3 minute read
Publisher's Message
from DAWN
Ricky Katsuya Publisher's Message
And I will bring the third part through the fi re, and will refi ne them as silver is refi ned, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. Zechariah 13:9
IT IS FAIR TO SAY going forward everyone in this world will have to adjust our lifestyles, business operations, relationships and overall approach to life because of the health challenges and requirements that we are facing due to the unending pandemic. Yes, this reality is key for the business man and woman out there in Abidjan, Richmond or wherever you may be. The sudden interruptions to business like closures and openings, mask requirements, and vaccine requirements point to the need for agility in our approach to business.
The "New Normal" for every business is to have a Web Front for their business and a determined approach to making web sales as important as the main store front. We might be resistant to embracing the digital options, particularly for the mum and pap stores in Ndola, Zambia, but ultimately, if we want our businesses to survive the pandemic challenge we have to build off of what already exists now: Mobile money for most of the population is widely used, Access to internet is available to all, Sellers and buyers can connect by phone and internet, Local delivery capabilities exist, Electronic payment between seller and buyer is available.
Articles throughout this issue of the DAWN provide examples of how many types of businesses are using digital technology and developing new digital tools to help us all thrive in the "New Normal."
HERE AT AFRICA BUSINESS, we are playing our role in connecting businesses in Africa, in America and the Diaspora. To that eff ect we invite you all to participate in our upcoming trade mission for Africa and America. The Rwanda-USA Trade Mission is currently accepting businesses to participate in the delegation and for those businesses in the USA that are interested in exploring business opportunities in Africa. Visit the trade mission website for details: www. rwandausatrademission.com.
We look forward to seeing you on the road near your home or wherever you maybe. Ricky Katsuya Publisher/President dawn@africabusinessassociation.org aba@africabisinessassociation.org www.africabusinessassociation.org
Awakening the African Giant Within
About the Africa Business Association
The Africa Business Association is an independent international business development organization. We off er access to the latest resources, information, and best practices in advocacy and communications for the African Diaspora and the African entrepreneurs in Africa.
We work to help you have access to news and events as starting points for constructive conversations and calls to action. We seek to cut through the froth of the political spin cycle to underlying truths and values. We want to be so focused on progress that together we can provide a credible and constructive generation of Africans that take seriously our previous generations and act upon all their wishes, our hopes and aspirations to make lasting change for all future generations.
Africa Business Association "DAWN"
PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT
Ricky Katsuya
ADVISORY BOARD
Earl 'Skip' Cooper, II, CEO, Black Business Association H.E. Sheila Siwela, Ambassador H.E. Kone L. Tanou, Ambassador
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ricky Katsuya
LAYOUT/TYPESETTING
Lion Communications
AFRICA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NEWS
6564 LOISDALE COURT, SUITE 600 Springfi eld, VA 22150 USA 1-240-467-6811 aba@africabisinessassociation.org dawn@africabusinessassociation.org www.africabusinessassociation.org
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