#14: The Sports Issue

LET’S IMAGINE THE NEW AFRICA !

MARCH-APRIL 2015 #14

FAVORITE

HARRISON KABLAN WANTS TO CONQUER AFRICA WITH HIS GOLDEN DRINK

INSPIR’INTERVIEW MOHAMED DIA IS BACK IN THE GAME !

FROM MISERY TO LUXURY, THOSE SPORTS CAREERS THAT INSPIRE US

WHY IS FOOTBALL THE REIGNING SPORT IN AFRICA ?

Luc Mbah A Moute

THE AMBASSADOR OF AFRICAN BASKETBALL

WWW.INSPIREAFRIKA.COM

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INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

The 14th Issue - March - April 2015

THE TEAM

INSPIRE AFRIKA Magazine is edited

by ANINKA MEDIA GROUP

CHIEF EDITOR JOAN YOMBO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRYS NYETAM

ASSISTANT CHIEF EDITOR LOUIS GILBERT BISSEK

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAN YOMBO

ENGLISH EDITOR CHRYS NYETAM

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LUC YEBGA

CULTURE EDITOR AMMA ABURAM

SALES MANAGER ANITA BAKAL

PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER AFRICA HYACINTHE ISSOMBO

MARKETING MANAGER AMMA ABURAM

PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER EUROPE FRANCESCA NGAHANE

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER IVAN NYETAM

PARTNERSHIPS OFFICER AMERICA ANITA BAKAL TRANSLATOR RAKY TOURÉ GRAPHIC DESIGN ALISSA JAMES

CONTRIBUTOR LEYLA ISMAILY INSPIRE AFRIKA MAGAZINE COLUMNIST / KENYA /

WWW.INSPIREAKRIKA.COM ADVERTISEMENT : FRANCESCA NGAHANE / +33 (6) 65 38 81 60. PARTNERSHIPS : INSPIREAFRIKA@INSPIREAFRIKA.COM PRESS / RECRUITTMENT : INSPIREAFRIKA@INSPIREAFRIKA.COM INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015 All reproduction rights reserved for all countries. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited for all the articles.

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CONTENTS

THE SPORTS ISSUE !

INSPIR’INTERVIEW // 16 Mohamed Dia is back in the game !

FAVORITE // 12 Harrison Kablan and his golden drink

INSPIR’START UP // 26 SAWASHOES : The definition of ‘Made in Africa’

EDITO // 5 INSPIR’NEWS // 6

Awakening Basketball dreams with LUC MBAH A MOUTE.

INSPIR’START UP // 26

TRENDS // 8

Sawashoes, The definition of ‘Made In Africa’

An equatorial Flavour

INSPIR’ECO // 30

FAVORITE // 12

Exosse, Gold in your champagne glass

The numbers behind the African Cup of Nations

INSPIR’INTERVIEW // 16

THOUGHTS // 32

INSPIR’ORGANIZATION // 20

4 QUESTIONS TO... // 34

Mohamed Dia, the calm force

Awakening Basketball dreams with Luc Mbah A Moute

DARE TO INSPIRE // 25

Discovering the high plains of Kenya in running shoes 44

INSPIR’ORGANIZATION // 20

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

The reign of Football by Sandra Tshiyombo Green Sports Africa

FOCULTURE // 36

Soccer culture : the inspiration of RAGS to RICHES stories.

JOBS // 38

EDITO

THE QUEST FOR

A CALLING

Being the star of sports, soccer is known for unleashing passions.

It is THE RELIGION of the 21st century, the opium of the people.

The African continent is no exception to the trend. From January 17th to February 8th, it has vibrated to the beat of games and encounters for the 30th edition of the ACN, organised successfully ( and in 64 days ! ) by Equatorial Guinea.

Following the euphoria, we wanted to add an extra layer to it. Everything started with one question: What is sport’s vocation on the African continent? Is it just a hobby? Is it a pastime?

For this month’s guests, it is mostly a business opportunity: Mohamed Dia (p.16) and Medhi Slimani (p.26) have decided to explore the path of streetwear/sportswear,

while Harrison Kablan (p.12), set his eyes on the business of champagne.

Others such as Luc Mbah A Moute (p.20) have chosen to use sports to inspire and give back to the community. And all this for the better.

Essentially, when we think about it, entrepreneurs and athletes have a lot in common: passion, performance, endurance, capacity to overcome challenges...

Sport’s values have always been a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs. Who knows, this issue will maybe help some readers find their calling!

Enjoy the read!

Joan Yombo Chief Editor

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INSPIR’NEWS

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TedxAbidjan 2015, in search of the polar star - Ivory Coast For 25 years; TED has been one of the most amazing conferences on the planet. Under TED ; TedxAbidjan happened for a 2nd time around this year. It gathered 12 speakers, the most inspiring from the Ivorian Capital. Throughout the day, these speakers shared their ambitions and their visions of an emerging Ivory Coast around a single theme: « Finding the polar star ». Surprising ideas, unique point of views and passionate leaders shared their vision with an enthusiatic audience on the 14th March 2014. Everyone has their polar star on earth, which one is yours ?

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TEDxAccra 2015: A new chapter opens – Ghana « Next Chapter » is the theme of the TED conference that will be held in Accra in 2015.

It will be happening on the 11th of April at the National Theater. The different speakers are each as talented as the other and are on a mission to inspire the new generation of African leaders through a constructive debate. Five years away from the « Vision 2020 » announced by President John Dramani Mahama, all eyes are on the future projects of the country and of Africa as a whole. The youth are compelled to become the new leaders and actors for the continent.

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The Africa Economic Forum: at the heart of African issues – United States On the 11th and 12th of April 2015, Columbia University will host the African Economic Forum. The theme for this year: « Build Africa: Beyond Potential ». After the presence of strong figures such as Raila Odinga (Prime Minister of Kenya); Wale Tinubu , CEO of Oando Oil Plc or Larnido Sanusi (Governor of the central Bank of Nigeria) and strong debates from the last event; this year, you are invited to think about the actions that will accelerate the growth of the continent. How can Africa fully benefit from its resources? This is one of the questions we hear the most regarding the continent. We are all impatient to discover a solution to this...and maybe we will, during this conference.

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Objis, the center for computer training near you – Ivory Coast Objis is what you need! Delphin Bondongo, owner of a Bachelor in Literature is now a hired computer specialist thanks to the course. Since 2005, this center for computer training has helped improve technical computer skills and led to the creation of projects. It includes training for Java Web Mobile and more. The quality of the training is astounding! After the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal, the company is aiming at being in many other locations on the continent. Dear Ivorians, get ready, Objis will be arriving at your doors in the 1st of June 2015. The Ivorian applications development market is booming at the moment, it needs you and OBJIS. To make a real success.

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African week was there !

The anticipated event of the year by ASPA (Association of Political Science University for Africa) finally took place in Paris from March 17 to 19. The theme, « In Africa we trust » was packed with surprises. For three days, Africa was on the spotlight from different angles: political, economic and cultural. The event was closed by a Gala on the 21st March.

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The fight against Boko Haram continues : return to the COPAX summit – Cameroon « A global menace requires a strategic response! »The call to attention by President Paul Biya was heard loud and clear. On Monday 16th February 2015, the Congregational palace of Cameroon welcomed country leaders of the Economic Community of Central Africa for an extraordinary session at the COPAX summit targeted at fighting against the terrorist group Boko Haram. The result: an urgent financial help strategy has been agreed upon, 50 billion FCFA will be dedicated to the cause, a support through soldiers established, military equipment and an aerial support is also part of the strategy. The country and government leaders have also decided to create funds for multidimensional support in terms of logistics, humanitarian assistance and communications as well as political and diplomatic actions.

The summit proved that the Union is stronger than ever!

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The position is open for the Presidency of the African development Bank – Ivory Coast It’s official the African Bank for Development needs a new president. Who will succeed Donald Kaberuka who is currently finishing his 10 year mandate? On the 11th February 2015, the administrative counsel decided on the eight candidates that would be best fitting. Among these the Ethiopian Minister of Finance Mr Sufian Ahmad and the Minister of Finance of Cape-Verde, Mrs. Christina Kamara, The Agricultural Minister of Nigeria Akinwumi Adesina, The vice-president of the Islamic Bank of development Mr. Birima Boubacar Sidibé and the Chechen Minister of Finance Kordjé Bedoumra. The other candidates are Tunisian Jaloul Ayed, Sierra Leonian Samura M. W. Kamara and the Zimbabwean Thomas Z. Sakara. It’s been said that these have been favorites for a while now so no surprises there. On the 28th of May, the counsel of governors of the Bank will vote for a new leader of the institution for Pan-african development.

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Come share your ideas at the MIT Innovate Forum – United States The MIT Sloan Africa Business Club is happy to present the 5th edition of the « MIT Africa Innovate Conference » that will happen on the 3rd and 4th April 2015 at the heart of the MIT media lab. The theme is « What’s your big idea ? » Thanks to the 2015 Business Plan Competition, the forum is a chance to present an entrepreneurial idea concerning Africa but also to discover and understand the emerging ideas that will build Africa in the future.

The tickets are on sale here : http://sloanafrica.scripts.mit.edu/africainnovate/

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TRENDS // EQUATORIAL GUINEA

AN EQUATORIAL FLAVOUR

By Louis Gilbert BISSEK The month of January has sanctified Equatorial Guinea as one of Africa’s resilient country.

This small «Oil emirate» of 28.051 km², in the heart of Central Africa is composed of three islands and a continental part.

The city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone represents about 1/3 of its total 9965 km² area. However, Equatorial Guinea has surprised the world of soccer by organising, at the last minute, the 30th edition of the African Cup of Nations (A.C.N), after the withdrawal of Morocco in November 2014, following the Ebola crisis on the continent.

Bata, Ebebiyin, Malabo and Mongomo therefore became, for three weeks, the general headquarters of African soccer, only three years after the co-organisation of the 2012 A.C.N with Gabon.

This nation of 757 014 people is the third highest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria and Angola, with 342.000 barrels/day. According to the World Bank its GDP was at 14.320 US dollars per person in 2013 and multinationals are rushing at its doors. As a result, the growth rates are often two digit numbers with, according to the OECD, a global record of 38.3% over the 1996-2000 period and a number that was still at 21.5% before the 2008 financial crisis.

Guided visit of a heavyweight of the continent

COUNTRY SPECIFICITIES Official Languages : Spanish, the official language since the country’s independence on October 12th 1968, is spoken by 88% of the population. Equatorial Guinea is the only Hispanic country in Africa. French in 1997 and Portuguese in 2011, were also adopted in a logic of sub regional and international openness.

Currency: The CFA francs (African Financial Community francs) is the official currency since 1983. It replaced the ekwele, emplaced in 1975, following the Peseta Guinéana that was instituted in 1969 to replace the Peseta Espagnole. 1 CFA franc was worth 4 bipkwélé.

National airline: Ceiba Intercontinental, launched in 2007, serves the major cities of the country: Malabo, Bata and Annobon; ten of the continent’s capital cities: Abidjan, Accra, Brazzaville, Cotonou, Dakar, Douala, Freetown, Lomé, PointeNoire, Sao Tomé; and an international connection to Madrid. The young company plans on opening other connection towards Casablanca, Johannesburg, Luanda and Lisbon.

UNESCO- Equatorial Guinea International prize for research in the life sciences: This is the first international prize financed by an African country, it was launched in 2012. Set at 3 million Euros, the prize awards projects and activities by people, institutions, nongovernmental organisations, in the area of research in the life sciences that have contributed to better quality of life.

Entry on the territory: Only American citizens are exempted from visas, they are suggested to no more than some administrative procedures. All other nationalities must submit a request and pay 65.600 CFA Francs.

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TOURISM Equatorial Guinea has enormous tourist potential, and it boasts hotel arsenal in full expansion. The spectacular economic growth of the country has produced a business and congress focused tourism, beach tourism organised around the immense coastal landmark constituted of white sand beaches and an ecotourism leaning against the abundant forest of 22000km².

The big hotel groups therefore pay the high price to put their names in Bata, Malabo, Mongomo or elsewhere.

Hotel projects of 180, 200 or even 450 rooms have become the norm for giants like the Hilton, the Accor or the Kempinski. This new employment niche has not remained unnoticed by the local authorities who saw the opportunity to develop a service oriented economy surrounding this fast growing tourism. A hotel management school was created in Mongomo in May of 2011. Its goal is to prepare young people to the art of hosting, cooking, table service, room maintenance and client reception to luxurious hotels. As a consequence of either the country’s low demographics or the exponential growth of the hotel industry’s needs, the demand is such that authorities are considering to recruit and train workers from the entire world.

There are three sites in particular that could enchant you during your, certainly upcoming, escapade on Guinean lands.

THE LIBERTY TOWER OF BATA New-York has its « Statue of liberty», Paris its «Eiffel Tower» and Bata has the «the liberty tower «.

Piercing the Bata skies, it stamps it with grace and majesty.Beautiful by day, sparkling by night, «the liberty tower» punctuates the 20km of seashore, while its panoramic bar-restaurant located at 68m high, that has the particularity of rotating on itself, offers a 360° view on the ocean, the city and the equatorial forest.

Bata, the provincial capital, economic lung, nerve center, historic city and home base for 244.264 inhabitants, has therefore added an extra string to its bow, on October 12th 2011.

The port city located on the continental part of the country, was founded at the 17th century by the Portuguese. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was nothing more than a small Spanish military and commercial post, with 150 inhabitants, including 37 Europeans, devoted to the forest exploitation, which is still one of the country’s main source of benefits. Since then, the city has undergone strong urbanisation, with its ministries, luxurious hotels, its magnificent stadium that seats about 40.000 people and its ancient city centre that has become a vestige of the Spanish presence.

Like the rest of the continental region, the cosmopolite city of Bata is the territory of origin of the Fangs.

Constituting 80% of the population, this ethnic group can also be found in Cameroun, Gabon and in the Republic of Congo, they are also known by the name of Pahouin. The cultural, philosophical and spiritual basis of the community is based on a musical instrument called «Mvet».

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THE NATIONAL MONTE ALEN PARK In the heart of the continental region is The National Monte Alen Park.

Its scenery occupies the steep landside of the mountain chains of Niefang that goes up to 1250m high at Monte Mitra, averages at 650m on the Piedra Nzas plains and ends its trajectory in Gabon, with the Mont Mbilan at 800m high. Delimited to the West by the Rio Wele, to the South by the Rio Lana and to the East by the road that crosses the cities of Niefand and Evinayong, the park of 2000km² is a botanical and zoological treasure.

Symbol of the preservation of the Atlantic Equatorial forest against the forest exploitation, the National Monte Alen park is the country’s biggest protected area, before Nsork’s Altos National Park (400km²), the estuary domain of Rio Muni (700km²) and the natural monument of Piedra Nzas (190km²).

Place of retreat for a hundred or so of mammal species (elephants, chimpanzees, hippopotamus... etc), 267 bird species (Harlaub duck, spot-breasted ibis, white crested tiger heron), 65 reptiles species and amphibians (Goliath frog), visiting the National Monte Alen Park is like going to a real eco-safari.

Also, the flora is not what’s missing!

According to a report from the Central African Forest Commission (CAFC), the Park’s vegetation is composed of 3000 species from which about a hundred are endemic to the coastal Atlantic region of the lower Guinea. This is a bargain for the rural life lovers who will also benefit from the astonishing waterfalls and rapids of the Uoro and Lana rivers.

For at least 35$ per day, they can stay at the Monte Alen Hotel with a view that looks directly on the site. To discover the pieces of this particular Eden, you would need a minimum of 10$ daily for the services of a local guide.

THE SOFITEL MALABO SIPOPO LE GOLF Located in Malabo, in the province of North Bioko, the Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf is one of the jewels of the city’s hotel scene.

Estimated at 3000 beds on the eve of the A.C.N, by the sports minister, Francisco Pascual Eyegue Obama Nsue, and with one thousand or so luxurious rooms, the hotel capacity of Malabo teases that of its neighboring cities. The hotel capacity of the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé, is estimated at more than 15000 beds, while that of Freetown accounts for around half of the national Gabonese national park of 5300 rooms.

Firstly, the Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf is a concentrate of luxury and delight built in 2011 on the occasion of the 17th African Union Summit. With 5 stars and around 200 rooms and suites, its panorama takes a 360° dive on the country’s first 18 holes golf course, an exceptional flora with a view on the Mount Cameroun and a private beach of opening towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Also, it has the particularity of being located on an island and in a city that is emblematic of the country’s history. Indeed, the Island of Bioko has undergone several revolutions. Discovered in 1472 by the Portuguese explorer Fernando Pô, who baptized it «Formosa» (the beautiful), the island was renamed «Fernando Pô» in 1494. In 1972, it took on the name of Equatorial Guinea’s first president, «Macias Nguema Biyogo», to finally be named «Bioko» in 1979. In the same way, Malabo, 211.276 inhabitants, has successively been named Port Clarence (Clarence City) in 1827, Santa Isabel between 1846 and 1973, before getting, like Bioko, the name of the native monarch Bubis that had reigned over the island.

Very diverse, the island that welcomes The Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf has long been the land of the Bubis, the second ethnic group of Equatorial Guinea with 40.000 people. Along with several imperialist rises, a population of Creoles also called Fernandinos has moved there too. It is constituted of mixed workers descents that have been established in the Bioko Island’s plantations for centuries and have become rich owners and businessmen in the capital city.

From the Santa Isabel period, subsists a reminiscence of Christianity in the country: The eponymous Cathedral. Built between 1897 and 1916 under Spanish colonisation and located a few blocks from the Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf, it is the trace of the secular opening of Equatorial Guinea to the world and the manifestation of its Christian population that represents more than 90%.

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FAVORITE // GHANA

EXOSSE : Gold in your champagne glass

« Les africains savent fabriquer des produits nobles. Nous avons aussi des gouts de luxe. » Harrison Kablan and his associates.

From his native Ghana that he left at the age of two to move to France, passing through Ivory Coast, Harrison Kablan has seen a lot. Destined for a career in sports, he never imagined he would be giving the world a chance to drink gold...

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‘I realized that I sold champagne to rather weal- that’s its competitive advanHarrison Kablan started out in thy clients. Champagne tage. A wine producer produces football, something that he soon had to stop he says, because had become a way of life ’ about 80 000 bottles a year. So according to his parents : « if you are not good in school , you could not play football ». So he pursued his education but started getting into nightlife.

As for champagne, he started off by selling it : « Armand de Brignac, Crystal, Dom Pérignon... we had important clients. » Until, the day one of his friends brought a bottle of Vodka from Portugal with silver dust inside it. « At the time, i just thought : it’s cool. Then I realized that I sold champagne to rather wealthy clients. Champagne had become a way of life for them, so I decided to sell them the ultimate dream : I decided to sell them gold. »

For three years, Harrison researched the ideal procedure to create Exosse, a brand of champagne with gold dust, sold as limited editions. « I left my job to focus on this project that was just completed a year and a half ago » he says. People like Adama Paris, Djibril Cissé, Makélélé and Youssoupha (to name a few) have reached out to Harrison for his product. He intends to export the product outside of France. But his ambition doesn’t end there : « Africans fabricate humble products but we also have a taste for luxury. » For Harrison, Exosse is not meant to be sold in a mall or supermarket, some bottles cost between 250 to 500 euros and only 4000 are produced in the year. A stance he takes proudly : « it’s the rarity of champagne that makes it so exclusive».

Aside from the cost, Exosse is

a product that’s intriguing and seductive. We asked him if the gold dust in the champagne was really gold, he answers with a witty smile : « it’s the same gold dust we find in chocolate. » Gold has many components, one being iron, which contrary to what we could think is completely edible and safe. The gold dust in the drink is invisible of course and cannot rust but it’s a 100% gold, 24 carats to be exact !

Harrison has one strong philosophy : human relationships and team work. « I’ve always been a distrustful person, it wasn’t the right strategy. You need to open up to others, there are so many young people who are willing to work hard. I work within a team of about 20 people and I can say for certain that I would have had a lot more difficulty with the project if i didn’t work with them. » It is his human relationships that have brought this project to life.

In his sports career, he kept in touch with just a few people: « I didn’t know Djibril Cissé personally but we met through some other players. He was celebrating the launch of his brand and contacted me because he had heard of Exosse. It is not because of my relationship with him (or any other relations in football) that Exosse got out there. People simply liked what they drank and spoke about it to other people » he states firmly. « This champagne is made with passion and love for the earth,

we are very far from the quantity produced by competitors such as Moet & Chandon or Nicolas Feuillatte, who for me make very bad champagne » he says with a triumphant smile.

Today, Harrison plans to enter the Chinese market but most importantly the African market. « Africans love to put on a show and love products from the Western world. We own mansions possessed by celebrities, artists, club managers...etc. These are the people that boost the champagne industry in Africa. Why do people love Moet & Chandon? Simply because every bar, club, restaurant has it. So Moet is more accessible than Exosse, yes but it is all about marketing and branding. These big brands have the means to pay influential ambassadors for their image.

Once I have reached that level, I will be ready to take on the African market. » While working towards these goals, Harrison is working on two new versions of Exosse Brut : a «rosé» version and a « Gold to Gold » version entirely composed of «pinot noir». We are so impatient to see these !

Want to try it? order your bottle on http://www.exosse.fr

By Joan Yombo

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‘Africans fabricate humble products but we also have a taste for luxury.’

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MAGAZINE

COMPANIES, EVENTS,PROJECTS TO PROMOTE ?

WE HAVE JUST OPENED AD SPACES. OUR SOLUTIONS ARE ADAPTED TO EVERY BUDGETS.

Contact us on inspireafrika@inspireafrika.com to know more.

INSPIR’INTERVIEW // MALI

MOHAMED DIA : THE CALM FORCE

In the 1990s, Hip-Hop culture invaded France in different genres: rap, break dance, graffiti, beat boxing, street wear and more. Mohamed Dia, in his twenties was passionate about fashion and decided to explore street wear. He ended up creating one of the first brands related to the Hip-Hop culture in France. What followed were many years of success. The man was considered as a model of success especially for the youth of the urban suburbs of Paris. After years in the United-States and a few years of silence, Mohamed Dia is back with a new vision for his brand. We got to speak with him and find out more.

Inspire Afrika : In 1998, you launched M. Dia (now called Dia wear), the first street urban and sportswear brand created by an African in France. How did the idea come about ?

Let’s go back to that context, especially to the Hip-hop scene: at that time there was an explosion of artists and sportsmen that took center stage who were from the urban

suburbs of Paris.

Many of these artists became very influential for the community in those parts of the city in terms of music as well as their lyrics and lifestyle.

Some even took on the dressing codes of different brands and made them their own to create their own identity.

Because of the fame of these artists, brands related to that lifestyle made a lot of profit. However, many of these

brands didn’t want to be related to that lifestyle so denied the association to it and to these artists.

That is when my idea started to grow. I loved fashion and I thought that we (the youth of these suburbs) had the right to create and wear our own brands. From a marketing stand point, we would be proud to work in partnership with these stars that came from where we came from. This concept was already a success in the USA. I.A.: Are you proud of the fact that the success of M.Dia is attributed to your origins ? Do you think you would have had the same success if you didn’t grow up in the suburbs ?

In the beginning, I heard it a lot and it’s normal. I’ve always been comfortable with my origins, I am French of Malian origin. My story is just the continuation of my parent’s story and I’m proud of that.

I can’t know if I would have had the same success, but I will say that my origins contributed to the credibility of my project, especially for the young people who could identify themselves in my story.

I.A.: How did you convince rappers and football stars to become ambassadors to your brand from the very beginning ?

I didn’t really have a hard time to convince them, on the contrary, from the very beginning there was genuine interest.

Because the project was all over the media very quickly, I got a lot of feedback, testimonies of respect and recognition for the innovation of my company. Many confessed to me that they shared my values.

I.A.: Being an Entrepreneur from the urban suburbs, what is that like ? Did you have enough support ?

Being an entrepreneur in the suburbs, does not affect the quality of the project. It’s just different.

Being an entrepreneur is having an instinct and the strongest of wills to produce a project and never believe that something is impossible. Once you understand that, no context, no origins, no obstacle will have an impact on your goal.

Of course, my family supported me which was important.

Some friends, like the Secteur Ä1 was also very supportive.

Of course, I thank my lucky star that allowed me to meet the right people.

«Being an entrepreneur is having an instinct and the strongest of wills to produce a project and never believe that something is impossible.»

I.A. : Speaking of the right people; in 2001 you created a partnership with the NBA, how did that come about ?

One day, I was interviewed by « Mondial Basket » (Worldwide Basketball), a magazine dedicated to Basket-Ball.

Eventually, we started speaking about business, the NBA and a street wear brand that I loved called FUBU2. At that time it had partnered with the NBA and before that I had already spoken about my dream to work with the NBA. A month later, I got a call from the NBA in my office and they wanted to meet me after they heard about my ambitions and had heard references about me on the sportswear market. They wanted to collaborate in order to develop the image of the NBA especially in the French urban suburbs.

That’s how it all happened.

I.A : What is the fundamental difference between the USA and France in terms of business?

To sum it up, I would say that in the USA the best always wins or at least are able to grow their project, way beyond their own expectations no matter where they come from.

In France, it is harder to reach a goal without «support” I think. You have to be very stubborn to a certain extent to reach a satisfaction in business.

I.A : You have had ups and downs in your career. What is the one thing you need to be absolutely prepared to face as an entrepreneur ?

It’s simple, entrepreneurship is not a job it’s a calling. Once you start to see the fruits of your labor (which I hope is or will be the case for every young entrepreneur that will read this article), you need to be patient with these: time dedicated to creativity, reflection, questioning, choices, decisions, doubts, the search for innovation and renewal....

It’s a permanent activity, there are no days, no nights, no weekends, and no vacations. It’s not that you can’t take the time to rest but rather that you never stop thinking about the business, never. I simply mean that our venture is always on our mind, like our own child would be.

IA : What was your worse experience as an Entrepreneur ?

There is more than one experience to remember, I would even say that the path of an entrepreneur is filled with bad experiences waiting to happen.

For me, the bad experiences are regrouped in two parts: betrayal and arrogance regarding certain people.

I.A : You gained support from the company D Distribution3, then from the group JAJ for the marketing of M.DIA. Today you have decided to be independent, why ? Do you regret those previous partnerships today ?

To every era it’s evolutions. Today, I am 41 years old, I have experience, I’ve matured, my activities are varied and I am independent in many domains. Being independent is the next logical step for this story that began in 1998. I would even say that I took my time.

What is interesting for me now is having a global vision on the entire production chain; from creation to distribution which I didn’t have in the beginning. It’s a real challenge.

As for my first partnerships, I do not regret any of them,

1/A famous Hip-hop group in 2000, it regrouped artists like Stomy Bugsy, Passi, Doc, Gynéco and Neg’Marron. 2/ Created in 1992 FUBU means «For US, By Us»; it was a streetwear brand targeted at African Americans. It’s most famous ambassador was LL Cool J. 3/ D Distribution is the company that secures the production and promotion of M Dia from the very beginning.

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on the contrary as I mentioned previously I thank my lucky stars for helping me meet the right people.

This adventure would not have been the same without them.

I.A : You mentioned wanting to get into main stream fashion, why this transition? Street wear/ Sports wear seem to be the very DNA of the brand M.DIA. Today, that initial trend I rode on is more and more universal and perpetually changing and breaking the rules. You may have noticed in the past years that there has been a mix and clash of many urban codes, now seen in certain brands that were more classical. That is the sort of vision I have for my brand without losing its « DNA ».

«It’s a permanent activity, there are no days, no nights, no weekends, and no vacations.»

Joan Yombo

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INSPIR’ORGANIZATION // CAMEROON

AWAKENING BASKETBALL DREAMS WITH LUC MBAH A MOUTE

By Amma OKOBEA and Louis Gilbert BISSEK

Luc Mbah A Moute, a child of destiny. In other words, how does a desire in the heart of a man turn into an achievement? When does the need to reach one’s ambition translate into becoming one of the best in one’s field? The rise of Luc MBAH MOUTE from the playgrounds of the city of Yaoundé to the shiny grounds of one of the most prestigious leagues in the world, the Mecca of basketball: the NBA1 is quite an example of this possibility.

Discover Luc’s beginnings in Yaoundé and the groundbreaking project he pioneers: MBAH A MOUTE BASKETBALL CAMP.

1/ NBA : National Basketball League in USA 20 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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‘I was very good at a young age but there was another level of skills and technique that I wanted to reach which is why I decided to pursue my career in the U.S.’

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS It all started at the age of 12; that’s when Luc Richard Mbah A Moute fell in love with basketball and his love for the game has taken him a long way.

Today he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA and is a pioneer for the association Basketball Without Borders as well as his own project: MBAH A MOUTE Basketball Camp.

We sat down with Mr. Mbah A Moute to find out more about his career and the association.

As a participant in one the first Basketball Without Borders camp he was amongst hundreds of players from the four corners of the continent. He trained with legends such as Dikembe MOUTOMBO from Congo, Ruben BOUMTJE, first Cameroonian to land in the NBA or even DeSagana DIOP from Senegal. His performance earned him a scholarship at Montverde Academy in Florida and his passport to the USA, a giant leap closer to his firm ambitions. « I go back every other summer to meet the kids in the program and demonstrate the privileges of the program » he says. The kids at the camp get coaching, teaching, directing and even life skills that are unique because of the sport». Mbah A Moute is also a scout in search of the new talents in the field.

When asked what the criteria by which they select the kids are, he states: « It’s not just about selection. The camp in

« I didn’t have basketball at school but my twin brother did and he’s the one who told me about it so we started playing » says Mbah A Moute. He and his brother grew a love for the sport by playing together, watching games on TV and cheering the Chicago Bulls at that time with players such as Michael Jordan.

At 14, he decided to up his game and join the basketball club of the city: ONYX International basketball Academy of Yaoundé. He progressed within the club for two years : « I was discovered in 2003 and selected among the best junior players in Cameroon, and was sent to represent my country in South Africa at the Basketball Without Borders. »

22 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

MBAH A MOUTE BASKETBALL CAMP At 22, A MOUTE became the second Cameroonian to enter the league. Since, he is amongst the 33 African players or players of African origin to have evolved in the league since its creation in 1946.

His success is not just his but the success of an entire country and an entire continent. In 2014, only 10 players are African or of African origin on the 450 total players. Mbah A Moute brings this success back home through his own project: MBAH A MOUTE basketball camp started in 2010.

The goal? To prepare and train 50 young talents from Basketball without borders each year. After years in the NBA, playing across the country and the world, he felt the need to reach out to the kids back home just like himself: « I started playing as a kid in Cameroon, I know how tough it is to get the right teaching, coaching or guidance.

It was only right for me to take this initiative and give back. » he says.

The strategy for his camp is to get 50 players to help recruit and train young players. They put the kids through drills, skill work, team work and generally a training template to follow and improve on once the coaches are no longer there. The top five players are then selected to be helped and sponsored to schools in the USA.

BASKETBALL WITHOUT BORDERS The first Basketball Without Borders was held in South Africa in 2003. Mbah A Moute got a life changing opportunity during the camp : « I was learning everything I could everyday back home. I was very good at a young age but there was another level of skills and technique that I wanted to reach which is why I decided to pursue my career in the U.S » he says.

hout Borders according to Mbah A Moute is the people. The kids get to mingle and meet other kids from different countries and backgrounds, this helps them acquire crucial life skills: « Getting involved with people who don’t speak your language, it goes to show a lot about the uniting factor of the game and of sports in general. »

itself is an amazing experience. » What’s special about Basketball Wit-

The last three of his camps have yielded seven talented young players who are now in the USA, five in college and two in High School.

The camps also hold a humanitarian cause: « We recognize that some kids are not as privileged as others, we decided to think about kids without families who can’t afford to be at the camp but have the potential to bring change.

Last year in Yaoundé, we visited orphanages and gave to the less fortunate.

It’s also a good lesson to our kids who realize that despite the difficulty of the camp they are still privileged to be part of it. It’s something we hope to continue doing in coming editions » he adds.

real mission with this project is to awaken the dreams of the youth » he adds.

Luc Mbah A Moute is good friends with Samuel Eto’o, the Cameroonian soccer team star. As ambassadors for their respective sports, they hope to inspire the youth of Cameroon to keep dreaming and to be exemplary role models: « Samuel is like a big brother that I truly admire, we share a lot of values, intellectual morals and most importantly the love of our continent. We want to give back to the youth, remind them to keep dreaming and by being role models to them our voices can be heard. »

SELECTING THE BEST The selection process in detail, involves selecting 50 players in the main Cameroonian cities. « I travel throughout cities such as Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua to announce selection days, then we have young players come show us what they can do » he says.

His crew observes the players, and the kids are selected for their physical aptitude, their collective and individual technique. At the end of the selection day about 15 players are selected from each city for the camp. « There are no middle men. I am present during these selections with the coaches and we select the best of the best for the camps». Mbah A Moute has a team of guys on the grounds in Cameroon, who have helped him bring the project to life over the years.

Throughout this « give back » project, he gains the support from stable local economic institutions that accompany these youth in their personal development: the Cameroonian Federation of basketball, the Ministry of Sports and physical education, UNICEF2, the airline company CAMAIR-CO as well as the Cameroonian establishment of the South African telephone network MTN amongst many.

‘I think the development policies around basketball need to be revised in order to engage the interest of the youth towards sport.’

AFRICA AND BASKETBALL

The goal of the camp is to give the kids a solid basis in groups and individually in the game. A typical day is a morning training on dribbling, scoring and game scenarios and in the afternoon they focus on team work. With these basics they can train even when the coaches are no longer there so that the next year there will be real progress in their game.

AWAKENING THE DREAMS OF THE YOUTH Basketball in Cameroon is not as it was before he remarks. The effort of authorities, institutions to reinforce sports infrastructure is obvious especially with the recent opening of the « Palais des Sports de Yaoundé » where Luc’s camp is held. What’s really missing according to him is human capital: « People don’t play as much as before, the youth is no longer interested in basketball. There are much more opportunities but not the same enthusiasm. I think the development policies around basketball need to be revised in order to engage the interest of the youth towards sport. » There are also problems that involve the lack of infrastructure: basketball fields, centers and even coaches that can create a professional framework. « Young people don’t dream anymore.

When I started it was my dream that pushed me that extra mile. My dream pushed me to where I am today so our

As for basketball on the African continent, Mbah A Moute thinks it is getting better : « African players are playing in the NBA and the European League more than ever before. » But the best part in this is the fact that many of these African players have the courage to return home and play for their home countries again. The last AfroBasket3, saw five NBA players who came back to play for their countries and those were just the ones from the US. Mbah A Moute’s appreciation and love not just for basketball but for sports and his continent has pushed him forward: « Sports is a great way out of a whole lot of things, not just for Africans but anywhere in the world. It’s an important vehicle for brotherhood, peace and conflict resolution. There aren’t many events that can bring people together like sport events. We are blessed to be athletes and have influence, especially African athletes who know what their countries have been through. I want to use my role to impact and make a change. » Mbah A Moute has great advice for young basketball players: « Keep the dream alive and work hard, be it in a classroom, on the court or sowing in a tailor shop. Just have a goal, work hard and make it happen, if you do that great things will come your way. »

The camp this year will be held during the summer and we are sure it will be a great sucess!

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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BUILD AFRICA 2015 AFRICAN ECONOMIC FORUM | BEYOND POTENTIAL

APRIL 10-11TH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY The African Economic Forum is the largest Africa-focused event at Columbia University.

This year's program will engage participants in a dialogue around the tangible actions required to Build Africa, Beyond Potential.

Speakers include: • Augustin Matata Ponyo, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo • Mthuli Ncube, Chief Economist and Vice President of the African Development Bank

Space is limited. Purchase your tickets at www.columbiaAEF.com

DARE TO INSPIRE // KENYA

According to research published by the World Tourism Organization; Kenya attracted a little over 1 million tourists in 2013. Leading the rank of attractions in the country of Jomo Kenyatta are Safari excursions and the discovery of the wild. However, something new is happening. Far from traditional roads, high up on plains of above 2000 meters of altitude and wearing their running shoes, western tourists and fans of long distance racing come to train and learn from Kenyan runners.

From New York to Paris and Tokyo; Kenyans are always winners in long distance racing. At the Olympic Games, they collect gold medals at a drop of a hat. They are known to be extremely gifted on the racing tracks.

For this reason, sports tourism has developed in Kenya. Entrepreneurs offer aspiring Western runners the opportunity to train with the same methods and in similar conditions as the top Kenyan athletes. On the plains of Iten, at 2400 meters high, training programs are created by companies such as SpottoursKenya (sporttourskenya.com) at the HATCH (High Altitude Training Center). The programs involve running exercises with experienced coaches targeted at a group of runners from all over the world.

Traditional Safari adventures are also offered along with the training programs. These formulas destined for amateur sports tourists are growing and fulfill many people’s desire to discovery beyond the offer of classic safari and wild life.

In the image of its economy, the African continent had 6% more tourists in 2013 than in the previous year. In 2030, 134 million tourists will visit the continent. In Kenya, entrepreneurs have grown sports tourism and have learnt to capitalize on the strengths of their country by offering a catered service to tourists.

At the forefront of African technology with numerous incubators for startups and technological hubs, Kenya is also distinguished by its entrepreneurial initiatives in the sports tourism sector.

Why not be inspired by this in other regions of the continent and offer touristic experiences aimed at sportsmen and women curious to discover that aspect of Africa.

Youri Kielo, for Oser l’Afrique

INSPIR’START UP // ALGERIA

SAWASHOES : THE DEFINITION OF ‘MADE IN AFRICA’

Born in Cameroon, they flourished in Ethiopia. Today, they are sold across the world.

Medhi Slimani’s trainers do not only represent the trademark of « made in Africa » : they are proof that the continent is a land of opportunities. It’s up to us to find our paths. We start down with Mehdi for some insight on this inspiring company.

26 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

Inspire Afrika : Hello, Medhi Slimani, can you please introduce yourself to our readers ?

Medhi Slimani : I’m Medhi Slimani, 38 years old, French of Algerian origin and founder of SAWA, a brand that has the unique quality of producing and creating beautiful shoes in Africa.

IA : It seems you worked in the sports industry before creating SAWA, can you tell us about that ?

MS : Yes I did, I studied Corporate finance. I was at a business school and once I finished I started working in France and abroad. After 10 years in corporate finance I was lucky to move on to something else. I worked for the Coq Sportif1 as a control manager and the idea was to join the marketing division sooner or later. I started from the bottom as a junior product manager and it gave me good basis in terms of product marketing and within a year I decided to create SAWA. IA : How exactly did SAWA come about ?

MS : SAWA will forever be linked to Cameroon. In 2009, we started producing there because we knew the country had qualified hands and knowledge in shoe production. The brand BATA for example had been producing its shoes in Cameroon for a long time. The other strength of the country is CICAM ( Cotoniere Industrielle du Cameroun)2, a key participant in the Cameroonian industries. Our shoes are made of hessian so they were our main supplier. Cameroon was also an emotional choice, because it is a country in which life is good, with pleasant and kind people.

‘We decided that SAWA would not become the cash machine of corrupted agents.’

IA : You started producing in Cameroon at the beginning, back in 2010, then you relocated to Ethiopia, what’s the story behind that ?

MS : Our transition from Cameroon to Ethiopia has two main reasons. Firstly in Cameroon we had a complicated logistical model: we bought the hessian from the CICAM but it was the only raw material we got on the grounds. Everything else came from elsewhere : the laces came from Tunisia, leather from Morocco and rubber from Egypt. When everything arrived at the port in Cameroon, the main problem was corruption. We had no problem paying border fees, what we really lost in were the negotiations to get the products out of the port. We decided that SAWA would not become the cash machine of corrupted agents. We ended up leaving Cameroon a bit down cast, because I lived there for two years and we employed about 200 people, which is 200 families fed through SAWA. So we ended up packing our bags to go and get a taste of Ethiopian food ! (laughs) IA : Is SAWA a 100% sportswear brand or do you also aim for a more classic clientele ?

MS : SAWA is a fashion brand, with a sober and simple design. You don’t have to go play football with these shoes but the goal is for it to compliment an elegant silhouette. It’s the essence of the product, a simple design, elegant and timeless.

IA : Your shoes are made with a variety of materials : hessian, leather, suede..etc Do you still have the same suppliers ?

MS : Not really. Today, our shoes are essentially made of leather. Very few people know this but Ethiopia has one of the largest livestock on the planet. So everything is just right there, and there are equipped tanneries that run smoothly and are continually improving. Leather is right in our reach, it is 90% of the value of the shoe.

1/ The Coq Sportif : French sportswear clothing line. 2/ Biggest textile production and distribution group in Cameroon INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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SAWA workers in an ethiopian factory.

IA : What is your competitive advantage in relation to brands such as Nike and with direct competitors such as Veja ?

MS : Our competitive advantage is the fact that we fabricate in Africa. Nike fabricates worldwide but our objective is to prove to the world that it is possible to buy raw materials in Africa, to transform these materials in Africa which fuels the continent’s economy. This is the essence of the industrial revolution in Africa.

IA :Your quality/prices ratio go hand in hand, how is your production profitable with a unique price policy compared to competitors who produce in China and sell at the same price as you ?

MS : We have less margin compared to a brand like Nike due to the quantity we produce. Also it is important to consider the location of production: Ethiopia is the new Eldorado of low cost production in Africa according to rumors but that is not the reality. There are productivity issues. For example, an Asian worker produces six shoes a day, compared to one and a half produced by an Ethiopian a day and if you pay him three times less because he works slowly at the end of the day you end up in the same place. There is also a lot of personal implication needed, because you have to follow the production closely. In the factory in Ethiopia; we employ 15 people which is quite a costly investment in the long run.

But we never asked ourselves if we should relocate to Asia because we believe in the potential of the continent. Finally, it is a bet on our future, proving that we can make money through production of a good from A to Z on the African continent.

IA : What is your advice to young Africans who want to work in this industry ?

MS : The most important is to have a polished product,

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because the trademark « made in Africa » comes in many shapes and forms. However , as much as you want to sell that trademark to buyers or investors, it won’t hold water if the product is not polished. It has to look good and be of great quality. Many buyers don’t want « made in Africa » because they affiliate that immediately to wax prints. However, there are other fashion standards to which Africa can measure up to on the international scale apart from wax prints.

IA : Where do you see SAWA in 10 years ?

MS : SAWA in 10 years I hope will be a huge African success and we hope to become the doorway through which other young Africans decide to produce on the continent, be it in fashion or in any other industry, we would have been the forefathers of this movement.

IA : Thank you MS : You’re Welcome.

Interview by Ivan Nyetam http://www.sawashoes.com

‘It is a bet on our future, proving that we can make money through production of a good from A to Z on the African continent.’

Propos recueillis par Joan Murielle Yombo

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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INSPIR’ECO

THE NUMBERS BEHIND

THE AFRICAN CUP

OF NATIONS The 30th edition of the African Cup of Nations (A.C.N) ended February 8th 2015. It was a true manifestation of the prestige of football on the African continent. After a successful celebration in Equatorial Guinea, it’s time to ask a few questions: What is the budget behind the teams ? How much do the finalists win? If you’re wondering, we have the answers. Here are a few fascinating numbers about one of the biggest events on the continent this year.

Source photo : telegraph.co.uk 30 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

30 000€

15 000 FCFA

THE PRICE OF 40 000 TICKETS BOUGHT BY PRESIDENT OBIANG NGUÉMA FOR THE ACN 2015

THE PRICE OF A VIP TICKET FOR THE FINAL OF THE ACN 2015

100 000$

THE PENALTY BILL GIVEN TO GUINEA BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENCE OF THEIR FANS DURING THEIR MATCH AGAINST GHANA

THE AMOUNT GIVEN TO EVERY PLAYER OF THE IVORIAN FOOTBALL TEAM BY THE PRÉSIDENT ALASSANE OUATTARA.

3.5 Billion FCFA THE BUDGET GIVEN TO THE NATIONAL TEAM OF IVORY COAST FOR THE ACN 2015

10 million Dollars THE TOTAL AMOUNT DISTRIBUTED TO THE 16 TEAMS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE ACN 2015

1.8 billion FCFA

THE RETRANSMISSION RIGHTS BILL GIVEN BY THE AFRICAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION TO THE GROUP CANAL FOR THE SHOWING OF ACN 2013 AND 2015

90 000€

8 million Dollars THE BUDGET GIVEN TO THE GHANAIAN NATIONAL TEAM DURING THE ACN 2015

8.05 million euros

THE PENALTY BILL PAID BY MOROCCO FOR NOT GOING THROUGH WITH ORGANIZING THE ACN 2015

10 billion FCFA

THE VALUE OF THE CONTRACT SIGNED BY PUMA TO BE THE EQUIPMENT PROVIDER FOR THE CAMEROONIAN TEAM, THE “INDOMITABLE LIONS”

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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THOUGHTS // DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

THE REIGN OF FOO TBALL by Sandr a Tshiyombo Sandra Tshiyombo - ©Sébastien Gabriel / CANAL+

After attending the EFAP (Ecole Francaise des attachés de Presse)1 and the EFJ (Ecole Francaise de Journalisme)2, this sports lover had the opportunity to host many television programs on Africa 243 one of them being the Africa 24 Football Club World Special. Since September 1st 2014, she hosts the show Talents of Africa on Canal + Africa4, a show dedicated to African sportsmen and women.

Sandra Tshiyombo acknowledges that the show involves many sports : « but football plays a big part » she says. The question is why football ? Few weeks after the African cups of Nations, we wanted to hear the insight of this young host on the reign of this sport in Africa and on the role that sports plays in general on the continent.

«What is amazing in Africa, is seeing fans applaud opposing teams whereas usually people would bring opposing teams down.»

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On the role of sports in Africa Sports is a fundamental element. What is amazing in Africa, is seeing fans applaud opposing teams whereas usually people would bring opposing teams down. During a competition, time stops ! One of the last events that showcased this cohesion was the match between Burkina Faso and Angola during the elimination stages at the ACN (African Cup of nations) 2015. A few days before, the country was plunged in devastation due to the chaos of the destitution of the President Compaoré. Even so, the match was still held in Ouagadougou.

The players visited wounded people in hospitals, the access to the stadium was free, those who had already bought tickets were reimbursed... For the duration of a game, social and differences were forgotten because we all wear the same jerseys.

On the supremacy of football on the continent Depending on the country, some sports are more revered than others. In Senegal for example professional fighting has more success than football. However football is still the king of sports in Africa, there is no competition! This is partly due to its exposure, the place it has in the media and the image that footballers have. They allow thousands of youths to dream with one goal in mind : to follow their footsteps. Their superstar statuses entice people to come see matches in masses unlike any other sports events. There’s of course, a historical dimension to this, as football was played way back during colonialism. Today, however the economic dimension is colossal. The World Cup in Brazil generated 70 million dollars in benefits for FIFA and 40 million during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The ACN in 2013 allowed the football federation in South Africa to earn 360 000 dollars. Football sells, that’s for sure. It is for instance visible through sponsors and the role sports ambassadors play. For many, the majority of their revenue comes from advertising contracts during games.

On the evolution of other sports There’s a long way to go for other sports but I believe that anything is possible !

There needs to be a united effort, the right means and real incentives set in place by authorities to bring other sports to the forefront. Unfortunately, sports and culture are often not a priority in terms of government budget allocations. In that case, new solutions need to be found. The private sector and also the different Diasporas can contribute to this. There is no need for over the top projects that copy what others are doing, each country has its uniqueness, things need to be done with the opportunities and possibilities at hand. That’s the only way projects will move forward.

Sandra Tshiyombo

1/ French school of press attachés. 2/ French School of Journalism. 3/ French African Channel. 4/ French African Channel INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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4 QUESTIONS TO... // KENYA

GREEN SPORTS AFRICA HOW TO EMPOWER A COMMUNITY WITH FOOTBALL

Founded by Kasim Ismaily and George Ouma in September 2011, Green Sports Africa is a nonprofit organization, which focuses on sport to bring young Kenyans together. With four tournaments gathering almost a hundred soccer teams last year, Green Sports (GS) is encouraging the Westlands’ youngster aged between 15 and 23 years old to believe in their dreams. The best players of each tournament has its profile featured on GS website and can hope to be seen by recruiters.

In addition, the team uses the profits of the tournaments to help the community and especially orphans. Starting this year, GSA will also help some players to get scholarships in Kenyan Universities. We won’t tell you more and let you discover their amazing work.

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IA: Do you select the participants of your program? If yes, what criteria do you consider?

Yes and No. No, football is a game for the people. Anyone who can register for our tournaments is by all means welcomed to do so. However, because we place so much attention on creating an environment in which competition and quality of football are paramount, our tournaments attract only the best of players from around the country.

In fact, we realized that there is an increasing number of interested players who would like to participate from neighboring countries but can’t due to the various constraints.

As a measure to widen our reach and spread the beautiful game, one of our goals this year is to host an international tournament (Platinum Cup 2015), in which at least 30% of the teams are from outside Kenya. The only basis on which registration is limited is age. We have here Categories in tournaments as of now that is under 23, under 17 and open girls.

and inspired by the enthusiasm and spirit the children here had despite their situation, most can’t remember or have never seen their parents. We’ve been supporting them with clothes, food, coaching and life skills clinics since then.

Some of the more long term solutions we have given them include the rebuilding of the roofing, as well as new white boards and chairs for the students. Through our ambassadors in various schools around Nairobi, we have launched a self sustainability project with the aim of providing food security for Wamo as well as some revenue generating activities so other expenses can be covered. This will allow us to move on to other projects.

IA: Tell us more about the Green Room …

Historically, the green room in theatre is the area in which performers would sit and relax while not engaged on set.

Similarly, our green room, located on our website, is the best place for players to relax before and after tournaments. On it we post video footage of our events, ranging from top ten goals to promotional videos. We also show people what we have been up to via the Green Room, for example our ongoing community service efforts. Video, we feel, will always play an important role in our quality measures. Everyone loves a good video, whether it’s a player who would like to see themselves after a tournament or a university that’s would like to witness the visuals of a prospects ability. This year every single player (over 1000 per event) will be able to access an individual highlight video of their performances during a tournament at their request.

We will also be integrating video recording into the academy we will be launching this year*spoiler alert*!!

You are currently helping the Wamo care center by building a new block of classes and a playground.

Why did you choose this center instead of another one?

Since the inception of this organization, the community has always been at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.

Notice how today, several charities and NGO’s exist: Doing great work for great people. One thing we noticed however is that here still a lot of worse off people in need that no one is helping simply because they are not accessible enough. That is why most schools that are being supported by above mentioned organizations are not more than 10 minute drive from the nearest main road.

We wanted to go deeper than this, much deeper. That is how the search for Wamo began. A benevolent friend of ours eventually referred us to Wamo Care centre. Started

by Mr. Wamo, who noticed just too many kids sleeping on the streets after his night shift at work. He opened the centre with almost no financial or structural backing with the aim of simply providing a better place to spend your childhood nights than in a ditch covered by nothing more than a piece if cardboard from an old box.

When we visited the centre for the first time we were awed

What are your long term goals?

This is a difficult question due to the ever changing environment, that is not to say we are an organization that sways with the current. Our actions are guided solely by our ideology. Everyone on the Green Sports team is a born entrepreneur, a risk taker, this means that our goals are always changing. Currently we dream of establishing a centre of sporting excellence for African sports people with a scouting network so deeply rooted across the continent so no one goes unnoticed. We will also continue to unite and bring communities together through sport, and have set a ten year target of hosting a tournament with one million teams. Simply put, our ultimate goal is to be the home of African talent, however the method in which it is attained is constantly evolving.

Interviewed by Chrys Nyetam

INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

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FOCULTURE

SOCCER CULTURE:

THE INSPIRATION OF RAGS TO RICHES STORIES. I never was an avid Soccer lover. In fact, Soccer broke my heart. Why? Because I remember the heart wrenching failed penalties of my beloved country Ghana at the last world cup...enough said.

But what is it about Soccer that makes it so relatable, so close to the heart, that it creates such unity and feelings of passionate loyalty in someone like me who had no interest in it at all?

On a larger scale, what is it about Soccer in the third world that makes it so beloved that it penetrates the streets and slums of countries such as India, South Africa and of course Brazil?

I like to believe that the success of one Soccer team is truly considered as the success of its nation.

If you have traveled to any third world country then I am sure you may have spotted a group of young boys kicking a ball (or whatever they used to make a ball) around and playing Soccer. No need for solid goal posts or an entire team. Whether it is a Soccer match on the playground of an elementary school in America or on the red dust soil in the favelas, the passion and love of the players are just as visible and intense. That’s how deep the love of the game is: it is ageless, classless and border-less.

Undeniably, Soccer is a global culture. More than a sport, many will say a way of life. Indeed it is a way of life to the multi-millionaire soccer players that have made a name for themselves simply with the talent and art of the game.

Many of these players have incredible rags to riches stories: from kicking the ball in the slums of their cities to scoring in front of the entire world in Fifa World Cup stadiums. There lies the true inspiration of Soccer.

Let’s look at some of these incredible rags to riches stories:

Steven Piennar / South Africa / Steven Piennar grew up watching television from the floor because he was within the reach of stray bullets if he sat on the sofa. He grew up in Westbury, a territory on the outskirts of Johannesburg infested with drugs and gangs. He witnessed his best friend’s violent death and managed to stay away from crime by focusing on Soccer. He was spotted by talent scouts and signed with Ajax Cape Town. By the age of 18, he left South Africa to play for Ajax Amsterdam. His success allowed him to move his family out of Westbury.

Christian Atsu /Ghana/

36 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015

He’s Cameroon’s star player with an incredible story. His family came from a poor background in which six siblings had to share beds in a cramped house, however in Cameroon they lived better than many.

For fun, Eto’o and his brothers played Soccer barefoot with a ball they made themselves out of plastic bags. Samuel’s incredible talent and skill was noticed at the age of just sixteen. He left Cameroon and headed to Spain where he was signed with Real Madrid.

Samuel Eto’o /Cameroon/

Emmanuel Adebayor /Togo/

He was named African Soccerer of the year in 2007 and plays for Tottenham. Admired for his humility and down-to-earth approach in life, Emmanuel is proof that humble beginnings instill great morals and values.

Growing up in an extremely poor home in a suburb of the Togolese capital Lome. His mother sold dried fish on the border to Ghana.

Earning hardly enough to buy food for the family and even less a pair of shoes for Emmanuel. He was once left in hospital for seven days because his parents could not afford the treatment. In 1999, he left Lome for France after being discovered at the Sports development center of Lome by scouts from Metz, France. The beginning of a sensational career.

I believe the answer lies here. In the life of these players who are people just like you and me who got to where they are because of pure talent. Isn’t it what we all dream of? To be lucky enough to love what we do, be incredibly good at it and to make a living (a very comfortable living) from it.

These players and stories inspire people all across the world because their stories are not just theirs but the stories of the country they play for and are from.

We take these stories and make them our own as we cheer on our favorite teams and defend the pride of our favorite players. Simply because we know they have worked hard to be where they are today. That is the passion of Soccer.

He was named Vitesse Arnhem’s1 player of the year but Atsu came from a more than humble beginnings. Today he is a Ghanian Soccerer on loan at Chelsea but years ago Atsu made a living by selling ice-cold water to pedestrians in the streets of Accra. As he was doing this, he was also pursuing his dream to become a Soccer player. He arrived at F.C Porto2 at the age of seventeen and was discovered by trainer Patrick Greveraars, he finished his Soccer formation with the club.

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JOBS

DIGITAL VOODOO GROUP is looking for 1 Community Manager in Cameroon Having a good marketing and social media culture - At ease in article writing Mastering writing web content and interfaces Mastering technical settings on different Social platforms (Viadeo, linkedin, facebook, twitter, youtube ...)

Never short of ideas Send your CV via message on the company’s facebook page now: VOODOO Group.

For more information about the company, visit: http://voodoo-communication.com

ADVERTISING The advertising agency MCCANN DOUALA (Cameroon) is looking for its next Artistic Director.

You Live in Cameroon, -You are passionate about advertising, The Adobe software has no secrets for you, You’re not afraid of a blank page to highlight creativity McCann Douala Wants You! Send your portfolio and resume to jerzy.narraidoo@mccanndouala.com

TAX DELOITTE is looking for a Senior Tax Specialist in Cotonou (Benin).

You will join our Legal & Tax department, working primarily within the following areas: You will be responsible for tax investigation requested by customers, for the management and development of the relationship with customers, in collaboration with the associate.

Your profile: You hold a graduate degree in tax law (Master 2, DJCE).

Through a successful experience of at least 3 years in a law firm with a significant tax department, you have a good grasp of the development of tax and legal texts.

You know the OHADA different repositories. Fluency in English will be a determining factor.

Contact : http://www.deloitterecrute.fr

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FINANCE BOLLORE AFRICA LOGISTICS is looking for a Financial Controller Description Supervises the financial team of the branch Performs various financial reporting for the Country Finance Director and the Head Office Finance Department while ensuring the quality of data and respecting the deadlines announced Profile Master in Finance / Accounting Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial control within the finance department of a large company City Nacala , Mozambique More information: http://carrieres.bollore.com

AFRIMARKET is looking for a business developer intern.

You have an entrepreneurial profile.

You have a good sense of reality and a taste for finding new opportunities.

You are open, compelling, and dynamic.

AFRIMARKET wants you for a probationary period of 6 months in its Paris location. Send CV and cover letter to

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40 INSPIRE AFRIKA / March - April 2015