#1: Inform To Inspire

INSPIRE Inspir’ Interview:

YETUNDE ODUGBESAN

Inspir’ Politics’ : HIRAM S. IYODI 4 Questions To: Inspir’ Start-Up :

VERONE MANKOU

GHUBAR Inspir’ Association : LAWA

FOCULTURE: Buried in style INSPIRE AFRIKA – FEBRUARY 2012

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SUMMARY

Page 3 EDITO Page 4 INSPIR’ ASSOCIATION: L.A.W.A Page 6 INSPIR’INTERVIEW: Yetunde Odugbesan

Page 12 Foculture: Burried In Style Page 14 INSPIR’POLITICS’: Hiram Samuel Iyodi Page 20 INSPIR’START-UP: GHUBAR

Page 22 4 QUESTIONS TO: Verone Mankou Page 24 The Future is Bright: Our Time is Now

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EDITORIAL

Dare to Initiate ‘The Youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity’. This statement boldly underlines the importance of youth in the dynamics of a Nation. Posterity is defined as the future generation or the succeeding generation. Put together it is the success of the generation to come.

Indeed the success of the generation to come is trusted into the hands of the youths of today who decide to take on responsibilities and become, through their actions, the main pathways of evolution and development within their country. One of the most effective ways for this purpose is to be present and take actions on the grounds or at least be interested in what is happening there. According to Unesco, 62, 86 % of African students who transferred in 2009 left the continent to go to Europe or the USA, both privileged destinations. However, let’s look at it this way: every year Africa looses the majority of it’s ‘brain power’ and talent to other already well developed countries; in the long run this cannot be good for the continent.

Inspire Afrika focuses on the young Africans within the African Diaspora or within the continent itself who DARE to take actions. They dare to innovate, dare to invest, dare to STAND UP. We are in the middle of a proclamation era: the present mindset is the questioning of the established order of how the world works. Therefore, we are strongly convinced that the rising up of Africa will be led by entrepreneurial minds. Instead of looking elsewhere for solutions, they will rise up and create these solutions themselves. Some, such as Hiram Iyodi Samuel (p.14) have long understood this idea and ran with it. It is with the desire to encourage and inform all those who are still hesitant to take that first daring step that we created this magazine.

In this first edition, you will discover the leaders of today and tomorrow in their respective fields. From Fashion with Sarah Diouf (p.20) to technological innovators such as Verone Mankou (p.22), they have all dared to inspire others. They see the brightness of Africa’s FUTUR. At Inspire Afrika, we stand for a new vision, new projects and a new Africa.

Enjoy.

Joan Y.

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INSPIR’ ASSOCIATION

L.A.W.A. “The time has come to stand up and build our countries” Faced with the lack of actions by the government

created.

institutions for sustainable development, Africa today has built up a variety of non-for-profit organizations which have fervently decided to contribute to change the social and economic state of the continent. Often created by youths concerned about the future of the continent, these organizations bring help to various sectors such as the education, health, agricultural or entrepreneurial sectors. It is with this perspective that Light and Water for Africa (LAWA) was

Founded in October 2009 by Privat Ndoutoume and Samuel Bito, the Light and Water for Africa (LAWA) association is one of the top associations that works for the development of the continent and whose driving force is ‘action on the grounds’. During the 2009/2010 school year, the association put in place a school support system for students in the 9th grade at the Tokoin High school in Togo. The goal of the program was to help students in preparation for their brevet exam: this program was indeed a success as a 100% of students signed up to the exam passed and obtained their diplomas.

As a PanAfrican association, LAWA doesn’t limit itself to just one country when it comes to its actions. During the year 2011 the association also made donations of medical equipment to Mali and Benin.

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INSPIR’ ASSOCIATION Aware of the power of unity, LAWA also works with George Malaika Association, whose aim is to take care of young Congolese orphans. Through this, the members of LAWA met Angele, a young Congolese orphan whom they have been supporting ever since so that she may grow up in a stable environment.

L.A.W.A also represents a unique vision: according to Bito: « a member of L.A.W.A is an active person that doesn’t only participate financially but who is also available to give his time and participate in the follow up of projects as they advance » The uniqueness of this association doesn’t stop here: while many associations depend only on exterior donations, LAWA is mainly dependent on the generosity of its members. Since 2009, Gladys Moth, Karl Lawson, Anne-Gaelle, Patrick Dima, Didier Tese and Franck Elias are those who have contributed to the establishment and financing of the association’s projects. However, outside donations are of course welcome when it comes to specific projects such as the gifts operation organized in November 2011.

LAWA sees a bright future. In 2012, the association will continue supporting the 9th grade students in the Tokoin High School in Togo and the little orphan Angele. New projects will be put into place: a program for digital education involving the installation of technological material to ensure the education of the inhabitants of the Mehe village in Benin.

C.E.N

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW

Yetunde A. Odugbesan and her gift of empowerment My first meeting with Yetunde Odugbesan was at the 10th anniversary event of the Applause Africa magazine in New York.

Awarded for being one of the 30 most outsanding Africans of the city, she was giving a thank you speech in front of about a hundred people gathered in celebration of one the events hosted in the name of "Africa rise up". Not only has she got beauty and natural charisma, Yetunde is also an excellent communicator. She had managed to command the attention of the audience like no other person before her. Her passion for Africa was beyond transparent through her words.

Yetunde is one of those people who effortlessly command attention. Born in the USA, she gradually climbed the ladder through her assertive entrepreuneurial mind and her love for the African continent.

Despite being predispositioned to become a leader through her natural talents, Yetunde has acquired the necessary experience that has made entrepreneurship her undisputed territory.

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW Inspire Afrika: You have an outstanding academic background with different degrees in many fields. When did you decide to focus on communication and leadership?

Yetunde Odugbesan: My degrees reflect my interests and are focused on international affairs, development and leadership. I am a Ph.D. Candidate (ABD) at Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers University. I have professional certificates from the United Nations Worldview Institute, an executive training program for business executives and professionals in the field of Global Business and International Affairs and from the Eagleton Institute of Politics in applied politics. I also received a master degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in International Law from Rutgers University. I received my bachelor degree in Journalism and Media Studies with a double minor in Organizational Leadership and African Studies from Rutgers University as well. I have always been interested in leadership and understand the importance of leadership development, so it has always been my focus very early on.

IA: You created a program called “Putting Your Best Self Forward”. What is it about?

Yetunde: Putting Your Best Self Forward was created to empower people especially young people - all over the world to be great leaders and to live a life of purpose, power and public services. It is also an online forum where I share tips, tools and advices on how to live your best life in all aspects.

IA: You are also the founder of Yetunde Global Consulting. Can you tell us about your company?

Yetunde: Yetunde Global Consulting is a management firm that specializes in leadership development and training organizational management, global business strategy for companies, firms, organizations and professionals. Its practical approach to effective leadership development, inspired actions and achieved results by also developing leadership competencies for young professionals and budding entrepreneurs.

At Yetunde Global Consulting, our vision is to raise the bar of excellence. Successful entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals and individuals know the importance of investing in leadership development. Our specialized and innovative coaching and consulting services represent a valuable investment in initiating changes today and realizing achievements tomorrow. They are designed for leaders and organizations with aggressive visions and ambitious goals. Its customized leadership training workshops and seminars offer a unique hand on approach to leadership development.

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW IA: what is the most important action undertook by Yetunde Global Consulting last year?

Yetunde: Some highlights were, working with Rutgers University Career Services providing workshops on leadership development, securing internships and resumé building for undergraduates. We also travelled to Nigeria to speak to hundreds of students at the University of Ibadan on leadership and how to effectively use it. We participate to the African Diplomatic Forum Women development in the areas of leadership organized by Columbia University, just to name a few.

IA: What are your goals for this New Year?

Yetunde: Continue to grow my client base for YGC globally and help on some humanitarian initiatives around the world. I’ve been appointed on various boards for non-profits and look forward to contributing my expertise and furthering their cause internationally….There is a lot in store for 2012.

IA: Why is it important for an entrepreneur to have a leadership and communication consultant?

Yetunde: People want to know how much of a good leader you are whether it is in your work place, school setting, business ventures and more…leadership is important to hone and have. People also want to see how good of a communicator you are: can you represent your company effectively? Can you express yourself in an articulate fashion?

Are you personable? These qualities if not honed or developed can severely leave you at a disadvantage and keep you from obtaining valuable opportunities…that’s why Yetunde Global Consulting was developed to help in these areas and reach a level of excellence in your presentation, delivery and actions.

IA: You were born and you raised in the US. However, you are strongly link to your home country, Nigeria. Does it always feel like home or sometimes you feel disconnected?

Yetunde: It always feels like home for me. I love my country and I am proudly Nigerian. I believe that we - as a country - have enormous potential. As of now Nigeria is currently in trying times, I believe that the government needs to focus more on the development of social services, to decrease income disparities and ensure that all college graduates have jobs and opportunities available to them once they graduate…That needs to be our priorities instead of money, control and power.

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW

IA: What is your opinion about Nigeria’s economic situation?

Yetunde: Nigeria’s economic situation “in-house” is not great at all, although other economic reports will state otherwise. You know, Nigeria’s wealth comes from producing natural resources such as gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, arable land to name a few. We are the world’s fifth biggest oil producer as well as a leading supplier of non-sulfuric “sweet crude.” Nigeria is considered to be one of the NEXT ELEVEN 1 by Goldman Sachs, as having a high potential of becoming, along with the BRICS 2, the world's largest economy in the 21st century. Contrastingly, Nigeria’s standing as the largest exporter in oil, Common Wealth member and NEXT ELEVEN position has not fully served as a relief fund for its 150 million residents.

IA: What about corruption?

Yetunde: My dissertation is on this topic and is of huge interest to me personally.

Corruption is a serious issue. It is recognized as a major economic problem around the world, which creates disparities in economic, societal and human development. In Nigeria in particular, the presence of corruption at all levels of government affects every area of life for its citizens. It affects education, healthcare, social services and more.

Corruption is the root of all problems in Nigeria and the most complex issue to date.

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According to Goldman Sachs, 11 countries with a high potential of economic growth in the 21 century: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam 2 Acronym for new industrialized countries : Brazil, Russia, Italia, Cuba and South Africa

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW IA: Nigeria is now facing social disturbances due to an opposition between Muslims and Christians. Do you think this situation is – in the long term – dangerous for the economic environment?

Yetunde: The social and religious tensions that we are currently facing in Nigeria, is indeed sad. It is sad that Nigeria has succumbed to this. I denounce terrorism of every kind and the Nigerian government must have a zero tolerance for it. I implore the youth and citizens of the Nigeria to live in unity and peace. These situations have devastating effects on a country from economic to social ramifications—if these social disturbances are not tended.

IA: Do you have any ideas about the Nigerian government position about youth entrepreneurship? Is there a program to bring back home Nigeria’s Diaspora?

Yetunde: That’s exactly what I am working on now. Soon, there will be a program that will promote youth entrepreneurship because we have talented, intelligent, business savvy and innovative youths here in the Diaspora and in Nigeria. I am currently working to ensure that our talents stay within Nigeria to ensure the development and progress of my country.

IA: What do you personally draw from helping, motivating, and inspiring others?

Yetunde: It’s my passion as well as my purpose. My duty and individual responsibility is to pay it forward, to lead by example. I want other young women to be articulate, savvy, personable, outspoken, classy, sophisticated and compassionate leaders. I want young men to be confident, wise and contribute to the uplifting of their communities. I want youths to be educated and stand for something greater other than them. It brings me great joy to motivate and inspire others; I hope I make God proud.

IA: What is for you, the most important criteria to be a successful entrepreneur?

Yetunde: You must know exactly what is missing or needed and fill that niche, you must be personable, do your research on the type of company you would like to start, know your passion (don’t do it for the money because people know the difference), make sure you have reasonable experience in that respective field before you make a business out of it.

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INSPIR’INTERVIEW IA: What is your advice for those who are willing to follow your path?

Yetunde: Leadership at times can be a lonely road, but it is well worth the journey. It’s a selfless life in which the cause comes before your own needs at times. My advice to young women and men is to be authentic- know who you are. Be genuine - transparency and trust is essential. Be excellent in all things - good leadership requires being your best self. Have faith - faith will always push you in the right direct. Be morally sound - you must stand and believe in something which cannot be wavered or compromised. Most of all work hard - nothing in life comes easy, you have to work for everything.

For mord information, please contact Yetunde Global Consulting at info@yetundeglobalconsulting.com and visit www.yetundeglobalconsulting.com to know all the keys to be a successful entrepreneur.

Interview by C.E.N

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FOCULTURE

In most western cultures, death is a rather definite end of life, the hopeless destiny of every man; however just below the equator death is almost celebrated as the beginning of a new life beyond. In Ghana, funerals start with the inevitable mourning of the lost but often ends in the sometimes elaborate celebration of the life lived by this individual.

In Teshie, a coastal suburb of Accra Ghana, death is but the beginning of an adventure. At various parts of the town are the infamous coffin carvers shops, in which hard working carpenters shape coffins in homage to the deceits, this may sound ordinary to you so far however these are no ordinary coffins.

The Ga-Adangbe ethic group in this town is known for its festive funeral processions, in which the coffin is not only essential in the practical sense but also esthetically essential, in fact these coffins come in all shapes, colors and sizes. In one word they have personality and namely the personality of the person it carries is reflected by their coffin. The coffin can come in any shape and color, it all simply depends on the personality and the legacy the person it carries left behind. Be it in the shape of a Tilapia fish or a whale in honor for a fisherman, a lion, a shoe, a snake or even a cola can; all represent an aspect of the personality and life of the deceased.

It is tradition that began in the 1950s when one coffin maker: Ataa Owuo wanted to build something unique and special for his grandmother when she died. He decided to build her an airplane coffin because she had never travelled in her life and also with the hope that it would carry her to heaven.

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FOCULTURE

Elephant Coffin made by Paa Joe’s This tradition has become a worldwide fascination, with local shops like Paa Joe’s Works which have turned into businesses, receiving orders from all over the world as Ghana is the only place that does this.

The most original coffin the owner of Paa Joe’s Works has had to make was a womb coffin, ordered in 1992 by a German doctor. As you can see creativity is limitless when it comes to these coffins. However there is a sadness in this profession as every coffin art work is soon to be buried underground, never to be seen again but it is the fleeting glory of displaying the legacy of a loved one through this artwork that makes it all worthwhile.

Amma O.

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’

Hiram Samuel IYODI and the dreams of his youth...

What comes to mind when you hear ‘youth’? Generally associated with a carefree attitude or even laziness, ‘youth’ is thought to be uninterested in political affairs, at times under estimated and seen as little prepared for the hardships of life. Young Africans are often neglected, forced to find their path alone in a world which confronts them with unparalleled difficulties in their effort to push their projects forward. It then becomes almost impossible to establish a long-term project that will truly make a difference in the daily lives of a population which’s majority lives under the poverty line…. It is impossible… unless your name is Hiram Samuel Iyodi.

Hiram, 24 years old, isn’t one to hold his tongue: this young Cameroonian is seen as the rising star among his peers back home. They also call him “Pouah Massa” or ‘the people’s guide’. Far from the papa’s boy cliché, he is a smart and well aware young man. He overflows with dreams for his country, fervently defending his ideas and inspiring young Cameroonians wherever they may be to take action.

Up until his High school diploma; Hiram is already seen as a leader. Upon his arrival in Canada, he commanded attention through his contribution to the different activities organized by the Association for Cameroonians in Quebec. By creating a web of strong networks with Cameroonians in the Diaspora he becomes the association’s president in 2008. Far from satisfied with just being opinionated, he becomes a decision maker.

Aware of his potential and the different opportunities in front of him, he decides to put his thoughts and ideas on paper: ideas of long lasting change but most importantly statements aimed at youths. Often criticized but sometimes encouraged, he stopped at nothing. To him impossible is not Cameroonian. Rising above prejudice, Hiram proved that it is possible for every youth to reflect upon what he or she wants their country and continent to become. Determined and firm he shares with us his path, the comments about his book, his wishes and most importantly his opinion about the present state of Cameroon.

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’ Inspire Afrika: What was your academic and professional path?

Hiram Iyodi: I went to primary school at Joss de Bonanjo, I then went to middle school at Alfred Saked from the 7th grade to the 9th grade. I attended High school at the ‘College Libermann’ from the 10th to the Twelth grade, all this back home in Cameroon. Finally I attended Laval University in Canada where I obtained my diploma in engineering and a certificate in management.

IA: Have you always wanted to work in the auditing and consulting field?

No! I have always wanted to work in the petrol industry. I just came across an auditing office but I’m mostly interested in the petrol industry, much more than the auditing field: I’m specialized in technical auditing for anything involving the petrol industry.

IA: You have a rather unique path. You are not only an engineer who dabbled in auditing but also a writer. Why, how and when did you decide to become a writer?

I’m not sure if it is such a unique path because on a professional level auditing offices have taken on the habit of recruiting engineers as they often do auditing for companies who need experts in a specific field. I doubt that an accountant can explain why a petrol refiner works this way or that. In terms of writing, it goes way back, at first I wanted to study political science. I didn’t go ahead with that: after speaking with a few older people, they explained that it wasn’t necessary to study politics to do politics and that such studies would rather lead to becoming a professor or a political expert. I kept my passion for politics and I’m very much a bookworm. I was put into leading roles in associations and this at a certain point pushed me to write. It’s more of a passion than a talent. I am not only passionate about writing but also about the management of resources in Africa and as a young man I felt the need for the youth of Africa to speak up to the older generation who lead us.

I didn’t actually decide to write my book. I was summoned for a collective writing project and at certain point the leading person of this project and I realized I was no longer respecting the terms of my work as my writing had to be on about 30 pages but I had begun something much larger. I decided to back out of the initial project to continue what I had started on my own. My goal was not to have the book edited or published as in the beginning I put it on the internet and made it available for free.

For me it was simply a way to get a few ideas out there. It was just favorable circumstances that led to the editing & publishing of the book.

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’ IA: The title of your book is ‘Dreams of my youth’. Can you tell us about it?

“Dreams of my youth” is 10 chapters in which I share my dreams for the Cameroonian youth from the ages 15 to 40. Through a variety of subjects such as the rehabilitation of our founding fathers, the fight against tribalism, the implication of youth in the educational and political system, the development of rural areas and entrepreneurship, I try to give hope to my peers. The essence of the book is aimed at telling them that despite all the obstacles and difficulties, we are within measure to put our energy and competencies towards the development of our country if we act with patriotism.

IA: Your book addresses various issues like national unity, patriotism and the respect of public possessions: you mention that all these values can only be propelled by education, can you explain why?

As I wrote at a certain point in my book: it is education that makes the man and the man that builds a people. Therefore, education is a global mean that allows one to impact others more easily. If the youth succeeds in recognizing what the essence of our educational system has to be as well as the essence of education outside the classroom, this would facilitate the propagation of certain ideas.

Within that same idea, I mention in my book that it is noticeable that the most developed countries are those that have the top educational systems. So in reality education is the basis of foundation of a nation. It is upon this fact that things need to be undone, done and redone. Therefore, we need to rewrite the basis for the education of the Cameroonian people. Cameroonians are uneducated about where they come from, how their nation was built, ignorant about the people they need to look up to as role models in order to grow and this is undeniably crucial knowledge because in the history of any grand nation those who are looked up to as role models are those who helped build the nation. I believe it is this lack of knowledge that has to be worked on in order to ensure that let’s say 50 years from now; corruption, tribalism, lack of discipline, inefficiency of public services will no longer be apart of our headlines.

IA: In your book you proclaim the need for youth to engage in politics as if to you it is the only way that will lead to change.

I am not saying it is the only way, I am saying it is the most efficient way. The only reason (from my memory) being that the richest family in Cameroon was the Fotso family which’s riches was estimated at 500 billion. We are in a country, which’s budget is at about 2000 billion. So from an economical stance, if the Fotso family decided to change things, they would have only been effective within their region or on a larger scale within their own state. So if we want to act for a greater good and on a much larger scale we need the government’s resources as these impact everybody.

However the government’s resources are controlled and managed by political parties or the party that won the elections and puts in place the nation’s policies.

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’ The decisions that impact the life of the youth are taken at the nation’s board by the political parties that are represented there. In a nation where the majority is youths who decide to sit back and in no way participate in the management of public affaires, they put themselves in a position to bear decisions rather than make them. What I ask of the youth is to place themselves in these decision circles which are the public administration circles and political parties. So in a sense in order to bring about efficient and rapid change youths have to get involved, speak their mind, fight to get their points across, be present in order to put their ideas into play. This is mostly done on the political front. In all I believe social change is good, economical change is good but change in the political realm is the most efficient even if it is not the only way to go about change.

IA: You seem so determined and dynamic! Two dedication ceremonies in less than a year, another book in the works: do you really believe that writing is the best way to inspire the youth of Cameroon?

Writing is a way among many others; it is just a way to get ideas across. The best way to propel ideas is through a book because once people have the book in their possession they are able to develop and bring forth new ideas. It is the easiest way.

The media is also another way however your ideas must please the media channel you have chosen to use, namely the person behind the channel but with a book there is a whole independent project behind it. Books are but a way to say ‘here is what I think’.

Now there is a whole process between ‘here is what I think’ and ‘here is what I plan to do’. There are projects and there are young people like me who believe that we have something to say be it in terms of politics or public affairs. These youths reflect on ways in which to put certain things into place to bring about change. There exists groups and youth movements who have already set into play some of the ideas emphasized in my book and there will be other movements that will go in a similar direction. As you can see the book is only the first step in a long process that I hope will take us along more established paths to apply the ideas propelled and emphasized in the book.

IA: Let’s talk about Cameroon: you were born and raised there. You went to Canada for your studies and went back. Why did you decide to go back while everyone else thinks only about leaving?

I don’t know. I am not everybody else so I don’t know what motives some to stay and others to leave. For those who leave, life conditions in Cameroon are not always the best, I think that is why they want to leave. I am one of those who believes in Africa.

By 2050, Africa will count 2 billion people and it will most probably be the number one consumer market. It is already the number one hub for natural resources. In reality in 2050 Africa will be capable to produce for the entire world and feed her 2 billion inhabitants. From this stand point Africa is the future.

However, there are a number of political problems, certain difficulties but as I often say we can decide to look in from the outside, complain and say that things do not work or we can come back and change things.

It is the choice I made because I am an optimist, because I believe in Africa and because in the next 50 years, we the youth will have many opportunities to put in place mechanisms that will propel Africa to become the continent that will uplift humanity. I decided to come back home because I believe I have abilities that will

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’ contribute to the development of our country. So I also encourage all African youths to go back home. Life is not easy anywhere. It’s not easy in Africa but it’s not that much easier elsewhere. I think we are better off at home: there is more glory, more recognition and pride in saying that you were able to make a change where it was the hardest, where it was the most challenging.

IA: Was the return to your home country not difficult after 5 whole years immersed into another moral system, another way of living and thinking?

No, absolutely not because in terms of the way of life Cameroon is still the same. In addition to this, I was gone 6 years but I came home every year and often stayed long enough to never get detached from Cameroon. Also Cameroonians are the same in Cameroon or elsewhere. I was involved in the management of the Cameroonian Associations in Canada so I was always within the Cameroonian community. In reality, I never left Cameroon. Nothing changed for me or in Cameroon so neither my return or my integration after the return was difficult.

IA: Do you believe you were lucky or do you think that finding work back home easily requires a specific strategy?

It all depends on how you define luck. Networks and connections are important everywhere so at a certain point it is necessary to know how to build on that. More than half of the youths that leave Cameroon come from rather well off families in which parents are well ranked in either the private or public sector. It is people whose parents benefit from a good number of connections so they in turn can build their own network from these in order to create a company or find work. When we want to go back home and find work, it is necessary for one to think about developing this network to make things easier. I guess some could call this luck.

I believe that from the moment we leave our country our vision of things change, there are opportunities inside and outside of Cameroon, it is up to us to get a hold of them. I don’t think I was more or less lucky than others, I grabbed the opportunities I saw, it helped me find work, it enabled me to develop a certain structure. I believe that all those that are outside of Cameroon, who have ambition to do things there have, just like I did, the opportunity to build a network that will be beneficial to them.

IA: Why do you think a majority of locals, graduates and qualified youths are unable to find work? Does the government not help enough or is it the people who don’t seek out information?

They are both at fault but certainly the Government hasn’t put into place enough measures to ease the creation of jobs for the youth, mainly by not creating an entrepreneurial spirit. On the other hand there are not even enough infrastructures to employ the youth so not enough space to accommodate them, they are not informed

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INSPIR’ POLITICS’ about the ways and means needed to create a company for example. The youth are competent they want to work but there are no companies to employ them.

We have been promised the building of certain infrastructures such as highways, gas centers, barricades; I hope that at a certain point this will be done in order to make way for the creation of jobs or companies for the youth. People are willing but the means do not exist. However, I will not only blame the government, I also demand of the youth certain actions. In terms of economics I think the chapters 7 & 8 of my book clearly outlines the things the youth can do with minor means while waiting and hoping for later reinforcement by the government. It is about this that I encourage the youth to not always beg or wait but instead to take a leadership role.

IA: What do you think of all the youth who neglect the private sector and take up positions in the administrative public sector in Cameroon, as if it is the only way out?

Personally, I encourage young people to engage in the public sector, in this way they make themselves available to serve the people. However I must admit that the conditions are not always adequate. When someone feels that they cannot easily find work in the private sector they turn to the public sector as there is a certainty, a guarantee and a security for their career, I believe these youths simply need to be independent in their way of implying themselves and managing in the public sector.

But I understand them completely; there is obviously a survival instinct that pushes them to find the available way to provide for themselves and their families. So if some believe that the public sector is a secure place they should go ahead. All I am saying is that there should be a minimum sense of responsibility if one is to serve the people because public possessions belong to the public. When we manage these possessions we are accountable to the people because it is their taxes that pay the salaries so they cannot be used anyhow.

IA: Today you are a young leader in your country Cameroon, what is your message to the youths who hunger for success and change?

It is simply to believe in itself, to believe in its capacity to change the world, it is to believe that it has the capabilities, competences and energy to change and impact Cameroon’s destiny. Concretely, when we look at the men who have successfully brought change to human destiny, they are not ones who simply waited to be helped; they are people who strove forward and believed they were strong enough to bring long-lasting change. If youths come to understand this, we will be able to create a network of youth strong enough to impact our world. All I have to say is: believe in yourself.

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Interview by Joan Y.

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INSPIR’ START-UP GHUBAR: THE MIXED FASHION

A penetrating gaze, luscious lips, it’s hard to believe that this young Senegalese & central African of only 24 is no, not a model but the editor of a notorious webzine, well known among fashion zealots. Founder of Ghubar and of a production company call Ifren, Sarah Noémie Diouf has become one of the key figures of the Parisian fashion realm.

Born in France, she grew up in Ivory Coast. Sarah is a product of the prestigious Business School INSEEC where she graduated with a Master in Marketing and Communication. It would have been expected of her to become a marketing consultant for a notable firm but instead she decided to create a fashion webzine. She was right in doing so: she saw in the internet a potential to seize: ‘I realized that in the paper print fashion magazine world, something was missing that could speak to my generation. I told myself that the internet was a good way to reach people that I could not reach with just paper print.’

What was missing, according to Sarah, was a genuine reflection of actual society, which is today composed of an increasingly mix and diverse people. This led to the birth of Ghubar. The word means dust in Arabic; a way to reflect the fleeting aspect of fashion as well as a reminder that fashion is first a means to please one self and others.

The magazine is a vehicle to propel open-mindedness and nixed heritages: ‘we are not just aiming at one type of people, we ourselves are composed of mixed heritages: ranging from white, black, to mixed…we speak to everyone’. Behind the articles we find members of the Ghubar team who really represent the values of the magazine: from different backgrounds, they live all over the world which makes them a well-diversified and open-minded group of people.

Rigorous, hardworking and motivated, it was an easy task for Sarah to launch the webzine, she also surrounded herself with young and dynamic individuals such as Absatou (project manager), Laetitia (stylist) and Carl (webmaster), just to name a few. She however recognized that maintaining it would be a difficult task because ‘it requires time’. She has sometimes along the road not been able to seize certain opportunities that came her way; but she admits today that the webzine allows her to undertake things more easily.

Sarah Diouf also represents Ifren, which was born after the success of Ghubar. a production company founded a year ago with the purpose of helping young fashion designers to create their look-book, catalogues or advertising campaigns. ‘Today, it turns out we can sell these services at a more affordable cost than big production companies.” In fact, the quality of the graphics created by the webzine has generated a high demand in the fashion community. In Sarah’s case, she has drawn from her business experiences in order to develop the company.

Today Ghubar is three years old, with 34 issues and an average of 120 000 readers a month.

This young entrepreneur is a highly ambitious woman. For the coming New Year, we will be seeing a documentary that will outline the history of Ghubar. The team is also preparing an exceptional event for Paris fashion week. The Ghubar phone application will also be launched in March.

We eagerly await the surprises that Ghubar has yet to reveal to us, in the meantime we wish Sarah Diouf and her team all the best…

Valérie F.

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INSPIR’ START-UP

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4 QUESTIONS TO VERONE MANKOU WAY- C or the art of seeing way ahead The event is exceptional and deserves recognition: on the 27th of January 2012, the first African touchpad was launched on the Congolese market. Verone Mankou, creator of the ‘Way-C’ wants to see Africa embrace the digital era. He wants to be a daring innovator and entrepreneur. A quality product with a small price range (only 150,000 Fcfa)3, the ‘Way-c’ is the pride of young technophiles in Africa. Verone talks to Inspire Afrika readers.

Inspire Afrika: How did the idea to create Africa’s very own touchpad come about?

Vérone Mankou: In 2006 I was working for an internet service provider in Brazzaville. The technical and commercial department of the company met two times a week to find a solution to the different problems we encountered. During these meeting, the commercial department often complained of the difficulty of selling the services as internet products were rather expensive. That is when the idea came to me: what if we gave internet service to everyone at a low price? At first I considered office computers however the energy supply problems in Africa were going to be a road block. Then I thought of portable computers however they are logistically and technically too complex. So in 2007, when Steve Jobs presented the Iphone, I thought I could create a ‘big Iphone’ a sort of touchpad. So I started researching about my project, in 2009 I had everything in place except the financing I needed.

IA: Was it easy to find a way to finance your idea?

Vérone: In Africa, finding sponsorship when you are a young entrepreneur is a real headache. It turned out that the internet communication service of VWK was doing well enough to allow the financing for research and development of the project. However, it wasn’t an easy task; I was almost bankrupt quite a few times. Fortunately, the government came through for me and provided financial support for the production of the touchpads.

3

228 euros

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4 QUESTIONS TO VERONE MANKOU

IA: What does ‘Way-C’ mean?

Vérone: ‘Weyssi’ means in Mbochi4 ‘the light of the stars we see in the middle of the night’ in Mbochi. I am one of those who believe that Africa is still asleep, we are not moving forward because we are not enlightened.

Luckily for us, when we lift our eyes, the heavens offer the beautiful spectacle of bright shining stars. I consider this touchpad as one of those shining stars of the heavens. I simply decided to give an international edge to the name; that’s how I came up with ‘Way-C’.

IA: What would be your advice to the African youths out there?

Vérone: It’s difficult to engage in entrepreneurship in Africa. All the difficult conditions are basically road blocks that induce reluctance to take action. All those who are reluctant are those who tend to fail and often give up, whatever the reason may be. The magic solution is to simply conquer reluctance and never give up. That’s my advice.

Karl N. 4

Patoi spoken in Congo

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT Our Time is now Last year, the global consulting firm Ernst & Young surveyed more than 500 business leaders to know what their opinion about Africa growth is.

The paper called “It’s time for Africa” was done in order to shows Africa economic development.

One of the first key finding of this study is that African themselves are trying to create investment opportunities, and are the reason why the continent has an unweighted average GDP growth of more than 5% since 2010. Thanks to this fasting growth, about 68% of investors around the world (including Africans) agree that Africa has become more attractive in the past three years. As Olaf Meier said, “Africa is the last uncharted territory on the investors map and opportunities abound”5. For that reason, 75% of these investors are convinced that the continent will be even more attractive in the next three years.

The report also shows some disparities among countries. In fact, three quarters of Foreign Direct Investment are done in 10 countries: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Libya and Ghana. Luckily, African countries trust each other and are more likely than before to do business together. FDI Intelligence reports a 21% compound annual growth rate of these Afro-African transactions between 2003 and 2010. On the long run, FDIs are expected to create 350,000 jobs by 2015.

However, 3 important questions arise from this study. How companies should invest in the continent? Is the market wealthy enough to consume? Is the labor force skilled enough to make the economic growth efficient?

The study shows – unfortunately – that 45% of new entrants are planning to invest through expansion and facilities. Only 21% plan to invest by increasing the labor force. If I was a company, I will increase the labor force. Why? The reason is that when people have job, they have money, so they are more able to consume. At the same time, these companies can be a good way to help bring back home African diaspora. The diaspora in many cases has the necessary skills and can even educate people. That way, the labor force will gain the necessary skills by increasing its purchase power.

It is only by increasing the labor force that FDI will help Africa. It will help to bring back home the diaspora, and will allow the expansion of the middle class.

C.E.N

5

Olaf Meier is the Chief Financial Officer of African Development Corporation

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THANKS

We would like to thank:

Privat Ndoutoume

Olivia N.

Yves Bell

Franck Nyeki

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