#13: The Africa's Brain Gain by Inspire Afrika

DEC-JAN #13

Who is behind an

“African City ”?

Issue 13 - December 2013 / January 2014

TEAM INSPIRE AFRIKA

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAN MURIELLE YOMBO GENERAL DIRECTOR CHRYS EVE NYETAM MARKETING DIRECTOR AMMA OKOBEA ABURAM REDACTION TEAM JOAN MURIELLE YOMBO, AMMA OKOBEA ABURAM, ANITA ASHIRU, CHRYS EVE NYETAM, LOUIS GILBERT BISSEK PUBLIC RELATIONS/PARTNERSHIPS IVAN NYETAM, HYACINTHE ISSOMBO, ANITA BAKAL, FRANCESCA NGAHANE

CONTRIBUTORS

WILLIAM NSAI PHOTOGRAPHER / CAMEROUN /

ANITA ASHIRU BLOGGER FOR INSPIRE AFRIKA MAGAZINE / KENYA /

ALISSA JAMES GRAPHISM / FRANCE /

ADVERTISEMENT : FRANCESCA NGAHANE / +33 (6) 65 38 81 60. PARTNERSHIPS : INSPIREAFRIKA@INSPIREAFRIKA.COM PRESS/ RECRUITMENT : INSPIREAFRIKA@INSPIREAFRIKA.COM Tous droits de reproduction réservés pour tous pays. Reproduction interdite pour tous les articles sauf accord écrit de la Rédaction.

CONTENTS

INSPIR’INTERVIEW // 13 Who is behind an African City?

4 QUESTIONS TO // 34 Haute Baso, the Rwandan brand THE EDITOR’S NOTE // 4 INSPIR’NEWS // 6 FAVORITE // 8 Gloria Buckman, from dreams to success

INSPIR’INTERVIEW // 13 Who is behind an African City ?

INSPIR’ORGANIZATION // 18

Christian Ngan,Mister Madlyn Cazalis

INSPIR’START UP // 23

Street hangouts, the new trend

INSPIR’CAREER // 27

Christian Ngan, Mister Madlyn Cazalis

INSPIR’ECO // 31 Meet Focus Ventures

THOUGHTS // 32

Diaspora VS Locals, should we choose ?

Patricia Nzolantima, one woman, three groundbreaking projects

4 QUESTIONS TO... // 34

DARE TO INSPIRE // 22

FOCULTURE // 36

4 elements to consider when moving back to Africa 44

CAREER // 27

Haute Baso, the Rwandan brand They took the leap

THE EDITOR’S NOTE

HOW READY ARE YOU ? Can we still speak of an actual « brain drain » from the African continent today? The answer is no. Yes, I am one of those optimists, and I think it is time to talk about something else that is happening: the « return of talents ». That is what we have been witnessing these past few years. The western world is saturated but Africa is bursting with opportunities. The diaspora has finally understood that the opportunity is there to build if it grabs it. When I compare my parents’ generation (the 60s) to mine, it’s this need to return to the motherland that most hit me. Uncles, Aunts, cousins, etc, we almost all have loved ones abroad… This is the legacy of this “old” diaspora, which didn’t necessarily have the means, the opportunity, the courage or let’s face it, the desire to return home. I’m not pointing fingers here, I firmly believe that the diaspora AND locals have just as important of a role to play in the built of the « New Africa ». I am pointing out that things have changed: the youth want to head back! They are even dying to head back to their home countries. But it is not always thought through, because it’s nice to want to change things on the grounds but it is crucial to have an objective and a plan! So is it worth returning? The answer is far from a straightforward yes or no. The real question is have you taken the time to prepare? Do you have a precise project in mind? Are you adventurous? Are you passion driven? Have you tested the waters? There are so many questions to ask before taking the leap or maybe not... This issue will offer you some answers to some of these questions. You will discover through Gloria Buckman’s story (p. 8), that in reality it’s not a big deal to leave your comforts in the Western world in order to become an entrepreneur in Africa. After hearing about Christian Ngan on (p. 27), it’ll be obvious that the type of degree earned abroad does not determine the type of activity that you can engage in upon your return. If there is anything to remember in this 13th issue, it is that NOTHING is predetermined and that ANYTHING is possible...if you have the right roadmap.

Enjoy! Joan Yombo.

Sources images :http://www.madeindesign.de/. www.google.com

NEWS

TRUE COLORS open their first store in Paris The cosmetic brand founded by Fatou Sarr, now has it’s own space since October 19th at 46 Rue du Faubourg Saint Martin in the 10th district of Paris. The brand is clearly ambitious, it values diversity and hails all types of beauties. The store is the first in Paris to do make up for all skin tones. Clients are welcomed to a make-up store on one hand and on the other hand there is a VIP saloon for private clients and individuals. Find out more at http://www.truecolorsparis.com

A+: the 100% African channel on Canal+ is here We were impatient for this. On the 24th of October , CANAL + confirmed the launch of A+, which will be THE channel targeted at « the African family ». The directors are aiming to bring something fresh to the African middle class audience. African content, created by Africans. We will be seeing African series, in English and French as well as in local dialects, films, entertainment programs with unique talents and also cultural programs. The channel will be available in more than 20 West and Central African countries via CanalSat. The channel isn’t free but with the arrival of TNT in 2015, access to CanalSat channels may be simplified, the fee most likely dropping from 5000 Fcfa to 3000 Fcfa.

Who’s your African of the year? It’s that time of the year...the time to decide which African has inspired the continent and the rest of the world the most during this year. Forbes Africa has nominated five individuals who have influenced the business world in 2014. Among the nominees are Chimamanda Ngozi Adechie, internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer. Thuli Madonsela, a South African advocate and the nation’s Public Protector. Aliko Dangote, Nigeria and Africa’s richest man by far. Dangote’s company contributes considerably to the economy of Nigeria and donates large amounts of his wealth to community development. Donald Kaberuka, a Rwandan economist and the president of the African Development Bank and Arunma Oteh, Nigerian appointed the director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2010. Check out details of the event that will be happening on the 4th of December 2014 at www.poy2014.com

«A House, a counter» or how to reduce electricity costs in Cameroon ENEO, is an electricity company in Cameroon has recently launched «an operation to make energy accessible to everyone» by reducing by 50% electricity subscription costs. This operation will allow to reduce connection costs from 19655 to 9290 Fcfa in urban area and from 9000 to 5300 Fcfa in rural area. The goal is to attract new customers: around 15000 , according to official sources. This project just consolidate an other operation put in place by ENEO few months earlier: the EasyConnection service. It suggests «to the population requiring a social connection and a subscription, a commercial offer available for 40000 Fcfa»

AIRTEL links up with Trace Music for young African artists AIRTEL and Trace music launched the first African telephone competition last September. The idea was simple: participants could record a song during a phone call, rehearsed thanks to a telephone karaoke that rates their performances. Only 13 countries can participate. One winner will be chosen in each country and the 13 finalists challenge each other in a grand finale. The prize? A coaching session with rapper AKON and a contract with Universal music. Time to sing your lungs out ! http://www.trace.tv/fr/media/news/trace/deviens-lanouvelle-superstar-africaine-avec-airtel-trace-musicstar_20461

FAVORITE

«Passion + Persévérance « Passion + Purpose + Pursuit==Profit.» Profit.»

My crush of the month is definitely this young and dynamic woman who believes in God and in chocolate. Yes, Gloria is inspirational. Addicted to her instinct, she decided to quit a comfortable and well-paid job in Scotland, to create an event production agency in Ghana. Craziness? No! Foresight. Let’s Meet her!

Hello Gloria, can you introduce yourself to our readers please ? My name is Gloria Buckman Yankson. I am an Event Planner & Brand Communications Professional with thirteen years of working experience in event planning and marketing communications in Ghana and the UK. In 2010, I jumped off the corporate ladder to focus full time on our start-up, PlanIt Ghana, which has been described as Ghana’s goto for premier Event Planning and Design. PlanIt Ghana specialises in planning, designing, and producing corporate events, weddings, and special events. In 2004, I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Relation from the University of Stirling, Scotland. I am also a graduate of the Ghana Institute Of Journalism, and the London School Of Public Relations. A bit of a thrill seeker at heart, I like to describe myself as “an unrestricted girl from Ghana with Wi-Fi, a cedi, and a dream.” I love to travel, to discover new places, meet new people, and savour new flavours. I believe in God. I believe in good chocolate. I believe there’s always enough love to go around. I believe that everything is possible if you put your mind to it, and pour enough soul into it. And I believe a great party is always the solution. What did you have in mind when you decided to create PlanItGhana and how did you manage the transition between the UK and Ghana ? PlanIt Ghana is a full service Event Production & Brand Communications firm. The name PlanIt is essentially at the core of what we do – which is “planning it”. At PlanIt Ghana, we believe that every successful Event or Brand Communications Plan needs someone to

carefully Plan It. My husband and I first started thinking and talking about PlanIt Ghana in 2006 whilst we were both still working and living in Scotland. We’re both Public Relations Professionals and very passionate about Event Strategy & Brand / Marketing Communications. I was working on the Marketing Communications Team at Morgan Stanley then, and although I absolutely loved it there at the time, every day for a couple of months all we talked about was how we were going to set up our own Event Planning & Brand Communications Firm one day. That was THE dream. We decided that we had to put something on paper to motivate us or else it would remain just that - a dream – and that’s how PlanIt Ghana was unofficially born. In the three years that followed we devoted as much self-study and research into Professional Event Planning as we could get into our packed schedules. In no time, our shelves filled up with books and magazines on the subject. However, it wasn’t until we returned to Ghana in 2009, that PlanIt Ghana was officially registered as a business. We roped in a third business partner and devoted the first year to paperwork and further research into the local market. We didn’t really start proper operations until about a year later. Going live with PlanIt Ghana happened in a radical “let’s do this!” moment to be honest. Quite simply, at the time we “jumped”, working in the corporate world simply no longer felt challenging enough. And though instinct told us it was a terrible idea to quit a full time established career and start a business, which we weren’t really 100% certain about [yet], passion won over common sense; we threw caution to the wind and put plan to action. We really do have God to thank for the amazing success

trail over such a short time. I have little idea how we did it. And looking back now, it was such a stupid thing to do but I’m thrilled we did it. It’s been a very challenging and very very fulfilling journey for us. Absolutely no regrets at all. There are huge cultural differences between UK and Ghana. What challenges did you face once you moved there? We were born and raised in Ghana. But of course, after living outside of Ghana for seven years, we had both become used to a certain lifestyle, and there was bound to be some level of cultural disengagement. Things we took for granted, and had become accustomed to, were, in a cultural context, judged very differently here. I learnt very quickly that to ease the transition and gain the required level of acceptance I needed to work in a team, I had to remain assertive, but make some compromises. When I first returned to Ghana, I worked as Marketing & Corporate Affairs Director for a real estate firm. The first thing I noticed, as a twenty something year old woman in a managerial position, was that it was going to take a lot of diplomacy and tact to have my views and professional recommendations respected and approved. Unlike in my previous position where it was almost expected that I be outspoken. It became immediately obvious that for a young woman in Ghana, there was a very thin line between assertiveness and what was deemed as “impudence”. Women in most third world countries suffer this scenario daily where men are expected to be at the frontline, both in business and at home. It can therefore be a delicate line to tread when leading a team of men – some nearly twice your age. Currently, as entrepre-

neurs, we also face the same economic and infrastructural development challenges that most young entrepreneurs In Ghana face – lack of constant electricity, poor [non-existent] payment systems, a gloomy economic outlook, etc. Also when it comes to HR, the work culture here is a general attitude to work that is more laid back than most employers would like. However, we’ve been successful in pooling a like-minded team of professionals who are as excited about embracing excellence and global standards as we are. What was your best weapon when you started your business? What was your weakness? How did you evolve? We LOVE what we do. We can’t say that enough. When you’re truly excited about your work, it shows, and you attract clients who appreciate the effort you put into it. Passion + Purpose + Pursuit = Profit. I learnt from my Dad, who’s also an entrepreneur, that failure is never an option. The key is to identify what you’re truly passionate about, work hard at it, have faith, and never give up - the gold will come. Apart from hard work, and an unwavering faith in a God who never fails, a humble approach to everything is key. Understanding that you can never know it all, and embracing opportunities to acquire knowledge from others who have trod the path you’re on. On weakness : our past weakness has been loving what we do a tad too much. A huge mistake we made professionally when starting out was giving away too much for too little. When we first started, we were so eager to build our client portfolio that on one too many occasions, we marked down our fees simply to get the job. What that meant was that we were funding projects out of our own pockets to exceed client expectations and possibly generate referrals. In the end, the clients didn’t really know this and therefore showed very little appreciation for it; we felt cheated because we literally worked

our butts off for no pay; and we lost potential business because, as we later found out, on paper, we sounded too good to be true. I think that happens a lot to ‘newbies’ in our industry. In no time, we ended up in the red and almost went bankrupt. But that to us now is a learning curve and we thank God we recovered from it the way that we have. We could have easily gone under before we’d even started. Now, when prospects ask for ridiculous discounts, we simply walk away. It’s not easy for any entrepreneur to say no to business, especially for those of us in the creative industry who have so much love for what we do. All we want is to see our creative ideas come to life, regardless. But we have learnt the hard way that this is a business, not an expensive hobby; and when you make zero profits, it doesn’t stop the bills from coming through the door. Is event planning a tight market in Ghana? Do you have a lot of competitors? When we first launched our business in Ghana some four years ago, we could count off one finger the event planning companies who were well

known for their professionalism, and who we would therefore consider direct competitors. Today, there are a few more. The Event Planning industry in Ghana, though growing steadily, is still rather young. You organize several events in Ghana. Which ones are you the most proud of ? And why ? We are passionate about creating memorable events, and have been privileged to work with some of the world’s leading multi-national brands including Sandvik Global, Sysmex Europe GmBH, RTT Trans Africa, Vodafone, etc. We have also been privileged to work on a lot of high profile weddings. At PlanIt Ghana every time we have a client walk into an event beaming with smiles is an amazing moment. And that is almost a guarantee – unless of course the client simply doesn’t know how to smile. (laughs) To answer your question, I’m proud of every single one of our events. Each production, from our smallest event so far for 60 guests, to our biggest so far for 1,500 guests, has been considered an opportunity to remind ourselves of

« It became immediately obvious that for a young woman in Ghana, there was a very thin line between assertiveness and what was deemed as “impudence ” 10

what is possible even when surrounded by difficulties. ‘The event is the brand’ remains one of our mantras, and every new event is an opportunity to reinforce our brand promise and reignite creative thinking. For us, it’s never just another event – it’s a global audience, a brand story, an opportunity to show the world why we do what we do: to step outside the proverbial box – and encourage others to do same.Tout est possible. Any advice for young entrepreneurs out there? It is possible. Whatever your ultimate

dream is – It. Is. Possible. Be ready to roll up your sleeves, kick off your fancy shoes, work hard and sacrifice a lot at the beginning – the perks will come later. Never hesitate or turn down the opportunity to gain hands-on experience even if it’s unpaid. Approach every opportunity as a learning experience. There’s a lot of gratification to be found in being able to achieve exactly what people assume you cannot do so. When we decided to break away from the corporate nest as it were and make the transition from being employees to being an employer, we were met with a lot of doubt and resistance from

family and friends. When I eventually handed in my resignation letter to my previous boss, he asked me what was next. I told him about PlanIt Ghana and he laughed and asked me to “get serious”. For me, being able to defy the odds and to go beyond our initial goals and aspirations is enough to fuel the drive to keep achieving. Step out of the proverbial box, stay unrestricted, stop at nothing, and set no limits for yourself. You’re never too young to lead change. The possibilities are only just beginning. It’s possible. Interviewed by Joan Yombo

Find Gloria’s events on http://www.planitghana.com

INSPIR’INTERVIEW

WHO IS BEHIND AN AFRICAN CITY? For some months now, web series presenting the African way of life, mostly from the diaspora, have been multiplying online. Often produced by amateur producers, these web series have taken the net by storm and have become weekly must watch series. There is one that truly stands out because of it’s theme and professionalism and that is An African City. An African City is the tale of the lives of 5 young African women educated in the West who decided to return to Accra, Ghana, their home country. We met Nicole Amarteifio and Millie Monyo, the creators and producers of the smash hit series.

Inspire Afrika: Why did you decide to move back to Africa, a place you barely knew? Nicole Amarteifio : Yes, I decided to move back to Ghana. And, it was never a place I «barely knew» - I knew it. I had been visiting Accra throughout my childhood, my teen years into my young professional life. Back in New York, my parents always reminded me of where I came from. Ghana is my country of birth and it was always with me, no matter where I was in the world. The ultimate reason I decided to move back was because home is home. But I also moved back because I was in international development and I just felt there was no point implementing development strategies from Washington, DC. It didn’t feel authentic. Being home, in Ghana, implementing development plans - that just made more sense.

our partnership, I was based in Ghana and had hopes of making Accra my home base and the US a place I occasionally visited when necessary. Instead things have flipped and I have come to learn that when you are not on the ground it is very easy to become detached and a lot harder to be as organized as you normally would be. I’m trying my best to manage it but find the saying true that “there is no such thing as multitasking”. Technology helps: email, phone, skype, WhatsApp, etc. I.A.: What were the most challenging aspects you faced when creating An African City ? Nicole : Raising funds! It was my first TV project, so I guess that makes it a tough sell. But now that we have proven what the crew and cast are capable of, season two has been much easier in terms of securing funding.

I.A: Millie, How do you manage living in the US and having a company operating in Africa?

IA: So the second season will be released shortly…

Millie Monyo : If I’m being totally honest it is extremely difficult. When Nicole and I formed

Nicole : What I can say about season two is that we will continue to push boundaries.

Some of the criticism has helped form some aspects of season two. At the same time, if some of the criticism informed season two, that would then make ‘An African City’ a show it was never meant to be. But, yes, we are excited about season two. More fashion, more decor, more writers, more locations, more music more of whatever we need to do to showcase the best that the African continent has to offer.

“The show became part of a global conversation about identity, migration and an alternative story of the African woman” IA: Let’s talk about the first season. What were the benefits/advantages of releasing it on YouTube instead of broadcasting it on a TV Channel ? Nicole: Releasing the show on YouTube has been a great experience! It’s nice that people sitting anywhere in the world have access to the show. We received emails from Africans throughout the Diaspora - from Canada to England to France to China. The show became part of a global conversation about identity, migration and an alternative story of the African woman. And the global conversation was right there - visible below the content. And the global conversation could easily be shared beyond YouTube, but on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I loved it. I also appreciated the full creative control. On YouTube, we were allowed to push boundaries, there were no limitations. I.A: Being the executive producer of a new show can be challenging. What was your biggest obstacle and how did you overcome it?

Millie : I would say there have been quite a few, however it is my personality to face an obstacle head on and conquer it rather than allow it to overcome me. ‘An African City’ is the first project I’ve worked on without the backing of a big company and established television/ web executives who deal with the ins and outs. Nicole and I have our hands in everything! As great as that is, it is also a huge task that can be overwhelming at times. Another obstacle that most, if not all entertainment creatives’ will attest to is weeding through the noise. It takes time to learn the nature of this business and sometime promises are made that are not kept. People will say one thing and do another. But that’s life, you live and you learn. The process of seeing the series go from an idea to what it has become makes it all worth it! I.A: Is the way the girls are living in the show representative of the Ghanaian reality? Or are you selling a dream ? Nicole : I’ll answer that question with two questions. Is there only one representative of the Ghanaian reality? I am assuming that in a country so diverse that there are many representatives of the feminine narrative, correct ? I.A: In African culture sex is sometimes a taboo. But you talk about sex and relationships so easily. Aren’t you afraid of upsetting those who think that African women do not have to

“There are others who appreciate that women throughout the African continent have every right to own their sensuality. That sensuality and sexuality is theirs too” Actresses of the webseries « An African City », available on YouTube

be as emancipate as European or American Women? Nicole : Let those people be upset. There are others who appreciate that women throughout the African continent have every right to own their sensuality, that sensuality and sexuality is theirs too. IA: You represent a lot of young Africans who are trying to make a leaving out of their passion. What will be your advice to those like you, who wants to create something inspired by their everyday life? Nicole : I am now full-time with An African City. Eventually, you can strategically turn your passion into a business. Just create a plan and take it step by step. And have a support system. Friends who don’t mind giving free advice, mentors who don’t mind giving you guidance. I.A: As a woman talking to women, was it easy finding your place in this industry? Nicole : ‘An African City’ might be for women,

but the film/TV industry as a whole is still a male-dominated one. We’ll just have to see. Ask me that question again in five years. Interviewed by Chrys Nyetam

MAGAZINE

COMPANIES, EVENTS,PROJECTS TO PROMOTE ? WE HAVE JUST OPENED AD SPACES. OUR SOLUTIONS ARE ADAPTED TO EVERY BUDGETS.

INSPIR’ORGANIZATION

PATRICIA NZOLANTIMA : One Woman, three ground breaking projects By Amma Aburam

Patricia Nzolantima is a force to reckon with. Born and bred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she left then returned and now she has taken communications in Africa to a new level with her first entrepreneurial journey launched back in 2008: Comunicart. It is a marketing agency that has clients from all over Africa. Today, after merging with South African giant EXP8Agency, it has become EXP8Communicart, a leader in marketing agencies in Sub Saharan Africa. But Patricia has a lot more under her sleeve : she is a multifaceted leader who believes and strives for the full potential of Africa, not only through EXP8Communicart but also through many projects and associative works. International Working Lady Mag, Africa Rising Consulting and « Elite de demain » (Tomorrow’s elite) are among some of her projects that prove her faith in a better Africa. 16

International Working Lady Mag International Working Lady is a magazine targeted at the modern woman. She is not necessarily African, but the magazine features prominent African leading ladies worldwide such as Hapsatou Sy or Roberta Annan. These women are generally examples that Africa and its talents can be exported successfully and be of help to the continent itself, because they bear the image of Africa outside and within the continents borders in a positive light. The goal of the magazine is to make itself a companion to women who are self-driven and brave enough to overcome challenges to achieve their goals. For women that have built ideas and projects from scratch despite the opposition. They see possibilities and opportunities everywhere. The magazine started in February 2013 and has garnered over 50K likes on Facebook. Patricia is of course the founder and editor of this empowering magazine. Check it out at http://iwlmagazine.wordpress.com

Africa Rising Consulting (ARC) With offices in the DRC and South Africa, the goal of this company is to optimize networks within Africa and pull in investors for companies from the four corners of the continent. Improved connectivity between businesses will make for better networking that enhances business at many levels. ARC places it’s clients at the heart of African networks and does not focus on any industry in particular but rather is versatile. The company has strategic partners in Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Congo Brazzaville. That list will certainly be growing. What is the service provided exactly? For starters, optimizing business partners relationships, minimizing failure risk, reducing risk to grow investments, fruitful negotiations with partners to mention a few. All in all improving the business environment of the continent, one business at a time. More info on http://www.africarisingconsulting.com

« Les Elites de demain » « Les Elites de Demain » (Tomorrow’s elite) is yet another project propelled by Mrs. Nzolantima. Passionate about African youth and fully aware of their potential, she created this educational program that allows high achieving high school graduates to pursue their studies abroad. The organization would accompany the students through the application process to get into universities abroad with scholarships. They would help facilitate the travel and move abroad for these young students. All this in the hope that one day they may return to their country with, like Mrs. Nzolantima, the passion and eagerness to better it and push it forward. You can join the community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesElitesDeDemain

DARE TO INSPIRE

A big part of my life was spent in France, but my surroundings, studies, associative life, my need to reincarnate my African roots turned me back to Africa. After more than four years as a contracts lawyer at Wagram Music, I decided to dare; taking the leap to move to Congo. It’s now been a year since I have boldly taken the step to return to Africa as a contract administrator at Total E&P Congo. I went back to become an activist in the movement to build up the continent. In these few words I want to share with you what to consider when moving back.

Adaptation

Values and Limits

It is important to be open minded and to be in sync with the local practices. You cannot be in a perpetual state of comparison, of judgement and must understand that things don’t function at point A, the same way as they function in point B. It’s also important to understand that what is happening to one is also happening to the other: a person who leaves for Europe or elsewhere is also leaving his or her comfort zone to adopt new ways elsewhere. Why is it so often that an African coming back to his or her continent thinks that it is the system he or she is used to that should replace the one back home ? I’m not saying that things function perfectly in Africa but we need to be aware that Africa has its practices and has to adopt a system that works for it and not conform to an exterior or burrowed system.

You must know your limits, your points of no returns. What you are ready to accept and what you refuse to take. You have to be certain of your values because the temptations are endless, be it political or religious. You need to have your feet solidly implanted in your beliefs. A solid support system such as family and friends that you can count on really helps, they can lift you up in times of doubt.

Be Informed You have to know and understand how things function locally. This means basic conditions such as local resources as well as work legislation for example or entrepreneurship and how it works over there. Whatever is likely to impact you on a daily basis you must have an understanding of. You need to get used to the local culture, maybe over and over again.

The project and vision It is important to be aware of the reasons that motivate you to move back to the continent. You need to define your objectives before the return. What are the projects I would like to put in place ? Do I have a vision or a dream for my country ? For the continent? This allows for something to hold on to when times get hard and to not give up. You need to develop patience, give yourself time. It is easy to idealize the return despite preparing for it but you can be in for a shock (political, social or moral...etc) because the change or progress you await is often an extremely slow one.

These elements were crucial to me in my planning to return. Of course the decision is not always easy, the reaction of others is hard to deal with sometimes, the integration or reintegration is always harder than we imagined. But the whole challenge is worth it because our continent is rich in diversity, opportunities and potential. My motto is this :« Life is too short to spend it regretting all the things we didn’t have the courage to try. » (Marie Claude BussieresTrembley). So being brave enough to move back to Africa seemed little a minor thing to do. Babette KIZONZOLO

INSPIR’START UP

« APERO STREET » STREET HANGOUTS : THE NEW TREND

It’s on everyone’s tongue in Cameroon at the moment, all eyes are on the « Apero Street » - Street hangouts as the hip new distraction. In just 5 events, Rollin Lowolong and his associate Guy Kouekam have created a growing community that wants to have fun, differently.

PROFILES Rollin Lowolong has always been passionate about digital communications. After being a press associate for Christian Dior for a year in Belgium and a successful fashion blogger, he decided to head back to Cameroon in 2013. The opportunity was too enticing : the communications agency MW DDB1 was offering him a position as digital communications manager. When asked if the decision to head back to the continent was difficult he answered : « I did not hesitate for a second. My fiance lived in Cameroon, this meant I got to be with her and have a good job . » Still, he admits that it was slightly difficult to end his blog : The Fashionalist. Inspired by the famous American fashion blog : The Sartorialist2. Rollin presented individuals with original looks. He walked through the streets of Brussels with his camera, looking for original styles. He was what we call a « style hunter ». « The hard part for me was to give up this project that was doing extremely well. It was at the top of the fashion blog list in Belgium. I had references. So I decided that I could always come back to it if Cameroon didn’t work out but that isn’t the case. » THE CONCEPT AND IT’S BEGINNING What is more simple and sociable than grabbing a drink and hanging out with friends ? « Apero Street » (Street hangouts ) is first of all a fun rendez-vous. A DJ shows up in a public space and starts playing music. He is slowly joined by groups of people that have been notified of his presence on the net. They bring drinks, food and spend time together. It is not the first time that Mr. Lowolong invests in events : « In Belgium, I had a friend that organized « Aperos Chics » (the Chic hangouts). I took care of the communications side of the event that happened in the summer exclusively. » Just like « Apero Street » , it had the same goal : to simply bring people together. However, his love for music is what is going to make the biggest contribution to « Aperos Street ». Rollin is also a DJ in his spare time. With his colleague and partner Guy, he came up with the idea of organizing a hang out with friends during the music festival in 2013 in Douala (Economic Capital of Cameroon). The catch : share this moment with others on the streets. He then offered to DJ for the occasion. Rapidly, things took on a new turn. The hangout that was supposed to be quite intimate becomes a gathering of more than a 100 people. « It was great ! We were expecting just about 30 people and we ended up with a 100. Once they were there, our friends were calling their friends and bringing drinks along. » It went so well that the next day, Rollin and Guy decide to put the photos up on Facebook. Then came an endless avalanche of likes and comments. Everyone wants to know where, when and how the next hang out will be ! « That’s when we decided to make a hang out between friends, a professional event. We had no name, no logo and no theme...it was time to fix that !»

A PROFESSIONAL AFFAIR Far from popular belief, organizing a party is not just a « cool » task : « This demands a lot of precision on numerous aspects. Our last event gathered about 1200 people. You have to manage a crowd like that and make sure there is security for example. That people get back home safely. It is the most complex and important part to consider in this type of event. We always make sure we are the last to leave the location. It’s our responsibility. » He also insists on the importance of following rules. « It’s impossible to organize a public event without asking the city hall for permission first. If we are on a more private street, we ask the people who live there first, they are usually OK with it. » Parents are all ears to the principals put forward by Rollin and Guy: what can be done at night, can be done in daylight. The youth want to have fun in a different way aside from going to the clubs. They want an alternative solution to that lifestyle. One participant

says : « I am a Dad but I’m still young so I want to have a good time but in a responsible way. » Aside from that, a real event organizer is one that constantly has a flow of ideas. When you get into such a business, not having an active imagination can be a road block. Every event is a challenge : « If our events have a theme, it is because we don’t want it to die out. We suggest different locations, different activities that fit that locations. That is why it is unique each time. I can assure you that having a party in Bonapriso (Chic district in Douala) is not the same as having a party elsewhere. He recalls a hangout in Bonapriso : « People had parked their car in a cirlcle and were dancing inside the cercle, while others were sitting on the cars. Something that could just not happen in our last event because it was happening on a roundabout. We also had a hangout on a basketball court. We asked people to only wear sneakers that day. In addition to drinking and dancing, they could also shot some hoops or dunk ! »

THE FINANCIAL ASPECT

« A perfect example for this is Mark Zuckerberg : Facebook is free for millions of people. However to have access to this community of potential future clients, you have to invest in advertising on the network. » Another advantage for the young man is that « Apero Street » is legitimate. « We purposefully attract through digital media. Our communication happens exclusively online ». This means free publicity for sponsors with access to a « connected » community with a certain quality of life and so a certain buying power (a must for constant connection to internet). However we are still very open minded. We were in Gabon on the 16th of November last year because we received an interesting offer from A&Y People Magazine, a popular people magazine over there. The idea is to export the idea to Libreville permanently. »

Access to the hangouts is totally free and will always be according to Rollin. The guests only pay to drink and eat if they want to. So how do they finance the events, he answers with laughter : « I was waiting for that question. «Apero Street» is financed by our close friends and family. We are lucky to also be working. We don’t earn money, neither do we loose it. We invest in getting t-shirts made. The benefits of these sales are put into the event’s organization : the authorization demands, security, the bar, etc » He emphasizes the passion he has for what he does : « we have fun doing this. Passion trumps financial benefits and I think the communities we unite see that. They love what we do, they talk about it and they share it. » The biggest asset for the organizers is the growing community (over 3000 followers on Facebook). This doesn’t bring money in directly but it’s a great We are impatient to see an « Apero Street » every asset when negotiating with sponsors who want month in every African city. to invest in these communities to increase their Propos recueillis par Joan Murielle Yombo visibility.

INSPIR’CAREER

CHRISTIAN NGAN : A DRIVEN YOUNG MAN AT THE HEAD OF MADLYN CAZALIS By Louis Gilbert Bissek

“I believe that anything is possible”

He’s on top of everything at the moment In his native country of Cameroon at the slight mention of his name on the streets; you unleash a never ending dialogue of praise about the young man. And why exactly? Because he is everywhere: he is an honored graduate of the U.C.A.C (Catholic University of Central Africa Yaoundé) for his noble initiatives to improve the lives of the African youth. He was named one of the 30 most promising African youth entrepreneurs in 2014 by Forbes. He has been praised and invited to events by many renowned names in the world such as President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba of Gabon for the IDB (Islamic Development Bank) Group Third Youth Development Forum for Youth Entrepreneurship in 2014. Despite the titles and all the praises, he is a relatively calm individual as he welcomes us into his offices at Madlyn Cazalis in Yaoundé with a firm handshake, an honest and direct smile and with refreshments. It seems client service is just apart of who he is. Something he says many youth have not learnt even though they apply for jobs in public service or private companies. HIS PATH Christian Ngan is a native and thirty year old who lived and grew up in Yaoundé. After he obtained his baccalaureate in Cameroon, he arrived in Paris. With a hint of nostalgia and his awareness of his sheer luck from the opportunities he had, he admits : « I looked at my education as a tool to start my life on the right foot and to do what I wanted with it. » Christian Ngan gave himself the means to succeed : « to understand the ins and outs of international finance management. » Attracted to business finance since his « DEUG » in Sciences and Economics at the University of Paris II Panthéon-Assas, he went on to study a Masters in Management at the University of Paris – Sorbonne which then led him to pursue a second Masters in Management and International Affairs at the same institution. Recruiting in business banking is mostly done at the five top business schools in France. Being aware of this he decided to continue his studies at EMLYON Business School and do a second Masters in Finance Engineering. A time he recalls with a smile: «The first time I did the admissions tests for business schools I failed because I had a tooth problem that stopped me from doing the oral exam. Then I did the admissions tests for Finance Engineering. I was put on a waiting list for 2 to 3 months but didn’t get in. I tried again and went back stronger as I asked myself : if they don’t take me, who would they take ? and it worked!» He also pursued solid experiences by doing multiple internships in great companies. At Société General bank, he was in acquisition merging, at Gras savoye in crisis management. He also interned at the Ministry of Finance in Cameroon at the Direction of the Tresorie and Financial Cooperation. It was his only internship back home, a premonition of his return later on. It allowed him to understand the situation in Cameroon since his ambition had always been to head back there. After an internship at Quivest, a capital investment fund company dealing with about 27 million dollars, he is hired as an analyst in the Corporate Finance section. He then landed at Findercod as an associate, a little business bank with a smaller team which benefited from big American funds of millions of dollars. An

experience from which he has good memories : “At Quilvest I didn’t have a life. At Findercod, the experience was more intense: awkward work times like getting home at 4am only to wake up at 7:30am to be at work by 9am. Creating models, working on excel sheets with endless formulas, my English had to be flawless and just forgetting a coma could get you fired. It’s great training because you learn reflexes and effectiveness.» After 10 years in France, despite his good salary and a good life, he decided to move back to Cameroon. The idea didn’t please his family or close friends but it was a leap he needed to take in order to get his project he had been planning on the way. « I know Africa has potential, I created the brand from A to Z when I was in Paris and then one lovely morning I left my job to dedicate myself to what I thought was just a hobby. »With solid savings and a huge intellectual potential, he went into cosmetics in Africa. It’s a very competitive sector where the big groups such as l’Oreal, Unilever, Procter & Gamble fight over the market with local industries. This didn’t scare him: « I believe that anything is possible. I had it easy because of all the competencies I acquired elsewhere, it’s a huge advantage compared to people who start with nothing. I thought as an investor while searching for investment opportunities. »

A BRAND, A SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY He quickly looses his calm upon one subject : the skin bleaching phenomenon. It is being taken too lightly according to him. “It’s the responsibility of the government, of the industry, the media, of artists and of all our opinion leaders to fight this «evil» in society.” He blames the inconsiderate and undignified industry leaders who profit from the ignorance or insecurities of thousands of Africans in regards to their skin by allowing toxic products on the market. It’s important to not mistake clarifying with depigmentation. Which is often what happens. Immediat Claire (immediate clear), Clarissime, White express, Sivoclair are just a few of these products that are very present on the market. Signe de l’Omerta reigns on the market and no legitimate research or verification is done by local authorities on these products and the effects they have on human skin. Media basically ignores the problem and instead does false

marketing to empower these products. These products are real toxic cocktails with mixtures based on corrosive or ban products such as: hydroquinone which is recognized as a highly toxic product for the ecosystem and used in photo development, mercury residues, products based in bleach and other chemical components. The effects they have on one’s skin is even more terrifying : mushrooms , stretched skin, skin cancer, odors and more. «The point of Madlyn Cazalis is to bring out African pride because we have come to a change in history in which we have to take pride in our skin, our hair and not change because of all these products invading us. »

A NAME, AN ETHIC « I am a convinced African but not an egocentric African. » I don’t do things thinking it’s Africa against everyone else (…) Madlyn Cazalis is a shortening of my mother (Pauline) and my sisters’ names (Suzanne, Lise). I wanted something original , elegant and non-existent. » Madlyn Cazalis is pronounced the same in any language, which gives it a certain universality and charm. The real reference to Africa is the famous fushia, magenta and blue zebra strips. It’s a reference to the beauty, majesty and dynamism of the continent. He continues about the immorality and sad profitability in the very competitive cosmetic world in Cameroon and in Africa. He even mentions actors : « a lot of actors don’t care and are promoting travesties such as skin bleaching to make money. I think we can go about it differently and make money while being ethical. Asking the important questions such as what problem are we solving and who are we helping is the right thing to do.» His priority is the utility and integrity of his company instead of an unhealthy relationship with his consumers. The main substances used in Madlyn Cazalis are organic: citrus as an antiseptic, cleanser for it’s lightening capacity; cucumber for hydration and many more healthy produces. As a result the end products contain 80% to 95% of organic materials.

“It’s the responsibility of the government, of the industry, the media, of artists and of all our opinion leaders to fight this «evil» in society.” A PROMISING FUTURE FOR THIS YOUNG COMPANY The success of Madlyn Cazalis products is undeniable, even if the numbers have not yet been published. He is aware that he is not under cover from counterfeit products and states : « I know, it’s going to happen. When it happens it is also a sign : it’s the fruits of success ». He has of course registered

the brand and advices all new entrepreneurs to always do the same.

« I had it easy because of all the competencies I acquired elsewhere, it’s a huge advantage compared to people who start with nothing.» This was an important initiative because in its two years of existence Madlyn Cazalis created direct jobs and about 60 jobs indirectly, has reached its fourth generation of products and offers 20 product models for sale ( lotions, milks, soaps, creams, serums, masks...etc). There are 50 points of sales in Cameroon, in pharmacies at commercial spaces and he plans to open a store in 2016 for the brand. But Christian Ngan has a bigger vision. An ambassador of « Made in Africa » and inspired by the paths of entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangoté, Kadji Defosso or Victor Fotso, he wants to empower the rise of strong brands from the African continent to boost Africa’s promising economies and reinforce the sense of pride of the continent. This is only possible if he expands throughout the continent. Regional expansion is then a priority for Madlyn Cazalis which is aiming at 33 countries altogether. His products have already found their way to Chad and Senegal. Even though this step is crucial to him, many obstacles may come his way : border barriers, slow administrative processes, difficulties in exchange of goods and labor, bad road infrastructures are just amongst a few of these obstacles. Apart from these few challenges, cosmetics are only a beginning for the brand. Christian is also founder of Goldsky Partners, a finance consultancy agency : « I see Madlyn Cazalis as a group. We will not be exclusively about cosmetics. We want to do accessories as well. » For this, he is aware that he needs to give time some time. Until then he has become a model for the youth and is proud of that role. With his strong principles, he wants to share his experiences, being aware that the building up of the continent will only come from such initiatives and that the youth have so little support from the government. To discuss, share and take action through his experience and knowledge is how he has decided to go about helping other youth. With the success and growth of his company, who knows in a few years this could lead to thousands of jobs, internships and a mass of services that he will offer to the continent. Find his products at http://www.madlyncazalis.com/

N°1 de la Cosmétique

100% Bio pour Peaux Noires et Métissées

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Livraison Yaoundé : 97 66 68 67 Livraison Douala : 77 55 89 96 Infoline : 22 31 70 19 Mail : contact@madlyncazalis.com MadlynCazalis @MadlynCazalis 27

INSPIR’ECO

FOCUS VENTURES

“Ivory Coast is a great location for any entrepreneur who wants to go back to Africa”

After two years as the Director of Operations at Hope Services Africa, Haoua Mamoudou decided to go from an INTERpreneur to an ENTREpreneur. At 31, this Nigerian is at the head of Focus Ventures, a company that accompanies SMEs and multinationals.

Ivory Coast

Haoua Mamoudou is a Pan-African. Proof is that the headquarters of Focus Venture is not in Niamey but in Abidjan. She states that : « Ivory Coast is a great location for any entrepreneur who wants to go back to Africa ». With a GDP of 28 billion dollars and an economic growth of 8,1% in 2013, the country of elephants is taking it all back and is becoming one of the giants of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) despite the post 2011 crisis. Investors believe in its potential because previous real investments have known a growth of 63% in 2012.

“Corruption is not an African reality” To Assist Companies It is with the goal of assisting investors that she created Focus Adventures a year ago. The team is made up of young individuals who studied abroad and have excellent knowledge of the region. This double culture allows them to run the show on two levels. Firstly, Focus Adventures facilitates the implantation of foreign investors who want to develop activities in the francophone countries of West Africa. But despite a growth of 5%, the business environment of West Africa is slowed by certain elements such as the pace at which contracts are produced or corruption. These elements increase the skepticism of international investors who often have an exaggerated vision of the dangers of investing in Africa. An exaggerated vision because as mentioned by Mme. Mamoudou « Corruption is not an African reality ». However countries are more and more aware of the fact that it is important to create a reassuring business environment. Ivory Coast which has recently taken measures to create this reassuring environment has understood this. The reinforcing of policies, the trade court or the fight against extortion are some of the policies put in place by Ivory Coast. And that ‘s not all. An information point has been created as the only place to facilitate formalities when creating a company. Because of this over 2535 companies were created in 2013, compared to only 126 in 2012.

These new companies are what drives the second part of Focus Ventures: accompanying local companies in order to optimize their performance. One of the solutions offered by Focus Ventures is out sourcing with the goal of « allowing companies to focus on what they do best » according to Mme. Mamoudou. So companies who are specialized in certain jobs outsource their other activities (HR, accounting, finance) in order to improve their own service or sales.

Africa is not just a bloc area As young entrepreneurs we often believe that the business practices from country to country are the same. That’s false. Despite the fact that certain francophone countries joined forces with the OHADA (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) and that this harmonization of business rights makes things easier; many policies vary in different countries. « For example a foreigner cannot be a share holder at a 100% in Ghana ,» states Mrs. Mamoudou. It’s not the case in Ivory Coast or Niger or Senegal. So the choice of implantation is not to be taken lightly « Its all depends on what you are looking for and the opportunities on the market. » she says. For example if you are looking for service based opportunities, Ivory Coast is perfect for that. According to the World Bank, the service sector in Ivory Coast accounted for 45% of its GDP in 2011. Senegal on the other hand is the ideal place to implant for ICTs with a 93% rate of penetration for mobiles and 49% for internet. Google caught this and has implanted there. Accompanying companies looking for solid grounds in the business environment is a huge challenge for Focus Ventures. Haoua Mamoudou is fearless in regards to this and looks at the future with enthusiasm. https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus---strategyconsulting Chrys NYETAM.

THOUGHTS

DIASPORA VS LOCALS: SHOULD WE CHOOSE ?

If I had to define Jesse Carlton in one word, it would definitely be “inspiration”. At only 22, the young man is multitalented (speaker, writer, entrepreneur, and more) and nothing seems to stop him. Mr. Africa, as he is known, is passionate about Africa and puts special care into

talking about charity, solidarity, sharing and love. He gives us his opinion on “the cold war” (is it really a war though?) between the youth of the diaspora and the youth living on the continent. ByJoan Yombo.

My cousin once told me about the time she came to Cameroon from South Africa to look for a Job and the recruiter loved her profile. She went through the right studies and had some good experiences. The only reason she didn’t get the job was because the company thought that her foreign experience will not be effective with the local realities. - She probably should have stayed home right? I have recently taken part in a number of conferences where entrepreneurs were invited to share their experience with university students. It is usually very inspiring; but one factor which bothers the listeners is the fact that the panel is usually made up of entrepreneurs who studied and have a certain experience from abroad. - So must we necessarily travel to become an entrepreneur? Thomas who studied at the University of Moscow comes home and starts a business that puts Eric who studied at the University of Douala out of business. It may be perceived as a negative impact. However, it could be an event that will push Eric to innovate. At the end of the day, it is not Eric or Thomas that will gain the most, but the society.

“There is always a way to keep moving”

Quit maintaining, focus on improving. Those from the diaspora who come around with “big” ideas and then complain about the difficulties they face locally should instead perceive these obstacles as opportunities to get better and grow stronger. Whatever the nature of the competition, it should be a source of inspiration to take our performances to a world class standard. The problem is not the problem, but the way we perceive it : There is always a way to keep moving, it all depends on our objectives and vision. Based on the title of this magazine, I would love to believe that the vision we all have in common is to develop our dear Africa. However, bear in mind that developing Africa does not start by developing others, but SELF. If a wall is made up of 20 yellow bricks and one brick goes red, it is right to say that the wall has changed. If you change, if you grow, Africa will grow. Be the change you want to see in the world - Mahatma Gandhi The friction that may exist between the diaspora and locals is simply because we do not look at the big picture. We are all a piece of the puzzle. The pieces of the puzzle are not of the same shape, seize or placed in the same way, but they all have a role to play. So whether you studied/worked in the north pole, or at the smallest local school, you might think different, talk different, or act different but you are a piece of the puzzle. So no one should feel inferior or superior to the other. It is not about the strength of a piece, it’s about the puzzle itself. Arthur Zang who recently obtained the Rolex prize went to school and innovated in Cameroon. On the other hand Forbes listed Christian Ngan, who studied and worked in France, came home and is making a difference. … And the authorities in all of this? Well, they are a piece of the puzzle too. They don’t run the puzzle they are part of it.  Regards,

Mr Africa ( Writer and Motivational Speaker ) Find him on http://carltonmrafrica.com and on http://www.facebook.com/carltonsmilecharity

“Be the change you want to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi.

4 QUESTIONS TO...

WATCH OUT FOR

HAUTE|BASO If we cannot use Rwandan materials, we use materials from other African countries.

Haute Baso is a dynamic fashion brand founded by Linda Mukankoga and Candy Basomingera. The brand’s objective is to put Rwandan artisans at the forefront, especially women. « Two minds are better than one » the two creators of the brand say, which is proof of their competitive side. A much needed competitiveness, seen as the fashion industry is booming in Rwanda with new brands on the market. Inspire Afrika had the chance to sit with them and ask 4 essential questions:

4 32

I.A : What is the social impact of Haute Baso? Linda Mukangoga : We work with cooperatives. We present sketches to artisans and they tell us if they can fabricate the sketched product. Of course, we start with prototypes in order to verify that they have the skill and tools necessary to produce them. Once the product is ready, we show them how to commercialize it. That is what makes us different from other brands and companies. Usually cooperatives produce but have no clue how their products are commercialized, marketed or sold. We try to be more interactive.

different places to pick up the products and this is an additional expense, a huge one.

”In Rwanda, many government institutions help us reach our goals by giving us access to conferences for example”

I.A : What is the biggest challenge that you face and how do you overcome it ? Candy Basomingera : For us the biggest challenge is in acquiring raw materials. We want to produce with local materials or at least materials from other provinces or neighboring countries. If we cannot use Rwandan materials, we want to use materials from other African countries. It would be easier to import from China , faster even but we don’t want to do that. Working with regional or local raw materials is a challenge because it requires a lot of time. However, we need to take this time because we look for high quality materials. That’s a priority to us, no matter the expense. It’s a tough choice and the consequences are sometimes limiting. For example, our choice is sometimes very limited when it comes to color or the type of textiles. To overcome this obstacle, we readjust, we compromise, we adapt by using the raw materials available to us. The final product is then sometimes very different from the original concept, but at times it comes out even better.

I.A : What advice would you give those who want to enter the textile industry in Rwanda ? Candy Basomingera : People see fashion more as a hobby than a job. A lot of people don’t even imagine that you can have a career in the industry. When you chose to go down that road you have to be strong enough to fight all the prejudice that comes with it. You need to make your passion your job. Your passion for what you do should allow you to reach your goals. In Rwanda, many government institutions help us reach our goals by giving us access to conferences for example. Remember that to succeed you have to find unusual ways to get your company known and nothing will happen overnight. It is a lot of work. But if its is your passion then nothing will stop you. Find Haute Baso products at http://www.hautebaso.com/about.html Interviewed by Anita Ashiru

I.A : What are your short and long term objectives ? Linda Mukangoga : Our short term objective is to have better visibility. We are working really hard to grow our presence on social media and to use the tools available to us to develop. We want people to know the brand but we also want to draw their attention to how products are fabricated. Our long term objective is to open a training center and teach the women with whom we work with. A lot of the people we work with have their own teams and work locations but if we make them come together in a mutual effort and cut costs, it would make things a lot easier for them. We would also produce easily and faster. Right now, working with all these different people requires going to

FOCULTURE

THEY TOOK THE LEAP ! Like thousands of young African students, they all at one point expressed the desire to return to their motherland and grasp the opportunities there. However is it enough to express a desire in order to make it happen ? Far from the legends and clichés, 5 young Africans tell us about making the leap and returning to the continent.

How did you know it was time to return home ? How does one really know it’s time ? The reasons to head back obviously varies depending on the individual. In my case, returning to Africa was something I considered from the very beginning of my studies. I knew that once I had my degree, I would be more useful in Africa than in the Western world. I did not hesitate to take the opportunity to head back even though I had great possibilities in Paris. My experience has taught me that it is completely possible to live a decent life in Africa while evolving in a professional environment that is intellectually stimulating. We are at a decisive turning point with Africa at the heart of it all. To be apart of the actors of tomorrows Africa, the diaspora that burns with the desire to return home should seize this opportunity.

Lagassane Ouattara, in charge of investment at Africa Consulting & Trading (Dakar)

What are some of the most important challenges you faced on your return home ? When we want to participate in development in general and specifically in the development of Africa, every action counts no matter where you are as long as it has an impact on the continent. Africa is distinguished because it is the continent that has the most young people. It also has a very large technological growth, essentially because everything really starts from scratch and rockets from there : the emergence of consumers, double digit economic growths, all leading to the creation of jobs (along with weak political conditions at times). There is not a lot of good press on Africa, or it is not well known so it is difficult to measure the changes and evolution that is going on. I made the leap to go and work for the African Bank for Development. Personally the difficulties I faced was the lack of comfort (compared to Europe), governmental inertia and the lack of good cheese ! But all that did not make me give up.

Must everyone or should everyone create their own company when they return to the continent ? I think when a young African from the diaspora returns home, he or she asks themselves what role they will be playing in the development of the continent. Entrepreneurship seems to be the golden road to accomplishing something for Africa, especially as it implies freedom and an independent lifestyle. I think everyone can be an entrepreneur once they return, you just need clarity of mind, persistence and humility in everything you face. I say humility because once you get home you are often put on a pedalstool, that creates a sentiment of superiority which in turn can stop you from questioning yourself and from evolving. Entrepreneurship is not the only option though. In order for a company to function it needs brains and labor from qualified people. Africa today is rising because of a diversified economic environment thanks to thousands of companies that work towards improving the daily lives of the population. A sure way to be one of the activists for the building of the continent is to

join forces with those who have already started. Also we can be of African origin without knowing the realities of local life. To succeed here, you need real expertise as well as certain contacts. Working in a company first will help you gain that expertise, to establish contacts before starting something on your own. Returning home can be a great success story that everyone can achieve in their own way. The key ingredients are simply : clarity of mind, persistence and humility no matter what happens.

Léna Gnininvi, Entrepreneur / in charge of fashion purchase at Jumia Ivory Coast (Abidjan)

Gerardine Mahoro , Communication consultant at the African Development Bank

What changes when you arrive on the continent ? What is the first thing to adapt to ?

After spending years in France and being used to life in the Western World, what hit me upon my return to Gabon was the lack of infrastructure or the poor development of basic infrastructure. We talk about development and emergence when there is not even running water or electricity apart from in main urban zones but still in those places the electricity is cut frequently and so is the water. In terms of infrastructure for hospitals with the exception of a few, a lot of them cannot be trusted, in Gabon a saying goes : « as long as you are not sick all is well... » In hospitals, either there is not enough staff or not enough staff with the competencies required to work the examination and analysis tools, or worse there is a lack of medication. The lack of infrastructure is also obvious in the transport sector and in the education system...all the development vectors that many politicians mention in their discourses revolve around this.

The second thing that struck me and I had to adapt to was the mentality : it is important to not disturb the established order even if it is dysfunctional. When it comes to change and development people seem to be a 100% up for it, however when it comes to adopting new methods in organization or work ethics that have worked in developed countries, people will immediately tell you : « this is Africa and we can’t do as they do elsewhere ». They want change but are against progress, against any steps, sometimes difficult steps that lead to real, lasting change. In the same way, it is quite shocking to see that one’s rights depends on opportunities and nothing more, which is tricky for anyone.

Jules Potier Loembe, in charge of research at the General Directorate for Budget (Libreville),

Anastasie Assene, Consultant – Tresory department, African Bank for Development ( Tunis )

How do I get myself noticed or integrated into local companies while being based in the West ? Before thinking about getting noticed, you have to maximize your skills by making your profile attractive. This includes the training courses you choose, schools, majors, linguistic skills, student jobs that all carve your profile. These have to be thought through and strategic. It’s important to remember that the majority of returnees (apart from entrepreneurs) in Africa aim for the same institutions, so it is crucial to have every chance on your side and to have an objective mindset because the aim is to get recruited! The first tool is your CV, you can stand out with just a few elements : a specialized masters degree in a renowned school or an internship is a popular company, etc. Don’t hesitate to visit the website of the company you want to have on your CV and check out what opportunities they could have for young graduates. The most popular options are internships and sometimes young professional programs (YPP) or even junior consultants in international organizations. These programs generally target young graduates with 1 to 3 years experience already. You need to use your personal network or efficient social media such as LinkedIn. You can identify people working in these companies to whom you can send your CV or ask about available offers (these could be alumni from your school or young people are preferable because they can identify with you). This works well because the person who receives your CV can immediately direct it where needed and they may contact you quite quickly. Also some of these companies don’t have an online application option so going through LinkedIn is the only way. In addition to this, you most likely have people you know on the grounds who can inform you about the way the company works and their recruiting procedures. They could also advice you on who to talk to. Even if your personal network is not great, get closer to the associations in your town who work with African companies or big international groups that also have a presence in Africa. You can get closer to these through forums or experience sharing events. It’s also a way to grow your persinal network. You would agree with me that the most critical area is information access, the type of information that would be

infinitely useful to you. The best advice I can give you is to focus on building a strong personal network. Go to forums, meet up with young professionals, go to African after-works in your town, take advantage of African gatherings to grow your network. On top of this, know how to use social media and you are already more or less in the playing field.