#10: Shining The Lights on East Africa by Inspire Afrika

INSPIRE AFRIKA

MAGAZINE # 10 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

SHINING THE LIGHTS ON EAST AFRICA

Mayang Reath and his Helping Humanity Project The Incredible adventure of Andrew Mupuya Mawano Kambeu An Example of Successful Failure Stride Africa Unisex Fiona’s Sandals Discover the flavours of Feed Green Ethiopia in 4 Questions Foculture At The Heart of Drums

SOKO

THE BUSINESS CREATING A LINK BETWEEN LOCAL ARTISANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

EDITORIAL SHINING THE LIGHTS ON EAST AFRICA It can boast on being the location of the infamous Kilimanjaro Mountain, one of the continent’s strongest symbols. This region of Africa consisting of approximately ten countries is definitely not lacking in versatility. Sometimes characterized by wars and conflicts, the area is also boisterous, booming and bustling with tourism, history, innovation, art and great athletes. There is always a reason to fantasize about East Africa. Truth be told, the countries of this region are some of the most innovative on the continent. I’m sure you recall the Kenyan platform USHAHIDI from our 7th issue. The platform is a revolutionary website dedicated to collect testimonies of violence all over the world and list them on Google Maps. Well, USHAHIDI is just the tip of the iceberg... Despite the innovative trend, the essential issue in minds of most remains: Can technological advancement reach an acceptable level of local consumption? It has been understood that answering to immediate needs while being modern is one of the radical solution to become a real developed area.

Our guests this month are « wabunifu » that aim straight for that goal. If the government has decided to ban the use of polythene bags, let’s find an ecological alternative... with Andrew Mapuya p. 24. Are local artisans being ripped off by international trade laws? Let’s find a way to bring them the help they deserve through fair trade...with Catherine Mahugu p.10 Are refugees being abandoned and left to their own once outside their country? Well, let’s challenge governments and show them the example through lobbying... with Manyang Reath Kher p.16 Each of these entrepreneurs has understood that the continent is edging at a turning point. It’s time to be GREAT, it’s time to be BOLD, and it’s time to DARE! Soma Salama! Have a good read! Joan Y.

CONTENTS P . 6 - INSPIR’ NEWS

P . 8 - COUP DE CŒUR Mawano Kambeu, an example of Successful Failure P . 10 - INSPIR’ INTERVIEW SOKO or The Business Creating a link between local Artisans and the International Market P. 15 - DARE TO INSPIRE Focus on the horn of Africa P . 16 - INSPIR’ ASSOCIATION Helping Humanity Project P . 20 - INSPIR’ START-UP Fiona’s Sandals P . 24 - INSPIR’ CAREER The incredible adventure of Andrew Mupuya P . 26 - 4 QUESTIONS À Feed Green Ethiopia P . 30 - FOCULTURE At The Heart of Drums

INSPIRE AFRIKA SEPTEMBRE / OCTOBRE

INSPIRE AFRIKA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Murielle Yombo

MAGAZINE # 10 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER

SHINING THE LIGHTS ON EAST AFRICA

SOKO

THE BUSINESS CREATING A LINK BETWEEN LOCAL ARTISANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

GENERAL DIRECTOR Chrys Eve Nyetam EDITOR ASSOCIATE Amma O. Aburam WRITERS Joan Murielle Yombo, Chrys Eve Nyetam, Amma O. Aburam, Anita Bakal PUBLIC RELATIONS Opemipo Akisanya, Ivan Nyetam GRAPHICS AND ILLUSTRATION Raphaël Kalinowski

INSPIR’NEWS

01 / ASUS IS TARGETTING THE KENYAN MARKET

The computer company ASUS announced last August his will to increase its market shares in Kenya. It will therefore introduce three new lines of laptops: Zenbook Ultrabook Touch, G-series and Taichi convertible Ultrabook. An intensive marketing campaign was launched last August to commercialize these new ASUS products.

02 / FASHION IS ABOUT CELEBRATING AFRICA

The clothing brand 54 Kingdoms launched The ANANSE COLLECTION last month.

This collection is a selection of original pieces to celebrate the history of Africa through fashion. In the African imagination, ANANSE is a spider heroine often appearing in children’s stories. Through this character, the brand is celebrating the strong African oral tradition.

03 / AFRICAN FESTIVALS

Are you a music lover? Are you crazy about concerts? Are you dreaming about a music festival such as the Coachella, the Glastonbury or the Rock en Seine in Africa? If yes, open your eyes, not only because this type of music festivals exist, but also because you will soon have on your screen (television or computer) a show about the journey of those involved in cultural events. The “Fest Gurus” team will take you to Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and everywhere else. Their goal? Unite young people and provide a new type of entertainment in Africa. 6

04 / IROKO IS NOW ON AMAZON

Now you can watch your Nollywood movies on DVD. iROKOtv put at its fans disposal an Amazon store where they can purchase their favorite movies for 4$ each (without shipping). The brand also reminds us that it has more than 136 stores in London and is planning on opening more stores in the UK and in Europe.

05 / SOL, THE SOLAR COMPUTER

Working 10 hours with a computer with no battery will soon be possible thanks to SOL. Developed by the Canadian company WeWi Telecommunications in partnership with Intel for developing countries, this computer will be running under the Operating System UBUNTU. It will be possible to equip it with a satellite module, which will allow users to connect wherever they will be. Ghana has been chosen to launch this solar rechargeable laptop that will cost around 350$.

For more news follow us on : • Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/inspireafrika • Twitter : https://twitter.com/InspireAfrika • Blog : http://inspireafrika.blogspot.fr

INSPIR’FAVOURITE

MAWANO KAMBEU AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL FAILURE

We all love REAL entrepreneurs. Especially those who have failed, got up and done it again countless times until they made it. After all, failure is a right of passage for any great risk taker. Meet Mawano Kambeu, a self confessed serial entrepreneur. After countless attempts to strive in the music production industry and many failures, he decided to pick up the pieces and venture elsewhere. It all began in Zambia, where an 18 years old boy believed he could change the world. He believed he belonged to one of those up and coming youth that could change his country. He wasn’t wrong but soon the realities of his home caught up to him and the lack of opportunity led him to pursue his musical dreams in the US. Little did he know that another harsh reality was about to hit. That America was not a magical land where dreams came true instantly or where money grew on trees. He found himself sleeping on couches and working multiple jobs to get by but in 2003 he started his business in music management. Four years later in 2007, his business came very close to being what he had always dreamed. As a lover of arts and music, he worked hard in managing musicians and was slowly gaining reputation through his talent and creativity. His big break was going to be a deal with EMI

music, signing on his artist JK. JK was a renown Zambian musician at that time and was drawing the attention of the likes of Akon, Bad Boys, Def Jam and Atlantic Records who discussed signing him with Mawano. Unfortunately, the deal fell through for various reasons. A second disappointment was to come with a deal with a group of South African entertainment management team who wanted to bring Kanye West to South Africa for the first time. Mawano was asked to help bring the project to life but Kanye West’s team got a better deal. Sheer bad luck you could say. But Mawano never gave up. He came very close to sealing a deal for the Zambian version of American Idol, “Star search”. The producers of the show were looking for someone with Zambian roots, already linked with the international scene. He was perfect for the job as he was already managing JK internationally. However, they turned him down discarding him as a “Mwaiche”, meaning «the kid». This one was a tough blow because despite being only 24 he packed more experience and ambition than the people that were chosen for the project.

Finally, Mawano decided that maybe the music industry was not for him after all. It is the bravest thing an entrepreneur can do. To admit defeat, let go of an idea, pick up the pieces and venture into something else. After four years of hard work and nothing to show, he took away the important lesson that in entrepreneurship, failure is always a gain. It means better and more skills acquired for future ventures. It turns out Mawano was right to let go of this first dream because better things were yet to come. Today he is founder of Dot Com Zambia, an online shopping website for Zambians and Zed Football Millionaire, a sports entertainment company that specializes in online English Premier League and Zambia Super League competitions. He is currently an Investment Manager for prudential financial, one of the largest financial companies in the world and prior to that worked as a Sales Director, wholesaling investments to Wall Street stockbrokers. All this, while running his successful businesses. So Mr. Kambeu, we can agree is a wholesome and well-accomplished man but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get there without a lot of hard work and many failures. Amma Aburam

INSPIR’INTERVIEW

SOKO: THE BUSINESS CREATING A LINK BETWEEN LOCAL ARTISANS AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET.

Bringing African artisan’s work to the world through a mobile to web platform. This is the mission that Catherine Mahugu, Ella Peinovich and Gwen Floyd had in mind by founding SOKO –marketplace in Swahili – a women operated company founded in 2011. With a team of 13, SOKO is growing rapidly and aims to be the first virtual marketplace where “consumers have access to beautiful products previously unavailable on the international market.” Catherine Mahugu, founder and director of technology and innovation at SOKO tells us more about this new kind of peer-to-peer business. Inspire Afrika : If I say SOKO ? Catherine Mahugu : I will say women empowerment because we, the 3 co-founders had a similar vision on this. We saw the disconnection between the rich cultural craft that the local artisans make, especially women, and the monetary value that they got from the sale. This problem was due to the middlemen who pockets most of their profits. The main goal of our company was to remove the middlemen and make sure that the majority of the profits go to the artisans. When we started out we named the company “SasaAfrica” and changed the name to “SOKO”. Soko means marketplace in Swahili, the national language of Kenya. Soko’s peer to peer technology revolutionizes the way developing market artisans connect with consumers worldwide. Soko’s new platform creates an online marketplace for vendors in Kenya to access consumers in the US. Soko’s mission is to create the first online marketplace where international consumers can buy goods directly from artisans around the world. With our tools any artisan can participate in the global marketplace, becoming a driver of social and economic development in their community. This is our core mission, and we changed our name from SasaAfrica to Soko to reflect and celebrate this directly during our launch. 10

I.A : How did the idea come to you? C.M : Sokoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inception was a result of a collaborative effort from three women Ella Peinovich, Gwen Floyd and I, Catherine Mahugu. The Founders developed the idea for Soko when working in the informal communities of Nairobi and other global cities. We recognized that, due to a costly and inaccessible export supply chain, vendors receive just a fraction of the potential profit that could be earned if the tools and opportunity existed for women to competitively enter the global marketplace as independent entrepreneurs. Ella and I developed the user interface and experience for the mobile phone tools then piloted and iterated the tools with artisans around Nairobi. Gwendolyn Floyd came on board that Summer in 2011 to grow the tools into a business.

After purchase we have quality control checks and tracking tools that facilitates an effective and efficient delivery of the products to the U.S consumers. I.A : What do you think is your competitive advantage? C.M : SOKO provides artisans and entrepreneurs in the developing world with our proprietary mobile technology. The technology enables vendors to sell their goods directly to global consumers through their personal mobile phones without need of a computer, bank account or access to internet. Our innovation leverages existing communications technology and infrastructure to pioneer a completely new marketplace, giving vendors and global craft consumers unprecedented access to one another. This new marketplace revolutionizes the way money and goods are exchanged during international trade, creating economic opportunity and increased profits for vendors, and savings for consumers. I.A: Talking about trade, why did you choose to first ship to the USA?

I.A : is mainly about connecting Kenyan artisans to potential buyers. How do you select the artisans? C.M : We have a vendor outreach team locally that is in charge of looking for vendors to recruit to our platform. We have two platforms that we provide to our vendors for registration 1.They can use our SMS and MMS joint code to register as a vendor, and once they do so, they can add their products. 2.They can also register through our android application that we developed recently. From the metadata that we receive from the above platforms. We display their amazing one of a kind products on our e-commerce platform, www. shopsoko.com. This gives the vendors access to a global market that they did not have before. 11

C.M: The favourable policies between African countries and the U.S.A was one of the main reasons for choosing to ship to the U.S market. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) promotes business growth and increases trade both regionally and to the U.S.. As a result, creates a better business environment leading to increase of micro entrepreneurs to the global market. However, due to increase demand to provide our platform to the European market. We want to tap into that market and leverage on similar policies like the AGOA act. This will lead to a win -win scenario for the consumers and artisans I.A: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk about SOKO through numbers. C.M: We have over 250 artisans that we were able to recruit in less than two weeks. However, that number has exponentially increased due to the local and international exposure that we have had. Due to the demand, we plan to adapt our

SOKO also has an environmental implication in its community

technology platform accordingly to cater for a larger vendor market base. Since our public launch in April 2013 we have been able to generate attract of thousands of consumers to our site all over the world besides the U.S Market. I.A: Do you think this Peer-to-Peer business model is adapted to developing countries? C.M: Yes, most of these artisans work in risky informal market place. Women street vendors who sell in open-air informal marketplaces are threatened with a range of problems due to this. The artisans are only able to sell small quantities of their products l due to the inconsistent local market place. I.A: What is the social impact that your business has on the community? C.M: Our social impact is 3 fold – reduce vocational health risks, fostering microenterprises for poverty alleviation, and close the global digital divide. Over the next 3 years, our projected impact is 18,000 micro-enterprises registered, 7,200 new mobile phone users, 37% risk reduction in the health. Our mission is to increase access to economic

opportunity for women in the developing world to improve their livelihoods. If these women are provided the tools to build micro-enterprises and access global consumers, they will be economically empowered. A woman is still 23 per cent less likely than a man to own a phone in Africa. By extending the benefits of mobile phone ownership and Internet access to women, a number of social and economic goals can be achieved. I.A: What’s in the company’s future? C.M: Dans les années à venir, nous comptons ouvrir We will grow into new markets once we have successfully launched, optimized, and scaled within Kenya. We have laid the groundwork for expansion into three new markets in SubSaharan Africa starting early 2014.. Soko has planned to expand vendor access for microenterprises in Kenya over the next year, and subsequently plans to expand to 17 countries in Africa (starting with Tanzania and Ghana), to Asia (India) and to Latin America (starting with Mexico). The initial consumer launch is planned for the US, with potential to scale globally. We will pursue aggressive vendor recruitment in 2013. To grow our vendor network , we have a proven vendor recruitment strategy, that 12

leverages trust networks to grow sustainably. We will forge a new market niche with the vendors selling to thousands of customers around the world. By 2015, SOKO is expected to connect over 18,000 vendors from developing regions to global e commerce and help them to gain access to formal banking. By then, we will have changed the face of international trade to be more distributed, equitable, and women-driven. More info on http://shopsoko.com/ Mireille Bakal

DARE TO INSPIRE FOCUS ON THE HORN OF AFRICA East Africa is often thought of as a scar, a scar on the face of the continent, which has experienced its fair-share of famine. According to recent numbers, 260 000 people died of hunger in east Africa between October 2010 and April 2012.

Marylène Owona for Oser L’Afrique

But East Africa has surprising attributes that are far from the image it has been plastered with. Some industry giants are very much aware of this: IBM has launched a cognitive analysis project in Nairobi; Google supports making Kenya a country for high foreign investment. The growth of the countries in the region is as diverse as diverse as the countries themselves. Mot of the growth is driven by the raw materials industries but the resources are also attracting many other sectors.

FRUITFUL TOURISM About 4 million tourists visit East Africa every year. The tourism sector is being organised such that in the short run that number can be doubled. With the various situations, such as in Rwanda, the preservation of the eco system and the local populations from the side effects of tourism is important. INNOVATION Innovation in the production system of Angola is the theme of the next competition organised within the country. The goal? To promote a scientific and technologic entrepreneurship culture. In addition to this, credit funding by banks for small and average companies has been facilitated by the government, with one thing in mind: innovation. In East Africa, just as in anywhere else in Africa, the strive for constructive and impactful creativity is trending. The youth have little resources and even with the arrival of multinational corporations, their participation profits only a margin of the population. Success will then come only from those capable of observing and satisfying the simple needs of those directly surrounding them. The little resources and access that the majority has should no longer be a roadblock to setting up small and creative programs. DARE Success will come to those who will dare to be the starting blocks and grab the opportunities related to the international involvement of the region. The sense of optimism that is emerging from the growth of Africa and also from the tradition of creativity is the strength that the African youth must draw from in order to lead by example. There is another story in East Africa today, it is up to it’s youth to tell this story loud and proud, to take it beyond it’s borders. It is up to the youth to rise to the occasion with the resources they have right now. There are about 26 million youth from the ages 15 to 24 in East Africa today and the exact amount of chances to succeed. The region is not only the cradle of humanity but also the new hope of the success of Africa. An Africa that DARES! 15

INSPIR’ASSOCATION HELPING HUMANITY PROJECT BY MAYANG REATH KHER

Helping 250,000 refugees is our longterm target

» 16

About two million people died as a result of conflict, famine and disease caused by the twodecade long war between Sudan and South Sudan. Over four million people were displaced – some of who found themselves in neighbouring Ethiopia including, Manyang Reath, who was evacuated to the Gambella region of Ethiopia in 1993.

The HHSP expanded its activities by adding photography and sewing programs. We work collaboratively with a local school that educates the community.

After a 13-year struggle for survival, he was able to relocate to the U.S., where he has resided since 2005 (then aged 16). Despite his relatively young age, Manyang has never forgotten his roots or those he left behind. In our conversation with him, he tells of his passion to help to feed the Sudanese people who are displaced in Ethiopia through his life-saving project, Humanity Helping Sudan Project. The Humanity Helping Sudan Project (HHSP) was founded by Manyang Reath in 2008 to help rebuild the lives of Sudanese refugees and to address the mass food shortages that plague the East African region. The HHSP combats these issues by funding vocational programs that teach the refugees how to become self-sufficient. The trades that have been set in place are fishing, chicken husbandry, water well repair, and farming programs. According to its founder, Mr. Reath, “during the summer of 2012, the HHSP expanded by adding photography and sewing programs. We also work collaboratively with a local school that educates the community.” The core aim of the Humanity Helping Sudan Project is to impact the 250,000 documented 17

Sudanese refugees. Since the addition of the HHSP’s community garden in the summer of 2011, they have been able to feed and house about 40,000 people. But as Mr. Reath points out “helping 250,000 refugees is still [our long-term target]” and he is confident that it is possible. The Sudanese refugees in Gambella, Ethiopia live within crowded refugee camps. In fact, they live on government-owned properties, which they have no equity in or possession of. Therefore, they have no inheritance or valuables to pass on to their legacy. This cycle perpetuates as children continue to be born into poverty. The HHSP exists to provide these refugees with their own land and trades that will elevate them to a higher standard of living. We were keen to understand the catalyst for the Humanity Helping Sudan Project. Manyang’s response is simple yet altruistic, powerful and inspirational, not only to Africans in the Diaspora but also to every human being: “I was allowed to come to America and escape poverty and war by good fortune and the grace of caring people. However, while enjoying a more serene lifestyle in America, I never forgot where I came from and the people still living there enduring hard times. Once I completed high school and attained a supportive network, I created the Humanity Helping Sudan

They were impressed by the HHSP’s community garden and exhibited it as an example of how to fight poverty in Africa

of the HHSP is to globally set an example of how poverty can be eradicated. Our goal is to help all of Sudan whether north or south. The birth of South Sudan has allowed for the demographics of both countries to be distinguished.” Characteristically, he always looks for the positives and never shies away from helping all Sudanese refugees, either north or south of the border.

Project to help my community escape poverty. I feel obligated to help those in need given that the same was done for me.” Indeed the HHSP and the Sudanese refugees have a monumental task, which would require cooperation by the governments of Ethiopia and South Sudan. When we asked Manyang about the response of both governments to his initiative, he was quick to point out that both the Ethiopian and South Sudanese governments have been very supportive of the HHSP initiative. He added, “I work closely with the Ethiopian government because only through them can I purchase and/ or lease Ethiopian land. Although the HHSP mainly operates in Ethiopia, when I travel to South Sudan, several governmental officials meet with me to discuss ways to improve the futures of the Sudanese people.” However, the ‘elephant in the room’ was how HHSP has been affected by the independence of South Sudan in 2011. Manyang acknowledges not only the change but also his determination to help his people and achieve the aims of his project remains unfazed. He reiterates, “The goal

The HHSP’s work has not gone unnoticed either; Manyang has received celebrity support from the likes of Beyonce Knowles and has been interviewed on CBS in May 20131. But he is most proud of the recognition of the HHSP by the African Union. He says enthusiastically, “While I was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the summer of 2012, the African Union invited me to speak about refugee awareness and socio-economic development. They were impressed by the HHSP’s community garden and exhibited it as an example of how to fight poverty in Africa. I still have an open line of contact with the African Union.” Yet, the wonderful thing about the HHSP is that it is accessible to everyone. Anyone who wants to get involved and help support a great cause can do so in various ways. As a reader and an Internet-savvy person, you can support the Humanity Helping Sudan Project by liking their Facebook page, following them on twitter, sharing the HHSP’s story to somebody willing to listen, volunteering at or attending a HHSP event, or donating on their website.

1 CBS Interview of Humanity Helping Sudan Project’s founder, Manyang Reath

No matter which medium of support the HHSP receives, they are incredibly thankful. After receiving a donation, they thank each donor and explain to them the impacts made by their generous contributions. In addition, they ensure accountability by ensuring that each HHSP trip to East Africa is photographed and video recorded to show the positive changes being made by way of contributions from the donors.

While enjoying a more serene lifestyle in America, I never forgot where I came from

So, if you are interested in supporting such a great organization, please visit their website at http://humanityhelpingsudanproject.org/sudan/ To cap a wonderful year and the rate at which the HHSP has grown in its relatively short existence, Manyang has been invited to lecture at the Nexus Global Youth Summit between July 24 and 27, 2013 at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York City. The HHSP is also planning to have a fundraising event tentatively slated for mid-October. Opemipo Akisanya

INSPIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;START-UP â&#x20AC;¨Whoever said entrepreneurship is only for the young ; carefree and only people with time are proven wrong by Fiona Orikiriza. A mother at age 27, Fiona is owner and founder of Stride Africa Unisex, a shoe company she founded while pregnant and quitting her job as a sales executive in an IT solutions company. She has a Bachelor degree in IT from the Makerere University and is currently studying law at the same university while running her successful business. From IT to shoe making to law, these are very interesting and varied transitions. We asked her how the transition from IT to shoe making that changed her life came along.

BEGINNINGS â&#x20AC;&#x153;The moving from IT to sandals was a choice I made after I became pregnant. I was doing a good sales job in IT software but as you know there is a lot of pressure in sales and in meeting targets. Since I felt I might not reach my targets, I knew I wanted an alternative.â&#x20AC;?

household. The trend today is that people have shoes for every occasion and her sandals fit a casual, comfortable look. Schools and universities are a huge market for her business, as students of all ages and sizes need comfortable shoes for school.

She initially had three ideas in mind: candle making, sandals and cushions but after weighing the pros and cons, she found shoes would be a more productive venture because of their constant and timeless necessity. She states that shoes are just like food and shelter: a must! And that shoes have gone from being a luxury for the rich to becoming a item budgeted for in every

BRANDING The name Stride Africa Unisex was carefully picked in order to convey the idea of the universality of her product. Fiona wanted something broad but specific and most importantly, non-gender discriminatory to label her shoes. Branding and getting her name out there simply came from 21

friends and family at first who through word-tomouth made her sandals known. It got more sophisticated as she began using her Google trader account to advertise. She also sells on eyetrader.com. Her interview on NTV also helped get her brand out there as well as her work with new vision publication websites and social media.

HOMEMADE QUALITY SANDALS S.A.U fabrique donc des sandales unisexes faites What are the shoes and her company really about? Stride Africa Unisex is a homemade brand for men and women. This also includes shoes for children. Fiona started the business on her own for about eight months with help from family and friends to get her name out there. However, two months after he birth of her baby, she knew she could use some help. She brought on board three of the guys that did her machine finishing. The team uses cotton belts for the straps of the sandals, a rubber like material they call a middle layer, nylon straps to hold the straps together, suede, a common leather lining for the top layer, glue, hard rubber and micro for the soles of the

sandals. All the products used are local. The sandals are manufactured with molds used to measure sizes and cut the individual pieces that are then clued together. The finishing machine is then used for the finishing touches. A big part of her sales are done in supermarkets and to individuals like family and friends who spread the news for her. She deems her sandals as different and ‘new to the eyes’. She states that even though there are many other fake products on the market, those that aren’t fake are expensive so her product bridges the gap by being smart, comfortable and durable but affordable. Her shoes also appeal to all people of all ages and sizes or as she puts it ‘ my sandals are timeless’

AMBITION In the long run, Fiona wants to be able to sell in the five countries of East Africa. Her advice to those who want to follow an entrepreneurship path is to identify a need, use all the resources around you and have a plan in order to satisfy it. She also advice that money will come somehow but it is most important to not sit around with an idea but instead to “consult, ask for advice and make sure to put it in practice because the sky is the limit.” Chrys Nyetam

INSPIR’CAREER

There is no age limit when it comes to business and entrepreneurship

His business is the first to create paper bags in Uganda and for three years running he has been endlessly awarded: the prize for Business Plan Writing Competition in 2011, the Anzisha prize and the African Leadership Institute Young Entrepreneur Award. Andrew Mupuya is a whirlwind and he has no intention of stopping there! An Entrepreneur beyond his years, he started when he was only 16 years old. The CEO of Paper Bags Limited tells us his story. How did the Yeli Paper Bags adventure begin? En 2008. Le gouvernement Ougandais envisage It all began in 2008. At the time, the Ugandan government was planning to ban the usage of plastic bags, the reason being to protect the environment. At the same time, I was facing financial difficulties that were harder and harder to manage. My parents were jobless, and I needed to pay my school fees and take care of our family’s needs.

ANDREW MUPUYA So I saw the government’s decision as an opportunity to seize, simply by starting to produce paper bags and going along with the idea of respecting the environment. Where did the funds for this project come from? I had the idea to gather used plastic bottles that I sold to a recycling company for $16. However, to start my business I needed $18, so I borrowed the needed $2 from my teacher at that time. You were an entrepreneur way beyond your years at just 16, what were your challenges? I was faced with many difficulties, but I think the hardest things to handle in the beginning were managing the financial aspect of the business, the difficulty in taking care of large orders, being able to juggle between classes and my microbusiness, the influence or criticism of others (peers, teachers etc) who did not believe in my project.

What was your worst experience in this adventure? The constant comparison between my product and the (much cheaper) price of plastic bags. People find it hard to evaluate the cost behind producing paper bags that is respectful of the environment.

Is it easy for a 16 years old to convince adult collaborators? I would say yes. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really have issues on that front. For me, there is no such thing as an age limitation in business and entrepreneurship. On the contrary, the younger, the better, as long as you love what you are doing, everything will work out. What would be your sole advice to our readers for building their business plan?* I will say exactly what you have no doubt heard before: a good business plan is established from the very beginning of a project, after a detailed feasibility study and good knowledge of the market in which you want to be established.

What was the best experience? Being able to create and produce a product that gets attention but which is above all useful. Do you think entrepreneurship is a gift? Of course not. We are not born entrepreneurs, we learn to become one. Any last words? I think that young Africans should more than ever before focus on entrepreneurship instead of looking for jobs within multinational companies. Basically, stop looking to be employed for a limited amount of time but rather work for themselves, there is no employment time limit when you work for yourself. By Joan Yombo

Visit Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company : http://yelipaperbags.com

4 QUESTIONS TO : FEED GREEN ETHIOPIA

DISCOVER THE WONDERFUL SPICES OF FEED GREEN ETHIOPIA While rummaging around in the Internet, we found Feed Green Ethiopia. A nice young start-up focusing on flavors, spices and food. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discover who and what is behind! 26

which we will be able to clean, maintain its quality, process and pack it. We manufacture our dry food items, undergoing the whole process from raw material to the end product. We try our best to ensure our products arrive fresh and keep their quality when they reach their destination. Can you introduce the Feed Green Ethiopia team?

What is Feed Green Ethiopia (What do you do, where, how, since when)? Feed Green Ethiopia plc is one of the leading spice export companies based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are registered and licensed as a private limited company by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Ethiopia. Feed Green Ethiopia Exports plc is engaged in producing, packing and exporting spices and Ethiopian dry food items. We export world known spices, such as pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and so on, but at the same time we are also engaged in exporting strictly Ethiopian food items, such as injera1 which is flat Ethiopian bread made of teff grain, then berbere spice blend, chickpea powder called shiro2 and many more other items which are commonly used in Ethiopian cuisine. We are known for our well-established international trades doing business all over the world. On one hand our world known spices are exported mainly to China, UAE, Pakistan, Vietnam and some African countries such as Nigeria and South Africa. While Ethiopian food items that we export are mainly imported by Ethiopians living abroad and supply some Ethiopian restaurants in USA, UK, Norway and Germany. Our products are shipped mostly from Djibouti’s port, if the order is in a significantly large quantity, while smaller amounts are shipped by plane from Addis Ababa. Our process includes buying spices from all parts of the country; the spices undergo a process in 1 Big crepe highly consummate in Ethiopia

2 Spiced chick-pea stew

Feed Green Ethiopia Exports plc was established in 2011 and it is owned by two Ethiopian entrepreneurs Senai Wolderufael and Eyob Woldegabreal, both under the age of 30. In the past 2 years our company has grown quite fast. We are, of course, very glad about its success although being successful means also having more work. Now, we are looking forward to expanding our business, to opening more stores in different parts of Ethiopia, employing more workers and also increasing the number of international trades. How do you involve local workers in the process? Almost all our workers that are involved in the operation aspect of the company are local employees. Spice production in Ethiopia belongs mainly to women. We cherish their hard work because our products’ quality depends upon them. Their traditional knowledge of spices and dry food items give us an advantage compared to our competitors. Our employees enjoy better salaries, health benefits, holiday bonuses and meals while on duty. As any business, we have high seasons and low seasons. In our high season, we employ a significant amount of contract workers who benefit from all our benefit packages except health insurance. As mentioned previously, Feed Green Ethiopia Exports’ employees are mostly women. With getting them employed and providing them regular income, we hope this strategy also contributes to gender equality in Ethiopia where many women are actually unemployed. We also have a foreign employee who is majorly involved in marketing and public relations. Her unique experiences help us understand international trade and the importance of the company’s public relations better.

Feed Green Ethiopia Exports’ employees are mostly women. We hope this strategy also contributes to gender equality in Ethiopia where many women are actually unemployed.

Can you tell us more about your charity program? Feed Green Ethiopia Exports plc tries to be as socially responsible as it possibly can. We believe we should give back to the community and this is one of the reasons why we started our charity program. Twice a year we make a donation to a local NGO with the aim of contributing towards a better tomorrow. We had a wonderful co-operation with Connected in Hope Foundation, which works in the area of empowering women and strengthening families. We also look forward to co-operating with Yay Girls Running Program1 and participating in the next run which is going to take place this autumn in Sulula, a small village close to Addis Ababa. Charity programs are more than just donating. It also gives us a chance to meet amazing people who are involved in it, they are a real inspiration for us and we are truly glad to have the chance to do this. Joan Yombo 1 The Yaya Girls Running Program is a NGO which aim to promote gender equality in Ethiopia

Want to order something ? Follow the link! https://www.facebook.com/ FeedGreenEthiopiaExports

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IT FOCULTURE

AT THE HEART OF DRUMS

is a powerful instrument, one that commands attention, breeds confidence and stares up emotions in those who witness it being played. Yes, drums come in many shapes and sizes. Real African drums are carved from scratch from a variation of trees to give them a specific tone, sound and personality. No two drums are ever alike. There is no other country that is living proof of the power of drums than Burundi. Known for its strong drum tradition, it has taken itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and talent for the instrument to the international stage.

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have taken their country’s drum centered culture and displayed this to the world with pride and expertise. This percussion ensemble from the tiny country has been performing worldwide since the 1960s. They have also recorded three albums, have appeared on soundtracks in various movies and influenced artists such as Bow wow wow1 and Adam and the Ants2. They inspired the creation of the WOMAD3 festival in 1982. A festival that put world music on the scene. Today they tour the world, performing in the most prestigious auditoriums in front of thousands of people from many cultures. They are living proof that African culture is exportable just as it is. Too often African culture is exported to the world but undergoes an “adaptation”. Take the fashion industry: African print is in but only when adapted to western patterns, cuts and shapes. We have never witnessed a model walking down the catwalk in a full on traditional African wax print wear, but think about it; would that not actually work in the fashion world? I believe many critics would embrace the bold, colorful, confident look of an African bu-bu or a traditional Nigerian headwrap. When it comes to African food, it is wide spread and appreciated by many but still has a lot more potential, it would certainly be as successful as Chinese or Thai food is, if exported and produced 1 Bow Wow Wow is an English 1980s New Wave band, created by Malcolm McLaren to promote his and business partner Vivienne Westwood’s New Romantic fashion lines. The group’s music is described as having an «African-derived drum sound». (Wikipedia) 2 Adam and the Ants was a British rock band active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. (Wikipedia) 3 World And Music Art And Dance

just as it is in Arica. The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi are a breath of fresh air in this sense. They have exported their much-loved culture of Burundi drumming intact, to the world with full success. But what is this culture really about you may wonder? Ancient Burundi drums were more than mere musical instruments. They were sacred objects for the purpose of ceremonial use and were only used in exceptional circumstances and according to specific rituals. Drumbeats basically represented all the major events of the country: enthronements, funerals of rulers or celebrating the cycle of seasons. There is also a strong relationship between drums and nature, so much that the drums announce the beginning of the agricultural year and the sowing of the Sorghum seeds to make Sorghum beer. The drums are also named after the concept of fertility. For example, ‘Amabere’, the pegs means breasts or ‘Umukondo’ the foot of the drum refers to the umbilical cord. In truth, the drums never lost their symbolic and ritualistic meaning. They remain a significant part of the Burundian culture. The flag of the nation holds a drum at its heart: the ancient Karyenda (represented by the circle at the center). It has a semi-divine status for the country. Legend has it that only the ‘mwami’ (ruler) could interpret the messages of Karyenda and turns them into rules governing society. This is why it was chosen as a symbol of the national flag when Burundi emerged from Belgian colonial rule.

The royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi are the very embodiment of the importance of drum culture in Burundi; they powerfully perform the techniques and traditions passed down from father to son for generations. The members of the group take turns playing a central drum, rotating skillfully throughout their breathtaking performances. In their country and on the world stage, they remain true to the specific cultural and symbolic representation of the drum performance.

If there is any way to conclude, it is simply to say that the Royal drummers are an example and inspiration for Africa. They are living proof that African culture can be taken to the world stage intact and still be embraced and highly appreciated without undergoing any form of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;adaptationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Amma Aburam

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Go admire the talent of Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7cCvzKMiVvs