Pan-African Daily

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Building Generational Wealth: Why Africa Day Is A Must For Your Business

By: Aliyah Mahdi

The Made in Africa Project is hosting the first annual Africa Day event to be held in Dakar, Senegal in May. The week long event is from May 25-31st and host a number of different conferences for the diaspora to get involved in. This conference will be the first of its kind to integrate African American businesses in directly with African businesses. It is exactly what our community has been looking for.

The Africa Day Business, Education Resource Fair, and Women’s Conference all focus on the development of our people as a whole. With speakers in attendance like Dr. Umar Johnson, The Prince of Pan Afrikanism, and Dr. Mumbai a Pan African Youtube Influencer to name a few. Each conference has a lead speaker and a discussion panel educating guests on different topics like balancing business, family, and community. All essential keys to building generational wealth for our people.

We know Africa is on the rise and there are plentiful opportunities available on the continent. Many black entrepreneurs are seeking a new market to expand their products and services to and many African business owners are seeking the exact same thing.

The two groups both have one thing in common. We are all tired of the oppressive systems used to try to keep us down, and unifying is the only answer. With both communities hosting a number of unique talents and skills, this economic merge is the merge of a lifetime.

If you would like to get involved as a speaker, vendor, or artist please contact us at [email protected].​Your time is now!

[qtcooking]

We invite you to learn one of the most popular dishes in Haitian culture featuring the Djon Djon Mushroom from Northern Haiti. Many have grown to love and request it by popular demand. Try this at home and enjoy. ..at anytime

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This is what happens when you bring your skills and expertise back to Africa!! #AfricaIsForAfricans

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Millennials of Africa and the Diaspora: I$$A - Gova-Media

Musicians brings traditional and pop culture together to influence young minds. In 2018 that is none other than Senegalese born recording artist I$$A Diop.

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Five Reasons You Should Purchase Land in Africa  vs The U.S.

Written by: Aliyah Mahdi

With everyone on a Wakanda high, many people are seriously considering land purchase from the motherland a viable option. Here are some of the benefits of purchasing land in Africa vs purchasing land in the United States

You can Create Jobs

You can literally purchase enough land to start a farm and build a business for yourself. You don’t even have to physically be there. There are many brokers who will hire staff to grow and sell your crop without you ever having to touch it and a percentage of the income will be given to you.

You can even purchase farm land and rent the space to locals so they can grow their own crops.

Lower Property Taxes

Property taxes are based off the assessed property value. The average percentage in the U.S is 4.5% and in Senegal is 5%. I know you are probably saying, but the U.S. tax is lower right? Well percentage wise it is, but land value is assessed much cheaper in Senegal. So would you rather pay 5% on a 6k USD assessment or 4.5% on a 40k USD assessment.

It's Not Difficult to Obtain

Ok so maybe it isn’t that difficult to obtain in the U.S. either, but most people in the States have to take out a loan to purchase their land, just like a mortgage. Which technically means, you don't own it. The bank does. Until your debt is paid, your land is being lent to you and you may never obtain the deed.

In Senegal with the land prices so affordable you can have your deed in a matter of weeks, and guess what? It’s all yours. Senegal is one of the African countries that welcomes diasporans in to purchase land.

Its Cheaper

That’s right purchasing land is many parts of the African continent is significantly cheaper than if you were to purchase land in the U.S. and generally you get a lot more for your money too. For example, how much do you think it would cost you to get a plot of land right next to JFK airport? Millions right?

Well a company called The Made in Africa Project has plots of land 5 minutes away from the new airport in Dakar starting at only 6k USD. That’s pretty unheard of. Those prices will skyrocket soon though. www.madeinafricaproject.com

Little to No Interest

Let’s face it. The U.S Housing Market Crash was one of the biggest bank scams in the past decade. Extremely long, drawn out mortgage loans and high interest rates is a recipe for disaster.

Fortunately, many African countries practice little to no interest in their banking practices, so if you ever needed to obtain a loan it would not be as brutal as obtaining one in the U.S. On top of that, the terms are much shorter. There are also many pay as you go (payment plan) options, especially when planning to build a home. So you have OPTIONS.

Overall, it is cheaper and a very beneficial option to consider when purchasing land. You can purchase it to build a home or business on or save it to flip for a profit later. I hope this article helped you in your decision in purchasing land in Africa.  

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'When they call you a terrorist': Black Lives Matter founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors talks memoir

Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Khan-Cullors tells why her memoir "When They Call You A Terrorist" is necessary in the current political climate.

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Make Wakanda Real by Embracing Your African Roots

Growing up as a Ghanaian American in Central Massachusetts during the 1980s was a constant series of “firsts.” I checked boxes identifying myself as a “first-generation” American. I was the first child of my African immigrant parents to take ballet and gymnastic classes. I was their first Girl Scout, first overpriced prom experience and first recipient of their Parent Plus college loan. Together, we navigated mainstream America while eating Ghanaian food at home.

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Bred Leaders of A United Nation

By: Lerato Matlabe 

Nov. 2, 2017

How far you go, is determined by the associations you make. No man was meant to go through the journey of life alone, we are made by people. Influence, connection and mentors are what make a successful individual. I would refer to them as 3 pillars of survival, but I'm no philosopher. The roots to excellence include, compassion, support, tolerance and strength. 

Have compassion for your people, support those who are trying to build themselves, tolerate the ignorant because you might be the lesson they need, and remember to be strong because what you give, will not always be what you get. It is only recent that we recognize the accomplishments, achievements, and contribution of African people to our nation. Pan African businesses have grown rapidly and exceptionally well for the past few years. It is only now that we have found perspective of our purpose. 

We are bred leaders amongst our men, amongst our people, amongst our nation! We are black excellence. It is from our historical struggles that we have found the strength of conquering through our elements, and are able to build a profound establishment. John Maxwell wrote The 8 Pillars Of Excellence, and noble men have lived by them since, but also there are other aspects to consider, namely integrity, failure, commitment, flexibility and balance. That is the formula to the equation. We have had people of honor make us proud and we are still rooting for them. 

We also encourage those who have potential, to take the leap now. We are all born leaders, what we lead depends on what we hunger for, and what we are passionate about. Our dreams are what give us our goals, and those goals are what get things done. We have come a very long way to still be considered followers. It is important to channel your talents and use your skills to make yourself revenue. 

We are the entrepreneurial generation, the growth of our economy. Each one, feed one, we are the people for our nation. We will prosper and manifest for the sustainability of our continent. Black people together, to broaden their knowledge and wisdom as people of power for the prosperity of their nation. The journey is still long, but we do lead on the right path. We are black excellence!

-Lerado Matlabe is a South African writer and marketing management professional of Sotho descent. She aims to empower Africans and women in particular with her Ltd Edition @sheIGNITESWomen page on Facebook. 

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Making Agriculture Young Again: International Youth Learning Sustainability in Africa. by RJ Mahdi 9/29/17

It is said the best education one can achieve is travel. That being said, these young international students, mostly from the United States are getting the best of the best. Already the students of the African American Islamic Institute in Medina Baye are taking intense courses in Quran memorization, Arabic language and more. Now they have embarked on a new kind of education that builds knowledge of sustainable measure in urban agriculture. 

This week more than 20 young American students between the ages of 7 and 17 worked together to build a rooftop vegetable garden. The first of it’s kind in the sub-sahara desert region of Kaolack Senegal. A region so dry, local farmers can only grow crops for about 3 months during rainy season. The goal of the program was not only to create lasting educational activities for the boarding students but to also introduce new ways of growing goods close to home and all year round. 

The program organized by Give 1 Project Kaolack in partnership with The AAII International Boarding Program allows young people to develop professional skills while studying in various academic fields. In Africa it is expected that agriculture will create more billionaires before 2020 than any other sector. The growing industry is a pathway to success and sustainability for the young students and locals alike. 

As part of the Agriculture Day activities the students were able to plant their own vegetables that they will also keep up with and crop once they are grown. The mini rooftop farm consists of onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, okra and cucumbers. In addition the rooftop also has 2 lemon trees, a banana tree, a coconut tree, a date palm, pomegranates and several other flowery treats. In time the urban rooftop farm will be an oasis of edible crops for the students to pick and use. 

Opportunities like this are an amazing way to open the minds of young people and show them the various options available to them in the economic world. Building creativity, group exercises and manual hobbies provides for the student to absorb a plethora of skills that can be used in any place or environment. 

Africa is at the forefront for young entrepreneurship and bridging the gap between the diasporan youth and the young people on the ground is the best way to build a generation of leaders who are proud of their homeland. 

This is just the beginning. 

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Fake News Articles, Satirical Posts and Social Media Trolls Fueling Mass Confusion 

(August 21, 2017)

The information age is backfiring on the conscious community as a slew of satirical and downright false reports surface in response to various world events, in particular those having to do with race relations. Social media groups that are supposedly for the unity and development of Black people are heavily infiltrated by internet trolls hiding behind false profiles while sharing divisionary posts and encouraging negative commentary. Over the past 24 months dozens of well meaning Black Empowerment Facebook groups have been diminished to trashy memes and regurgitated posts that seem to come straight from the mouth of 45 and his supporters. 

Although clearly photoshopped these kinds of posts are receiving so much reactionary hate, it begs to question if those commenting aren’t trolls as well. Is there some form of digital group out working to build more anger in black communities? All the signs say yes. On and offline these kinds of incidents are happening too often and the response of black people is only becoming more and more intense. Are we feeding into their propaganda just as expected?

The graffiti in the above picture has been photoshopped onto the statues but the bigger issue is the bottom line that suggests that “Black activists call for a race war”. Somebody is hoping this false image will encourage black people to revolt and initiate a racial conflict which is exactly what the Alt-Right would want. 

Some other posts seem to just instill fear and sorrow. 

The photo above is of the August 17th flood and landslide in Sierra Leone. Although still tragic, contrary to this poster's caption, nobody was “murdered.” That simple misleading word led to dozens of angry, sorrowful and emotional remarks by others in the comment section. It is clear the enemy is weakening our hearts and minds byway of mass confusion. We must be able to see through the distractions and understand what we are up against.  Please guard your sanity and your attitude by fact checking and researching these kinds of incidents thoroughly before going off the deep end responding with more hate.

The quote above was made by Pastor Darrell Scott, although not respected among the Black community, it speaks a huge truth that is not only understood by the Alt-Right but has been clearly been exploited against us. It is also being used in reverse as well. 

The above post was debunked as movie makeup but it seems posts like this are aimed at convincing others that black people are barbaric and deserve the treatment they are getting. The amount of videos proof of injustices against us is so plenty that the other side is fabricating news to make others sensitive to their views. 

Prominent Black Empowerment pages have been under attack by groups of trolls that flood the comment sections of conscious videos and posts on Facebook. One page Black Kings and Queens Project has almost 150,000 followers and had to post the following message to discourage these kinds of trolls. Apparently over 3,000 others agreed. 

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RAPPERS GO BACK TO AFRICA: 50 Cent, TI, Rick Ross, French Montana, Nas, ...

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AFRICA BUSINESS INSIDER BRIEF

By Laurat Titilola Ogunjobi

As an African, or a descendant thereof, it is imperative to keep an eye on the latest developments, opportunities and means to build and develop prosperity in the continent. Although we are a diverse set of people, probably the most diverse, with a wide range of different languages, customs and regions, the continent of Africa is still the land of the “blacks.” That being said, there is no greater land that we can call home, or that we can feel the sense of ownership and belonging to. This is why as a child of Africa in the diaspora and on the soil, it’s important to stay updated an in tune with current developments.

There are quite a few portals and channels of information every child of Africa should be connected to. There you will find valuable information on locations, governments, institutions, and of course opportunities that are linked to the continents success. A few of those resources are provided later on in the article.

According to the Africa Wealth Report by a South African firm, there are a little over 160,000 millionaires in the continent of Africa. Many of those millionaires are from countries that are north of the Sahara and are under the MENA category, but still we have quite a few in the East, West and South. Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa are amongst the few on the list of countries with growing millionaires.Following the trends and investment patterns of millionaires in these countries is pivotal to knowing how to tune in and become a part of that wealth growing process.

Data and research findings provided by the Africa Wealth Report stated that between the years of 2000 to 2013 the number of millionaires throughout the continent grew by more than 145%. The better news is, numbers are expected to increase. In this article I will provide you with some of the industries that are a part of Africa’s prosperity index. To encourage further independent development, I’m only going to name a few. The first on my list is;

Solar Power

As we all know, solar energy is one of Africa’s natural resources. Most countries on the continent bask in more than 300 days of solar energy in a year. Even with that, the electricity infrastructure in many parts of sub Saharan Africa is underdeveloped, making investment in solar power an exciting and lucrative venture. Off the Grid Electric and M-KOPA are two examples of solar power providers that are raking in millions.

Agribusiness

Agriculture is the foundation to wealth building. According to the a World Bank report, Africa’s agribusiness industry is set to be worth 1 trillion USD by the year 2030. Kenya is leading in the dairy industry, supplying over 80% in the market of raw milk. Ghana and Senegal are also major importers of rice. As a whole, rice importation to Africa is valued 3.5 billion USD per year. Amongst these importers are business moguls from the content of Africa. For a list of Ghanaian importers, you may access that information here.

FinTech

FinTech is when financial service markets merge with technology. The technology sector has continuously been a factor of exponential growth in the developed world. Mixing that up with financial services is sure to be lucrative. With financial technology platforms and mobile apps that are developed to fill in the gaps of staggering infrastructures, companies like Paystack in Nigeria, Snapscan and TopCheck in South Africa are examples on how the FinTech sector in Africa is a gold mine.

Entertainment

The movies and films industry has taken the continent of Africa by storm, and is speculated to continuing growing. Nollywood, Africa’s leading film industry, and Nigeria’s version of Hollywood has consistently broken local box office records for the last three years. For an example, “The Wedding Party” is the highest grossing African movie of our time. It produced over 400 million Naira (approximately 1 million USD) in less than 60 days after its release. Iroko has positioned itself as the Netflix of Africa, serving around 35 markets throughout the continent, and Filmhouse has opened Nigeria’s first IMAX theatre with locations through the country. Although the entertainment industry is underserved and underdeveloped throughout most African regions, this is exactly what savvy investors and inquiring business minds need to hear.

In closing, the list of African business opportunities continues to grow and is vast. There is something for everyone. From the telecommunications industry, to arts, entertainment and metal manufacturing, there are quite a few sectors to consider while seeking opportunities to build wealth in Africa. Keep in mind, underdevelopment is a watchword for wealth building. Underdevelopment coupled with open policies and emerging free trade zones are great stepping - stones. As these free trade zones and relationships to foster business opportunities continue to develop, we’re bound to see the Africa’s millionaire list grow. For a list of the ten top countries to start a business in Africa, you may go here. 

For a comprehensive report on a list of business opportunities in Africa compiled by “The Economist,” you may also go here. Resources like, “Made In Africa Project” and “African Business Communities” which also runs the Africa Data portal are excellent sources for business data and information. You may also request a customized report suitable for your small to mid sized project or business idea, by contacting African owned Cush Consulting Group, an international marketing communications firm that engages in market research projects in the EMEA region. Additional information may be found on their web site or emailing them at [email protected] 

By Laurat Titilola Ogunjobi

Laurat Titilola Ogunjobi is a Barcelona based Consultant and business owner that runs a consultancy firm that works on educational, philanthropic and cultural initiatives.

This article made possible by:

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Peering over the #DoorOfNoReturn at #GoreeIsland thinking how grateful I am to be one of those who defeated the odds and returned to the place they wanted to keep us from. I return on behalf of the ancestors who left, the diaspora abroad and the future generations who will follow in my steps. #Mahdi #AfricaIsForAfricans #ComeHome

[iammedinabaye]

The International Influence of the Faydah Tijani!! 

By: Abdou Coundoul

The Fayda was founded by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse in 1929 – 1930, which was a period of turmoil and world crisis, it was a Fayda that was much awaited by the whole world, it is something that Baye Niasse brought for every human on earth so that everyone can have an opening to Divine Knowledge because people today need Divine Knowledge more than anything, that is what Baye knew and that is why he shared it with everyone, he put people on the right path, give them the Tarbiyya and finally help us attain our utmost goal which is get to know Allah.

 Since he is sent by Allah and that Allah told Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the Quran “Wama arsalnaka illa kaffatan lilnnasi basheeran wanatheeran walakinna akthara alnnasi la yaAAlamoona” Ch 34 Ayat 28, “And We have not sent you except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all Mankind, but most of mankind know not.” Baye knew instantly that the message of Allah does not limit itself to only Senegal, which is when he decided to start his journey around the world, to a multitude of people, cultures and beliefs, to have a conversation with them in their own language and tell them what exactly is the Fayda and what it has brought.

 People immediately understood the message and accepted it in masses. That can be considered as a big impact on the international community because we can see that whoever accepted Baye has never taken a step back which shows us that what he brought has a positive effect on the people. After he founded Medina Baye in 1930 and after his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1937, the one that would be called Sheikh Al Islam was quickly known in the whole of Senegal and around the world, not only by the diversity of the knowledge he had but also by his implication in everything that involved humans on earth. Baye has travelled all over the world during his lifetime, England, Belgium, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, Latin Americas, Middle Eastern countries (Yemen, Saudi Arabia etc.) to name just a few places  where Baye Niasse has disciples who adhered to the Fayda.

 During his travels, he of course also met with world leaders and influential people of different communities like Gamal Abdel Nasser, Kwame Nkrumah; he even went to China when Senegal had no diplomatic relations with them.  More than forty million (40,000,000) have converted to Islam to date because of him, in Ghana Baye Niasse converted in one day forty thousand (40,000) people who were idol worshipers. We should all try our best to make this Fayda more know through the media, through good communication, through social networks, to tell the people that this Fayda is not just a question of religion but something that is here for everyone, to give the people what they are really looking for; freedom, independence, to feel liberated from the veils that are hiding the reality of Allah.

 It is a Fayda that is beneficial to every human, that is why the people who understood it at the early stage have given in to the Fayda and have since then been living in a state of internal peace, have a very well balanced life in all its sense (spiritually, social, personal), peace of mind, pure and light filled hearts, a healthy spirit and healthy body, all this is thanks to the Fayda Tijanya, which Mawlana Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse brought. As a disciple of Mawlana Sheikh Ibrahim, what do we have to contribute? The only thing we can do today is to see ways that can make the message be known to the most people possible. 

-Sidi Abdou Coundoul

 #IamMedinaBaye

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AFRICAN MILLENNIALS ALIGN: Generation Y Not?

The days of docile and passive African citizens is over. On the continent and around the world young millennials are commanding respect and demanding results in the fight for Black equality and resources. As a young millennial myself, a husband and father, I personally accept the challenge of bringing change to our people at home and abroad. Since moving to Senegal West Africa 3 years ago, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most progressive and resourceful individuals. Young people, deeply involved in their nation’s politics, vocally outspoken about injustices and proactively working to bring answers to some of our people’s most common issues. 

Working with people like this is especially rewarding because you never have to motivate them but they are well motivated already. Forward thinking innovators and creators. Using the tools they have to generate economics and trade. Building bridges of communication with their brothers and sisters abroad. Providing opportunities for the next generation. 

Once of these such people is my brother and mentor Mr Thione Niang. As founder of Give1Project and coFounder of Akon Lighting Africa, Mr Niang works tirelessly to be the driving force behind constant upward development. His global organization plans to fly over 100 young people from around the world into Paris next month to discuss various topics of developmental progress with members of the French government and other international dignitaries and business owners. 

Thione and I see eye to eye on just about every issue big or small, local or international. Thus when we come together to build something or chase some opportunities, there is usually a mutual appreciation for the project. Thione’s work around the world has become the topic of discussion here in Senegal as young people demand his books and lectures. He visits college campuses, youth centers, conventions and more as a power speaker who engages the youth and inspires them to be the change they wish to see in their communities. 

Another such mover and shaker is rap artist and entrepreneur Retsam. The Gambian brother born in Libya has used his public platform in music to speak and outwardly against the now former President Yahya Jammeh and his violent regime in the Gambia. Retsam made several songs and music videos criticizing Jammeh and advocating for peaceful interventions during the country’s recent crisis. Retsam has been teaming up with other Gambian and Senegalese artists creating socially inspirational songs for their wide range of fans. 

Now with these kinds of efforts and dedicated individuals, the continent is seeing change and fast. Opportunities are opening left and right. NGOs are forming and providing services to people looking to improve themselves and better their community. More and more of our age mates are saying Why Not? When it comes to traveling, joining public forums, enjoying the best of life. 

Either way I have been inspired beyond words to continue my own quest to bring sustainability and resources to Africa. Its always about the results and as we connect with more and more like minded Pan Africans here and abroad, we find more peace and productivity in ourselves.

[panafricandaily]

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery! #AfricaIsForAfricans #AfricaIsNow #MadeInAfrica

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM2xIAFfX-g)