Africa is DEFINITELY open for business

"IF YOU DON'T KNOW NOW YOU KNOW" ? BIGGIE SMALLS
Time Warner Building, NY -- "Do you have electricity, McDonalds or a Post Office in Africa?" - one African-American asked a Ghanaian". Many Africans one way or the other have experienced this encounter before. One might sound shocked and dismayed but don't blame the curious for being ignorant. Africa has been perceived by some in the western world as a continent with its inhabitants living on trees. Africa is always asking for foreign aid, and corruption is rampant. They read stories about former Presidents like Idi Amin of Uganda and Abacha of Nigeria who embezzled millions of money into foreign accounts. They read about diseases, hunger and war torn countries. They use the number of Africans migrating to the western world as the main reason of no hope. As a result of the negative stories published in newspapers and sometimes the horrible images shown on TV, the portrayal has send messages that Africa probably is the worst place to do business. "No way Jose".
Things are changing and those who probably have that perception got it all wrong. Africa is now being portrayed in a positive light hence the short documentary film; "Africa: Open for Business". Africa has never been seen in this great light and every African and friends of Africans are encouraged to see it and promote Africa.
"Africa: Open for Business" is supported by the world renowned Africa-America Institute (AAI) based in New York. AAI is credited with promoting Africa and America's interest both home and abroad. They organize many functions promoting both cultures.
The first time, Ghanaweb attended one of their high profile functions was when President Sam Nujoma of Namibia was honored at a ceremony held at the United Nations in 2004. AAI has honored many countless African and American dignitaries and it is fair to acknowledge that they are really doing a wonderful job.
The premier screening of this short film: Africa: Open for Business was attended by Paulo Gomes, Executive Director of World Bank, The film Producer, Carol Pineau who frequently contributes on CNN International's Inside Africa, scholars, entrepreneurs and Africans around the USA.
A short synopsis of the film - "offers an unflinching and inspiring glimpse of African entrepreneurship on the continent, covering ten countries, businesses large and small, and a mix of industries, This is the Africa you don't see on the nightly news - An Africa that is viable, has capacity, and can be competitive in the global economy. Savvy investors know that Africa offers the best return on direct investment in the world - yes in the world".
The film portrays Africa's markets, opportunities, challenges and solutions. It centers on selected entrepreneurs in selected African countries.
The featured countries are Nigeria - "Ruff and Tumble ; a children?s clothing line, Senegal - Pictoons ; An animation/cartoon industry; Kenya - Homegrown ; a booming flower growing business; Botswana - A diamond company ; Uganda - 100 Cups coffee shop (their version of Starbucks) Zambia - Touch Adventure ; A tourist adventure company; Somalia - Daallo Airlines - made it possible to provide air transport for Somalians, Lesotho, Formosa Textiles Company and Congo - Vodacom, operated by Africa Wireless Inc.
On seeing the film, I noted some points worth sharing;
HFC Bank Ltd was the only selected Ghanaian company in the film. It is a loan provider. The Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Stephanie Baeta Ansah and Deputy MD., Mr. Edusei talked about how they started their business, the challenges, inadequate infrastructure and the strategies used. They talked about how HFC created a catalyst which enabled entrepreneurs to venture into real estate. It has created ways and means to provide affordable homes to Ghanaians. HFC is currently flourishing and sets as a model for others in Ghana.
Mr. Aluie Conteh, CEO of Africa Wireless who attended the screening, talked about how people could not believe he could succeed in such a venture. He said on the day of the launching; there were 30, 000 lined up for a handset. He started with 35,000 subscribers and increased to 800, 000 subscribers. Mr. Conteh talked about zero tolerance of corruption in his company. He said "your resources are your people and there is no boss, boss issue".
The creators of Pictoon talked about how attendees at a show in Barcelona who saw some of their cartoons on display, could not believe a cartoon show of such magnitude could come from Africa.
100 Cup's impressive business acumen got a visit from the most important person in Uganda; its president, Yoweri Museveni.
Homegrown - together with other companies they constructed a dilapidated road for free flow of transporting their goods. They did not leave it to the hands of the government to do such a task beneficial to them.
We also gathered that these entrepreneurs provided great incentives to their employees and also they contribute to the community in education and health. They give back to their community as that is contrast to the Africa we have seen or heard.
SERIOUS POINT TO NOTE
The film serves as a model for all Africa Entrepreneurs in a positive way. The inspirational moment and the irony are; the producer is not even an African, she is a white American. She has demonstrated that race does not matter on something beneficial to all. She saw the potentials in Africa and decided to tell the story. Many Africans know the potentials in Africa but they could not tell their stories to the world because no one would believe them because of the negative past.
Ms Pineau should be awarded by all African countries for seeing that Africa is not asking for handouts, they don't want anyone to feel sorry for Africans. They too can manufacture goods meeting international standards and sell it to the rest of the world. All Africa is asking for, is to be recognized for its true potential, opportunities and inviting lots of investors. That is not asking for too much.
Ghanaweb commends Mr. Conteh and all the African entrepreneurs for the thought of giving back to their community. It does not indeed portray Africa as greedy, corrupt and capitalistic but focused on community service.
Watch out Spacefone, Vodacom is coming to give you a run for your money.