Education in many parts of Africa predominantly relies on post-colonial Eurocentric or American curricula, which offer limited insights into African history and culture. Moreover, the existing curriculum often presents a distorted view of African heritage.
However, there is a noteworthy exception in Kenya known as Children in Freedom School. This institution takes a distinct approach to learning by adopting an Afrocentric curriculum. Its primary goal is to guide children in embracing their identities and embracing their African heritage.
“We’ll tell them, for example, about Mali emperor Mansa Musa who has been dead for roughly 700 or 800 years and yet is still the richest man that has ever lived,” said founder Dr Utheri Kanayo.
The idea for the school was sparked when Dr Kanayo decided to focus on the education of children after a brief teaching stint, at the University of Cambridge in the UK, saw her base her educational research on the African continent.
In 2013, Dr Kanayo and her husband quit their jobs in the UK and moved to Kenya.
The school originally started as a charity but slowly morphed into a scholarship and mentorship programme. Now, they focus on teaching African history, culture and literature alongside basic education like mathematics.
“If we can start teaching children from when they are small, then we don’t have to decolonize minds in the future,” Dr Kanayo.
They were recently shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prize, putting them among the top 10 schools worldwide in the Overcoming Adversity category.
The difficulty in making payments between trading members costs the African continent $5 billion annually.
As a result, a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) was created to bridge the gap by eliminating the cost involved in converting currencies to trade, President of Afrexim Bank, Benedict Oramah, has said.
PAPSS, which is operational in some countries including Ghana, will make it easier for businesses to send monies to their fellows in other African countries and pay for their goods and services without any stress.
It will also cut intermediaries who contribute to financial loss to businesses as the dependencies on foreign currencies, especially the US dollar will be cut short.
Speaking at the AfCFTA Business Forum in Capetown South Africa, Mr Oramah said, “The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is operational and begins to serve the countries that have signed to it making it possible to pay for the intra-Africa trade including contracts from infrastructural projects in African corridors.”
“Hopefully, in time, it will help reduce our debt dependence on foreign currencies,” he added.
The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System aims at enhancing the processing, clearing and settling of intra-African trade and payments.
Management of NewmountAfrica has revealed that no fatalities have been recorded in the Ahafo South Mine lab fire incident which occurred on Sunday, 9 April 2023.
“We are relieved that the incident did not result in any injury or fatality to the workforce who remain our most important resource. Everyone is safe and back to work,” Alex Annin, General Manager, Ahafo Mine said in a statement issued by the miner bearing the signature of Mr Samuel Osei, Manager, Communications & External.
“The regulatory authorities have visited the incident scene and have commenced Investigations. We await the results to understand the cause of the fire and determine the next steps. Safety remains our topmost priority and we look forward to applying the lessons learned from the investigations to avoid a repeat incident,” Mr Annin added.
Newmont Africa is Ghana’s leading gold producer and operates two gold mines: the Ahafo Mine in the Ahafo region, and the Akyem Mine in theEastern region.
It is in the process of establishing a third mine, which is currently at the Project Stage – the Ahafo North Project.
The company is a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold business.
Commercial production at Ahafo and Akyem began in 2006 and 2013, respectively, and currently has about 6,700 employees, directly and indirectly across its operations.
Newmont is actively involved in exploration activities across the African continent, and globally.
The total investable wealth currently held on the African continent amounts to US$2.4 trillion and its millionaire population is expected to rise by 42% over the next 10 years, according to the latest 2023 Africa Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners in partnership with New World Wealth.
The report reveals that Africa’s ‘Big 5’ wealth markets — South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco — together account for 56% of the continent’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and over 90% of its billionaires.
There are currently 138,000 HNWIs with an investable wealth of USD 1 million or more living in Africa, along with 328 centi-millionaires worth USD 100 million or more, and 23 US dollar billionaires.
Despite a tough past decade, South Africa is still home to over twice as many HNWIs as any other African country, and an impressive 30% of the continent’s centi-millionaires.
Egypt takes the prize for the most billionaires, and Mauritius boasts by far the highest wealth per capita (average wealth per person) in Africa, at USD 37,500, followed by South Africa at USD 10,880 and Namibia at USD 10,050.
Some of the fastest-growing markets in the world
The 2023 Africa Wealth Report is the continent’s annual benchmark for wealth research and is now in its 8th year, providing a comprehensive review of the wealth sector in Africa, including trends among HNWIs, the luxury market, and wealth management.
Andrew Amoils, Head of Research at New World Wealth, explains that “for our purposes ‘wealth’ refers to an individual’s net investable assets (including property, cash, and listed company holdings). Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets, including the likes of Rwanda and Mauritius.”
In terms of projections, Mauritius is expected to experience the highest wealth growth rate at 75% over the next decade (to 2032). This will make it the fourth fastest growing country in the world over this period in millionaire growth percentage terms, after Vietnam, India, and New Zealand.
Commenting in the report, Louisa Mojela, Group Chairman of the black women-owned investment company, WIPHOLD, says Africa is undoubtedly open for business. “Known as the continent with both the youngest and fastest growing population means that Africa naturally holds the greatest potential for investment prospects.
Additionally, having the dubious honour of also being the poorest continent opens up a myriad of opportunities from an investment growth potential point of view. Without doubt, Africa provides the broadest and most fulfilling opportunities for impact investing.”
Wealthiest cities and residential areas
Four of Africa’s Top 10 wealthiest cities are in South Africa — Johannesburg has the most millionaires in Africa, with 14,600, Cairo, in 2nd place with 7,400 resident HNWIs, is just ahead of Cape Town, which has 7,200. Lagos is in 4th position with 5,400 millionaires, and Nairobi is 5th with 4,700.
The other two South African cities in the Top 10 are Durban, in 6th place with 3,600 and Pretoria in the 8th spot with 2,400 HNWIs. South Africa is home to some of the world’s most upmarket residential areas including Clifton in Cape Town, Beachy Head Drive in Plettenberg Bay, and Sandhurst in Johannesburg.
According to New World Wealth’s latest figures, there are approximately 3,700 homes in South Africa that are valued at over USD 1 million. By this measure, South Africa ranks as one of the 20 largest prime residential markets in the world, well ahead of the other countries in Africa and in line with big emerging markets such as India and Brazil.
Namibia – Africa’s new frontier
Namibia is expected to be one of Africa’s fastest growing markets going forward, with high-net-worth growth of over 60% forecast by 2032. The country’s total investable wealth currently stands at USD 26 billion, with 2,100-dollar millionaires.
Its recently launched residence by investment offering is likely to attract more high-net-worth investors from across the globe as Namibia has much to offer, including a source-based tax system, which means that foreign residents are only taxed on the income that they generate in Namibia.
Commenting in the report, Catherine Shipushu, Senior Manager at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, says the country is endowed with abundant natural resources including diamonds, uranium, copper, and gold.
“Namibia has one of the largest uranium reserves in the world and is currently attracting global attention with recent discoveries of gas and oil reserves off the coast.
With bold ambitions of becoming the sustainable energy capital of Africa, the country’s strategic location and world-class port make it an ideal gateway to over 300 million people in other African markets.”
Investment migration as an innovative financing tool
Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, says more African countries are setting their sights on attracting HNWIs by providing residence and citizenship through investment opportunities that have the potential to transform their economies by injecting essential foreign capital and encouraging sustainable growth.
“As wealth grows on the continent, and countries realize the benefits in aiding economic progress, we expect to see investment migration continue to gain ground in Africa in the coming years — not only on the demand side from African HNWIs looking to improve their travel freedom and economic mobility, secure location optionality, and mitigate risk, but also on the supply side, with more and more African countries looking to launch their own investment migration programs to increase the inflow of both capital and talent.”
Commenting in the report, Dr. Areef Suleman, Director of Economic Research and Statistics at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Institute, says when it comes to visa-free access to global economic output, the citizens of African countries and other developing nations with sizable and growing private wealth are at a distinct disadvantage.
“More than just a travel document, our passports can define our financial freedoms regarding access to international investment and business opportunities.
“Investment migration is attractive to investors who intend to maximize and stabilize their profits by diversifying their activities across more reliable economies, making this kind of investment a form of insurance against global volatility.”
In order to improve their close cooperation in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in each of their individual countries, Ghana, Liberia, and Burundi have held bilateral meetings.
The meeting also discussed gender and violence issues across the African Continent.
It was held between the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Hajia Lariba Abuduand her colleague Gender Ministers from Liberia and Burundi at the sidelines of the ongoing 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women(CSW) in New York.
Also, High-Level Panel discussions were held on issues and challenges of financing socio-economic development programmes for women and girls through the Geo-Extractive Sector in West Africa as part of the event.
Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress made concerning gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.
The Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, His excellency, Imane Ouadil has commended the President, Executives, and members of the Ghana Morocco Old students Association(GHAMOSA ) for using their knowledge and expertise to promote and strengthen the relationship between Ghana and Morocco.
Speaking at the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Association in Accra on 11th November 2022, she said the old students are one of the important investments of the Moroccan government in Ghana and investment in the future for the two countries and the African continent.
She noted that the 10th anniversary of the Ghana Morocco old students Association celebration which falls in November coincides with the celebration of two important dates for “ us Moroccans a few days ago the 6th of November that celebrates the Green March and pays tribute to the many who devoted their lives to liberate our Sahara. I am happy to celebrate all three events with you all tonight”.
She commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI for working together to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. She also commended Ambassador Kwabena Anan former Ghana Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador Tourougui, Former Morocco Ambassador to Ghana for their unflinching service to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
According to her, there has been an increase in student mobility from African countries as a result of the good cooperation agreements. “Currently, Morocco hosts more than 18,000 students from 47 African countries, enrolled in different Moroccan higher education public institutions such as the faculties of medicine and pharmacy, dentistry, science and technology, engineering sciences, commerce, and management technology, and translation.” She stated.
Ambassador Imane Ouadil noted that the influx of foreign students has been in the order of 4, 000 new students each year where Africans represent 63% of all entrants with the assumption of 95% as scholarship holders of the Moroccan government.
“I, therefore, want to commend the tremendous work done by the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation. you all know AMCI and its Director General, Ambassador Mohammed Methqal, who are working to broaden the fields of cooperation between Morocco and its sister African countries towards order to increase the number and type of beneficiaries of international cooperation programmes in number and type . Thanks to these efforts we have managed since 2019 to educate an additional 20 Ghanaian students for vocational training”, she noted.
“To underscore Morocco’s commitment to Africa and its youth, I quote King Mohamed VI ‘S speech from the 29th African Union Summit in 2017 when Morocco re-joined its institutional African Family. His Majesty said “the future of Africa depends on its youth; Africa’s young population underlines the urgency of orienting the demographic dividend towards the emergence of the continent. Africa, therefore, has an unexpected opportunity to benefit from a young, educated, and abundant workforce to fuel its economic growth”.
“Indeed Africa cannot be seen as a mere pool of opportunities. Africa needs to create and seize its own opportunities and generate its own wealth. I commend you, beneficiaries of Morocco government’s scholarship for stepping out of your comfort zone and moving to a new different country for years. While I hope the majority of your experience was enriching and exciting. I imagine there were also challenging days that made you nostalgic for home, for the nice Ghanaian dishes, yet you persevered. And when you returned to Ghana, you applied your experience in your respective fields to give back to your communities to make a difference” she said.
“I want to announce that we are currently processing the admission files of 97 Ghanaian candidates. that I hope will in a few years come back to contribute to the development of Ghana and to swell your ranks “, she added.
The event bought together high-level dignitaries like Honourable Stephen Yakubu, Upper West Regional Minister, Nii Kotey Amon II, Asere Dzaasetse of the Ga State, Hon Aliu Mahama, Member of Parliament for Yendi, representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Kwabena Anan among others, Guineas Ambassador to Ghana
In his presentation, the President of the Ghana Morocco Old Students Association, Peter Panyin Anamang, described the Ghana Morocco Old Students Association as a global coalition of young Ghanaian professionals trained in the Kingdom of Morocco and now integrated into various sectors of the Ghanaian economy and around the world.
He said over the last decade, the Association has undertaken many impactful activities which include Educational Conferences, Business exhibitions and Networking forums, Sports and Networking Festivals, and many others. These activities he said were to further strengthen the already existing bond between Ghana and Morocco.
He commended the king of Morocco, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who revived the Ghana – Morocco relations and paved the way for Ghanaians to further their education in Morocco.
I would like to use this opportunity to thank His Excellency Ambassador Kobina Annan, Former Ghana Ambassador to Morocco, and Mrs. Ekua Annan. They have shown great commitment and provided guidance, encouragement, and support through every stage of the formation of this Association. On this special day, we say thank you!
We would also like to say special thanks to Ambassador Tourougui, former Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, their deputies, and the staff of the Embassy for their partnership, trust, and respect, and for making the Embassy our home. A very special thanks to CIMAF Ghana and OCP Ghana for the partnership.
Ghanaian musician Emmanuel Akwesi Boateng, known by his stage name “Mblaqque”, is poised to make a difference in Ghana’s music industry and the world at large with his unique musical craft.
According to the budding music artiste, the old and current crop of Ghanaian musicians have paved the way for an upcoming artiste to achieve global stardom.
Signed to Imperial Avenue Records and managed by Fimenz Multimedia, Mblaqque seeks to showcase his musical prowess with his newly released single titled “Fallen”.
The song, which reflects the theme of partying and love celebration, has received commendations from music lovers considering its magical composition.
When asked about the inspiration behind his new single “Fallen,” Mblaqque said: “I am always inspired by things I see and hear, but real love ignited the composition of the song and I know people will relate to the lyrics in the song.”
His magical composition of “Smile For Peace” in 2021 has landed him a performing deal at the 2022 International Peaceful Coexistence Summit in the United Kingdom.
Mblaqque added that this golden opportunity will broaden his reach and popularity across the African continent and the world at large.
