors to spread the word to hosts on the benefits of using the SleepOut platform to rent their empty beds. Renting out your home is a very personal decision so it requires that we build a relationship of trust with our hosts,” says Jenson. The personal approach has paid off, with over 1,000 visits a day. Internationally, SleepOut has been recognised as a great example of an African business success story, specifically in the start-up and tech industry. “I’m very optimistic about Africa’s economic prospects,” Jenson says. Strategically the site has been developed around a flexible emerging market model. “I think education and building social capital will be key in transforming these economies. By social capital I mean the networks
The Fort - Lamu Kenya Hanley House - Lamu Island Kenya
Luxury Guest Room in Pretoria
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share/ invest
AIRCONDITIONER
SAMSUNG DVMS
Capturing and recycling heat Samsung's Digital Variable Multi Smart product recycles waste heat to warm water. Words Refilwe Boikanyo S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 9 2
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According to a study by the Environmental Defense Fund, more than half of the heat generated today goes to waste
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eat is precious. It’s a form of energy that pervades almost every aspect of our modern lives. But – from the air conditioners in our workplaces, the engines in our cars right through to the ovens in our homes – much of the heat that’s generated to power our tools is expelled into the atmosphere and wasted. In fact, according to a study by the South African Environmental Defense Fund, more than half of the heat generated today goes to waste. Now as climate change makes energy efficiency an increasing priority around the world, researchers are seeking ways of capturing this waste heat and transforming it into something useful like additional steam or electricity. Since Samsung Electronics is a global leader in high-tech electronics, digital media and delivering energy-efficient products to consumers, the company has also dedicated itself to this quest. Samsung specifically chose to look into ways of recycling the waste heat from air conditioners. The company realized that despite creating some of the most energy-saving air conditioners, there is still a huge amount of underutilized energy exuded by this product. Also if you think about it, every commercial building
has air conditioners to do one of two things: produce heat in winter or cool air in summer. Regardless of which of the two functions their air conditioners perform the byproduct of both is heat. After several years of research, Samsung finally developed an effective way of capturing and reusing this heat. Samsung’s solution is called the Digital Variable Multi Smart (DVMS) and it’s a new, innovative product that captures the waste heat spawned by air conditioners in commercial and industrial environments, and like a geyser, it uses it to heat water.
How it works The Samsung DVMS is a device that is built exclusively with and for Samsung technology. So large, commercial business must first purchase a compatible Samsung air conditioner. The DVMS is then attached to the air conditioner where it captures water, heats it and then pipes it through the company’s taps, essentially providing heated water for free. Michael Mckechnie, the divisional head of Samsung’s Digital Air Solutions says “many people say free, how is it free. But it is for free, because the air conditioner is running anyways and there aren’t any commercial buildings that
turn them off. So if commercial buildings were only turning on the air conditioners to heat the water, it wouldn’t be for free. But since air conditioners in commercial buildings run everyday of the year for 24 hours a day, it is free. So while a geyser needs electricity to produce heated water, the DVMS uses recycled waste heat.”
Business benefits Installing the DVMS might initially seem like a costly procedure, especially if the company has to purchase a new air conditioner, but it’s worth it. In addition to heat recycling being one of the most cost effective solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it can also provide a positive financial return to companies that deploy the technology. Mckechnie says “Globally there’s a drive towards energy efficiency. This quest for energy efficiency is primarily driven by cost and the need to be green. If you look at it from a commercial stance, businesses are looking to sharpen their pencils but they are also looking to be good corporate citizens. So the consistent market drive has always been how do we improve our energy efficiency, how do we improve our costs and how do we become greener. The DVMS enables companies to do all three.” S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 9 3
Economic Exploration Illustrations by Patrick Latimer
As risk stabilizes and returns increase, more and more funds look to invest in the continent; those in the know maintain Sub-Saharan Africa is the best open secret for private equity. Words Anthony Osae-brown
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Africa-focused private equity firms are currently attempting to raise a combined $17.5 billion to invest in Africa
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or investors that do not dare, Africa remains the Dark Continent. For private equity firms like Actis, one of the earliest investors on the African continent, Africa is the best kept investment secret. “I tell our investors that I think Africa is still probably the best-kept secret because we continue to make superior returns,” John van Wyk, Actis Head of Africa, told the Reuters Africa Investment Summit in April 2012 when the private equity firm announced its intention to invest $300 million annually in Africa. Actis, which has over 50-year history investing in Africa, already has a private equity portfolio of $1.5 billion deployed across different sectors in Africa. However, a lot more private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms are beginning to discover what Actis has known all this time. Last year Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) took the lead spot as the preferred investment destination for PE and VC firms in the latest annual survey by the “Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), jumping from 5th place position in the previous year’s survey. The EMPEA survey showed that nearly 54% of all private equity firms plan to begin or expand investment in Sub-Saharan Africa compared to 49% in Southeast Asia and 46% in Latin
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America excluding Brazil. Also Sub-Saharan Africa is likely to see the greatest influx of new private equity investors with 19% of private equity firms indicating their intention to begin investing in the region over the next two years, ahead of Turkey and Southeast Asia. About 60% of private equity firms expect to make returns of 16% or more in SSA, expectations only surpassed by the 68% of respondents that expect similar returns from Southeast Asia. Private equity firms are backing their interest in the continent with cash. Data from EMPEA shows that private equity firms raised US$922 million for investments in SSA in 2013 with actual investments standing at US$1.610 billion. Cumulative funds raised by the PE firms from 2006 to 2013 stood at $13.54 billion while cumulative investments from 2008 to 2013 period stood at $8.40 billion with 2013 witnessing the highest investment from PE firms since 2008. Also Mergermarket, the financial intelligence news service of the FT Group puts the amount of private equity deal flow into sub-aharan Africa at nearly $2.5 billion in the 12 months to July 2013, $200 million more than the $2.3 billion in the year to July 2012. The future of PE firm’s investment on the continent is even more optimistic with reports
that Africa-focused private equity firms are currently attempting to raise a combined $17.5 billion to invest in Africa, according to a report by Private Equity International’s (PEI’s) Research and Analytics Unit. Analysts point to Africa improving economy and slowdown in returns from developed and other emerging markets (BRICS) as driving private equity investment inflow into the continent. “Appetite has been picking up pretty steadily,” Kem Ihenacho, a partner at Clifford Chance said in a report by Private Equity International. The increasing appetite is seen in the influx of major players in the private equity space. In December 2013, Bob Diamond, former chief executive of Barclays Bank raised $325 million through his Atlas Mara Investment Vehicle, targeting the African financial sector. The fund surpassed its initial target of $250 million. Other major players include Carlyle which launched a sub-Saharan Africa fund of about $750 million with offices in Lagos and Johannesburg. Blackstone is also consolidating its investments in Africa while Helios has raised up to $900 million for investment in subSaharan Africa. Also Brazil’s BTG Pactual and London-based DVK Group both launched $1 billion for investment on the continent, while Korea’s KB Investment is planning a fund of $880 million. Switzerland’s Vital Capital Investments is also looking to raise $500 million to invest on the continent. Current estimates by PEI Research and Analytics Unit are that there are a
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The economic growth story of Africa in the last decade is the envy of the world
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New investments are increasingly targeting growth SMEs in consumer-driven sectors
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minimum of 56 Africa-focused funds on the market looking at investment opportunities on the continent. “Africa is the name of the game nowadays,” Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group told the media while announcing his plans to raise an African focused fund. “The region is the focus for many investors, and this is where the growth really is.” The economic growth story of Africa in the last decade is the envy of the world. The continent has overcome its anemic growth of the past to average above 5 per cent GDP growth rate in the last 10 years with seven of the 10 fastest growing economies globally, now on the continent. From a land of hunger, Africa is now a land of abundant opportunity. S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 9 8
The growth is breeding an expanding middle class base. A report by Ernst & Young, estimates that the African middleclass has hit 330 million, about 34% of Africa’s population, representing an increase of more than 60 percent within a decade and can now boast of a middle class the size of India. Another report by accounting firm Deloitte forecasts that the African middle class will hit 1.1 billion by 2060 making up 42% of the population. The significance of the middle class is in their potential to create consumer demand and drive economic growth in the process. A McKinsey report estimates that Africa’s consumer economy could be worth US$30 trillion by 2025. But it is not just the expanding economy that is driving the PE influx. More countries
on the continent are also more politically stable now. For example, according to the EMPEA survey, only 36% of respondents indicated political risk as a concern for them in sub-Saharan Africa, a reflection of the increasing political stability on the continent. Analysts also attribute the increasing interest by PEs to the increasing number of PE firms with a track record on the continent. Other factors, according to the EMPEA survey include “stronger demographics, higher growth rates, growing consumer markets, inter-emerging market trade linkages, underinvestment and lack of competition.” The 2013 Africa Private Equity Confidence Survey by Africa Assets, a Kenyan based research and consulting firm points to where PE firms are
directing their funds across Africa. “New investments are increasingly targeting growth SMEs in consumer-driven sectors. There is activity across infrastructure, real estate, health care, agribusiness and green energy” according to the survey. In terms of economic sectors, financial services, manufacturing and industrials, and agribusiness were the top three sectors attracting investments from PEs. However other key sectors in order include technology, real estate and construction, retail and trade, tourism and hospitality among others, the Africa Asset report shows. The Africa Assets data shows that West Africa attracts the most number of private equity deals followed by Southern Africa then Eastern and Central Africa in that order. The top three countries
in deals were Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa in order, accounting for 45% of all deals on the continent in 2012 though lower than 61% of deals controlled by the three countries in 2011, an indication that PEs are beginning to spread their investments across the continent. Ghana with its fast growing economy and Ivory Coast with the return of political stability are expected to witness increase PE activities. Nigeria, with its expected emergence as Africa’s largest economy following the rebasing of GDP, is also expected to see increased PE activity along with traditional playgrounds like Kenya. Ethiopia is also said to be strong on the PE radar but its prospect is hampered by the threat of political instability in South Sudan while PE funds
are closely watching Uganda to see the exploration of crude oil. Tanzania’s fast growing economy and Rwanda’s post-genocide economic recovery and ease of doing business will also be a big attraction to PE investments. “I would focus on core sectors which are in a position to take advantage of the growing middle class within well governed and populous countries and regions,” says Ashley Bendell, a consultant on African Capital Markets. “The countries to focus on provide strong government partnership opportunities and a large population and regional integration. These include Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast in West Africa, Kenya in East and Central Africa as well as Ethiopia, Zambia and Mozambique.” S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 9 9
Business leader:
Samuel Mensah
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Samuel Mensah Jr. is an Oxford graduate with an MA in Economics and Management. The former Africa Director for Intel Capital gave up a career advising everyone from the African Union to financial institutions and governments in order to form the startup Kisua, an online African fashion portal. Here, he tells S14 what it's like to work in Africa, what success means, and why goats are so important. Age: Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyway. Title: Founder and CEO of Kisua.com, African fashion online store. What do you do? I make women happy. Kisua delivers beautiful African fashion pieces to the doors of women around the globe. We provide global customers with access to African fashion and create international opportunities for African fashion designers who will otherwise not be able to reach these markets. Do you consider yourself successful? Not yet. In my culture a man is not considered successful if he doesn’t have a wife or children. I have promised my mother that one day I will find the time to be successful.
Image by Brett Rubin
What does success mean for you? Listing Kisua on the Lagos, Johannesburg and New York stock exchanges (in addition to the cultural requirement for a wife and children, of course).
If you didn't do what you do, what would you do? Be a farmer or a fisherman (like my ancestors before me; they were very happy people). Is there a skill to doing business in Africa? Business principles are universal, but local knowledge and networks are vital. The nuances of doing business in Nigeria are quite different from The Congo or South Africa. You ignore those nuances at your peril. If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be to make as many friends you can learn from, in as many African countries as possible. What is the African edge? The ability to make a plan in any situation. Through all your years working with investments in Africa is there a particular instance you thought "only in Africa"? Of course, I am continually amazed by the ingenuity and versatility of the people of this beautiful continent. Africans possess the ability to adapt solutions to their environment. In the past it used to be things like using a motorcycle
to transport a goat. These days African entrepreneurs are using the same kind of ingenuity to build multi-million dollar enterprises that create economic opportunities and wealth in their communities. What advice would you give a new business looking at entering the African space? Do your homework but don’t take too long or someone else will snap up the opportunity. What tools maketh the man? i.e. when meeting a business associate for the first time what do you look for to help form an opinion - his watch? shoes? tie? I notice all the adornments but pay particular attention to the handshake, the smile and the eyes. A strong handshake, a good smile and honest eyes will get you very far in Africa. Do you have fun? All the time. I love what we do at Kisua, making women happy. How do you celebrate a big deal? Steak on the grill, champagne and some African brewed beer with friends and plenty of reggae music.
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Africa CONNECTED
It’s almost impossible to imagine the world without the web. In existence for only 25 years, today the internet serves as so much more than a research tool, connecting and inspiring billions of people from all over the world. Google’s latest enterprise, Africa Connected launched in 2013. The competition asks African entrepreneurs, creatives, innovators and web-lovers to share stories of how the web has transformed their lives.
Eunice Namirembe The Medical Concierge Group Kampala/Uganda The Medical Concierge Group attempts to help communities that have been deprived of quality healthcare and health information in Uganda. Eunice, a Ugandan physician, has built a 24 hour accessible ambulance call centre to improve access to S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 0 2
health care services by using the Google API dashboard and Google Maps to record patient information and track patient locations. By using these tools, Eunice and her team are able to help connect more Ugandans to medical services at a faster rate therefore helping to save lives. www.tmcg.co.ug
Nqobizitha Mlilo Nafuna TV Harare/Zimbabwe Nqobizitha is an animator and film maker in Harare who runs a studio called Nafuna TV. He uses YouTube to distribute his animation and video content online to reach his target audience. By doing
this he is able to give people in his home country and those beyond an alternative form of entertainment not found on traditional channels. www.nafuna.tv
Eseoghene Odiete Hesey Designs Lagos/Nigeria Eseoghene started her own accessories business right out of university. She used Google search and YouTube to learn how to create handbags, and via search found contacts for blogs and magazines to feature her products. Her bags, which she now sells through her business website, have been featured in over 100 blogs.
Helping others create a source of income, Eseoghene also conducts training classes for other women who want to learn her trade and build a similar business for themselves. Her dream is to build her business into an international brand that promotes African designs. www.heseydesigns.com
Eric Obuh Vocal Slender Lagos/Nigeria Eric (aka Vocal Slender) started out working as a scavenger digging through dump sites to find scraps to sell, so that he could pay for studio time to record his music. He was first discovered by BBC for a documentary called “Welcome to Lagos� and his clip of the documentary was shared on YouTube through which he became known across the world. Since the documentary, Eric has recorded several
songs, which he distributes on his YouTube channel opening his music up to a new audience. To give back to the community he comes from, Eric uses Google+ and YouTube to raise awareness of underprivileged youngsters in the slums of Lagos. He started a charity that raises funds for scholarships and encourages kids to stay in school. www.vocalslender.net S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 0 3
Cristopher Panford Technol Services Accra/Ghana Christopher runs a transport company enabling drivers in Ghana to gain access to loans to buy cars, which they use to earn a living. He uses Google Maps in his vehicle tracking devices to constantly monitor
the location of vehicles under bank loans. This gives the banks assurance that cars and loans are always protected, and enables Christopher to empower more drivers.
Timothy Maguire Grace Communion International South Africa Timothy travels to the rural areas of Mozambique, a country ravaged by civil wars for many years, to provide people in remote villages with access to clean drinking water. This is critical for disease prevention and decreasing infant mortality. Timothy is unable to speak Portuguese,
Steve Kyenze Uweza Slum Gallery Nairobi/Kenya Steve runs a gallery in Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya. He works with poor children, teaching them how to sustain their lives with art. He nurtures their talent, helps them sell their paintings, and gives the funds to their parents for school fees. Steve uses
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Google search to find inspiring images, which the children can use to develop their own paintings. Paintings done by the kids are displayed on the gallery website, from where buyers can purchase them. www.uwezakenya.org
which is widely spoken in Mozambique. He uses Google Translate to communicate with the communities he works with. By copying emails and text messages sent to him by project managers into Google Translate he is able to read and respond to his colleagues to get the work done. www.gci.org
Mayowa Adegbile Ashake Foundation Abuja/Nigeria Mayowa used YouTube to post an appeal in order to raise funds for her initiative, a business school for widowed mothers, giving them the tools to make a living and support their families. Through Google Alerts she is able to keep track
of news and information that she uses to inform and support the women in her care. With her use of the web she is helping to change lives and give the people who need it a second chance in life. www.ashakefoundation.org
Lamine Mbengue SenegalTV Dakar/Senekal Lamine is the creator of Senegal TV, a web TV channel targeting Senegalese people abroad who want to connect with home. Senegal TV is growing to become one of the largest creators of content for the web in Senegal. As a young boy, Lamine mastered the art of storytelling; he comes from a long line of ancestral storytellers (Griot) in Senegal, a rich tradition
he is now able to share with the world online through YouTube. He also monetizes his web content on YouTube through Google Adsense, thus providing revenue that enables him employ local youth. In the future, Lamine plans to grow the number of his employees and to train traditional journalists in Senegal on how to use the web. youtube.com/user/senegaltv
Sitawa Wafula My Mind, My Funk Nairobi/Kenya Sitawa is an influential blogger on mental health in East Africa who used her award winning blog as a source of reference for people looking for support and information on the topic. Sitawa aspires to build a
resource centre where people that have mental health issues can gain access to information online and all the help they need to manage their conditions. www.sitawa.blogspot.com S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 0 5
Nelson Mandela A Conversation
“Your abundant reserves of love,
simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality and justice continually served as a source of enormous strength to me and so many millions of people
“We’re the generation that has experienced the most freedom. We will thank the leaders like Mandela with our successes.” Boitumelo Makoea, Economics student
around the world.” Ahmed Kathrada, Fellow political prisoner
“He put a country on “God was so good to us in South Africa
the road to healing.”
by giving us Nelson Mandela to be our
Achille Mbembe,
President at a crucial moment in our
Cameroonian writer
history. He inspired us to walk the path of forgiveness and reconciliation and so South Africa did not go up in flames. Thank you God, for this wonderful gift who became a moral colossus, a global icon of forgiveness and reconciliation.” Desmond Tutu, Archbishop emeritus
“A source of inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world. [Mandela’s] death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent.” Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria
“He created hope where there was none.” Andrew Mlangeni, Fellow political prisoner
“The task for leaders and citizens alike is to dare to follow his example.”
“I wept, because he is my hero. He is someone who
Kofi Annan,
is very important for all
Former United Nations Secretary-General
humanity but particularly for we Africans.”
“He was like water, when it is spilled, there is no more.” Jorge Atar, Maputo resident
“He was the story we told our children when we needed them to be brave.” Ma Nonkululeko Khumalo, South African mother
Youssou N’Dour, Musician
A day in the life of Thierry Boulanger S14 uncovers the everyday workings of Samsung's Director of IT and B2B Solutions Africa I don’t have typical days. I am fortunate that I travel throughout Africa regularly. I sometimes visit more than two or three countries during one trip so it would be strange to have a typical day. Cultures, people, languages ensure that I have a different experience regularly.
in airports waiting for delayed flights and my phone has been a good source of entertainment as well. So I use it for both productivity and entertainment purposes.
I like getting up early so between 05:00 and 05:30 I am up. I enjoy watching the sun rise. It gives me time to plan my day.
There is nothing better than waking up in the bush. I enjoy the tranquility and the serenity it offers. When I’m in town, I do enjoy biking. I drive a single cylinder thumper that makes more noise than anything else.
When I travel, I have lunch with customers in different countries or our Samsung team in different countries. You learn so much from a nation when you eat with them. I feel lost without seeing my wife for long periods. So the way I bridge that is I skype with her regularly when I travel. I use my handsets naturally when I video conference or text but more importantly to stay in touch with the office. E-Mail, presentations, etc are ongoing. I have spent many hours S 1 4 Q 0 1 P 1 0 8
My favourite apps are social networks, BBC news and News24.
Achievements are progressive. What I achieved ten years ago would not be relevant today. What I will still achieve will be more relevant than anything I achieved previously. I think the challenge is to strive to achieve more and more as you have to stay relevant. My biggest challenge has been to set up distribution and reseller channels throughout Africa at a time when Africa was not seen as a growth mar-
ket. Even today, I still see the results of this in the market. It was also a time when no one wanted to travel throughout Africa. The partnerships I made during this time are still in existence today. I love my job as I’m able to use my experience and knowledge to provide solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives in Africa. As the lead for B2B, I have seen what is required in the field of education and health and I have been part of a team that has successfully addressed these challenges. I was very privileged to meet Nelson Mandela at his home in Qunu. I was simply inspired by his presence, his aura and his immensely strong character. One realizes the grandeur of this person by listening to him. This is true leadership. There is no point in looking back and saying, I wish I had done this or that. I have no regrets so far.
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