Africa = Europe + US + China + India

Maps can really make us stop and say “wow!” When I was a child my social studies classroom had a map depicting Greenland and Africa as the same size. Was it really possible that a little country like Denmark could claim a territory as large as the continent of Africa? The answer of course was no, but only because the map turned out to be warped (literally) and grossly misleading.

Angel Groups – a Solution for the Missing Middle in Africa?

Africa has exciting growth prospects – favorable demographics combined with natural resources create tremendous business opportunities. International corporations and capital have focused on acquiring or funding larger African businesses to harness this growth, while non-profits have supported the micro-finance movement to assist budding entrepreneurs to start sustainable businesses. What has been severely lacking is risk capital that bridges the gap between the fledgling start-ups and large-scale businesses, the so-called “missing middle”. This has led to an initiative fostered by the World Economic Forum to tackle new ways of financing this small-medium enterprise (SME) finance gap. One potentially unexplored concept is to accelerate the formation of locally organized angel groups, a concept that is explored below.

Soul Food

Did you ever imagine that it was possible to positively affect the problem of poverty on the continent of Africa by hosting or attending a dinner party? Because of the innovative efforts of All For Africa in collaboration with Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Karma 411, that possibility is now reality. We have devised a brand new, uniquely delicious method for you to support All For Africa’s Palm Out Poverty initiative and you can participate in this effort, relatively effortlessly.

Expanding Access to Education in Africa

It is well known that the number of people able to access education in Africa is staggeringly low. This is particularly the case when it comes to higher education in a continent where very few students are able to access post-secondary education. Education impacts not only the lives of individuals—their income, health and quality of life, but also the societies in which they live. Crime rates, social awareness and economic stability are directly tied to accessibility of post-secondary education. In an age of falling technology costs, unprecedented access to the Internet and the free exchange of information online, the inability of millions of people in Africa to access post-secondary education can no longer be sustained.

The Global Impact of Fashion

It’s an open secret. If you need a tuxedo or ball gown, go to Haj. If you need a costume to appear on stage, go to Haj. If you have a major presentation before a board of directors, go to Haj.

Zimbabwe: Investment Climate and Opportunities

Mention the name Zimbabwe in investment circles and the reaction is varied — mostly keen interest, but ultimately negative. This reaction is understandable, given that the country has experienced the worst economic crisis ever. However, this negative sentiment, I believe, may be blinding investors to the opportunity that is emerging in the country.

Africa Joining the Space Race

Africa’ s economic boom has generated headlines this year, as has South Africa’ s successful hosting of

the World Cup games. However, little has been mentioned about Africa’ s joining the space race. Many

African nations are emerging as viable participants in the space technology sphere, joining other countries

such as India, Brazil, South Korea and China.

This World Food Day, Rising Food Prices are Back in the News. What’s the World to Do?

[Editor's Note: Saturday, October 16th was World Food Day.]

Breaking the Silence: A Global Call for Justice in the Congo

Congo in Harlem 2 is the second annual series of Congo-related films and events at the Maysles Cinema in Harlem. This year’s program runs from October 23rd, and showcases a wide range of films by Congolese and international directors, representing the most important issues facing the Democratic Republic of Congo today. Most screenings will be followed by panel discussions, special events, musical performances, and receptions.

Portrait of an Artist

Editor’s Note: The world has been growing smaller for centuries. As globalization has accelerated, the influences on art and expression have changed as well. The work of Mary Evans, a Nigerian-British artist, embodies many of the defining characteristics of our current phase of globalization.