The Rebranding Of Africa

Africa seems to be the next frontier. The continent that was once referred to as ”The Dark Continent ”shines brighter than the diamonds found in it's soil. Africa has suddenly become the destinationfor business opportunities, and prosperity.

You might have to work ten times harder, but if you persist with hard work and integrity, you will succeed. Those of us whose parents took us out of the African continent to study must now bear the burden or blessing of lifting the best-endowed continent of Africa to a place of pride. Sacrifices must be made in order for there to be a better Africa. Tomorrow will come but it will take time, we must make sure foundations are securely built so that the building blocks that are placed on top of each other are securely sound to hold the building.

Many people including some Africans must change their minds and attitude about how they look at Africa. We must find a way to move Africa forward with dignity and integrity. Sometimes it seems politicians are the hindrances to many of the progress needed to move Africa forward. Maya Angelou said and I quote ”when people show you who they are, believe them, my world family, may I submit to you that many of our African leaders and their governments have shown us who they are, it's time we the people start believing them, start looking at the content of their characters. Africa needs leaders that use facts not political agendas to govern. Leaders with a vision on how to move Africa forward, leaders who are honest, decent, leaders with vision and purpose, leaders who can take decisions at the right time, a leader who is resilience, a leader with humility, a leader with integrity, a leader who inspires others a leader who is not afraid to delegate tasks to others empowering others to do better because he or she knows they can't do it all by themselves, a leader who shows responsibility and accountability, a leader who is transparent in his or her actions, a leader who is compassionate and committed to the office he or she holds, a good communicator who is also confident in the office he or she holds. Africans must chose leaders who will move us in the right direction.Africans should see the power in unity, we must stop bringing sentimental, tribal and religious issues into our equations, stop bringing anything that divides us if we are to move the African continent to a better place.

Africa must begin a new rebranding of the continent. A project where Africa is seen in a new light. This African rebranding project must be intentional. Africa can not leave it to chance. Presently one way Africa has opened its doors to the world is tourism.A number of African countries like South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morrocco have done a great job in developing and promoting their tourist industries and I believe other African countries can learn from them.

Tourism to the continent in many instances when you hear of tourists coming to Africa it's mainly on safaris, for instance, Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa, and Robben Island are well-known destinations. Not many know of the countless fascinating attractions they can experience in other parts of Africa, a continent with properly the most diverse countries in the world. Each country has something unique to offer, from its many traditions foods, and cultures to its natural wonders. Each African country needs to put more effort into branding and promoting the best they can offer to the world.

For example, such places like the natural warm spring which flows side by side with cold water spring each side maintaining its thermal properties the first of its kind in the world, located in Ekiti State in Nigeria is one of the many less-known tourist's locations in Africa, What about the many waterfalls in Africa, the splendor of the Farin Ruwa Waterfall located in Nasarawa State in Nigeria, which has been compared with Canada’s Niagra Falls and Zambia’s Victoria Falls. How many are aware that Victoria Falls, a waterfall so magnificent can actually be seen from two different African countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Let's not forget the caves at Goree Island in Senegal. And we could go on and on to practically all 54 countries in Africa and uncover fascinating places from Algeria to Zimbabwe where tourism can be promoted on the African continent.

There is a lot to see in Africa and it's becoming easier to visit but we as Africans must get our act together. Each African country has its own hidden treasures , and the continent is ready to welcome the world however, it's up to us Africans to do our part and make sure people will feel safe when they arrive on our shores, we need to find ways to brand and promote Africa so people will come and visit and want to come back. The fund's people spend on our soil will contribute to creating businesses and employment opportunities for the African people.

Many people of African descent are doing tremendously well in other parts of the the world in various professional fields, such as health management, doctors lawyers engineers, business administrators, scientist, educators, and those in the agriculture field, and so many more professions. Africans who are contributing to the developments of other nations. Many left the shores of Africa, simply because they were unable to get the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves in the motherland. The more jobs we can develop, on the African continent, will hopefully encourage the younger generation to stay and help develop Africa rather than looking for greener pastures around the world. One of the hopes of a nation’s progress, should be the education of its youth.

It's sad to think that many of these individuals could be contributing their talents in Africa if they were given better opportunities.

If the younger generation knows that they can earn a good living, put a roof over their heads, food on the table for themselves and their families, and have some measure of security, many would not risk their lives leaving the African shores. African governments have a responsibility to their people to see that more and more of it's people, stay to help in the development of the African continent.

Let us make more efforts on implementation and cooperation, let's bring forward the very best of us, let's bring forth smart intelligent ideas and put them into action, not just talking about them, let's embrace the excellence of Africa instead of always highlighting the flaws. Let's begin to promote and magnify those amongst us that are doing the right thing with dignity and integrity and begin singing their praise. Let's begin to change the mindset of the ordinary African person so that they see and appreciate the vast beauty and abundant riches of Africa , from the diamonds that can be found in South Africa, to the abundance of minerals in countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, Namibia, Gabon Ghana to name a few African countries were minerals deposits such as diamonds gold, platinum chromium, phosphate, cobalt, amongst other deposits can be found. Today many of the minerals used in high tech industries are sourced from Africa. no wonder Africa is referred to as the world's mineral warehouse. New Oil reserves are discovered every now and again. Thousands of rare or unique plants are found in the tropical forests of a number of African countries, one know forest is the forests in Congo (DRC)

How many Africans really take in the beauty of the architectures on the African continent? like the Pyramids and The Cario Citadel in Egypt, The National Arts Theatre in Nigeria, The Mua Mission in Malawi, Church of St. Anthony of Polana in Mozambique, One Airport Square in Ghana, The African Union Conference Center Complex in Ethiopia, The Nabemba Towers Brazaville Congo, The Clay Palace of Ghardaia in Algeria, The Currency Museum in Angola, The Martello Towers in Sierra Leone, The Kasubi Tombs in Uganda, The Reunification Monument in Cameron, The Commerical Towers in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, to name a few. Africans must begin to show an appreciation for the beauty and fertile land we have been blessed with and in turn, hopefully, change the way the world looks at Africa.

No one will make Africa what we want it to be. if Africans don't do it themselves no one else will, we cannot depend on the outside world to make Africa a better place for us. Africa must be developed by African. If the world puts out a helping hand, Africa am sure will gladly appreciate it, nevertheless we need to start investing in ourselves and our abilities, promoting our goods and services, and not relying solely on the rest if the world. African companies surely need the recognition on the world stage. Africa must also resolve the electricity, water, and health facilities problems that exit in several African countries for starters, coupled with security are areas that must get urgent attention.If these areas are improved and stable, I believe Africa will be unstoppable. We need to start rebranding and showcasing the beauty of Africa and it's warm-hearted people, people with a rich history of bravery and courage, people who do not see themselves as victims but victorious.

For a number of years and even today, many see Africa as a dirty dangerous place, the turbulent times caused by changing administrations have also contributed to this image. Africa’s ultimate vision should be to wipe out the negative narrative that has been sung about it around the globe. We as Africans must find a way to repair the underserved image placed on Africa, we must begin to install a sense of pride of the African people and continent. Africa must highlight too the world all Africa can offer the world. The benefits to Africa and the rest of the world will be immeasurable.