Tad magazine

Magazine

DR TUNDE OKEWALE MBE ENRICHING

LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DR JUSTIN MUTALE A COMMUNITY PIONEER

THE MAN BEHIND WORLD REMIT

PUMELA SALELA

BRAND SOUTH AFRICA

WILIAM SACHITI AFRICAN GENIUS

ISSN 2397-2173

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772397

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CONTENTS

DEC 2017

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Note from publisher/Credits

6

Note from Editor - trailblazers abroad

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Cover Story - Dr ismail Ahmed, Innovating on a global scale

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Justina Mutale, Strive to improve the human condition

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Meet Pumela Salela - Brand South Africa UK Country Head

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William Pasi Sachiti - Finding value in ideas

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Dr Tunde Okewale MBE - Enriching Lives, Empowering

26

Dr Sam Ochieng - A Pioneer in Africa Diaspora Community Development

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Debbie Ariyo - Uniting Africa Against Child Abuse

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Kevin Korgba - Education is the game Changer

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Willy Mutenza - Veteran Business champion

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Xolani Xala - A True African

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Meet the Great Charles Khiran

40

Frances Mensah Williams - Reconnecting Africa

42

Me Firi Ghana and Community Engagement

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FADHILI MAGHIYA- Africa’s rise in the global community

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Usifu Jalloh

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Note from

Publisher We’re greater together I never tire of relating to my friends and colleagues about the unity of purpose and resultant success that I’ve observed among the Jewish community. Indeed, we have all seen and heard of it, along with the fact that they’re widely regarded as the most successful in the world across many spheres of life, including finance, education and scholarship, and the cultural industries.

Publisher Conrad Mwanza conrad@cmgmedia.co.uk Group Business Director Louis Charema louis@cmgmedia.co.uk Advertising +44 20 7993 4817

+44 74 6677 4433 Editor

Chofamba Sithole - chofamba@gmail.com Sub Editor Yolanda N Chavi Photography Itai Machipisa

I’ll put this into perspective: less than 0.2 per cent of the world’s population is Jewish, and yet 22 per cent of Nobel Prize winners are Jews. Of all the Nobel laureates in economics, 41 per cent are Jewish, as are 11 per cent of the world’s billionaires, and 20 per cent of the world’s richest 50 people. Six of the eight biggest Hollywood studios were founded by Jewish people.

Mike Spafford Design Keith Baptista Website Edwin Bonon

My curiosity about their success has meant that I’ve not missed any opportunity I’ve had when interacting with my Jewish colleagues to ask them about the secret behind their success. And many of them have told me that their success derives from foundational values that are rooted in their religion, Judaism. Principally, their religion teaches the key value of brotherhood, that each member of the Jewish People is responsible for the rest.

This got me thinking about my own African community on the Mother continent and in the Diaspora.

Have we truly embraced our identity and core values and leveraged these for our development as a people? The abiding philosophy of Africa is Ubuntu, or Bantuism, loosely translated in English as Humanism. It is the belief that our essence as a people is captured and expressed in the collective; ‘I am, because you are’.

And that is how we live - for one another, as is reflected by the multi-billion-dollar flow of remittances from Africa’s global Diaspora to the Mother Continent to support families and communities. Indeed, businesses such as World Remit that we are honouring today, are testament to this very philosophy. So, if this is the foundational wisdom that is ingrained in our DNA as Africans, then surely, we have the same ingredients for the kind of success that our Jewish counterparts have achieved.

Through the individuals profiled in this edition, one can glimpse the immense possibilities of what we represent as a people. It is time to knock down silos, time to pull down narrow identities, time to express ourselves in the totality of who we are; it is time to stand and act together as one.

Conrad Mwanza

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law Every possible effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press and neither the publishers not any of the authors, editors or advertisers can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, however caused. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the editors, authors, advertisers, the publisher or any of the contributors or sponsors.

The African diaspora is part of

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| December 2017

Website: www.theafrican-diaspora.com London, United Kingdom +44 20 7993 4817 +44 74 6677 4433

Johannesburg, South Africa +27 11 0837 045 conrad@cmgmedia.co.uk www.cmgmedia.co.uk

Note from

Editor To impact Africa, we must be trailblazers abroad.to the first Warm welcome

edition of

The African Diaspora

As editor, one gets to read all the content before the world gets its turn to peruse it. And I must say that I’ve been privileged to be the first to benefit from the expansive wisdom, instructive experiences, and inspiring life lessons delivered by my interviewees in this edition.

Spanning a wide range of disciplines and specialisms, all 13 of my interviewees are united by one thing: they have found their niche in life and are making their contributions to humanity and building a legacy for themselves in the process.

Indeed, there is nothing more inspiring than a life lived purposively, and it’s my hope that you will also be as inspired as I was as you read their stories.

All of us have something to give to the world, and the challenge is to be diligent enough to cultivate it, nurture it, distil it, and present it as a pure and compelling offer. The stories of these successful African men and women are a signpost to those of us still on our journey to self-discovery, as well as a timely encouragement to those who have already grasped their life’s mission and are working to perfect their craft.

As Conrad Mwanza has eloquently put it in his Publisher’s Note, we define ourselves as a people in relation to our collective, and find purpose and meaning in the things that we do for our broader community rather than for ourselves as individuals. As Africans facing the challenges of the 21st century, we are seized with the socio-economic, cultural and political condition of Africa and Africans, as well as our place in the world and our contribution to humanity.

We desire, therefore, to make a difference and to influence positive change.

But how do we influence and impact Africa? To answer this question, I now turn to one of the fountains of wisdom I’ve come to know through working on this edition, and someone for whom answering such questions is his calling – the inspirational Mr Charles Ajayi-Khiran.

First, he says, “we must be trailblazers abroad. There are many people back home in Africa creating history and changing lives. The fact that we live abroad does not mean we know it all or that we are superior, that is a misnomer.

“We must push to break forth into the mainstream and move out of our tiny communities, so we can influence and become people of worth and power to be reckoned with. We must strive to raise the game and be game changers in our businesses or professions. One of the best ways to do that is by releasing our potential.”

So, there you have it, folks!

Chofamba Sithole

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COVER STORY

It is the culmination of Ismail’s 20 years’ experience in the money transfer industry - spanning academic, consulting and in-house roles.

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| December 2017

Dr Ismail Ahmed

Innovating on a global scale

Described as an impressive entrepreneur who is disrupting his sector, Dr Ismail Ahmed (IA) has made a resounding impact in the global money transfer industry. Without any bricks and mortar presence on the high street, World Remit has harnessed the power of technology to offer transacting convenience and autonomy to the customer anywhere, any time.He speaks to the African Diaspora Magazine.

ADM: The world now knows you as the founder and CEO of Worldremit,

IA:

but who is Ismail Ahmed, and where does your life’s journey start?

how remittances can transform not just individual lives, but whole communities.

IA: I grew up in Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland. When oil was discovered in the Gulf countries, tens of thousands of men from Hargeisa and other cities

The story of Somaliland has always inspired me. My early years showed me

The construction boom and prosperity of my home town, Hargeisa, was largely financed by remittances from abroad and during the war remittances became a lifeline to many people.

in Somaliland crossed the Red Sea to seek work in the booming economies of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait including my brother and many other

After the war I went back to Somaliland to do a fieldwork for my PhD to understand

close relatives. The remittances sent home transformed Hargeisa and financed a

how people survived during and after the war that destroyed the country. This was

construction boom.

when I really understood the extent to which people depended on remittances for their livelihoods.

Like many other families in Hargeisa, my family became recipients of remittances and I gained first-hand knowledge of how the money transfer system worked - at the time.

After I completed my education I got a job at the World Bank project and received a scholarship to study in London. Just as I got my visa, the war started and I couldn’t get out, so I witnessed the destruction of Hargeisa. Eventually I escaped through a long and arduous journey to neighbouring Djibouti and from there to London. I had no way of communicating with my family and for some time they thought I was dead.

When I arrived in London, I learned my scholarship had been cancelled. After lobbying the Somali ambassador in the UK it was reinstated. Back home almost the entire population including my family members became refugees in Ethiopia so I became a sender of remittances and in addition to my studies I took on several part time jobs to send money home to my family.

I was inspired by the sacrifices people in my community had made and how hard they worked to support their families and friends. I think that gives you a great sense of responsibility to use the opportunities you have been given to do your part to support the community. This has been a guiding influence on my choices and part of the reason that many of the paths I have taken lead me back to Somaliland.

ADM: You have been described as ‘an impressive entrepreneur who is disrupting his sector’; what moved you to start WorldRemit?

IA: Studying in London and working part time to make money to send home to my family, I experienced the challenges involved in sending remittances first-hand.

To send the money I used to buy a return ticket to London, costing me one third of my daily wage, to visit an agent, who charged a small fortune in fees to send modest amounts of money. It seemed very wrong that an industry handling billions of dollars every year should deliver such poor service to its customers and I could

ADM: How did your formative years growing up in Somaliland influence

see there had to be a better way.

your outlook on life and prepare you to become the man you are today?

So, I actually started my first money transfer service in the early 1990s helping people to send money from UK to Djibouti and Ethiopia. We had a partner in the www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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Horn of Africa region, but after a year they decided to take a different path as they thought all the migrants would come back.

I have always wanted to make a difference in an industry that provides livelihoods to millions of poor people. With the growth of digital and the emergence of mobile money, I saw that could deliver a service which offered both a better experience for customers and the transparency required to satisfy the new regulatory environment. By leveraging this emerging technology, we could prevent the networks being used to finance crime and terrorism so that those using them for legitimate purposes would not be inadvertently penalised.

ADM: You’ve worked with the World Bank and at the UN as a compliance advisor; how did that experience equip you to understand the international remittances industry and prepare you in launching

IA:

I founded the business with the goal of offering both a better way to serve

customers and a safer, more transparent service. One innovation which set us apart initially was mobile money. Mobile money enabled us to put money directly into the hands of recipients, saving them the time and money involved in going to collect cash: They don’t have to travel to a big city to collect small amounts of money. We made it safer for people to receive remittances as there was no need to carry cash and no one needed to know they had received the money.

Today one third of our transactions go to mobile money and that’s the fastest growing channel. I think what’s really interesting is where mobile money is heading and we are always looking at how we can better help people to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.

ADM: What were your main challenges in setting up WorldRemit, and how did you overcome them?

WorldRemit?

IA:

The remittance market is heavily regulated and that In the early 2000s tough new regulations

creates additional challenges for start-ups. It takes

were introduced everywhere. US sanction lists

a long time to build the network and to get licences

became lists of thousands of names – even

in each of the markets and to understand the

my name was added because I share both my

nuances of how money transfer works in different

names with a deceased Palestinian spiritual

countries.

leader!

I saw how the lack of transparency

in the sector was making it hard for the law

In the early days, it was very difficult to secure

enforcement agencies to detect and prevent

banking relationships as most global banks had

money laundering and terrorist financing.

exited from the industry. Although we used to offer instant transfers for our customers, in the first

The UN programme I joined was set up to address

year it used to take us up to two weeks to receive

this challenge and “develop mechanisms that

funds from our customers as the small number

facilitate legitimate financial transfer … while preventing further financial flows

of acquiring banks that work with our industry often impose very costly deferred

to terrorists and terrorist groups”. My goal in the UNDP project was to procure

settlement arrangements for early stage start-ups .

and implement a common money transfer and compliance platform shared by all companies that send money to East Africa, but I uncovered corruption within the

When we launched in Canada we did not fully understand online payments there. It

programme itself and blew the whistle. Although my boss had told me that if I

took us almost a year to get traction for the business. We soon learned that market

exposed the corruption, I would never be able to work in the remittance industry,

research is no substitute for having people on the ground and local insight. So now

I still went ahead. To cover-up the fraud and corruption, UNDP management

we have offices around the world.

shelved the entire project including the platform and I lost my job.

ADM: You’ve said before that you believe the global remittances market

I fought and eventually won my case through the UN Ethics Committee. In February

exceeds the World Bank’s $600 billion estimate. How much growth do

2010, on the fourth anniversary of the date I made my first disclosure, I received the

you see in Africa’s fintech sector from this vast potential?

compensation money for the loss of my job and the legal costs I faced in fighting my case after whistle-blowing.

IA: Bringing down the cost of remittances could unlock millions of dollars which could

Compliance for many businesses is a tick-box exercise, but my experience taught

pass directly into the hands of Africans.

me how essential this is to maintaining the lifelines that remittance networks offer,

Already remittances are one of the fastest

whilst preventing loss of life through terrorist financing. Compliance was therefore

growing sectors for mobile money and we

something I put at the heart of the business when I started WorldRemit and

see remittances spurring innovation. Today

something we take very seriously indeed.

only around 5 per cent of the market is online but this is expected to grow to around 60 per

I used my compensation to seed fund the initial stages of the business. More

cent in the next 5-6 years.

importantly I started working in remittances again. I put compliance at the heart of the business and I wrote to my boss to tell him that I was back.

ADM: Entering an industry with traditional players such as Western Union requires a great deal of innovation. What unique offer did you build into WorldRemit to give it the edge above the traditional players in the market?

Digitising the process removes some of the largest costs involved in sending money and removes the time and effort wasted in travelling to send and collect money. By simplifying the process of sending and receiving money, we hope to release the millions lost around the globe in sending money.

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| December 2017

to invest $1,000 in his or her country of origin, Africa could raise $3 billion a year What’s interesting is that we are seeing this money being used largely for

for development financing.”

education, health and essential bills, but also to help people start up their own businesses. One of our customers is sending money from the UK to help her sons

In 2015, the African crowdfunding market amounted to about $70 million - less

set up an agribusiness in Kenya which employs around 50 people for example. So

than one percent of the global crowdfunding market. However by 2025, the World

we hope that by unlocking the money lost in sending money, we can help to drive

Bank report estimated that crowdfunding will be a $96 billion industry. Enabling

innovation and support the next generation.

people to send smaller amounts of money more regularly seems to be supporting

ADM: The ‘Africa rising’ narrative has followed the continent’s economic growth in recent years, fuelled mostly by commodities. How can new technologies and scientific developments be harnessed to positively impact Africa’s rural majority?

IA:

this trend.

ADM: You’re a leading light to millions of young aspiring African entrepreneurs. What was the best business advice you ever received whilst coming up, which you would like to share with Africa’s next generation of business leaders and innovators?

Mobile money is probably the best example. In the past those in rural

Lcommunities had to rely on someone travelling to a town to collect cash and they would need to give a share to them for doing so. Today, anyone with a basic

IA:

Be passionate about what you are doing. Remain positive in the face of

adversity: be ambitious and look for opportunities beyond your immediate horizon.

handset can receive remittance payments on their phone. They don’t need a bank account and mobile money enables them to access financial services like

ADM: What can we expect from you and Worldremit in the next few

insurance and loans.

years?

When I went back to Somaliland this summer, I saw how digital remittances and mobile money are reviving the traditional wealth-sharing services Somalis have used in the past to cope with severe droughts and famines. Somaliland is probably the place closest to a cashless society of anywhere in the world.

The prevalence of mobile money means that someone in London can send money to a nomadic herder who can go to a village to get a signal, receive the money on

IA:

On one side, we are dramatically expanding the availability of our service

globally. We have recently launched in Singapore and Malaysia and will be adding further new markets before the end of the year. To help us to introduce our service to more customers and scale-up the business globally we have just announced a global partnership with Arsenal F.C – we’re using the universal passion for football to reach people around the world.

his phone and use it to buy water and food. It was this combination of technology and the culture of sharing wealth that prevented the drought turning into a famine.

On the other side, lots more innovation. We are always looking for new ways and new technologies to help make the process of sending and receiving money,

ADM: The African diaspora all over the world represents a vast pool of

faster, simpler and safer for both those sending and those receiving money.

financial and human resource capital. How best can Africa tap into its

This year we announced partnerships with Android Pay and Huawei and we are

diaspora and leverage it for the continent’s development?

working on a number of other new and very exciting innovations. We can’t go into details yet so keep an eye out for more updates.

IA: Crowd-funding is often referred to as a new concept, but sharing resources is just a way of life on the continent. What’s interesting is the role technology and

ADM: Running a global business must be very demanding experience.

the diaspora can play in facilitating this to support new businesses and drive

How do you balance that with family life?

innovation. There are some very interesting statistics around this idea. According to the World Bank, “If one in every 10 members of the diaspora could be persuaded

IA: I always make sure that I have time with my family. Even in the early days when I did up to 100 hours a week, I still used to spend quality time with my wife and two boys. I also stay up to date with developments back home and maintain close links with my community.

ADM: Lastly, how do you prefer to unwind and relax from your busy schedule?

I have always been a fitness fanatic! I jog 6-7 times a week and play competitive tennis with my two sons on Sundays - one of them now beats me! I’m currently challenging myself with a new fitness app and I now do 10km of running or walking a day.

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Justina Mutale (JM) is one of the most influential and inspirational African women. With a long list of well-deserved recognitions to her name, including being named African Woman of the Year, she is a woman who wears many hats and works across national borders. As one of Africa’s most well-known names and respected voices, Justina has used that platform to champion causes ranging from HIV/Aids, gender equality to other socio-economic and political issues. We spoke to Justina about her work.

Striving to improve

the human condition Dr Justina Mutale ADM: First, please tell us about yourself; who is Justina Mutale and where were you born?

JM: I was born and grew up in my beautiful country, Zambia. I’m a mother of two beautiful, intelligent, gorgeous girls. In 2012, I was honoured with the prestigious title of “African Woman of the Year”, sharing a platform with various African Presidents and Heads of State. I am a Humanitarian and Social Activist, advocating for peace and overall human rights, the rights of women and girls, as well as gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across the globe. I am the Founder and President of the Justina Mutale Foundation, which incorporates the Justina Mutale University Scholarship Programme for Underprivileged Young Women from Africa, and the Annual Justina Mutale Foundation Women Leaders Global Forum.

I am also the Founder of POSITIVE RUNWAY: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS. (see complete biography on justinamutale.com).

ADM: Family and community impart abiding lessons and principles that usually become key pillars in our lives as adults; what would you say those were, for you?

JM: I am the sixth born in a family of 13. I had seven younger siblings (five brothers and two sisters); and five older siblings (three brothers and two sisters). Growing up in Africa and learning the true history of the world gives me a special edge in understanding humanity and the world that we live in. Being a huge family, we had all kinds of characters within my family, many of whom I continue to meet along the way in my personal and professional journey across the globe.

It also instilled in me a sense of pride, positive competition and to strive for what I wanted in life. It taught me diligence, discipline and dedication to duty. It also taught me a sense of community responsibility and how to handle the outside world.

My kind of upbringing instilled in me, the African philosophy of “Ubuntu”: recognising that “I am a person because of other persons”. It also instilled in me the spiritual “Golden Rule”: “Do unto others as you would want to be done unto you”. And of course, high “Emotional Intelligence”, which has the same traits as the African philosophy of Ubuntu: “… being Self-aware, and having social-awareness by recognising the needs and emotions of others and relating positively to others”. These are some of the principles and key pillars that guide my moral compass.

ADM: Congratulations you on been named

in the 2018 Powerlist of the top 100 Most Influential Black People in the UK, how did that make you feel?

JM: Thank you for the compliment and for your kind words. It is a very humbling experience and feeling for one to have one’s efforts and work recognised at the highest level. I have received many Awards, on many different platforms, in many different countries, in many different parts of the world, for many different reasons. Appearing on various WHO’s WHO Lists; Power Lists; and Influential Lists across the globe has given me and my work global visibility, which has in turn boosted my career and my professional standing on the global stage.

Through my work, I find that I have become a global brand in my own right, with my name highly sought after to attach to commercial, humanitarian, community and charitable causes around the world, and speaking engagements lined-up across the globe. I was very flattered to receive information that there is a Women’s Training School or Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal that would be named after me, and that solar lamps would be distributed to African rural communities carrying my name! However, when all the applause stops, and the red carpets and Award ceremonies are done, all these accolades reinforce my belief in my work, in the goodness of humanity and makes www.theafrican-diaspora.com

15

me work even harder to improve lives round the world and secure human dignity.

ADM: Tell us about the Justina Mutale Foundation and its Programmes The objective of the Justina Mutale Foundation is to transform the voice, profile and leadership potential of women as well as young women and girls to effect change in the African Continent, within its Diaspora, and the rest of the world. The Foundation seeks to add value to existing and innovative work, increase efficiency and effectiveness of the impact of the work on women and girls to help actualise the aspirations of the United Nation Agenda 2030 Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, as well as other continental, regional, and national initiatives aimed at achieving Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment and upholding the Rights of Women and Girls.

ADM: What led you to start the Foundation, and what did you intend to achieve through it?

I have worked in the gender field for over 30 years, starting with my employment in the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. In 2012, I was honoured with the prestigious title of “African Woman of the Year”, and this placed a lot of responsibility on me to do something tangible for my motherland. In 2013 I was appointed as Global Envoy for Gender Equality & Spokesperson of the International Women’s Thinktank, which takes critical research to find solutions to issues affecting women and girls around the world.

In 2014, I took the baton from Mrs Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to launch the 2014 Because I am a Girl Report, (Mrs Blair launched the 2031 report).

succeed. I therefore, work very hard to get things done. I also believe that if one wants to see one’s dreams come true, one must never go to sleep! I believe that for anyone to succeed one has to work hard and put in 110 per cent in everything they do.

Once I have a vision in my head I will do whatever it takes for that vision to become reality, despite all the obstacles that might stand in my way. I am also a very resilient person, a trait that is very important in the industry that I work, and which has been very beneficial to me in terms of the area that I work in. My determination and focus for reaching and achieving my goals are some of the qualities that have driven me to be the person that I am today, and to accomplish what I have accomplished thus far.

ADM: What can we expect from the Foundation in the next few years, some new projects or expansion plans perhaps?

JM: My team and I are currently working on our Strategic Plan for the next three years. We have four critical programme areas. Under Leadership and Training, we run training workshops and seminars and mentorship programmes for women as well as young women and girls. We are also in the process launching the Justina Mutale Young Women Leaders Fellowship Programme.

We hope to expand the Scholarships Programme to offer a minimum of 100 Scholarships per year across the African continent. We are also organising the Justina Mutale Women Leaders’ Global Forum on Women Leadership and Change, which addresses women’s empowerment, gender equality, female leadership and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on Africa.

ADM: The early years are usually fraught with challenges how did you overcome the frustrations of teething problems and persevere?

JM: I do not see obstacles, I only focus on the goal at hand.

Limiting beliefs, traditions, cultures and social conditioning have prevented many women from unleashing their full potential. I can confidently say that I am one of the lucky exceptions when it comes to negative cultural and social conditioning, as I come from a background of very positive, strong, powerful and assertive women. My mother and other women in my family background taught me that a woman has the power to lead and to shape the world. They have shown me that women are the backbone of society and the world’s most potent force as natural born leaders.

I am blessed in that I work in an industry for which I have a natural passion. When you love what you do and enjoy your work as much as I do, and when one is focused on getting the job done without focusing on the reward, there no limit to how a far one can go. I am a born go-getter and a highly ambitious person with an insatiable drive to

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JM: Prior to founding my own organisation, I worked in the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. I come to the gender arena effectively equipped with the knowledge and guidance from my extensive experience on gender issues acquired during my employment in the Commonwealth Secretariat. And this gives me leverage over other civil society organisations that may be trying to work in the same arena. In addition, the Justina Mutale Foundation is a member of the UK’s National Alliance for Women’s Organisations. The Alliance works closely with the UK Government Equalities Office on issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Through this alliance, the Foundation is able to receive the much-needed support and guidance from the UK government and participate in identifying and working on the UK Governments priorities in this area. The Foundation is also a member of the UKNGOCSW Alliance and form part of the UK’s official civil society delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. We also form part of the Diaspora civil society delegation to the African Union High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. The Foundation’s collaboration with the UK government and other British mainstream civil society organisations has helped to give our Foundation and its work the visibility, legitimacy and recognition that helps drive our world forward on the global arena.

ADM: You’re an active member of the African diaspora community in the UK. What would your advice to the community be for it to become more empowered and also as effective agents of development in Africa?

JM: The first and most important thing is to become aware that is it possible for us as Africans living in the Diaspora to empower ourselves and to become positive and effective agents for development in Africa. The Diaspora need to position themselves as the economic and developmental gateways for the motherland. Living in the Diaspora enables us to have a 360-degree perspective on most of the problems faced by the continent, as most of us have lived and experienced those problems first-hand, if not directly as an individual, perhaps through family members, friends, relatives or acquaintances.

I launched my report in the company of the Irish Foreign Affairs Minister and Minister of State for International Development. The report focused on the theme “Pathways to Power: Creating Sustainable Change for Adolescent Girls”, and examined the importance of addressing the needs of girls at the different levels of power in society, to create sustainable change. I was shocked by the statistics in the report, which reflected that girls were still lagging far behind their male counterparts in many areas of human development.

At the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals in March 2015, I found myself participating in what was called yet another “Historical March for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” held during the 59th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. I am mother to a millennium baby girl, who was born at the inception of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the year 2000. This millennium baby is now a teenager at the inception of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016. And my millennium baby, together all other children born at the beginning of the new millennium will be the adults at the conclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030.

As a mother I do not want to see my millennium baby and her colleagues marching for Gender Equality in 2030.

However, should they find it necessary to do so, I do not want them to march with their feet. I want these young women and girls to march with their minds in 2030. I want each one of them to march with a mind fully equipped with the necessary knowledge, information, skills and clout to participate on equal footing with their male counterparts.

ADM: Have you had any support from the UK Government or the mainstream British organisations and if so, how have they helped?

The Forum brings together African women and girls on the Continent, together with those in the African Diaspora, as well as women leaders and girls from western countries to share good practices, ideas, hopes, aspirations, and experiences; and to mentor, educate, empower, inspire and motivate one another to raise the voices of women and girls to become effective leaders in the decisionmaking processes in Africa and elsewhere. In terms of women’s economic empowerment, The Foundation is part of the group of six organisations that organise the WINTRADE WEEK, a signature global convention of women in international trade and enterprise, which takes place in London.

ADM: You are an advocate of the Girl-Child and Women’s Rights. Do you see progress from a global perspective on the advancement of the girl-child and women’s rights?

JM: The fight for gender equality, women’s empowerment and the rights of women and girls has been going for over 200 years now and has taken many forms, starting with the women’s suffrage movement in the 19th Century.

Since then, we have had several United Nations and global initiatives and affirmative actions, including the 1946 Declaration of the United Nations Year of Women, moving on to the 1979 United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and on to the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, right up to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000. We have now embarked on the United Nations Agenda 2030 Global Goals for Sustainable Development in 2016. All the above have had parallel actions at continental, regional and national level. While there have been some significant strides, this progress, however, has been is too few and far in between. It is the Foundation’s aim to equip young women and girls with the necessary knowledge, information, skills, clout, and global power networks to enable them to participate on equal footing with their male counterparts in all spheres of life.

We are privileged to have the international or global networks that we find ourselves associated with by living in the Diaspora. As Africans we need to leverage these international and global networks for the benefit of the Continent. To effectively empower ourselves as the African Diaspora we must first respect the people in our host country and their traditions and cultures and way of life, and try as much as possible to learn the language and understand the systems, customs and behaviours of the people of the host country. The African Diaspora need to be sociable and make as many friends as one can outside of one’s own circles from the country of origin and to hang out with people who do not speak your language.

We need to get to know people who do not come from our countries, and to do things we would not normally do in our own country. For us to become more empowered and as effective agents of development in Africa, we need to be courageous, adventurous and fearless and find our place in the host country.

ADM: With your busy schedule, do you find time for hobbies? How do you relax when you’re not working?

JM: You know, they do say, all work and no play makes one a dull person. There is always time to relax no matter how busy one’s schedule may be. My attitude to time is guided by the understanding that there is a difference between “Clock Time” and “Real Time” and if one cannot tell the difference between the two, then everything else that one might try to do to manage one’s time will not work to one’s benefit. Based on this belief I always have time to go to the beauty spa, to go shopping, to read, to socialise, spend quality time with my children and do all the other things that I enjoy doing outside of my work.

she is a woman who wears many hats and works across national borders.

www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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MEET PUMELA SALELA

BRAND SOUTH AFRICA

UK COUNTRY HEAD

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ADM: We know you as Brand South Africa’s Country Head for the UK, but who is the woman behind the profile – who is Pumela Salela?

PS: I am an African first and foremost. A Believer. And a descendant of the Salela (Mpophoma) and Magula (Fuzile) families. I was born in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, the same province that Nelson Mandela was born in.

He is my inspiration. I consider myself a free-spirited person who likes to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures. I have travelled to about 34 African countries and have a vision of travelling to all 54, so I am left with 20 now! I like art and beauty and consider myself creative. I am a wife to a loving husband and a daughter of the Most High God. ADM: What’s your professional background and what led you to become involved with Brand South Africa?

PS: Let me start with what led me to be involved with Brand South Africa.

In 2003 I was awarded the Nelson Mandela Scholarship to study for an MBA in the UK. As Nelson Mandela handed the scholarship to each one of us he said: “You are my ambassador, you carry my name”. From the day Tata Madiba shook my hand I changed. I decided that whatever I will do in life will be for the promotion of my beloved country, South Africa.

I completed my studies in the UK in 2004. As I left the country to go back to South Africa, I spoke to the land and the seas to say that “I will be back” and when I come back I will be representing my country. Fate had it that an advertisement was put in the national newspaper for this role in 2014 (10 years later!). I applied and told the panellists that it was my life-long dream to do this job. I saw it as a purpose - a calling more than a role to fill. I went through a gruesome six months’ selection process and was selected by the Grace of God. I commenced my duties in the UK in March 2015, and will be in this role for a period of five years until 31 January 2020.

Professionally, I cut my teeth in the Media and Broadcasting space in South Africa, having worked for both print and electronic media (Unitra Community Radio, Network Radio Services, SABC (5fm Music Radio) and Media 24 (Fairlady Magazine). I later moved on to core marketing through Unilever working on Lux and Dove brands. It was then that I was headhunted to go and work for Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA), doing investment promotion.

My role involved travelling around the world trying to lure investors to invest in South Africa. Thereafter I wanted to understand policy-making, so I moved into the policy-making division of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa. I was appointed a director, leading South Africa’s development of the Business Process Outsourcing & Offshoring sector.

I worked very closely with the industry. The World Bank in Washington saw the achievements we attained in South Africa and gave me an opportunity to work with them in Washington DC as a Consultant in ICT-Enabled Services. From there I moved back to South Africa and served as a Chief Director in the Department of Economic Development. It was then that I came across the opportunity to work for Brand South Africa in the role of UK Country Head.

ADM: What is Brand South Africa all about and what is its mission?

PS: Brand South Africa aims to develop and implement proactive and coordinated marketing, communication and reputation management strategies for the country.

ADM: The concept of countries as brands is controversial territory in the field of marketing, with some views being very adamant that countries are countries, they’re not brands. What do you say to that?

PS: There is a theoretical point of reference to Nation Branding. Simon Anholt developed the Nation Brand Hexagon which countries use to measure their performance on a global scale in what is called a Nation Brand Index. The pillars for the Hexagon are Tourism, Exports, Governance, Investment and Immigration, Culture and Heritage and People.

ADM: Managing messages about a country, which come from a multiplicity of sources including powerful global media, sounds like an impossible task.

Did you ever feel daunted by the task before you?

PS: Brand South Africa was established in August 2002 to help create a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa. At that time, the world was unsure about what to think of South Africa, with many different messages being sent out by various sources. This did very little to build the country’s brand and it was evident that to attract tourism and investment there was a need to co-ordinate marketing initiatives to make them more effective.

This led to the creation of Brand South Africa, whose main objective is the marketing of South Africa through the Brand South Africa campaign.

There are many benefits to having a consolidated brand image, with the most important being that a consistent Brand South Africa message creates strategic advantages in terms of trade and tourism for the country

in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

ADM: Can you tell us more about Brand South Africa’s campaign approach and how you have tackled some of the most problematic issues that affect tourism and investment into South Africa?

PS: We have a Team South Africa approach to the UK market where Brand South Africa works with all the entities that represent South Africa in the UK to ensure that we tackle problems together and speak with one voice. These include South African Tourism, South African Airways, Wines of South Africa, Department of Trade and Industry and the South African High Commission, among others.

ADM: The 2010 FIFA World Cup was by far the biggest marketing opportunity South Africa has ever had. With global attention trained on you, what did you do as Brand South Africa to leverage this event to maximise the benefit to your country?

PS: Independent research indicates that South Africa’s strength lies in its people. The World Cup was an opportunity to showcase the hospitality of the people of South Africa. It was also an opportunity to showcase how advanced South Africa is from an infrastructure point of view. The stadia built in each province were world-class. Most importantly, it was an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its scenic beauty and worldclass cuisine that comes at a fraction of international prices.

ADM: As head of Brand South Africa in the UK, what does your role entail?

My role is two-fold: One is to position South Africa as a globally competitive nation where we highlight the opportunities that are available in South Africa. We encourage investors to consider South Africa as an investment destination. We also encourage collaboration between the UK and South Africa from sectors of the economy to soft issues such as culture. The second part of my role is to mobilise South Africans in the UK to be brand ambassadors for South Africa as they may be the only point of contact with the country for those who do not know it. We also have a Play Your Part campaign where we encourage South Africans abroad to plough back in South Africa whether it is through their skills, resources or the gift of their time.

ADM: Do you feel that the longstanding relations between the UK and South Africa make it easier to promote British tourism and investment to your country?

PS: Yes, they do. There are what we call ‘Friends of South Africa’. These are the people who helped us during the fight against Apartheid. They remain loyal to the cause of South Africa and wish to see South Africa thrive.

ADM: Please tell us a bit more about how you engage with the South African Diaspora in the UK and how that experience has been.

PS: We utilise any opportunity to engage with the African Diaspora, either as individuals or organisations. We have had roundtable discussions with South Africa Diaspora United, AFFORD, Africa 2.0, among others. We also celebrate national days of significance with the South African Diaspora.

Where there is an issue that affects the African continent as a whole or South Africa specifically, we create themed discussions in order to tackle the issue at hand, solicit solutions and feed them back to South Africa.

ADM: Africans in the diaspora have significant advantages in terms of access to capital, professional and business networks, and transferrable knowledge systems at their disposal. What would you say to those who are seeking ways to impact the development of Africa and would like to be directly involved in the continent’s development journey?

PS: The biggest challenge facing Africans in the continent is lack of access, to technologies, to capital, research. While they may be positively disposed to the need for development, these challenges impede the actual delivery.

For the Africans in the Diaspora, it is important to have a dream of a prosperous Africa, an Africa that realises its potential given the wealth potential in trade, commodities, and so on. Those Africans in the diaspora could do well in ensuring that they keep active links with their motherland, continue to scout for opportunities and use their presence in the UK to find partners to assist in realising those opportunities. They are the perfect link.

I also wish to encourage Africans in the Diaspora to be social entrepreneurs, wherein they utilise their experiences in the Diaspora to identify social problems back home. As they come up with innovative solutions to address the problems, they can in turn make profits while solving social problems - ‘Doing Business whilst Doing Good’.

ADM: Lastly, what can we expect from you and Brand South Africa over the next couple of years?

PS: Brand South Africa will continue to position South Africa and promote the South Africa- UK linkages. Brand South Africa is the brand that asserts Africa and South Africa’s interests in the UK. www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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www.veneka.co.uk

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| December 2017

Pasi William Sachiti Finding value in ideas

Pasi William Sachiti (PWS), the Zimbabwe-born serial entrepreneur and inventor, is a man at the fore of a global technological revolution. He is the founder and CEO of Kar-go, the driverless car manufacturer that is leading Britain’s charge in competition with global giants such as Google and Tesla. We caught up with Pasi for a chat about his background and his work in unlocking the value in ideas.

ADM: Where were you born, and what were the most profound experiences from your early years that shaped the man you are today?

ADM: You started your education in Zimbabwe; did you find it as sufficient preparation when you moved to the UK and continued with your studies?

PWS: I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and grew up in an area called Greystone Park. My most profound experience was one day my father brought home a 386 computer running MS Dos as an operating system.

He said it was for us kids to learn and understand what it is and what it does. Learning by self-teaching DOS commands and programming scripts from 12 years old gave me an understanding and passion for technology.

PWS: The one thing of most value I got from Zimbabwe was a world class education; Cambridge exams and curriculum as a standard put me onpar with or ahead of developed world counterparts. I had no idea at the time but realised when I came to the UK and found myself more articulate and with more general knowledge than most people my age.

ADM: The entrepreneurial bug stung you quite early in your life, and at only 19 you had set up your first start-up, a domain

www.theafrican-diaspora.com

21

registration business. Can you tell us about your formative steps as an entrepreneur and what inspired you?

further study, and focus on robotics and artificial ADM: All these amazing technological advances

intelligence in particular?

we’ve spoken of are happening in the West and PWS: Being an entrepreneur, to me, is all about

in some of the rising countries in Asia. Is there

PWS: I actually started making a small fortune

predicting potential futures. For me, it was clear

a danger of the developing countries in Africa

as a teenager fixing computers for companies in

that automation and robotics was going to play a

languishing behind an unbridgeable technological

Harare. Computers being so new and expensive,

big part in all potential futures. Rather than play

divide?

very few people could fix them. Armed with

catch up, I decided to be a pioneer in the industry,

knowledge learnt from the internet and always

but before that, I would need to become an expert

PWS: No really, most people in Africa have a

tinkering at home, I was able to save companies

on the subject. The most logical course of action

smartphone and many have 4K TVs. The world is

a fortune while being paid really well for very

was to go and study the subject intensively

based on technology worship and consumerism

little work.

and then this would allow me to have enough

today; however, as time goes on, I am sure that

knowledge to innovate in the industry.

Africa will soon have something they excel at

I think I realised that a normal job

was not for me when I did work experience from

which the world needs.

school one day. It was a day we spent eight hours stacking shelves; it was horrible, at the end we

ADM: While at university last year you were

got paid for a full day’s work. What I got paid for

credited with inventing the world’s first artificially

ADM: Former Chairperson of the African Union

working all day was still less than 10 per cent of

intelligent robot librarian, Hugh. How feasible is it

Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is

what I would normally make for a few hours fixing

for less technologically developed countries such

on record as saying that Africa cannot reach its

some executive’s computer.

as those in Africa to also harness AI and robotics

goal of prosperity without focusing on Science,

technology as solutions for development?

Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

Do you agree with this view, and do you see

ADM: You’re a serial entrepreneur and inventor, and many people in the UK came to know you

PWS: AI will play a huge part in Africa. All

other effective ways in which Africa can boost its

through your appearance on Dragons Den in 2009

technology is there to solve problems and make

technological development?

where you gave what the BBC described as “a

life easier. In Africa we have different problems and

slick pitch”. Did that experience prove beneficial

as a result, different AI will be built and applied.

PWS: Yes, but I believe Africa should innovate and

to your journey in business?

An example is a combination of drones and AI

be the best at something that is not necessarily

to monitor crops to precision levels that humans

what everyone else is doing. We could maybe find

PWS: Absolutely! Dragons Den taught me

a way to export power based on us having so

about funding, due diligence and everything

much sun. We could create technology based

around public reporting and having a company

around the resources we have. I think we just

structure suited for investment.

need to find what we are good at and not copy everyone, or we need to innovate in new areas.

ADM: Despite missing out on funding from the Dragons, Clever Bins still got nominated for

ADM: What would your advice be to young

HSBC Start-up stars in 2010 and won the 2013

bright African scientists who are on the

Zimbabwe Achievers Awards business and

margins

innovation prize. What became of Clever Bins

developments in the West but believe they are

after Dragons Den and how well did it do?

also capable of similar achievements despite

of

these

futuristic

technological

the limitations of their environment?

PWS: Clever Bins, which did not get funding in the Den, was licensed in several countries

PWS: In a land where people need water, you

where a company or government would buy a

can innovate in better ways to get water cost

license/franchise to bring the concept to their

effectively. What I mean by this is, we must

home country. I love Clever Bins because it

stop trying to replicate the West and find

taught me a lot about working with the public

ways to innovate in ways that suit our own

sector and government and disciplined me

environment.

in terms of paperwork and processes when ADM: All work and no play makes Jack a dull

dealing with large organisations. alone could never match, thus maximizing output.

boy! How do you prefer to relax from your hectic

Drones for automated conservation efforts etc.

studies and business schedule?

up, the digital concierge and holiday company

ADM: And now to your most exciting invention

PWS: I’m known for throwing legendary parties

mycityvenue, which grew to approximately 1.6

to date, Kar-go, the driverless car! How did that

and experiential events attended by thousands

million users. Now that attracted some major

come about, and can you tell us what it does?

several times a year. Think, mini indoor festival.

ADM: Things got even more interesting for you in 2013 after founding yet another start-

It’s my expensive hobby!

corporate attention, please tell us more about it.

PWS:

Kar-go

solves

a

very

real

problem,

PWS: The concept was simple; it was the time of

automating the last mile of delivery and thus

the rise of the smartphone and everyone could

removing the cost. Cost of delivery is the big

now access the real internet on their phone and

bottleneck in the retail industry and is a 200

could Google anything. At the time, there was no

billion dollar problem. We aim to fix this by having

single location to find the best answers to “what

an autonomous robotic vehicle do the delivery

can I do tonight?” This is what we created, and

automatically with no human intervention.

people loved it; it was a culmination of everything I learnt and built knowing that someone will acquire

ADM: Being the serial entrepreneur that you’re,

it if it was structured correctly.

I’m sure it’s not amiss for us to expect to hear of you being associated with yet another impressive

ADM: In 2015 you decided to go back to school and

project. Is there anything else on the horizon at the

enrolled for an artificial intelligence and robotics

moment, or over the next few years?

degree at Aberystwyth University in Wales. Why did you feel it necessary to devote your time to

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PWS: Kar-go is my focus for the next few years.

www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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Enriching lives, empowering communities Dr Tunde Okewale MBE (TO)’s story is one of tenacious vision. Refusing to let obstacles get in the way of his goal to become a barrister, he navigated his way from the bottom up, using setbacks as stepping stones.

Now an award-winning barrister and community champion, he lends his hand to those who are where he once was, in homage to those who helped him along his own journey.

ADA Magazine caught up with Tunde to find out more about the man and his story.

ADA: Who is Tunde Okewale and where did you grow up?

TO: I am an award-winning barrister, born and raised in Hackney, and am practicing at Doughty Street Chambers. I was privileged to be awarded an MBE in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the community and disadvantaged young people. This year, I was listed in The Sunday Times ‘Alternative Rich List’ identified for having enriched the lives of others. I have won numerous awards and accolades, based on my exemplary work and sustained social involvement. I am heavily involved in community work through my charity ‘Urban Lawyers’, which makes legal education more accessible to marginalised groups in society. In

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2016, I opened a Sheffield branch of the project in partnership with Sheffield Hallam’s Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice. Where I recently received an honorary doctorate in law.

ADA: Growing up in the East End of London, how important was your family and community environment in shaping the person you have become today?

TO: My family gave me the foundation and support for all the success that I have achieved in my life. In an African household education is viewed as the first and foremost priority and this gave me a good basis on which to engage with my academic interests.

ADA: Looking ahead to your future career as an African British teenager, did you ever have any thoughts like many others that your breakthrough might perhaps lie in sport or the arts, in music perhaps? Were you always academically inclined?

TO: My initial aspiration was to be a track and field athlete. While my secondary school encouraged me to pursue this route, my parents encouraged me to focus on my studies. They were strict but very supportive. Having someone supportive pushes you and helps make the difference between a life of crime and the life of a lawyer. I want to share the opportunities I had with people who didn’t have the same opportunities or support that I received.

ADA: From ‘inner city’ Council flat to multiaward-winning barrister at Doughty Street Chambers – that’s a remarkable journey Tunde, can you take us through it?

TO: After leaving school I went on to read law at the University of East London, simultaneously working a number of part-time jobs to support the family (I am the eldest of four children). I obtained a 2:2. Career advisers and numerous people in the profession told me that I would never be able to make it and the journey to the Bar was very difficult.

It’s a competitive global market place, which places an emphasis on excellent academic achievement.

Moreover, it was evident to me from early on that my social and academic background was the polar opposite of the private school and Oxbridge educated tradition of the Bar. Yet my tenacity paid off. I threw myself into community work, through which I was invited to deliver a workshop for the Greater London Authority, and it was my performance on this project that led to a scholarship to attend Bar school. And s o began what is now an established practice in general and serious crime, as well as appellate work in the Court of Appeal and the Administrative Court. All my work encompasses an element of human rights and commitment to issues of social justice and civil liberties. I also work in sports law and I’m a Foot-

TO: I don’t look at it from that perspective. My work and commitment to social justice and diversity are part of my everyday life rather than singular things I do. It makes it much easier for me to do things and not be discouraged during difficult times.

ADA: You’ve been awarded the prestigious MBE

by Her Majesty the Queen; that must have been a proud moment for you, but even more so, for your family. Can you describe their reaction to this achievement?

TO: My parents are always proud of all my accomplishments. They were proud and happy. I do think that, for them, receiving the honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University was an equally

ball Association registered lawyer. As a child I had ambitions to be a professional athlete and despite leaving this course I emerged on-track with a strong network of sports contacts.

this do you see through your work with Urban Lawyers, and how do you encourage these young people to believe in their potential and aim as high as they can dream?

ADA: What is it that you enjoy the most in your job as a barrister?

TO: By sharing the failures in my life and explaining how I overcame adversity. The best way to teach is through example and I am a good demonstration of what can be achieved despite low expectations.

On a practical level I also provide my mentees with tips and practical advice on how to counter balance the low expectations others may try to impose on to them.

TO: That every single day is different and that you learn something new every day.

ADA: You founded Urban Lawyers to work with local communities, agencies and law students throughout the UK. What motivated you to set up the organisation and what is its mission?

TO: Basically, I wanted to be in many places at the same time, so the only way to do that was by creating an initiative, which could exist even if I don’t.

That way I could still do the things I wanted to, like providing information that helps those disaffected and those who struggle to comprehend the law that governs their everyday behaviour. Additionally, I wanted to help those from non–traditional backgrounds to have the confidence and skills to pursue a career in law. So, I thought I would come up with an initiative that could do this – access to law for everyone.

ADA: You’ve contributed to an official government inquiry into the Tottenham riots of 2011 and been interviewed in the media about why disaffected youths join gangs. In your view, how best can young people be assisted to steer clear of such pitfalls and avoid being entrenched in crime?

TO: This is a multifaceted problem and solutions need to be multifaceted – this means all of the institutions that engage with young people need to play a part as well as the family, communities and young people themselves.

ADA: Low expectations plague most young people from deprived backgrounds; how much of

ADA: Your day job is highly demanding; how do you balance that with your work in the cause of social justice and diversity?

proud moment as they now get to say their son is a lawyer and a doctor!

how do you balance work and family life and also find time to unwind from your busy schedule?

ADA: You are quite the man of today - you happen to be a social media sensation, combining aspects of your lifestyle, such as your great fashion sense, love for exercise and fitness, and motivational nuggets with snippets from your working life. Is it even feasible in today’s world to compartmentalise aspects of one’s life rather than be wholesome in presentation?

TO: I don’t try to balance activities or family commitments, I just manage and prioritise them in relation to urgency and importance, with a focus on family always coming first.

TO: Yes, of course it is. It all boils down to individual choice and how much one is willing to share and what aspects of their life they are willing to share.

ADA: Lastly, how important is family to you, and www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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SAM OCHIENG Accomplished businessman and community champion

Sam Ochieng (SO)has carved an inspirational legacy as a successful international businessman and community leader based in the UK. He is actively involved in civil society organisations serving tens of thousands of Africans and other communities in the UK. As an international development champion and entrepreneur, he has led in creating access to international markets for African agricultural produce, thereby empowering rural communities in Africa. The African Diaspora Magazine spoke to Sam to learn more about his work.

ADM: Tell us about your background; where were you born and what stands out in your life from your early years?

SO: I was born in the remote village of Kendu Bay in Homabay County, based near the vast Lake Victoria in Kenya. Growing up in the village was quite a fascinating experience. Memories of walking bare-footed on the hot tropical soil to attend school, dancing in the rain, boys doing their thing, women cooking over the fires in their courtyards or visiting the nearby open air market are still fresh in my mind.

Parents would allow us children have complete freedom because they knew there were many eyes watching out for our safety. We would go fishing, swimming in the lake and even hunt for small animals like rabbits. Those were some of the most influential years of my life and I will always consider my home village the home of my heart.

My family was modest, and my parents ensured that they provided the very best they could despite all the challenges they faced.

I lost my mother unexpectedly when I was a teenager, an event which was a major turning point in my young life as it changed my perception on how I viewed various issues. My mother had always stressed on hard work and never giving up, she taught me the importance of being responsible and content no matter

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the circumstances. This propelled me to always work hard in my studies and always aim for the best in whatever I did. In 1989, I moved to the UK to pursue further studies.

ADM: How important was your family and community environment in shaping the person you have become today, especially when you found yourself now living in a new country without the social structure and support systems that you had grown up with?

SO: I would say that no matter where a person is based on the globe, our values, beliefs and attitudes are influenced a great deal by our childhood. I come from a big and highly opinionated family. Through them, I have learnt the value of teamwork, responsibility, aiming high, open mindedness and time keeping.

As a student leader at the City University, London, I learnt to embrace diverse personalities and cultures which as a result have greatly boosted my confidence, negotiation and decision-making skills.

ADM: What led you to start SACOMA, and what did you intend to achieve through it?

SO: My involvement in community-based activities dates back to 1991. By that time, there existed very few organisations that catered for the diverse needs of

d e

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Africans who travelled to the UK to study, to visit, for treatment or to settle.

In 1998, I was one of the founder members who registered Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA), an organisation offering advice to African students. We advanced to a social enterprise, providing information, advice and guidance in various areas like job search, immigration and business start-ups. From humble beginnings, SACOMA has grown gradually and successfully and diversified to other ventures.

In 2011, SACOMA embarked purely to SACOMA LLP, a distribution network for fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market based at the New Spitalfields Market in London. We import fresh fruit and vegetables from all over the world and have assisted small scale Kenyan farmers by linking them to markets for their produce in the UK. Today, SACOMA Global LTD has established its niche in the global business market. The organisation has also won various awards and recognition, something I am really proud of.

ADM: The early years are usually fraught with challenges - how did you overcome the frustrations of teething problems and persevere?

SO: Setting up an organisation is like taking a leap of faith and because of the uncertainty, many budding entrepreneurs who begin never manage to keep up with the various challenges.

I’d really describe myself as a person with a versatile skills-set, a lot of integrity and a willingness to go the extra mile to satisfy a client. It starts with the belief that you will achieve your goals and desires for your organisation.

These forums act as a link between Africans in the Diaspora and local organisations in their respective countries by sending students to acquire education and experience in the UK after which they are assured of employment opportunities back in their home countries.

African countries need to move entirely from traditional to modern ideologies in farming by embracing new technological skills and borrowing a leaf from developed countries such as Australia and many parts of the world where an acre of land can feed an entire village.

Together with our partners and Knowledge Transfer Partners (KTP), SACOMA has developed programmes that support businesses in the UK and EU and agribusiness in developing countries to organise, improve quality and grow their businesses. Mentorship is also a critical aspect as Africans in the diaspora can assist in mentoring or guiding projects back in their home countries by partnering with educational or government institutions as has been the case.

ADM: You also promote international market access for African agricultural produce, especially by rural farmers. Can you tell us more about that and how this project has impacted the rural communities whose produce has found its way into the UK and other foreign markets?

SO: SACOMA Global Ltd currently works with smallholder farmers and over 20 democratic farmer organisations, enterprises and cooperatives in eight, countries. We help them

SACOMA Global has strived to focus its energies on its best strengths, working closely with its customers and focusing on professional growth.

Situations don’t always turn out the way one would expect but problem solving and formulating strategies to push through out of each obstacle that presents itself has come in handy.

SO: Yes. SACOMA has worked with government in various capacities; this includes the London Development Agency, The Learning Skills Council and the European Union, among others. In one of the contracts running from 2006 to 2010, SACOMA worked with the UK government’s Department of Works and Pensions to educate immigrants on the need to save for the future. In another contract with UK’s Electoral Commission we educated blacks on the need for voting. As a result, this saw the number of voters from the BAME Communities increase by 18%.

ADM: Africa has suffered a massive brain drain to the West and, as your experience has shown, some of these skilled people who are lost to Africa are deployed in areas that fall below their level of qualification. How should Africa turn this tide into a brain gain?

SO: Africans living in the Diaspora can seek to promote their relationship with various development partners, creating a channel through which individuals in their home countries can easily access information regarding various opportunities, be they educational or about business abroad.

In addition, we manage the export of these sweet potatoes, promoting local farmers who make a living from this venture. These sweet potatoes then make delicacies to be enjoyed in the UK, such as sweet potato crisps, bread, snack bars and crème brue, just to mention a few.

ADM: What has been your biggest achievement to date and how has that helped push your work forward?

SO: To me, changing people’s lives and putting a smile on their face both in the UK and Africa has been quite motivating and fulfilling to me.

Working closely with farmers so that they can lead better lives has encouraged me a great deal and that is one of my biggest achievements.

Last July, I was awarded with a Doctorate in Leadership & Humanity by Global Peace, USA and University of Westminster for my immense contribution towards leadership and humanity.

ADM: What can we expect from you in the next few years, some new projects or expansion plans perhaps?

SO: I am just getting started! Although I love the achievements and milestones I have had, I feel that I’m now ready for more challenging assignments something that really excites me.

SACOMA intends to diversify to promoting exportation and access to the international markets of many other fruits and vegetables from the African continent. Africa produces lots of fresh fruit and vegetables from the very fertile soils and this can be a great opportunity for the farmers to sell their produce. We also need to explore regional trade within Sub-Saharan Africa. Many people think that exporting to Europe is the solution; I say NO, we need to expand our thinking and look at what our neighbor country produces that we can benefit from.

ADM: You’re a family man and are raising five children. How do you balance work and family life and find time to unwind from your busy schedule?

Being resilient, open minded and extremely patient has assisted me a great deal to continue to grow and learn how to manoeuvre successfully in the business world. If it were not for this confidence I would be crippled by some of the obstacles I’ve had to overcome.

My success is built on my passion and belief in myself and my business.

ADM: Have you had any support from the UK government or other mainstream British organisations and if so, how have they helped?

SACOMA has put sweet potatoes from Africa on the International market. We ensure that farmers produce high quality sweet potatoes by providing them with necessary skills and facilities to make it work.

SO: It’s all about maintaining a work-life balance and adjusting your day-to-day activities to achieve a sense of balance between work life and personal life. One has to learn how to balance and not become too involved in their professional life to a point that they neglect their family. build capacity, develop infrastructure, overcome market barriers, adapt to the challenges of climate change and improve product quality - creating resilience and adding value to their business.

I give credit to my wife Perez who has walked this journey with me from the very beginning. Perez has been my inspiration and motivation towards continuing to improve SACOMA and in addition move this amazing career forward.

Together with our partners and knowledge transfer partners we have Programmes to supports smallholder farmers in developing countries to organise, improve the quality of their crops and add value to their products for both local and international markets.

I would also like to thank my wonderful children and grandson for always making me smile and for understanding that their parents’ schedule can at times get very hectic. It has been great seeing our children grow and shine in the respective career paths they have chosen.

ADM: Your sweet potatoes initiative has been particularly outstanding; please share a bit more on that success.

During my free time, I do a lot of reading and also listen to Music. I also love researching on new ways of further improving our organisation.

SO: First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my wife Perez Ochieng the CEO of SACOMA Global, who was the brains behind the sweet potatoes venture.

I’m also actively involved in voluntary work.

I established the Sam Ochieng Football Tournament (SOFT) back in my hometown in Kenya as a way of giving back to the community through sports.

During one of our trips to Kenya, Perez noticed how the local sweet potato farmers in the village, especially women, were being exploited. They had to sell their very fresh and good quality sweet potato produce by the roadside every evening at throw away prices, something she wasn’t amused about. It is from this observation that the idea of venturing into the sweet potatoes industry was born as a way of empowering these women.

I was also the Founding Chair of the Africa Cup of Nations, UK for many years.

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Debbie Ariyo OBE - Uniting Africa against child abuse After 10 years working in the British civil service across different government departments and in different policy posts, including urban regeneration, competitiveness, small business development, youth entrepreneurship and enterprise policies, Debbie Ariyo (DA) left her job to start AFRUCA – Africans Unite Against Child Abuse. She has been a prominent advocate for the rights of children, work that has won her recognition and respect. The Africa Diaspora Magazine (ADM) caught up with her to find out more about her work.

doing at all is worth doing well” has really paid off.

ADM: First, please tell us about yourself; who is Debbie Ariyo and where were you born?

ADM: Tell us about Afruca and its programmes

DA: I am a British-Nigerian born in the UK and raised in Nigeria. My family left the UK in the 1970s and I lived in Nigeria till the age of 21 before returning to the UK, so I’ve practically spent my life equally in both countries. I am currently the CEO of AFRUCA, a charity that I founded in 2001. The organisation focuses on the protection of children and provides services to meet their safeguarding needs. Our work is targeted at Black African children, working with their families, communities and others.

DA: AFRUCA delivers a range of services across England to help meet the needs of children who have experienced different forms of abuses and exploitation. We provide therapeutic support to children, sometimes their parents to help their process of healing. We support young people who have experienced human trafficking and exploitation, helping them to live independent lives. We work with Children’s Services to provide one-to-one parenting support to parents where children have been removed and put into care – and we have a lot of that going on.

ADM: Family and community impart abiding lessons and principles that usually become key pillars in our lives as adults; what would you say those were, for you?

DA: The role of the family is to help nurture a well rounded, well adjusted child. It is also to ensure the safety of children. Abuse begets abuse, so a child who suffers abuse will end up abusing others. The cycle of abuse is the reason we have so many maladjusted people in the community. For me, it is essential that everyone in our community understands what it means to abuse children, the long-term impact of abuse on a child and to gain the skills to prevent abuse to children. If we can reduce child abuse, we will have more flourishing, better adjusted adults in our community.

ADM: When and why did you receive your OBE and what did it mean DA: I was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for my work with children and families. It was a real honour to have my work recognised at such a very high level. I have focused less on the “empire” bit and appreciated more the importance of the honour from the Queen. You never know who is watching you, who is taking note of your work so my motto that “anything worth

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We also run a lot of community child protection education programmes to help propagate the message of child protection so more people can understand what it means to protect a child from abuse and hence help to reduce its occurrence in our community. We are also working in selected African countries, so we are developing partnerships in Sierra Leone in the aftermath of the Mudslides and Ebola to help address child trafficking which is quite prevalent in the country.

We are trying to replicate our work in England in other European countries and have partners in Germany and Finland where we are working with practitioners who work with newly arrived African families. Our work is quite broad – but we haven’t even scratched the surface of what needs to be done to help safeguard as many African children as possible, so there is a lot more work to do.

ADM: What led you to start the charity and what did you intend to achieve through it?

DA: I started AFRUCA because I was really concerned about the rise in the number of cases of child abuse involving African children in England and

I resolved to do something to help. This was in 2001 when we started as an advocacy organisation. The aim then was to work with parents, practitioners and the community to help protect children from abuse and that has not changed at all.

We are still focused on child protection. The idea was that if we could work with all the different groups that come into contact with children, we could help to build a wall of protection so that less children experience abuse. Our work and activities – almost 17 years later, are still geared towards achieving this core aim.

ADM: The early years are usually fraught with challenges how did you overcome the frustrations of teething problems and persevere?

DA: The early years of AFRUCA were very difficult. We faced acceptance issues within the community as there were people who felt we were washing their dirty linen in public. There were some faith groups that felt we were castigating their practices. Outside the community, there were those who felt “oh, this is another African NGO set out to make money”. So, it was really difficult. But I was very resolved in what I wanted to achieve because I strongly believed I could make it work.

My methodology was to set out to prove people wrong about our perceived intentions, that we are with the community, but we must protect our children from abuse. The second was to gain as many new skills as possible to ensure the charity could do its work effectively. So of course, you have all the passion, but you need more than passion to run a charity, you need a whole new repertoire of skills like how to run a business, how to raise funds and so on.

ADM: What can we expect from the charity in the next few years, some new projects or expansion plans perhaps?

DA: In the next few years, we would like to have expanded our work to other European countries, that is, have presence in other countries. The issues that we are dealing with in the UK occur in wider Europe. We are already working in some countries, but a lot more still needs to be done. We also want to enhance the work we are doing in Africa, in countries like Sierra Leone and others where there are a multitude of issues affecting children. We would like to help transfer the knowledge and skills we have gained from working in the UK to other African countries, so we are going to be organising many training events for professionals on the continent, of course in partnership with local agencies. There is a lot to do in the coming years, so watch this space!

ADM: You are an advocate of the African Child, do you see progress from a global perspective on the advancement of the protection of children’s rights?

DA: I believe a lot has been achieved in recent years in child protection, but a lot more needs to be done. Due to mainly economic reasons, the situation in Africa is becoming intolerable for children. There are growing cases of extreme abuse in many countries like child marriage, young Africans being sold as slaves in Libya and other places, and the falling education standards, which mean a blighted future for many children. A lot more needs to happen, and

countries need to be supported to make decisions in the best interests of their children.

In many cases that is not the case. Even in the UK here, we are seeing more cases of children killing children – gun and knife crimes escalating. So, we do have a lot of work to do beyond organising international conferences and forums. We need to act and act fast otherwise the next generation of Africans will suffer tremendously, and it would be because we have failed to act in our generation.

ADM: Have you had any support from the UK government or the mainstream British organisations and if so, how have they helped?

DA: Definitely. We have received very good support for our work from the UK government and this has really helped our work to grow. We have received different tranches of funding for our work. A good example is our Children’s Champions programme where we received a grant for three years or so to recruit and train African volunteers so they could go out into their own community to run child protection training courses. We were able to train about 200 people with each person training on average another 20.

So, we made a lot of inroad there. We have also received support from the Home Office to recruit psychotherapists to provide mental health support to victims of trafficking to help their healing process. Over three years we organised a series of Summits on African Children in London attracting almost 1000 in total and this really helped to educate people about children’s issues.

The government’s support for our work has been invaluable.

ADM: You’re an active member of the African diaspora community in the UK; what would your advice to the community be for it to become more empowered and as effective agents of development in Africa?

DA: I believe the African diaspora in the UK needs to become more effective at capitalising on its uniqueness to create positive changes – here in the UK but also in Africa. We are a very informed and powerful community. We should start working together, bringing on board the range of expertise we have to influence change in the best interests of our community, not working in silos but as one unit. We have seen this happen with other ethnic groups.

For example, we should be able to create a single, powerful voice to compel government to act in relation to gun and knife crime. The response so far has been piecemeal because there are too many groups doing too many things, competing for attention. Other communities would have achieved better results because they do work more in partnerships, rather than unilaterally.

ADM: With your busy schedule, do you find time for hobbies? How do you relax when you’re not working?

DA: I do find time to rest. It is essential to recharge the batteries. I like to read, and I’ve started to do a bit of gardening. I hope to do more of that because I find it very therapeutic. It’s very relaxing being outside doing non-work things.

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ADA: Tell us about your background; where were you born and what stands out in your life from your early years?

KK: I was born in Nigeria in a city called Zaria in Kaduna State (Northern Nigeria). However, I am from the Tiv tribe who are mainly in Benue State in the middle belt (North Central) of Nigeria. I grew up in a town called Jos in Plateau State Nigeria, where my father was the Registrar of the University (University of Jos) and my mother was a prosecutor with the Ministry of Justice.

Definitely, growing up in an academic environment gave me a very strong appreciation, at an early age, of the importance and impact that education (not just academic, but holistically) can have on an individual and a society. A lot of what I do today, business and otherwise, stems from the environment I grew up in, how I was raised and the education I received – that is definitely the stand out aspect of my early life.

ADA: What are some of the main values and principles from your childhood that have stayed with you and shaped the man you are today?

KK: When I was growing up, respect was paramount – respect for elders, respect for authority and authority figures. My parents constantly instilled in us to always remember that we carried a name and should never do anything to bring shame to that name. I suppose they were instilling the value of integrity in us.

The second experience that had a huge impact in shaping the person that I am today was my secondary school (high school) education. I am incredibly privileged to have attended Air Force Military School (AFMS) Jos, Plateau State Nigeria, which was one of the top schools in the country. The combination of the academic, social

Kevin Korgba

and military training I received further reinforced what my parents had already instilled in me and formed some of the values and principles I live by today: discipline,

Education is the game changer

respect, honour, doggedness, resilience, adaptability,

Kevin Korgba (KK) caught the entrepreneurial bug at a young age and by the age of 20 he had set up his first business. However, his ambitions were not only to achieve success for himself, but also to help others and improve the lives of other people. He talks to ADA Magazine about his journey in the world of business and philanthropy.

that was my driving force at the time. Though I had no

leadership, compassion, servanthood and much more.

ADA: You ventured into business at a very young age, and by 20 you had set up your first company. What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?

KK: Interestingly, it was the need for independence

business experience, I was tired of having to rely on my father for the most mundane of things (like most young men and women of my age at the time) and so I thought

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if I was able to earn my own money, I wouldn’t need to keep asking my father for money. So I talked to a couple of friends, asked my father for a loan and the rest is history, like they say. This is where my entrepreneurial journey began. I remember my very first contract was the supply of pens to a government organisation for an annual conference and my profit margin was about 60 per cent. I then ventured into the oil and gas sector and later outfitting corporate offices, guesthouses and so on.

ADA: The early years are usually fraught with challenges. How did you overcome the frustrations of teething problems on your way to starting ETK Nigeria Ltd?

about your philanthropic work and what drives you to do it?

KK: My late father, Mr George Korgba, was a first generation “village boy”. He was fortunate enough to have received some sponsorship for his education and I am where I am today as a direct result of the education my father received, which opened up opportunities for him, took him out of poverty and helped him achieve all that he did. I grew up listening to his stories about his life and what he went through growing up in the village, and I always said that when I was able to, I would give back to those in the position my father was once in those many years ago and that is exactly what I have done. In 2009 I decided to start a pilot project, which would provide scholarships for ten underprivileged

trying to export to or partner with the global markets/ organisations. Regardless of which direction the business/trade is going, communication is a big part of what we cover at CABE. We have our own internally developed UK-accredited qualification (the African Business Management qualification), which we deliver both in and outside of Africa. We also deliver bespoke training programmes to organisations again both in and outside Africa.

Our programmes are heavily focused on practical applications, so we also offer ‘Management Week’ programmes, which give participants the opportunity to experience how businesses in their sector operate in a different market. The Management Weeks can either be in Africa (for non-African participants) or at one of our global locations (for African participants). CABE courses will also soon be available online and via mobile. Please visit www.cabeglobal.com for more information.

ADA: How important is it to provide this knowledge bridge between Africa and the rest of the world to facilitate greater business ties between the world and Africa?

KK: It is critically important because for so long the perceptions about Africa have been warped by old “dark continent”, “poor Africa must be saved by our aid”-type narratives and other such colonial relics, and not enough has been done by us as Africans to tell our own stories and get them out there. And as we know, perception plays a key role in the development and implementation of organisational (and individual) strategies.

KK: Like most businesses, challenges are inevitable but more so for small businesses. Whether it be funding, understanding the realities of the market you are operating in, cash flow or human capital, these could be potential death sentences for a business. ETK Nigeria Ltd was my second business so I already had a few years of business experience under my belt, which made it a lot easier to know the importance of starting small and adapting a lean structure.

And the main business sector I operated in (international student recruitment) was seasonal and not capital intensive so this allowed me to better focus my energies and resources. Also, I was lucky not to have to deal with banks or investors for any of my financing needs as I was able to reinvest a lot of the profits I had already generated from my first business enterprise.

ADA: What does the Enterprise, Training & Knowledge Group Ltd do?

KK: ETK Group is essentially a business bridge connecting the rest of the world with Africa, Africa with the rest of the world, and Africa with Africa (intra-Africa trade). We provide consultancy and training services through our two subsidiary companies - ETK Consulting and the Centre for African Business Education (CABE) - to businesses interested in engaging with African markets but also African businesses looking at engaging with external markets. We have a wide network of consultants, partners and teams in our focus markets (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Angola, Egypt) and also work closely with our UK partners (Essex International, DIT, UKEF, Essex County Council). We provide market entry support, market access, contract implementation services and financing options through our UK and Asian finance partners. For more information you can visit our website www.etkgroup.co.uk.

ADA: You run charities that assist less fortunate students with scholarships; can you tell us more

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children to put them through their secondary education.

Unfortunately, three dropped out at various stages and in 2015, seven of them graduated with one going on to university to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

My next project is also education-focused and involves setting up IT Centres in 14 rural schools in a particular local government area in Nigeria to ensure that the students are all IT-literate by the time they graduate.

As it currently stands, most of these schools do not have a single computer in an age where most things are computerised, including one of the major university access exams in Nigeria called JAMB. As part of this up-skilling exercise, we are also providing IT training for the teachers from the schools and the first batch have just been trained.

As you can tell I am big on ‘citizen intervention’, especially when it comes to Africa because we still have a huge leadership problem and while we continue trying to tackle that major issue, individuals and private organisations must do whatever they can to empower the teeming youth population (which is a ticking time bomb) and play their part in bringing about this change we all want to see, and education is the key. This in itself will have a direct impact on Africa’s government and leadership of tomorrow.

ADA: Can you tell us a bit more about your work in assisting African businesses through your Centre for African Business Education?

KK: Well, the Centre for African Business Education (CABE) does exactly what it says on the tin – it provides knowledge and education to individuals and businesses about the realities of doing business in the various African countries emphasising on the uniqueness of each market, their local cultures, external influences (colonialism for example) and how these interact to form the business culture/environment. But most importantly, how to best engage with these markets.

In the same vain, we educate businesses in Africa on the realities, requirements and business cultures when

It’s all about creating the balance between what is true about Africa (good and bad) and what tends to be grossly exaggerated (again good and bad). Africa is certainly not for the faint-hearted and the continent has so many problems which need to be addressed.

But that very fact is what makes the continent such a viable and lucrative business/investment destination, albeit only for those who are willing to invest in being adequately prepared before going in.

ADA: What would you say to Africans in the UK and elsewhere in the diaspora who are seeking ways to impact the development of Africa and would like to be directly involved in the continent’s development journey?

KK: Like I always say to everyone who asks this question, pick a problem and provide a solution based on your own strengths and interests. As I said earlier, there are so many problems to be solved on the continent, which if addressed, would have a massive impact. No doubt some of these problems have to be carried out by governments (large infrastructural projects for instance), however every little drop of positive input will add up to create the tidal wave of change that is needed. But whatever you do, research is critical. Know the problem you want to solve (from the people’s perspective), know the country and know what will work and what will not, based on the realities on the ground. This is especially important for those who would like to be involved in the continent’s development directly through politics.

ADA: Do you have any hobbies that you pursue in your spare time?

KK: Like most entrepreneurs, the phrase “spare time” tends not to exist but yes, I have a few hobbies. I love working out in the gym and martial arts (I competed in Karate a lot in my university days). I also like reading, going to the movies and spending time with my family

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Willy Mutenza

Veteran business champion and diaspora community organiser ADA: Firstly, who is Willy Mutenza and where were you born?

WM: I was born in Uganda and I’m a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and community activist who has turned his community hobbies into milliondollar businesses. I’ve lived and worked in London for the last 27 years. I graduated in 2000 with a BA in Digital Arts and Multimedia Computing from the University of West London.

Willy Mutenza (WM) has lived in London for the better part of three decades and in that time established himself as a successful businessman and an advocate for Africa-UK trade.

But what brought him to the UK and how has he succeeded where many of his fellow Africans in the diaspora have struggled to grasp their dreams in their adopted countries?

ADA Magazine speaks to Willy to find out.

In 2002 I founded The Promota Group and have expanded its business interests in magazine publication, events management, private equity bridging, printing and real estate development in Uganda.

ADA: Personal journeys into the diaspora are as diverse as they’re also common. You’ve lived in the UK for nearly three decades now; what initially brought you here and what has kept you domiciled in London?

WM: I moved to the United Kingdom from Sweden in the early 90s for studies, and after university I decided to stay in the UK to pursue my business interests.

ADA: You launched The Promota Group with interests closely related to your university qualifications in digital arts and multimedia computing. Can you tell us more about your early steps in the world of business?

WM: After my graduation from university I put to good use the skills I learnt in digital art computing and established Avidfx, a print and design agency which has so far expanded its business interests as I’ve said earlier. I run one of the biggest ethnic marketing agencies with headquarters in the UK and operations in Denmark, Sweden, Uganda and Norway, with clients including some blue chip companies such as Western Union, MoneyGram, Brussels Airlines, Lebara and WorldRemit. Over the past 15 years, I

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have also engaged the UK business community as a trade and investment consultant and advisor for the Ugandan Government and Uganda Private Sector.

ADA: What were your main motivations in getting into business; in short, what was your “Why”?

WM: One of the driving motivations to get into business was my childhood dream to become a successful entrepreneur and ethical businessman emulating my father who was a successful industrialist and businessman during the 70s. I have managed to reach a level of success but would have done better if my father was not killed during the second Milton Obote regime in Uganda in the 80s. I was left with no role model to shape me into the man I wanted to be. But with the grace of God, I managed to struggle through the hassles of life to become a responsible global citizen.

ADA: You’ve obviously overcome some teething problems in your journey as an entrepreneur; how did you drive past these early challenges and maintain your motivation to persevere with your vision?

WM: I have been through a lot of challenges but persisted to become a successful businessman. I was lucky to have good mentors who shaped me to respect two values - “Integrity and Patriotism” - to live by daily, and success will come. My name has been associated with integrity in my circles and I have tried to do the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether being watched or not. I am man of integrity, honest with my words and actions to people, and this takes courage.

Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose it, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity - that is my message to fellow Ugandans. We live in a world where integrity isn’t talked about enough.

think are the main challenges they face and how can they be overcome?

We live in a world where “the end justifies the means” has become an acceptable school of thought for far too many.

over 100 African shops by West and East Africans importing an array of products to serve their community.

Contrast that with the person who cannot be trusted as a person of integrity. Warren Buffet said it best: “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first one, the other two will kill you.” A person’s dishonesty will eventually catch up to them. It may not be today, and it may not be for many years, but you can rest assured that at some point there will always be a reckoning.

Nevertheless, African governments need to focus on the bigger market and improve on their competitiveness and identify the sectors where the country has the highest comparative advantages in the global value chains in order to allow for the private sector to engage with investments. African countries could position themselves on product ranges that Asian markets are slowly but surely abandoning due to the emergence and extension of a middle class among their populations, for example of the shoe manufacturing industry in Ethiopia, modelled on the Asian experience in this sector.

ADA: You’re an active advocate of diaspora-home engagement and in 2011 you initiated and championed the annual Uganda UK Convention, a trade and investment event that has turned out to be highly successful. Can you explain the reasons behind this initiative and how it has impacted the business sector especially in Uganda?

WM: In 2011 I championed the Uganda Convention whose main objective was to offer authoritative insight on development trends and opportunities in Uganda through a forum that bring together experts, senior government officials, business leaders, professionals and representatives from prominent organisations based in Uganda, the UK, Africa and internationally.

Due to negative media coverage of Africa in the west, I felt it is also a duty for us African Diasporas to control the narrative and promote a counter one: “Africa is the Land of Opportunity”, and to pivot the role of the African Diaspora from family remitters to financial and social investors.

Our core emphasis is to Promote Ugandan exports and identify export opportunities, so that the export earnings close the gap with the import demand and promote the transformation of Uganda from a current consuming nation into a producing nation.

Lastly, we exhibit and celebrate the rich diversity of Africa/Uganda’s cultural heritage and encourage Ugandans to be more active as ambassadors for Uganda’s image, investment, culture – food, clothes, social life etc.

ADA: You possess vast experience in diaspora marketing consultancy, having worked for major airlines and global money transfer services. Do you think businesses in Africa are doing enough to market their products and services to their nationals and other African communities in the UK? WM: It is the duty of Africans in the diaspora to take advantage of the business opportunity and serve its diaspora market. Now, we have

African farmers and businesses must be empowered through good policies, increased public and private investments and strong public-private partnerships.

ADA: Some African governments with significant diaspora communities in the UK are yet to fully leverage the economic benefits from their diaspora. What policy measures do you think governments need to implement to facilitate this?

WM: Despite the significant contribution from Africans abroad, there are many challenges that have inhibited their effective contribution to national development. There is also a need to develop measures to enhance and also protect and support the interests of Africans abroad in such matters pertaining to: immigration issues; custodial sentences; consular services; repatriation of the deceased; high cost of remitting money; lack of an incentive framework to promote diaspora participation in national development; inadequate mechanisms for protecting diaspora rights in the diaspora and promoting their interests; untapped skills and expertise to bridge the skills gap in Africa and reverse brain drain; lack of a reintegration framework for returnees, and inadequate participation in democratic processes by Africans abroad.

I also believe that Africans in the Diaspora who have attained citizenship of the hosting country should not lose their natural citizenship. Dual citizenship seems to have become a bone of contention, and the Diaspora is also claiming voting rights.

ADA: Diaspora communities themselves are often disorganised and fail to create effective platforms from which to engage their home governments and business sector. As a veteran community mobiliser, what do you

WM: I believe that we cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community especially in a foreign land. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.

This has been the basis of Indian and Jewish communities, which has propelled their success in foreign lands.

Creating community platforms and events has two most overarching challenges which is vision and community spirit. I have seen very few Africans with two of those qualities which are the basis that solidify one’s motivation and persistence to sustain a community platform. You will find most community platform organisers are primarily looking for the monetary benefits or attention seeking.

Platforms like Afford and Uganda Convention have succeeded due to the foundational principles of the founders - to serve their own people.

Probably another issue that has hindered our progress as Africans in the Diaspora is because we tend to think and live within our tribal and political affiliations in the Diaspora and people will only support those that serves their interests.

ADA: What has been your biggest achievement to date and how has that helped push your work forward?

WM: For the last 20 years in business and community work I have achieved some awards that includes: Innovative Award (British Black Initiative) (2009); Common Wealth Business Innovation Award (2008); UCAA Awards Communications and Media (2008); Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award BB Awards (2014); GAB Award for promotion of the Positive image of Africa (2014); BE Mogul award as one of the most influential and inspirational black, and have also been named among the business role models in Britain for 2016.

ADA: How important is family to you, and how do you balance work and family life and also find time to unwind from your busy schedule?

WM: Due to work commitment which involves a lot of travel, I hardly get time to be with my family but I try to enjoy every minute whenever I have the opportunity to have my family around.

ADA: What advice would you give to fellow Diasporas to succeed like you?

WM: If they keep faith, a positive and right attitude to everything in life, trust, resilience, and trust in God always, doors of opportunities will open for them. Also to be resilient; nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not: Africa is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

ADA: When it’s all over, how would you like to be remembered?

WM: As a patriotic African who would do anything to promote the image of Africa and its investment potential. www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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Xolani Xala

A TRUE African

Xolani Xala (XX) has been a prominent figure on the London business and political scene. Emerging first as the South African ruling party, the ANC’s representative in London, Xolani has been the consummate diplomat, working his charm on the many individuals and groups with whom he has worked, and building networks that have become integral to his new role as the founder and chairman of South African Business Abroad. The African Diaspora Magazine caught up with Xolani to learn more about his background and his work in politics and business.

ADM: First, can you tell us more about the man behind the name – where you were born and what you remember most vividly about your childhood?

XX: I grew up under very difficult conditions in South Africa in the Eastern Cape in a most friendly city called Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) and lived in Zwide 4 Township. We were a family of nine children raised by my grandparents. I shared a foam mattress with my three male cousins, which was smaller than a single mattress. In the morning I would sometimes find myself on the floor.

On other mornings I would wake up on the sofa, later finding out that my grand mum had put me there after seeing me lying on the cold floor.

Although financial resources were stretched in the family, I still have many joyful memories. My early childhood shaped me into the young man that I am today, kwaye ndiyazidla ngalonto.

ADM: Yours was a childhood lived in the sunset of Apartheid, right on the cusp of Uhuru in 1994; how was it like to live through such a momentous time in the history of South Africa?

XX: My grandparents taught us discipline, the need to share with others, and gave us much love and encouragement. My grandparents did not believe in giving children money. My grandfather owned a fruit stall; if you helped him at the stall he would reward you with fruit. I learned very early the benefits of work and have a good work ethic.

My grandfather had a strict routine; waking up early and getting ready for school and going to bed late was common in the household. Within the family we each had cleaning duties which included dusting, washing the floor, polishing

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shoes and doing the dishes. I was one of the three elder children, and my least favourite task was doing the dishes after supper but today I enjoy washing dishes with my son Jezreel but my Lord, can he turn the kitchen into Baghdad – a total war zone!

ADM: And there you were in ’94, children of the newly born Rainbow Nation, now able to look forward to an adulthood free of statesanctioned, racially determined limitations.

Describe to us the sense of liberation that your generation felt and the hope with which you looked forward to your future.

XX: My background is mainly influenced by trade unionist family members and my late grandfather, Archbishop Nkuse Kidwell Xala, taught us to believe and trust in God, O’ Lord of Israel. We all followed in his footsteps; today I have strong Christian values. I became vocal at the early age of 9, I worked (part time) for Ubuntu Radio FM in Port Elizabeth. In 1992 I joined the Sakhuxolo Youth Organization, a NAYO affiliate; it was during this time that I joined the ANC Youth League.

ADM: You set up the first branch of South Africa’s ruling ANC party in the UK since 1990.

Your experiences as a post-struggle ANC representative in London must have been very different from those of your forebears.

What were your standout experiences and challenges as the ANC’s ambassador abroad?

XX: The brand ANC was there long before my generation arrived in Europe but it was dead, completely finished with no branches, nothing at all! We redeemed it and under my leadership we worked tirelessly and revived it globally. We managed to launch several branches, in Ireland,

Canada and USA, while in the UK we managed to launch regional structures as sub-branches with an aim of becoming the first ANC Province outside of South Africa. The move followed a Constitutional Court Ruling in 2009 giving South Africans who live and work outside the country the right to vote in general elections if they were registered with South Africa’s chief electoral officer.

Our little contribution was well recognised and appreciated by mother body and as a result London become the strategic centre of all communication and several heavyweights of the movement visited our interim branch, including the current General Secretary of the ANC, Gwede Mantashe and many others.

We created a solid platform for members to debate policies and practice within the ruling party and across many issues pertinent to Africans and South Africans in London. Our priority was to unite South Africans living in the UK. The London interim branch also created platforms to facilitate opportunities for South Africans across business, education, tourism and networking as well as promoting the brand image of South Africa abroad. I hope we executed that with pride and excellency.

ADM: You’re the founder and chairman of South African Business Abroad; what does this organisation do and what are its objectives?

XX: Almost two months ago we began a new exciting journey and far-reaching phase of promoting economic inclusion and eradicate the oppressive legacy of colonialism and apartheid that still exists today in Africa, particularly in the South African corporate world. That vision became the soul of our constitutional cardinal pillar, it has been the guiding light of our

programme to reconstruct, develop, promote and connect our members to the business world.

SABA is more than committed to working for our members, alliance and strategic partners to address these challenges and move South Africa further forward towards the achievement of the vision of our constitution. To understand more about our constitution and organisational objectives, visit our website at: http://sabusinessabroad.com/.

ADM: As chairman of South African Business Abroad, what would you like to achieve for your organisation and for South Africa?

XX: South Africa is concluding the centenary celebration of one of its greatest leaders and former president of the ANC, Oliver Reginald Tambo, who once said: “A country that does not value its youth does not deserve its future”. So, you ask, what would you like to achieve for your organisation and South Africa? History has taught us in no uncertain terms that the answer to that question lies within the second phase of our struggle in which South Africa - my generation in particular - will implement economic inclusion and transformation to meaningfully address poverty, unemployment and inequality. More than ever before, we must work together to promote economic inclusion, unity and social solidarity as we free the economy from the shackles of the past.

We cannot rest until the economy is in the hands of the people who were historically excluded from participation, and among the champions for this are the young people. Rise young lions rise, rise and take up your rightful position and habitation.

ADM: You hosted a high-profile visitor in the form of former SA President Kgalema Motlanthe in London recently; how much has that visit galvanised your members and motivated you to do more to promote South African business interests abroad?

XX: His Excellency, President Kgalema Motlanthe helped us to officially launch the South African Business Abroad (SABA) initiative in London just under two months ago. The President accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker at the launch. This alone was unique of SABA, making us the connectivity you cannot do without and marked SABA as the first South African-owned institution to be unveiled by a former President since the advent of democracy in 1994.

For us, this is no ordinary cause. The global business community and the rating agencies have lost confidence in our beautiful country. This situation presented a unique opportunity for SABA to forge a new relationship with the regulators. This will secure South Africa as an African financial hub, and a champion of innovation.

However, with almost more than eight years since the last South African State visit to the UK, the gap had grown huge, especially in view of what the country has been going through. As SABA, we were left with no alternative but to act very fast.

Since our launch it has been hectic, just recently we were grateful and honoured to be invited to Brussels where we were amazed by the number of people who are interested in SABA. That alone presents inspiring challenges for our young organisation.

ADM: What can we expect from you in the next few years, some new projects or expansion plans perhaps?

XX: Well, over the past 23 years, the first phase of our democratic transition has produced a small number of new players in the fine wine industry, but these have no connection to international markets despite having great quality products. On the other hand, you have local and international consumers who are looking for South African products. And then you have your innovators and start-ups who are looking for investment. So, nothing is easy but again this presents a great opportunity for SABA. It means we must create such events as the one or two-day “Spirit of Africa” initiative where we connect, market and promote new innovations from South Africa to the world.

We also see ourselves leading on acknowledging and recognising talent and celebrating them under the “Pride of South Africa” banner. As we’re embarking towards 2020 we must commit to a “New South Africa”, working with our people to address these challenges in business and the economy and move our beautiful country further towards the achiement of Economic Inclusion.

ADM: How important is family to you, and how do you balance work and family life and find time to unwind from your busy schedule?

XX: Well, considering that I’ve lived almost two decades of my life without my parents, my young family is everything precious to me. They’re my governors. I hardly have a weekend to myself. My life is dominated by football practice and football games for my son, as well as my daughter Aliyah’s tennis practice and swimming lessons. My children attend parties of their school friends almost every month and then I have my wonderful wife of nearly a decade (10 years) now who still wants me to watch almost every hockey game she plays. Before we were blessed with our children I used to watch almost all her games, home and away but then my son started playing football, and I had to watch him.

Now my little girl (Governor of the house) is playing football, tennis and doing swimming, and come Saturday my house becomes a little Baghdad because everyone is saying “Daddy I have an important game today.” But to me, everyone of them is very important in my life. Sometimes, when my son is not playing league football, we have the opportunity to attend the hockey games as family.

ADM: South African music has always rocked the continent of Africa and continues to do so even abroad. Do you have a favourite among the young artistes currently popping in SA? XX: My little sister Cikizwa often tells me that “Yhooo, Buti, your music is boring.” But I listen to all music; my son Jezreel plays some crazy hiphop, I listen more to John Lee Hooker, Regina Belle, Jonathan Butler, Mary J Blige, James Brown, Abdullah “Dollar Brand” Ibrahim, Jonas Gwangwa, Ma’Miriam Makeba, Bra Hugh Masekela, Bra Don Laka, Ma’Dorothy Masuka, Letta Mbulu, Jimmy Dlulu, and Kenny G. With this music I connect with my childhood; I often see my grandfather making one or two dance moves and that brings me some glimpse of laughter and joy, and sometimes I exclaim loudly remembering what my grandparents would do in such moments as the music played. Surely, there is no fairy tale that can replace this type of happiness. www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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CHARLES MEET THE GREAT

KHIRAN

Charles Ajayi-Khiran (CAK) is known in the many countries he has worked in around the world as an inspirational keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and a master motivator. His unique gift and passion is coaching people on the intrinsic value of personal effectiveness through leadership and motivation. An advisor to governments and businesses, Charles is a high-level results oriented executive coach whose services are sought after by entrepreneurs, senior executives and royalty.

The African Diaspora Magazine had a chat with Charles to learn a bit more about the man and his world.

ADM: Let’s start off by asking, who is the man behind the household name Charles Khiran, and where were you born?

CAK: My name is Charles Ajayi-Khiran, the man behind the Charles Khiran International & 3cj Global brands. I was born in Benin City, Nigeria in 1964.

ADM: What are the experiences and values that stand out in your life from your early years?

CAK: I would truthfully say the values and experiences that stand out for me from my early years were the following: The all-encompassing love of my mother. I grew up with a lot of love and I was never made to feel inferior by anybody even though we were not wealthy. My father was a senior officer in the police force and was always away with work. We were a close-knit family; I was the second child in a family of seven children, made up of five boys and two girls. I remember a lot of love and fun growing up mostly centred around my mother who was a very powerful matriarch.

My mother sent me during my holidays to spend time with priests in my early teens, and I would serve the priests and accompany them to mass very early in the mornings.

ADM: How important was your family and community environment in shaping the person you have become today?

CAK: My mother was a godly woman who fought tirelessly to teach me and my siblings the ways of God, but I was a very difficult child and brought too much tears to my parents. Nobody believed I would ever turn out good, even to this day it is a mystery as well as a miracle to see how my life has evolved from a very turbulent and problematic child to an influential leader today transforming so many lives.

God clearly had His hand on me and intervened in my life without any doubt.

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One of the very important things that still stand out to this day, is respect for people. I was taught to show real respect especially to my elders. I was also taught to help and serve people, these are some of the lasting values I learnt from home that still guide me today.

ADM: You are widely regarded as a guru in corporate leadership and personal development coaching; what led you to become an inspirational speaker and leadership coach?

CAK: Before I ventured into the profession of public (professional) speaking and corporate training/coaching, I spent 12 years initially, building a highly successful multi-level marketing business. I succeeded in getting to the very top of a five-billion-dollar American nutrition and wellness company. I successfully developed thousands of entrepreneurs in my business turning over millions of dollars for the company I was affiliated with. I travelled extensively 10 days every month from my base in London to many countries across Europe building my leadership teams and teaching them how to employ themselves.

When that business failed after 12 years, I spent another 6 years consulting in the City of London, where I was responsible for assisting and coaching middle to senior level executives in managing their careers on a one to one basis. In that role I interviewed over 3000 of some of the brightest and most dynamic senior executives from both the UK and across Europe who were attracted to the dynamic London jobs market.

I was over to work with over 400 of these senior leaders on a one to one basis. In my role I coached these senior players how to write an achievement orientated marketing directed resume and reduced their CVs from 8-9 pages to 1-3 depending on experience. I taught them how to create high visibility

in the jobs market by utilising the power of networking to uncover the unadvertised jobs. I coached them on how to interview for success. Many of these senior people were quite rusty in selling themselves as they had spent many years interviewing other people across their desk, and now they had to get in front of the CEOs, chairmen or the board to be interviewed.

It was while I was in this role that I set up my professional speaking and training business in 2003. The natural progression for me was clearly in the speaking and training business as I had spent many years developing people, and teaching people how to succeed. My speciality in leadership and highperformance strategy was based entirely on my experiential knowledge of building and developing tens of thousands of people from all cultures in my business and working with senior leaders for many years.

ADM: Having worked with all manner of people and institutions of varying status in different continents, cultures and political and economic systems, what would you say is the stand-out personal quality that enables you to be effective across such diversity?

CAK: I have been very privileged to have facilitated extremely high level corporate events over many years now. Some of these events have attracted top policy makers and government ministers from across the world. Some of the events have Heads of State in attendance, captains of industry, true royalty, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, senior spiritual leaders, and so on.

My brand has been associated for over 12 years with the highest quality and precision of delivery. I have built a very strong and enviable brand as the ‘go to’ person in public speaking, electrifying delivery and lasting transformation of people when it comes to corporate training. This has been primarily due to the grace God has given me in these areas, and extremely hard work in the perfecting of my craft.

I would also say the lasting quality that has created our success is without question, what I call diligence. Diligence will allow anyone to be attractive to kings, queens and powerful people. Powerful and very senior people have a low tolerance for mediocrity, poor and average performance; they are only truly attracted to brilliance. By diligence I mean conscientiousness, thoroughness, meticulousness or purity of work. In other words, the ability to do or deliver pure work is diligence!

ADM: The early years in any endeavour are usually fraught with challenges.

As you carved your path in your chosen field, how did you overcome the teething problems and persevere towards your goal?

CAK: I would say unquestionably that my faith in God has and continues to play a very vital role in overcoming adversities and various hardships and obstacles on my path toward high achievement. The minute anybody makes a public declaration to the universe that they intend to achieve, accomplish or become anything of significance, they must also be ready for the universe to throw obstacles in their path. The obstacles are not meant to stop them, rather the obstacles are meant to test them to see if they are worthy, prepared or deserving to have what they have declared.

For me, a combination of things assisted me in the early days. A focus on becoming a master of my craft, which required developing mastery in my areas of expertise. The use of mentors was vitally important too, somebody or people I could turn to for advice. I am constantly studying, and I focus on inspirational figures who have achieved similar things to what I am after. The ability to self-talk and motivate myself was also critical. Being unstoppable and developing intestinal fortitude and never accepting no as an answer!

something you want to give to the world, then determine to give the world the beauty of your dreams.

If you do not believe you can handle the uncertainties of business because it is fraught with very many and repeated failures, then strive to get a very good job, as you can also make it as a professional. Nothing, however, beats the satisfaction of working for yourself and taking your dreams to the world.

ADM: To the African diaspora community in the UK, what advice would you give them to become empowered and successful communities as well as effective agents of development in Africa?

CAK: The African diaspora is already on the rise, there are many exciting people from the diaspora doing great things. We should complain less, and lead more. We must focus on building wealth, as that is the only currency of true power. For us to be able to influence and impact Africa, we must first be trailblazers abroad. There are many people back home in Africa creating history and changing lives. The fact that we live abroad does not mean we know it all or that we are superior, that is a misnomer.

We must push to break forth into the mainstream and move out of our tiny communities, so we can influence and become people of worth and power to be reckoned with. We must strive to raise the game and be game changers in our businesses or professions. One of the best ways to do that is by releasing our potential. It is no good for everyone to keep saying you have potential.

The question is, when are you going to show or demonstrate that potential?

Potential is untapped abilities within you, underutilised capabilities within you, or reserved power within you. What is within you that requires further expression? That is in essence – potential!

We must pursue excellence as low-level performance won’t get us anywhere.

We must believe in ourselves that we are people of high worth and intrinsically brilliant. We must show it and perform more and scream less. We must draw from other powerful diaspora communities who are shattering records. We must work on our diction and communication, we must work more on our EQ (emotional quotient) if we want to succeed in the West! Only as we perform out here can we then export the best back to Africa.

ADM: Your work means lots of travel across borders and overseas; how do you balance your busy schedule with family life?

CAK: It is tough sometimes to balance my family life with work. My oldest just turned 16 and my youngest is 11, fortunately we only have two children; however, my time is still very much required at home. Balancing is not always easy as I am on the move a lot. However, I manage to spend solid time at home too. I am fortunate to have a very strong wife who steps in to correct any deficit and so far, it has worked.

ADM: And lastly, when you’re chilling from your labours, how do you like to spend your time?

CAK: Fortunately, relaxation is something I have strived to master. I am a very intense person by nature, so it does not come easy to me. As I get older, I am learning more how to relax. I enjoy very much watching movies as it makes me travel mentally; I read quite a lot. I tried golf but just could not get into it; I enjoy my morning runs as I kept missing the gym because of time. So, I have stuck to my running which works for me as I get it out of the way early.

I guess I am a very regular guy but driven entirely by purpose and eternity.

ADM: What would you regard as your biggest source of motivation?

CAK: My biggest source of motivation, I would say, is the determination to leave behind a powerful legacy and also to demonstrate how brilliant we can be as black people, bursting every false and negative stereotype by embodying my message.

ADM: To young people at the edge of decision, yet to take their first step into entrepreneurship, what piece of advice would you give them?

CAK: For young people looking to venture into entrepreneurship, I say first determine if you have the temperament or mentality because it will test and task everything you have got to succeed as an entrepreneur. There is a high price to pay to work for yourself; first find out if there is a gap or something of value you want to bring to the market. Don’t just focus on the rarefied attraction of becoming an entrepreneur, first determine if you have www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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ReConnect Africa Frances Mensah Williams

ADM: First, please tell us about yourself; who is Frances Mensah Williams and where were you born?

I was born in Ghana and spent my very early years in the USA, Austria and Ghana before my father came to work in London, bringing the family with him. Following a career in Human Resources Management in the UK, and later in Ghana, I returned to London and set up Interims for Development Ltd. to provide HR consultancy, training and capacity building programmes in Africa. The Interims consultancy has worked with many organisations in Africa as well as here in the UK on multiple projects relating to skills development, African diaspora recruitment for Africa and professional and management development programmes. We have also supported enterprise training for returnees to Zimbabwe, South Africa and Nigeria, and trained those working with migrant groups in the UK. Over the years, we have worked with many African networks and organisations in Britain to build their members’ skills and help with their career development. Noting an increasing interest from Africans in the UK for working in Africa, I established ReConnect Africa as an online platform to provide information, advice and a little inspiration to those seeking to connect with likeminded African diaspora and find jobs in Africa.

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ADA: Family and community impart abiding lessons and principles that usually become key pillars in our lives as adults; what would you say those were, for you?

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to have inspiring role models around me, including a very hard-working, humble and successful father who has only just retired at the age of 85! He, among others, instilled in me lessons about the importance of perseverance, integrity and self-respect. I have also met and been inspired by many Africans along the way who give tirelessly of themselves to contribute to Africa’s development and to the progress of African communities in the UK.

ADM: Tell us about ReConnect Africa and when was it founded After finishing a major career development project in collaboration with a UK-based African charity, it was clear to me that Africans in the UK seeking ways to find jobs and build their career in Africa needed practical help, advice and information.

At that time, numerous African diaspora network groups were forming around their nationalities and professions, undertaking projects and offering opportunities for connecting and sharing experiences and ideas.

As a result, in 2006, I launched the first issue of ReConnect Africa magazine, along with a website that we hoped would become the ‘go to’ place for professionals of African origin overseas.

ADM: What led you to start the magazine and what did you intend to achieve through it?

Creating ReConnect Africa.com was my personal response to many issues that I, along with many other Africans living abroad, have to contend with.

One was the lack of balanced coverage of Africa, with the mainstream Western media reflecting a onedimensional image of Africa as a graft ridden, famine stricken and disease infested hell-hole. There was little or no mention of African industries, cities, commerce and the innovative, talented and successful initiatives, companies and people that inhabit the continent.

At the same time, there was also a lack of mainstream visibility for professionals of African origin in the UK and elsewhere outside Africa, an important source of role models for new generations of Black and African youth.

It seemed to me that, rather than expecting others to change their tune, it was time for us to write a new song; to share the achievements of Africans around the world and highlight the opportunities the continent offers for careers, business, entrepreneurship - and a lot of fun!

ADM: The early years are usually fraught with challenges how did you overcome the frustrations of teething problems and persevere?

Looking back now, I remember those early years as a mix of a lot of work – weekends, weekdays, all the time it seemed – as well as being really exciting, fun, challenging, but always worthwhile! We built partnerships with organisations including the South African Marketing Council, now Brand South Africa, and I met and interviewed a fascinating array of people.

But between the breakfast meetings, business trips and high-powered interviews, I still had to manage the details of my business, expand my network, develop my career coaching practice and raise my children! It helped that I had a strong sense of purpose about what I was doing and a clear vision about how I wanted to make ReConnect Africa work for our

readers and subscribers. I was very lucky to have a supportive and loving network of family and friends and I frequently reached out to people for advice. I have also been fortunate to work with a great team who support the technical development and periodic changes to the website’s look and feel. Now, after 11 years, it is a content rich website that offers a huge amount of free information to those who visit.

ADM: You’re an active member of the African diaspora community in the UK; what would your advice to the community be in order for it to become more empowered and also as effective agents of development in Africa?

It’s often the case that self-empowerment goes hand-in-hand with control.

If you are in charge of your ideas and your vision, you will feel empowered to make it work. There has sometimes been a tendency for community groups to focus on grantled activities which has, in turn, meant that some activities have been diluted or radically revised to meet the donors’ priorities. I avoided this by establishing a consultancy to provide the income to fund my other activities and I believe that the more we in our communities use sustainable, selffunding models, the more effectively we can implement ideas that we know work, based on our knowledge of our countries of origin and the development needs of those we seek to support.

ADM: The African Diaspora communities in the UK are fragmented with different communities doing different things, how do you think we can work towards a common goal and one voice like the Asian and Jewish Communities?

What I have found over the years is that people often start new programmes and initiatives within their community without first checking what is out there and how they can potentially partner with existing projects to create bigger and better outcomes. On the other hand, it is fair to say that we often suffer from issues of trust and reliability when it comes to working together, and this can hinder our progress towards achieving one voice.

However, it’s also important to acknowledge that Africa consists of 54 countries and within each country, there is a plethora of different cultures and communities. This makes it more difficult to envisage a unified African diaspora in the same way as, say, the Indian or Chinese diaspora. These disparities contribute to the splintering of our groups even when we are all ostensibly living in the same national space of the UK. I think this may prove less of an issue with future generations of diaspora Africans as there is much more intermingling and intermarriage with today’s generation of young people growing up in the UK and elsewhere.

ADM: With your busy schedule, do you find time for hobbies?

How do you relax when you’re not on your grind?

I’m not sure that I would call it a hobby but when I’m not ‘working’, I’m writing, which is my way of relaxing. Magazine articles, contributory chapters and books. I have published three non-fiction books – I Want to Work in Africa, Everyday Heroes: Learning from the Careers of Successful Black Professionals, and Enterprise Africa – A Guide to Planning Your Business in Africa. I am also a novelist and I have had two novels published in the last three years – From Pasta to Pigfoot and From Pasta to Pigfoot: Second Helpings.

In between it all, I try and make time for my family and friends – and for reading a good book!

www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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ADM: Tell us about your background; when were you established and what gave rise to the formation of Me Firi Ghana?

Me Firi Ghana was established in 2009 by Arnold Sarfo-Kantanka as an Identity project targeted at young Ghanaians in the form of a fashion label initially. Arnold got the vision to establish for Me Firi Ghana whilst studying at University after Noticing young Ghanaians like himself wanted to express their national identity in a way that was relevant. Ben Anim-Antwi, Samuel Mensah and Sandra Osei soon joined Arnold on his mission.

Me Firi Ghana quickly developed into a brand that enabled individuals from Ghana or those who love Ghana to have means of expressing and engaging with Ghana and its development. We wanted to showcase and promote the Ghanaian Culture by establishing creative products & platforms enabling individuals Globally to engage with and embrace facets of the culture.

ADM: What does Me Firi Ghana mean?

It means I’m from Ghana in the Twi dialect which is the most widely spoken language in Ghana.

ADM: Who are the people behind Me Firi Ghana The people behind Me Firi Ghana are Arnold SarfoKantanka, Ben Anim-Antwi ,Sandra Osei-Asare and Samuel Mensah who are also the driving forces behind the company’s youth charity/NGO Future of Ghana Ltd. ADM: What were your earliest challenges working with diaspora communities in the UK, and how does that compare with your experience today?

Some of the earliest challenges we faced with diaspora communities I feel was getting people to actually mobilise into action. When we started I feel that people just saw our network as a nice event to attend not really understanding the power of our network and the connections that could be made. Compare that with now -diaspora has become such a “buzzword” and communities are proactively thinking of ways to mobilise and how they contribute to Africa’s development and realising that the tools to do so already surround them.

Put simply engaging the diaspora community is much easier now than it was in the early days.

ADM: Most diaspora community organisations struggle with challenges of capacity and funding to progress their work. What are some of the ways in which you help or advise them to tackle these challenges?

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I think that when community organisations struggle with funding to progress their work. The best advice we can give is step up engagement efforts. At the end of the day funding is not just simply going to fall into your lap you have to work for it and the lack of it should not stop your progress. Harsh but true…. If you engage enough people in the right way and get them to buy into your organisation vision then you can still make process as people giving up their time can often compensate for finance so don’t underestimate the art of volunteerism. As long as you deliver your work with excellence and are transparent you will get support and catch the eye of potential donors/funders.

ADM: Fostering dialogue between the diaspora and their home governments in Africa is a crucial cog in harnessing diaspora participation in national development. Are you involved in promoting such dialogue, and how well is that going?

We are involved in fostering the dialogue between diaspora and the Ghanaian government to harness diaspora participation. Me Firi Ghana were recently part of the UK committee tasked with helping to set the agenda and deliver the Diaspora Homecoming Summit

which took place in Ghana in July of this year. We are also regularly in contact with the Diaspora Affairs Bureau at the Office of the President and the Ghana High Commission in London to increase this dialogue. I would say the Ghanaian government are and have been quite receptive to our message they now fully recognise how crucial diaspora participation is to national development and this is being illustrated in their policies.

ADM: What has been your biggest achievement to date and how has that helped push your work forward?

We have achieved many milestones but undoubtedly are biggest achievement would be the creation of our charity Future of Ghana Ltd in late 2014. It has paved the way for us to connect the diaspora with Ghana through volunteering and it now connects/unites talented youth globally via our annual publication. The impact it has made in such a short space of time gives us so much encouragement.

ADM: Africans in the diaspora have significant advantages in terms of access to capital, professional and business networks, and transferrable knowledge systems at their disposal.

What would you say to those who are

seeking ways to impact the development of Africa and would like to be directly involved in the continent’s development journey?

I would advise anybody in the diaspora seeking to impact the development of Africa is to firstly make sure they use the advantages that are available to them in the diaspora access to capital and professional/business networks etc.

Secondly the development of Africa can be achieved through many avenues therefore I would advise that you choose, then research an industry or sector on the continent that you are passionate about and not necessarily one you think you can make the most money from. Lastly if you want to be involved directly in the continents development journey then you must connect with those on the continent whether it be the government, organisations or community groups. For me young people are key to any continents development and data from 2012 published Mo Ibrahim Foundation already tells us that in less than three generations 41% of the worlds youth will be African so anybody seeking to impact the development must engage the youth.

ADM: Do you feel there is close interaction among African diaspora communities in the UK and an awareness of their mutual challenges as well as opportunities?

I feel there is interaction among African diaspora communities in the UK but not as much as there should be. At least not for the purposes of diaspora engagement.

I feel like there are lot of networking fraternities among the black community in the UK generally and similarly a lot of organisations from the same diaspora communities doing similar things so whilst there may be

an understanding of mutual challenges I don’t feel the different diaspora communities work together enough to truly understand the opportunities we could explore together.

Economic Forum in Davos (2013)

ADM: What can we expect from you in the next few years, some new projects or expansion plans perhaps?

• Selected by Commonwealth Secreteriat to meet HRH Queen of England at Buckingham Palace

Within the next few years the focus of Me Firi Ghana will be to further build Future of Ghana Ltd. We already have an association branch Future of Ghana Germany (FoGG) who have been in operation for a year. We are also looking to expand Future of Ghana diaspora engagement strategy to Belgium and Netherlands within the next couple of years as well as to host more regular leadership forums for young leaders both in the UK and Ghana.

ADM: Please add any more information that you see fit to add to the article that we may have missed about your great work • Founder selected to advise on the business framework for Virgin Media Pioneers (2010)

• Founder shares the company’s story at a TEDx event (2013)

• Coordinated the #LetsGoalGhana World Cup Ghana campaign, engaging 3 million people from 12 countries in 21 days (2014) • Co -author of the first Ghana Youth Diaspora policy brief; personally presented to President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama (2014) • Coordinated a three day international leadership forum in Ghana at one of Africa’s most prestigious educational institutions, Ashesi University (2015) • Assisted Global African Investment Summit to market and recruit clients for their African Entrepreneurship Programme supporting African entrepreneurs and young African businesses (2015)

on

• INDIAFRICA Young Visionary winner; presented by India’s Minister of Commerce (2013)

• Invited to meet The Prince of Wales for contribution to the Ghanaian Community (2011)

• Recognized as 2nd most influential cultural website

by National UK Blog Awards (2014)

• Founder interviews Sir Richard Branson leadership for MTV Base Africa TV (2011)

• Founder invited to meet the Prime Minister David Cameron at No. 10 Downing St (2012) • Founder presents

company framework at

World www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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Fadhili Maghiya Fadhili Maghiya (FM) is a man driven by a strong passion for international development and Africa’s rise in the global community of nations. An avid writer and blogger on Africa’s international affairs, Fadhili has also been at the forefront of fostering Africa-Welsh cultural exchange through film. ADA Magazine caught up with him to get an inside track into his work

ADA: Tell us about your background; where were you born and when did you move to the UK? FM: I was born in Singida, Tanzania and I moved to the UK in 1999.

ADA: What inspired your interest in human rights and international development?

FM: My passion came from seeing my mum working on these issues in Tanzania and globally. She worked for quite a number of NGOs and that exposed me to many issues that were happening in Tanzania. And since I like helping people and getting the best out of people, I ended up taking the same direction as she did. I initially tried not to follow her path and thought of doing medicine at college but I was then put off by it and decided to pick humanities subjects instead.

ADA: You are with the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel; what does the organisation do and what’s your role within it?

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FM: Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel was formed in 2009 when a number of African diaspora groups in Wales met to consider how they might collectively advance their common interest in International Development. The organisation seeks to utilise skills, capacity and knowledge found within Welsh African diaspora communities for the benefit of all.

My role has evolved over time as I was initially employed to work as a Project Coordinator for a specific project but overtime I have taken the directorial role. My role is to drive SSAP forward in achieving its objectives and currently this includes giving advice on how to deliver effective international development interventions by contributing a sound understanding of cultures and the social economic realities of everyday life in Sub-Saharan African countries. We are also involved in a project called Tuwezeshe, which is about empowering young women from the diaspora and in East Africa.

The project is funded by the Common Ground Initiative. More information can be found at http://www.ssap.org.uk/

pertinent in ensuring that everyone wins.

ADA: What would you say to Africans in the UK and elsewhere in the diaspora who are seeking ways to impact the development of Africa and would like to be directly involved in the continent’s development journey?

FM: I think the continent is vastly developing with so much potential in many sectors. If you are driven, have a good idea of what you want to do and how you want to do it, I don’t think there is a much better place to be in than Africa. As a Tanzanian citizen, I have seen the country changing so much over the last few years; there is a rising middle class community which has allowed underdeveloped sectors such as arts and culture to develop over the last few years. Increased purchasing power and disposable income

ADA: Diaspora engagement is critical for leveraging the African diaspora’s involvement in their home country’s development. Do you feel that African diaspora organisations in the UK have enough capacity to engage in this work?

FM: I feel that diaspora organisations are getting more exposure and credibility in the development sector especially through the support of funders such as Comic Relief and DfID. The capacity of these groups vary a lot but I believe that they have developed over the last 5-10 years. A good example is that in Wales, the Welsh Government through the Wales Africa programme is ensuring that diaspora groups and communities are supported through funding, advice and support.

ADA: From your experience, are African diaspora organisations getting enough assistance from both the UK government and other donors for their work?

As I’ve said earlier, the UK government through the Common Ground Initiative, which is a programme developed through match funding between Comic Relief and DfID, has supported a number of diaspora initiatives but it can be argued that more can be done. Other funders, especially trusts and foundations, are slowly getting to understand how diaspora groups work.

Outside the UK, funders such as Danish Refugee Council and OxfamNovib in The Netherlands have developed comprehensive programmes in their countries to support diaspora-led initiatives.

ADA: Do many of the African governments you’ve worked with already have diaspora engagement policies in place to guide their engagement with their diasporas and harness their participation in national development?

FM: Most governments do have a diaspora policy as they are keen on tapping into the expertise and capacity of the diaspora community. We have worked with a number of UK-based embassies to support diaspora engagement with the High Commissioner’s offices and this has allowed further discussions between the diaspora and government officials in implementing the diaspora policy.

ADA: Some African communities in the UK often complain that their governments only see them as cash cows and are interested in unlocking more remittances and financial investments to the home country and care for little else? What’s your view on this?

FM: I think any relationship has its own dynamics and contrasting agendas that drives it. The relationship between diaspora communities and governments of countries of origin can be seen as symbiotic, they both need each other and are feeding into one another. Diaspora communities have special interests they are keen on pursuing, whether through business and enterprise or social and political influence, while governments are keen on exploring the potential of diaspora groups through what they can give to the country. I think this is a healthy relationship because it allows both groups to work together to reach different objectives.

Developing comprehensive diaspora policies that support both parties is

have allowed people to invest or take a punt in sectors that were deemed to be ‘no go areas’ due to lack of finance and support.

ADA: You are the founder and curator of Watch-Africa, the first Wales African Film Festival. Can you tell us about that and led you to come up with this project?

I came up with the project when I moved to Wales and realised that there was a lack of a creative medium that allowed people to see and witness the creative side of Africa while also challenging stigma and stereotypes associated with the continent. My role in the development sector and especially working with diaspora communities exposed me to many issues that challenged me as a person and as a member of the diaspora community.

Misunderstandings and inaccurate assumptions about various parts of the continent are endemic in the development sector and I saw that the festival could provide a platform to be an educational as well as entertainment tool for the general public. The festival is in its fifth edition and we have expanded our activities for this year to include a residency programme for two Namibian filmmakers funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council with the support of Cardiff University’s Phoenix Project, School of Transnationalising Modern Languages, and University of Namibia.

ADA: Do you have plans to expand this festival beyond Wales, perhaps by working with others already involved in film in the UK from other regions of the African continent?

There are currently five African film festivals in the UK: Afrika in Motion (Scotland), Film Africa (London), Afrika Eye (Bristol) and Cambridge African Film Festival. The five festivals have formed a consortium called ‘The Tano Consortium’, with TANO meaning five in Swahili, and have been working together over the last three to four years. So to answer your question, we are already doing that and as a consortium, we have exciting plans ahead, which include delivering programmes at a national and local level. www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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USIFU JALLOH The Cowfoot Prince, Described as an enchanting and enthralling storyteller, Usifu Jalloh (UJ) – or The Cowfoot Prince, as he’s known by his many adoring fans – is a storyteller and educator, a motivator and architect for social change and cultural awakening. He deploys the rich oral heritage of his African ancestry to motivate young people to educate themselves within the context of their culture. ADA Magazine caught up with Usifu to find out more about the man and his work.. www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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ADA: You were born and raised in Sierra Leone; what do you remember most profoundly from your early years?

UJ: I remember most going to farm with my grandma and going fishing in the rice swamps for catfish.

ADA: You’re also known as “The Cow Foot Prince”; what’s the meaning of the name?

UK, what were your immediate observations about the culture of the UK in terms of storytelling?

UJ: My first impression in London was that African stories were just myths and only suitable for children. But there were many storytelling clubs for English stories. Just that there were none for Africans

ADA: Please tell us a bit more about your work and your mission to UJ: The Cowfoot Prince stands for achieve social change and cultural being yourself, being true to your awakening through the arts. heritage and natural gifts for only that UJ: My work involves using African traditional stories to inspire is the way to success in life. greatness and preserve tradition. I ADA: Africa’s oral tradition has travel around the world to different survived over many centuries; did schools, universities, communities, you grow up listening to folktales and corporate organisations helping narrated by the elders around you? and supporting them achieve their goals using traditional African Stories.

UJ: Yes I did and I still go to my village Through my stories I address tough and set up storytelling nights to listen issues like racism, bullying, motivation, to stories being told like in the old respect and integration. days.

UJ: I have set up two festivals, Fest and National ADA: What was it about these Maambena stories that fascinated you and Sortytelling Festival in Sierra Leone. made you decide to become a Through these platforms I am able to engage thousands of young and old storyteller as well? people on important social issues like UJ: Limitless imagination. Everything teen pregnancy, youth empowerment, is possible. Also it brought families health care, environmentally friendly together. We learnt about life and behaviour and preserving precious how to avoid the pitfalls of others traditions. and how to emulate the successes of those before us. I learnt about my ADA: How do the children receive your performances whenever you culture through storytelling. visit schools, and what is it about ADA: When did you start performing, your approach to education that and how were those early years like makes it easier for them to receive the lessons and messages you that for you as a performer? you impart to them?

UJ: I started performing about 35 The children receive my years ago and the early years were UJ: very exciting because I was learning performances with great anticipation and growing in what I loved the most. and boundless excitement. My approach to education is fun and ADA: When you moved to the participation. Stories are the palm oil 48

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with which wisdom is swallowed.

ADA: You have performed at many prominent venues such as Ronnie Scotts and The Jazz Café; how different is it performing for adults as opposed to children?

UJ: There are no differences. I perform similarly but with different intensities.

ADA: What can we expect from you over the next few years; do you have any new projects on the horizon?

UJ: The next few years are going to be so exciting. I have just formed a new Storytelling company called Storie Storie. I aim to make African storytelling a key feature in the education sector both in Britain and in Sierra Leone. I am also going to engage many people from around the world to join me in my Maambena Fest in 2O19 to use the arts as a medium to help change behaviours towards our environment.

ADA: Lastly, what advice do you have for fellow Africans living in the UK and raising their children here but are disconnected from their African culture?

UJ: My only advice is, you can water the leaves all you like, but if you don’t water the roots the plant will eventually die. The children need to grow from the roots and not the graft. Growing from a graft will limit ones potentials. Growing from the roots gives you stability and a secured growth.

www.veneka.co.uk

www.theafrican-diaspora.com

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