FR EE
Bridging Scandinavian and African interest I No.6
CULTURE
OPU launched in Sweden
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Namibian Silver Jubilee celebration CULTURE
Clandestino Festival in Gothenburg BUSINESS
NABA summit in OSLO Skandik Afrik no. 6
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Skandik Afrik no. 6
FR EE
Bridging Scandinavian and African interest I No.6
CULTURE
OPU launched in Sweden
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Namibian Silver Jubilee celebration CULTURE
Clandestino festival in Gothenburg BUSINESS
NABA summit in OSLO Skandik Afrik no. 6
1
Publisher Skandik Afrik Editor Kenneth Fagbe
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Contents CULTURE
Clandestino Festival Opening the world to Sweden........................................ 4
Assistant editor Gloria Matuka Contributing editors Sanna Ström To advertise contact: Kenneth Fagbe +46 76 210 17 66 Photography Amun-Re Nissor Addourazakov Robert Palm Graphic Design Wayne Butler
Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) launched in Sweden................................... 8 PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Namibia Silver Jubilee............................... 6 Frankofoni prizewinner 2015 - Fanny Hägerstam................................... 15
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Uganda Nordic Diaspora. New paper manufacturing plant coming to Uganda................................................ 20 GLOW OF THE MONTH
Contact Skandik Afrik Delfingatan 3 c 414 75 Göteborg, Sweden Tel: +46 76 210 17 66 info@skandikafrik.com www.skandikafrik.com
Rapatac. Meet Moussa Ndaiye the man behind the project helping youngsters in Gävle................................. 12
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BUSINESS
Sweden set to invest in East Africa........... 7 NABA Summit 2014 Infrastructure: A catalyst to economic and social development.......... 16
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NIGHTLIFE
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Seun Kuti in Gothenburg......................... 22
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Skandik Afrik is a company that works primarily with bridging interest between the Scandinavian countries and the African continent. This is obtained through various coverage of events and seminars within several subjects that are of interest to the Afro-Scandinavian communities. We promote Scandinavian values, better integration for Africans living in Scandinavia and also celebrate individuals that are an inspiration to others. Keep up to date by visiting: www.skandikafrik.com.
G R APHIC DESIGN & C OM M UN IC AT I O N Professional graphic design services with over 20 years in the business. Let us help you with advertising, brochures, magazines, logotypes and web in both English and Swedish. www.butlerdesign.se +46 76 824 98 12 Skandik Afrik no. 6
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CULTURE I Clandestino Festival
Opening the world to Sweden CLANDESTINO FESTIVAL, not just for the hipsters in Majorna! But rather a Cultural Festival where every visitor get new impression with wide range of surprises from different artists across the globe. A festival where compass for identification is set for inspiration and your travels reach is not reliant on what “Place of birth” that is in your passport. Intimacy and closeness are two strong magnetic forces that signify the festival as a whole. At the opening night, the Egyptian music collective Mazaher engaged the audience in hand clapping and dance-challenges, led by the dignified ladies whom performed in black and gold stained ankle-length outfits. Few courageous attendees accepted the challenge, mostly at the forefront from start, but the inspiration spread as the ladies with finger cymbals made their way into the crowd. Both Mazaher and Nass Makan are collaborating with Clandestino through exchange projects with the Cairo based cultural center ECCA Makan that focuses on cultural expressions of minority groups, women and poor from the Nile region. 4
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On Saturday 7th June the festival was held both at Musikens hus and Skjul 46. UK based Ibibio Sound Machine accounted for the final act at Musikens Hus. Impressive concert by the eight strong groups which was led by Eno Williams. She sang in her mother tongue Ibibio from southeast Nigeria with surprised act from Eno’s mother who was on vacation trips with the band, joined in both the singing in Ibibio language and dancing together with her daughter on stage to everyone’s delight. A loud ovation made the
Eno Williams from Ibibio Sound Machine.
Mazaher at the opening night.
band take the second turn on stage to more serious swinging to the funky grooves of “Let’s Dance – Yak Inek Unek”. At Skjul 46, the second phase of the Egyptian music collective awaited by Nass Makan and it was a more dreamy and soulful interaction. It requested not so much of dancing but rather to late hour’s reflection and singing call and response, as audience moved closer in the still light but chilly Gothenburg early-summer night. Even if light never got really distant, the approaching sets with Débruit & Alsarah and Brain Damage feat Sir Jean pushed the
bottom back ON for up-beats and swinging dance inside. Brain Damage puts both the compass needle and volume meter on spin and rise, in directions towards Jamaica and with support by vocalist Sir Jean and lyrics
A LOUD OVATION MADE THE BAND TAKE THE SECOND TURN ON STAGE TO MORE SERIOUS SWINGING TO THE FUNKY GROOVES OF “LET’S DANCE – YAK INEK UNEK”.
that have strong Pan-African roots. Sir Jean is one of the brave that dares to address the delicate issues of the Western world success and collective bad consciousness. Through Clandestino festival with bookings from all corners of the world, it opens your mind and will easily make you give thought on how much we have in common regardless of what “Place of Birth” that says in our passports. As we head to build a future where travels reach is to be set by solidarity as guiding compass. Article: Sanna Ström Photography: David Márquez Skandik Afrik no. 6
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PEOPLE & EVENTS I Namibia Silver Jubilee
Namibia’s Independence Silver Jubilee
Celebrated in grand style THE NAMIBIA COMMUNITY that lives in Sweden gathered at Scandic Sergel Plaza in Stockholm to celebrate their 25th Independence anniversary.
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Namibia is one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in Africa. Due to institutionalized democracy and good governance, former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, who recently left office in March 2015, received the Mo Ibrahim prize for African leadership. This award is given to a leader who governs well and raises the standard of living of its citizens.
independence and the inauguration of our Third President, we are optimistic of a brighter future.�
The Namibia ambassador to Sweden, H.E. Mrs. Morina Muuondjo, in her speech to the people at Scandic Sergel Plaza, said, “This is a special year for all Namibians, as we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of our
According to the Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2014, released by The Fraser Institute, Namibia is the top ranked destination in Africa for mining investment. With extensive minerals deposits like Uranium (4th
Namibia was under the South African apartheid regime from 1915 until gaining independence on 21st March 1990. And before then South West Africa (as it was formerly known) was ruled by the Germans between 1884 to 1915.
largest in the world), Diamond (8th largest in the world), Gold, Copper and Lead available in large quantities. There is also a thriving organic beef industry that meet international standards and agricultural products and an easy network to other South African Development communities which cover 14 countries. Namibia is a stable economy to invest. It is a country with a population of about 2.3 million people and land mass of 825,418 km², almost twice the land mass in Sweden! For more information on Namibia, www.embassyofnamibia.se
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CULTURE I Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) OPU WAS FORMED AS A PLATFORM FOR ALL YORUBA IN DIASPORA TO COME TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE RACE
OPU launched in Sweden The launching of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) platform in Scandinavia where the Yoruba in diaspora can meet to offer support for one another, defend the cultural heritage and strengthening the common interest of the Yoruba race took place in Gothenburg, Sweden on 29th November 2014.
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OPU WAS formed in Sweden in order to uphold the fundamental ideals of the Yorubas founding fathers. To rejuvenate the spirit and consciousness of the people and to form a united front in order to guarantee the future of Yorubas within the Nigeria socio-political circle and keep that heritage alive in Scandinavia. That was the opening welcome address by Mr. Victor Mobolaji Adewale, the coordinator of OPU in Scandinavia The Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavia, H.E Benedict Onochie Amobi was represented by Mrs. Jane Ndem from the Nigerian Embassy, Stockholm at the occasion. In her remarks, she thanked the organizer of the OPU in Scandinavia and said she was impressed with the display of Eyo Masquerade which has its ancestral cultural roots in Lagos, Nigeria. The embassy also encouraged Nigerians not only to focus on the cultural transfer from Nigeria to Europe alone but also to enhance effective transfer of technology from Sweden to Nigeria. The leader of the OPU worldwide, Dr. Gani Adams, was represented at the occasion by Captain Abiodun Adesina, who delivered his speech. The key points were: - OPU was formed as a platform for all Yoruba descendants to contribute their quotas to the development of their fatherland, Nigeria, which could be in the form of human resources; - collective rise against injustices against any Yorubas;
- building a research center in Ile-Ife which will serve as a bank or information center for future research on the Yoruba race; and - preserve cultural materials for the future generation. He explained the difference between Oodua Progressives Union(OPU) and Oodua People Congress (OPC) in which he said the two organization were distinct in structure and ideology. OPC was created to free Yorubas from the military subjugation, give rural Yorubas freedom and a voice without any molestation. However, OPU was formed as a platform for all Yoruba in Diaspora to come together to promote the cultural heritage of the race. As part of the future plan of the OPU in Scandinavia, the organization intends to build Oodua House in Sweden which will serve as a venue to converge for all Yoruba engagement in Sweden. Despite a good attendance at the OPU Scandinavia launching with OPU representatives from Austria, UK, France, Spain and a first class king from Nigeria, Oba Yisa Olanipekun (Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko), the event could have been a bigger success if it had not started long behind schedule. Also, the interactive section for questions and answers was also omitted from the program. The interactive section was meant to explain to new-members or prospective members, some of the advantages of OPU, the difference between OPU and
OPC and to clear the controversy of the stereotypical ideology of voodoo that is stigmatized with OPC. Some other people were of the opinion that the OPU did not have any younger generation on the platform as witnessed at the launching and queried how the ideal will survive when the next generations were excluded. In summary, the launching was a success. It gave room for lots of improvement for the OPU in Scandinavia, so that they can lead by example in getting more people into the organization. For further information about OPU in Scandinavia, contact the following people: Mr. Ganiyu Wahab OPU Co-ordinator Scandinavia +46 769766911 Mr. Victor M. Adewale OPU Sweden Co-ordinator +46 735717677 Mr.Obafemi S. Oshindele OPU Acting President Scandinavia +46 764344819 Mr. Sikiru Folami OPU Scandinavia Finance Secretary +46 727861195 Mr. Olufemi Oladetoun OPU Scandinavia Acting Vice President +46 761546718 Mrs. Mary Ogunsakin OPU Scandinavia women leader +46 704303298 Mrs. Victoria Majekodunmi OPU Scandinavia social secretary +46 737220367 Photography: Nissor Addourazakov
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BUSINESS I Sweden to invest in East Africa
Some of the participants in the Investment and Trade Forum in Gävle, Sweden. 1. Andreas Skinnars from Business Sweden, 2. Dr. Joe Sang, Kenya’s ambassador in Stockholm, 3. Birgitta Piippola, Founder of Connect East Africa, 4. Dorothy Tuma , 5. Anna Långström presented Swedfund, 6. Frederick Owiti EAC delegate, 7. Charlotte Kalin, CEO at Chamber of Trade Sweden, 8. Lilian Awinja from East African Business Council Tanzania, 9. Carl Johan Karlsson from EKN, 10. Daniella Woldemicheal,NABA representative, 11. Venetia Sebudandi, Rwanda’s ambassador in Stockholm, 12. Lisa Karanja from TradeMark East Africa, Kenya.
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Sustainable businesses between the East African Community (EAC) and the Nordic countries were created at the recently concluded investment and Trade forum in Gävle, Sweden. The East African community (EAC) is the regional intergovernment organization which comprises of five countries which are Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. A region that has over 141.1 million people with a total area (including water) of 1.82 million square kilometer and GDP at $99.8 billion
Sweden set to invest in East Africa WE SEE A NEW AFRICA EMERGING WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF DEMOCRACIES, VERY STRONG GROWTH AND A GROWING MIDDLE CLASS.
The conference was held to facilitate trade between Sweden and EAC in areas like Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Transport, Logistics, Financial and Consultant services, Energy, Agriculture and Tourism. It was also an awakening opportunity for Sweden to take its rightful place among leading nations that invests in EAC. Eva Walder, Director- General for Trade, Swedish ministry of Foreign Affairs said in her opening speech “We see a new Africa emerging with an increasing number of democracies, very strong growth and a growing middle class.” Fredrick Owiti, an EAC delegate wondered why the Nordics are inactive in investment in East Africa compared to the Chinese in spite of huge capital movement, Non-discrimination policies, common market protocol and common passport (East Africa passport) for easy movement across the country’s borders. Lilian Awinja, a representative of East African Business Council, called the attention of the Swedish authority to
the challenges they faced in securing Visa in East Africa which pose serious threat to the business partners that might want to come to Sweden. However, Charlotte Kalin, CEO at Chamber of Trade Sweden and also the moderator at the conference advised the business partners from Africa to always apply for their visa on time, make their company known to their respective home country embassy through contact and attend their embassy functions to facilitate better relationship. Dr. Joe Sang, Kenya’s ambassador in Stockholm in his closing remark stressed the importance of direct collaboration between East Africa and the Nordic countries as an important key to growth. The conference was organized by Connect East Africa, an independent platform devoted to trade & interchanges with the East African countries and supported by the Region of Gävleborg and Gävle.
Photography: Tapjs
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GLOW OF THE MONTH I Rapatac
GLOW Month OF THE
Rapatac Rapatac lead in creative activities for youths in Gävle: Moussa Ndaiye is the man behind the project
Moussa Ndaiye started the company Rapatac 15 years ago with the aim of improving the lives of youth in one of Sweden’s most segregated area “Nordost in Gävle”. Through his work he has been recognized by the king in Sweden and was chosen as “Svensk Hjälte” (Swedish Hero) in 2009. Today, Rapatac has an activity center, academy etc. And it is a house hold name in Gävle commune. The story of the Senegalese-Swedish will inspire you.
What is Rapatac? Rapatac is an organization that works to provide children and young people good prospects for a secure and meaningful childhood by offering them help with school work, opportunities for stimulating leisure activities and to develop their ability to take responsibility for their actions. 12
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Rapatac has over the years grown into a large organization in the areas for children activities, to support youngsters, to find an employment or studies. During the last two years Rapatac has also, with the group Rapatac for the People, been working to develop a village in Senegal in West Africa by providing their school with computers, and also by raising money to build a market-place (like Merche Gävle De Mbodiene), that the women in the village can manage to provide for their families.
What does the name Rapatac mean? It is a Senegalese word that means a social movement. Many people from different backgrounds coming together doing an activity.
What inspired you to start Rapatac? I worked in a school environment for many years, and noticed that there were many children who did not pass the knowledge level for their age. I had also spent a lot of time with my brother in the United States, and seen how those working with children and young people had helped them get through school by making use of sports. It inspired me a lot, and l used basketball as a tool in the beginning of my business. That was the start of the idea of Rapatac, to create a complement to the school, a place where children and young people got educational support and opportunities for activities in a positive and stimulating context. Always with the objective, School First.
RAPATAC HAS AFFECTED THE CITY OF GÄVLE IN MANY DIFFERENT POSITIVE ASPECTS WHICH HAVE GOOD IMPACT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GÄVLE.
What have you been able to accomplish since Rapatac was started and how? I have been working with Rapatac for 15 years, so I have had a lot of time to accomplish many different things. For the past three years, Rapatac has an activity center in the area Nordost in Gävle, one of Sweden’s most segregated living areas. In this center we work to fulfill Rapatac’s goal. On the side of this, we work with sports like basketball and judo. We also work to reduce youth unemployment and many other activities for the citizens of Gävle that I am very proud of. In year 2011, I was part of the people that set up a cooperative for long term unemployed women from different countries, named Sandaga. Today they offer services in household and are also responsible
for the information disk in the cities biggest galleria. It is a great feeling being a part of services that help people to become independent. I also believe that Rapatac has affected the city of Gävle in many different positive aspects which have good impact in the development of Gävle. Rapatac has a unique way of working-methods that we think is a big accomplishment. We have seen a positive change in Gävle since we started our organization. Just to mention a few of the awards and recognitions we have received through our services, in the year 2009, l was chosen to be a “Svensk Hjälte” in TV4 in Stockholm, and I have had the privilege to receive many other prices during these years.
What obstacles did you came across when you first started? One of the biggest obstacles is that it is sometimes hard for people to have an understanding of Rapatac’s vision and methods. It is an obstacle that I have an understanding of, and I don’t think it will go away because of the fact that Rapatac always has this unique way of working that is different from other methods. It has taken a long time to get where we are today. Also there is something in Sweden called Jantelagen, which I believe is an obstacle that you are supposed to act and work in a certain way. Today, that is the hardest obstacle. In the beginning of Rapatac, I was a bit naive, thinking that if you just want to Continued ç Skandik Afrik no. 6
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GLOW OF THE MONTH I Rapatac accomplish good things, people will automatically support you but today I know that what is good for some people can be less good for others.
Rapatac is involved in many different academic, sporting and community activities, how do you manage everything? When I started with Rapatac 15 years ago I coached 22 groups of basketball per week. That was a lot. As of today Rapatac has grown and we have many people within the organization that are responsible for different activities. I manage all the different activities by finding people that have an interest in the activities, and have a passion for what they do. Some people have so much passion that they stay for many years and become a part of the organization. In this case, the different areas create themselves by many people coming together to make it happen.
SOME PEOPLE HAVE SO MUCH PASSION THAT THEY STAY FOR MANY YEARS AND BECOME A PART OF THE ORGANIZATION
Read more about Rapatac at: www.rapatac.se
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Another thing that is important is Rapatacs connection with the companies in G채vle. We have a lot of positive support from them. Even though it is a lot of work to manage the different departments, I have a lot of support from the children, parents and partners. It is a great feeling helping other people. Rapatac has also grown into helping people in Africa, and let the children in our organization see the differences in living situations for children in different parts of the world.
I feel that it is important that Rapatac exists, and every day I grow as a person. That makes it easy to go to work and manage new activities and new goals.
Do you plan to extend Rapatac to other parts of Sweden in future? The goal is that other councils will be able to use the concept Rapatac after attending an education. We already have some councils that have shown their interest to take part in Rapatacs methods.
PEOPLE & EVENTS I Frankofoni Prize
Frankofoni prizewinner 2015
Fanny Hägerstam The price giving ceremony of Frankofoni prize 2015 took place in Uppsala University where Fanny Hägerstam Swedish journalist received the award from the Lebanon Ambassador to Sweden Dr. Ali Ajami who presented the award on behalf of French speaking countries in Sweden.
Fanny received the award through a nomination for her work in the book “Det här är vår tid” which described
the faith of four Tunisia women during the revolution and focused mainly on issues concerning the development of the country after the revolution. The project’s aim towards supporting Frankofonis humanitarian and cultural values and it is supported by Folkuniversitetet and Uppsala University in partnership with embassies of French speaking countries in Sweden. Skandik Afrik no. 6
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BUSINESS I NABA Summit 2014
NABA Summit 2014
Infrastructure: A catalyst to economic and social development
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Five years ago I lived on a small island of Pemba outside Tanzania. When I first arrived at our little town Wete, we only had electricity every other day and the electricity was fuelled by an old diesel generator. When the island got connected to the main grid, it was quite a shift. Suddenly the fishermen could store their catch in freezers, an internet-café popped up and in short, the framework for business shifted dramatically. MY STORY, is to show the impact of infrastructure on society. Infrastructure reduces cost, brings new business opportunities and is a business opportunity on it’s own. Norwegian African Business Association (NABA) choose infrastructure as this year’s theme because of its exponential impact. It can put more cash in people’s pockets, accelerate a business from a village to the city and increase a country´s trade. That was the welcome address given at the opening of this year’s NABA Summit by the managing director of NABA, Eivind Fjeldstad. A successful summit which attracted most companies in all sectors of Norway that were interested in investing in Africa especially with the opportunity availed the investors in meeting the special guest of honour, the President of Republic of Ghana, H.E President John Dramani Mahama who came with most of his key cabinet ministers to the summit. The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Børge Brende was also there, Dr. Fatih Birol, the Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency (IEA), Sir Paul Collier, Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies, Oxford University. Fifteen African embassy representatives, investors, companies and a host of other important people.
Mr. Mark Eddo, the moderator for the main plenary session introduced the Norway Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom he referred to as Afrooptimist by his famous quotes “Many challenges remain for Africa but if the continent continues to accelerate
Mr. Børge Brende (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway)
Dr. Fatih Birol
its economic diversification, boost strategic infrastructure and unlock talent especially its youth, it could grow in line with the Asia tigers and ultimately achieve GDP per capital than some northern European countries. The rich world can and must help achieve these goals. A prosperous stable African is in all our best interest” those were the words of Mr. Børge Brende.
INFRASTRUCTURE REDUCES COST, BRINGS NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND IS A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ON IT’S OWN.
The Norway Minister of Foreign Affair Mr. Børge Brende, thanked all the delegates that were at the summit Continued ç Skandik Afrik no. 6
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GHANA IS ONE OF THE TOP TEN GOLD EXPORTERS IN THE WORLD AND IT HAS BEEN A VERY IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.
and he said “If someone had said ten years ago that seven out of the ten fastest growing economy in the world will be in Africa, l think it will be in question. We all remember the front page of the economist ten years ago saying, this was a continent with a lot of hopelessness and now you see the front page of the same economist saying this is a continent of hope” He went on further to say that this only illustrates that things can
change very fast and its really up to us to change the circumstances, this we can do by securing investments, business engagements, infrastructures, electricity and also creating middle class in the society.
Panel discussions on opportunities in Africa’s infrastructure deficit.
On a clean energy investment in Africa, Børge Brende said that Norway and United Kingdom are working together to stimulate private investment in renewable energy project in Sub-Sahara Africa, through the green African power fund in which Norway’s contribution will be increased to $45million in the coming three years. In his conclusion, he said the priority of his foreign affair office was invest-
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ment in infrastructures, renewable energy, so that the people of Africa and developing countries will have access to modern energy and electricity and that Norway was ready to build partnership in these sectors and revitalize their corporation with Africa. The Ghana President in his opening keynote speech said “There is a great interest in Africa because Africa is changing” He continued further and l quote “Our countries are beginning to enjoy democracy dividends. Africa has come a long way from Independence celebration from colonial domination to excitement of post-independence, then to lost decades of 70s and 80s when most of Africa was dominated by military dictatorship and the economy of the continent was shrinking rather than growing. The period also witnessed brain drain where lots of the best and brightest left for areas where they could find better opportunities. However, today the narrative is different because, all across Africa you begin to find entrenched democracy,more respect of human right, independent media, increased peace and stability. Most countries in conflict and are now involved in post conflict reconstruction which creates atmosphere for investment to continue flowing” Marketing Ghana as the gateway to West Africa market, he said Ghana was among the seven African countries that were included in the ten fastest growing economy in the world with over 7% growth in the last five years. He said there was an increased opportunity for private sector to invest. He highlighted further on the strength of Ghana economy; On oil and gas sector, he said although it is new but its quite growing fast from its contribution to the economy from below $300 million to over $800 million in 2013 and that there were lots of opportunities for investors in drill, shift and engineering in the country.
On the mining sector, Ghana is one of the top ten Gold exporters in the world and it has been a very important sector of the economy. President John Dramani Mahama said there were lots of gold mining that takes place and that Ghana have up to 300 to 400 years of Gold reserve through export. He however said in order to diversify from exporting its gold in raw form from the country, they are looking at setting up refinery to process the gold and set up jewelry factory and have jewelry for export. He however acknowledged that one of the most binding constraints in the energy sector was power and that these are the sector his government was concentrating on to keep up with the demand. In his closing remark, he commented on the role of Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries) that even though they have been active in
Eivind Fjeldstad, NABA Managing Director, Sir Paul Collier and Felix Osok, NABA regional representative for East Africa.
East and South Africa but the time to have Norfund in West Africa was long overdue especially in Ghana. After the keynote speech by the President of Ghana, Dr. Fatih Birol, the Chief Economist at International Energy Agency (IEA) presented the Africa Energy Outlook while the African Infrastructure was presented by Sir Paul Collier from Centre for Study of African Economies, Oxford University and moderated by Mr. Mark Eddo.
The plenary section two focused on Africa’s infrastructure deficit equals opportunity with Ms. Helen Hai, (CEO, China Africa Consulting). Mr. James Mworia (CEO of Centum Investment). Mr. Mark Davis (The Head of Department for Clean Energy in Norfund) also contributed in this section. The Parallel session at the summit was divided into four areas; Agriculture and Aquaculture, Oil and Gas in West Africa, Renewable Energy and Impact Investment. The summit was organized by Norwegian African Business Association (NABA), a platform that serve as a bridge between Norwegian and African communities, promoting business opportunities on the African continent in Norway and advocating for more, better and safer business collaboration. Photography: Nissor Addourazakov
Save the date! NABA summit 2015 - 29th October at Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo.
Nissor Abdourazakov
www.nissorphotography.com
Photographer
Beauty Fashion Portrait
+46 (0) 707672756
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PEOPLE AND EVENTS I Uganda Nordic Diaspora
New paper manufacturing plant coming to Uganda Uganda Nordic Diaspora Investment Initiative (UNDII) was launched in Gothenburg, Sweden by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the speaker of Parliament from Uganda with representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affair, Bank of Uganda, The Minister Of State for Economic Monitoring and the Diaspora Service Department.
From the turnout of Ugandans in Nordic countries to the venue and future investors, it justified the purpose of the gathering which was to attract direct investment to Uganda. Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, before she started her speech called out the team that came with her from Uganda. She thanked the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Denmark and The Uganda Association in Gothenburg for establishing UNDII
Rt. Hon.Rebecca Kadaga
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and acknowledged the important role of Ugandans in diaspora which she said were keys to the development of the Ugandan economy. The Minister of State for Economic Monitoring – Henry Banyenzaki encouraged Ugandans in diaspora to come and participate in technological skill transfer and also partake in investment opportunities that are available in Uganda. Fred Moses Mukhooli, The Diaspora Services Department, minister of foreign affair commended the Ugandan Ambassador in Denmark for his initiative and encouraged Ugandans to register through their embassies, local contacts or
Fred Moses Mukhooli
organization so that Diaspora Service Department and Foreign affairs will know how to solve the challenges the Ugandans in diaspora are facing. The Ministry of foreign affair representative highlighted some of its roles and benefits to the diaspora as a bridge that connect potential investors to a reliable network of local officials and financiers while the Bank of Uganda representative at the forum gave some basic and vital information on how to invest in Uganda Government Securities. The Uganda Nordic Diaspora Investment Initiative (UNDII) said they plan to set up a paper manufacturing plant in Uganda that will use locally
grown trees as the main source of raw materials. Through this means they believe it will create employment for both the locals and the knowledge gained from the Nordic countries will add value to the economy of Uganda.
President of UAIG, Pastor Belton
Photography: Nissor Addourazakov Skandik Afrik no. 6
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NIGHTLIFE I Seun Kuti
Seun Kuti in Gothenburg
Fans want
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more! THE LAST TIME Seun Kuti was in the city of Gothenburg was in August 2009 at the Way Out West festival. The youngest son of legend Afrobeat founder, Fela Anikulapo Kuti was at the Stora Teatern with the original band members of Egypt 80 to entertain the fans of the Afrobeat movement. Keeping up the legacy of his late father and in line with Afrobeat music which are met for the ordinary people, Seun spoke about the political situation in Nigeria, his home country. The corruption and the recipients of the corrupt proceeds which he called “International Mother Fucker “a name he derives from International Monetary Fund (IMF). He mentioned the insecurity of the African women by not embracing their natural beauty, but rather wanting to get rid of their natural beauty by bleaching their skin color. In a very impressive turn out at the concert, here are some of the pictures taken by the Skandik Afrik crew at the concert. Skandik Afrik no. 6
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