The 3rd edition of the The Carnival of African Enterprising has launched at the White African blog. As with the previous installments, this edition highlights some of the best posts from the African business/entrepreneurship blogosphere. Head over to White African to check out top posts from 5 of Africa’s top blogging/business talent, with a bonus addition from Annansi Chronicles (Big Thanks to Hash).To find out more about the ongoing carnival go here. Special thanks to Benin Mwangi for organizing everything.
Inspiring the journey
The main reason I began this blog was to provide inspiration for those people who see the success of Africa as a success for us all. I for one find inspiration in hearing about Africans who are making an impact in the world we live in. Here are two people who are doing what others seem to think is impossible:
- Zimbabwean Craig Chirinda on how he channeled $4 billion of investment dollars to Africa.
- South African Sibusiso Vilane on how he became the first black man to climb MT Everest.
Thanks to Benin and John for the inspiration. A good way to start the week.
Design Made in Africa exhibit opens in NYC
On April 12th, the Design Made in Africa exhibit opened in New York at 4 World Financial Center. The exhibit is the first major traveling exhibition of contemporary African design. It presents a selection of 30 designers from 14 African countries featuring both utilitarian and decorative objects, including seating, lamps, tableware, wall hangings, graphic designs and body ornaments. The exhibition will be on display at the Courtyard Gallery. Featured designers are: Algeria: Amira Atallaoui-Deverchere, Abdelaziz Bacha, Mhedi Izemrane, Mohamed Faycal Guenni; Burkina Faso: Vincent Bailou and Vincent Rossin, Anthony Labouriaux, Hamed Ouattara; Cameroon: Sandrine Dole, Jules Bertrand, Wokam; Congo: Frederic Ruyant and Julien Robert; Cote d’Ivoire: Issa Diabate, Vincent Niamen; Ethiopia: Fasil Giorghis; Mali: Cheick Diallo, Marianne Montaut; Uganda: Sanaa Gateja; Rwanda: Laurent Hategekimana; Senegal: Balthazar Faye, Frederic Hardouin, Babacar Niang, Dominique Petot; South Africa: Marisa Fick-Jordaan, Maira Koutsoudakis, Piet Pienaar, Strangelove (Carlo Gibson and Zimek Pater); Togo: Kossi Assou, Ameyovi Homawoo; Zimbabwe: Ralph Gallagher.
This week in African Style 3/17 – 3/23/07
• Virgin Atlantic opens East Africa route and competes with British Airways.
• Innovation and investment at Oprah’s African schools.
• Tragedy of 5 lost in Bronx fire lead American media to Mali’s red earth.
• Russia looks to sign energy, metals deals in Africa.
• Americans milk Africa to death.
• Queen Latifah competes against Botswana’s Health Minister for detective role.
• The cost of a free Zambian education.
• Google bets on Africa.
• Innovation happens in unexpected places: mobile banking in Kenya, and mobile tv boost in North Africa.
• Governmental inaction and decay of public infrastructure in Africa.
• Pan-African businesses: Do they exist?
• Zimbabwe under fire, pleads for African solidarity.
• Sing the African alphabet.
• Rise of West African tourism.
• “Hip-Hop Colony,†African hip-hop explosion film available on dvd.
Zimbabwe failing diamond test
On the conflict diamond front, it’s Zimbabwe who has now come under fire for it’s conflict diamond policies. Reports are surfacing that the African country is among a growing number who has not met the standards of the World Diamond Council’s Kimberley Process initiative. It’s funny to see how the council is suddenly cracking down on countries who aren’t complying with their rules. Some would say it’s following through with it’s 2006 statement of cleaning itself up, while others say it’s just a knee-jerk reaction to all the heat they’re getting. Whatever the reason, it’s a good sign I guess. Now we just need to get some independent parties in on the governing. Especially since diamond sales are gaining ground online.
Side note: Djimon Housou’s role as the fisherman in Blood Diamond is earning him some good recognition. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the Academy Awards.