President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar

The African Leadership Magazine (ALM) is proud to announce that the 14th edition of The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) Ceremony will be headlined by a distinguished lineup of African leaders, including H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar; Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda; and H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place from February 21-22, 2025, at the Casablanca Marriott Hotel, Morocco.

President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar

President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, alongside HE Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, will deliver the keynote address on “Inclusive Leadership for an Interconnected Africa: New Paradigms for Future Realities,” according to Dr. Ken Giami, CEO of the African Leadership Organisation.

Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chair of the African Leadership Magazine Advisory Board,

As Chair of the African Leadership Magazine Advisory Board, former President Jakaya Kikwete will steer the event, guiding high-level discussions on Africa’s leadership and development. His extensive experience in governance, diplomacy, and regional collaboration will offer invaluable perspectives on shaping the future of African leadership.

Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of Uganda

Now In its 14th year, the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony continues to be the premier annual event for honouring and celebrating people-centred leadership and Africans who are pursuing a pan-African agenda in their chosen fields of endeavour, bringing together policymakers, private sector leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa and the globe. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 400 in-person delegates, with online streaming reaching thousands of followers across the magazine’s social media platforms. The event serves as a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and dialogue, fostering innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges, all aimed at advancing a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.

The The event will also feature distinguished guests including H.E. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria; Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Uganda’s Minister for Health; H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, Somalia’s Minister for Transport & Civil Aviation; Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy & Mines, The Gambia; H.E. Rindra Rabarinirinarison, Madagascar’s Minister of Economy and Finance; Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning; Hon. Lefoko Maxwell Moagi, Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana; Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated; and Mr. Mustafa Y. Shek, Director General of Somalia’s National Communication Authority.

Notable private sector leaders will include Dr. Seinye O.B. Lulu-Briggs, Executive Chairman of Moni Polu Limited, Nigeria; Mr. Jemal Ahmed, CEO of Midroc Investment Group, Ethiopia; Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO of FirstBank Group, Nigeria; Mr. Israel Degfa, President of Kerchanshe Trading PLC, Ethiopia;  and Osvaldo Lemos Macaia, CEO of Banco Sol, Angola, among other business, diplomatic, and industry leaders from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Madagascar, Angola, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Congo, Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya.

Dr. Ken Giami, CEO of the African Leadership Organisation

About African Leadership Magazine

The African Leadership Magazine, published by the African Leadership Organisation (UK), is dedicated to showcasing Africa’s best leaders, telling the continent’s story from an African perspective, and crafting solutions for its challenges. For the past 16 years, ALM has been at the forefront of promoting impactful leadership across Africa while creating opportunities for global collaboration, providing insightful content, facilitating trade, and offering consulting services in the public sector.

For media enquiries and event participation, please contact:

Ehis Ayere

Group General Manager

African Leadership Organisation

Email: info@africanleadership.co.uk

The post Rajoelina, Nabbanja, Kikwete, Others to Headline the African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Ceremony, Morocco 2025 appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transatlantic slave trade profoundly influenced the cultural exchange between Africa and Brazil, as millions of Africans were forcibly brought to Brazil between the 16th and 19th centuries. This migration introduced African customs, religious beliefs, and social practices into Brazilian society, leaving a lasting legacy. The exchange also facilitated the introduction of agricultural knowledge, particularly regarding crops such as cassava and okra, now integral to Brazilian cuisine.

Trade Relationships

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, trade between Africa and Brazil was relatively limited but gained momentum with the rise of the rubber industry. Brazilian rubber barons established trade relations with African regions, particularly the Congo Basin, fostering economic exchanges. In recent decades, trade between Africa and Brazil has expanded significantly, encompassing a wide range of goods, including minerals, oil, agricultural products, and manufactured items.

Investment and Economic Cooperation

Brazilian companies have been increasingly investing in various African nations, focusing on sectors such as infrastructure development, energy production, and agriculture. Brazilian construction firms have been instrumental in major infrastructure projects across Africa, building roads, bridges, and dams. Furthermore, Brazil has supported agricultural development in Africa, with Brazilian experts sharing their knowledge on crop cultivation and livestock management. The Brazilian government has also promoted economic cooperation through trade agreements and investment initiatives, aiming to deepen ties and encourage mutual growth.

Cultural and Academic Exchange

Cultural exchange between Africa and Brazil has been facilitated through numerous initiatives and partnerships. Events such as the International Festival of Black Arts in Dakar, Senegal, and the Afro-Brazilian Cultural Festival in Salvador, Brazil, serve as platforms for celebrating and sharing cultural heritage. These festivals foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions between the two regions.

Academic collaborations between universities and research institutions in both regions further promote the study of African and Afro-Brazilian heritage. These partnerships focus on shared history, cultural practices, and the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.

Cultural Contributions and Influences

Religion and Spirituality

Afro-Brazilian religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda have their roots in African spiritual traditions, particularly those of the Yoruba and Bantu peoples. These religions blend African beliefs with elements of Brazilian culture, reflecting the historical experiences of African slaves. Rituals and festivals linked to these religions remain an essential aspect of Brazilian cultural life.

Music and Dance

Brazilian music and dance forms, notably samba and capoeira, are heavily influenced by African traditions. Samba originated from African rhythms and dances brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans, while capoeira, a martial art disguised as dance, combines African, indigenous, and Portuguese influences. These cultural forms highlight the rich blend of traditions that shape Brazilian society.

Cuisine

African influences are evident in Brazilian cuisine, particularly in dishes like feijoada, a black bean stew with pork, which has its origins in African culinary traditions. Other ingredients such as palm oil and yams are integral to Brazilian cooking.

• Feijoada: This hearty stew, considered Brazil’s national dish, has roots in the food traditions of African slaves.
• Acarajé: A popular street food in Bahia, made from black-eyed peas and fried in palm oil, traces directly back to West African cuisine.

Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Tourism plays a growing role in fostering cultural exchange between Africa and Brazil. Increasing numbers of Brazilian tourists visit African countries to explore their heritage, while African tourists are drawn to Brazil’s vibrant cultural scene. This mutual interest enhances understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions.

The historical and contemporary interactions between Africa and Brazil have created a rich and complex relationship. From the transatlantic slave trade to modern economic cooperation, the exchange between these regions has shaped their cultural and economic landscapes. As both regions continue to build on this shared heritage, they stand to gain from a deeper and more nuanced understanding of their intertwined histories and futures.

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Parliamentary Triumphs: As the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa has exhibited exemplary leadership and a strong determination to represent the best interests of the people. He is playing a pivotal role in the enactment and modification of crucial bills, among them the Domestic Violence Bill and the Female Genital Mutilation Bill. These legislative measures are aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and promoting gender equality within Liberian society. He recently revealed to the African Leadership Magazine team in an interview that his experiences as a lawyer, anti-corruption crusader, and human rights defender have influenced the focus of his legislative initiatives.

Community Service and Altruism: Beyond his parliamentary responsibilities, Honourable Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa has consistently demonstrated his unwavering dedication to serving his constituents and improving their lives. Through his philanthropic endeavours, he has been a beacon of hope for many Liberians, offering financial aid to those in need and providing educational scholarships. Across the board, over 1734 students are either on full scholarships or receiving financial aid from him. His benevolence has touched the lives of numerous individuals and families, leaving a lasting positive impact on their well-being.

Infrastructure Advancements: Recognising the vital role of infrastructure in fostering socio-economic growth, Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa has made significant contributions towards providing essential amenities to communities in Liberia. He has spearheaded initiatives to bring electricity and clean water to underserved areas, ensuring that residents have access to fundamental necessities for a better quality of life. He constructed 17 hand pumps. He built two health clinics and remains responsible for their operations and maintenance. He has contributed to the renovation of youth town halls, churches, and mosques and ensured the construction of over 5 miles of roads. His efforts have been instrumental in enhancing living conditions and driving development at the grassroots level.

Recognition and Accolades: The dedication and commitment of Honourable Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa to public service have garnered well-deserved recognition. Recently, The regional United Nations women’s ambassador for Arica, Madam Jaha Dukureh, commended the parliamentarian for being a major player in the Liberian parliament and for championing bills that protect and preserve the dignity of women. Reputation Poll International, a global reputation firm, has named him among the “100 Most Reputable Africans” of 2023. This acknowledgement stands as a testament to his integrity, influence, and visibility in bringing about positive change in Liberia. Additionally, he has been honoured as the Representative of the Year 2022, reflecting his impactful and relatable leadership style. Furthermore, he has been pencilled in by the editorial board of the African Leadership Magazine to speak at the African Business Leaders Summit in Dorchester, London.

Honourable Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s Extraordinary Journey:

In his amazing career as a public servant, Honourable Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa has achieved remarkable milestones and pursued progress tirelessly. His contributions to the parliament, community service, education, and infrastructure development have made him a major champion of Liberia and its people. Through his unyielding commitment to bettering lives and championing noble causes, he has emerged as a true leader and a source of inspiration for many. Many have opined that Liberia owes a debt of gratitude to Honourable Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa for his exceptional service, and his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of Liberian history.

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Cynical politicians in Europe and the United States claim, for the sake of winning votes, that immigrants are “invading” their countries, threatening to steal locals’ jobs, or worse. When it comes to Africa, nothing could be further from the truth, because, contrary to widespread belief, no mass exodus is occurring.

In recent years, images of young Africans attempting to reach Europe, sometimes through the most daring and desperate routes, have become a fixture on global and national news channels. Cynical politicians in Europe and the United States have argued, for the sake of winning votes, that these (largely male) immigrants are “invading” their countries, threatening to steal locals’ jobs, or worse.

Nothing could be further from the truth. As we were reminded during the 2019 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Governance Weekend, there is, in fact, no mass exodus from Africa at all. In 2017, more than 50% of the world’s migrants originated from just 21 countries. The top four were India (6.4%), Mexico (5%), Russia (4.1%), and China (3.9%). The African country that accounted for the largest share of migrants, Egypt, ranked 19th.

Africa as a whole account for only around 14% of global migrant flows, most of which are confined to the continent. Several recent reports – by the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, among others – indicate that around 70% of Sub-Saharan African migrants remain on the continent, mostly within East and West Africa (18.5% and 16.7%, respectively). Almost half (46%) of all intra-regional African migrants are female.

Western countries thus face little risk of a massive wave of African migrants. And a substantial number of migrants is not necessarily a bad thing for the African countries that receive most of them. As intra-African migration fosters economic connections between rural and urban areas, and among regional neighbours, host countries can reap important economic and social benefits.

This point is underscored by a 2018 Afrobarometer survey of 34 African countries, which shows that younger, better-educated urbanites are more likely to have considered emigrating than their older, less-educated rural counterparts. They are motivated, most often, by the desire to find a job (43%) or to escape economic hardship (33%).

Tapping these migrants’ potential, and ensuring that intra-African migration is a safe, orderly, and productive process will require African governments, with the support of international institutions, to create better frameworks for managing migration on the continent. Beyond collecting and sharing data, international institutions can share knowledge and best practices with governments, as the Migration Dialogue in West Africa has done. African governments should increase their contributions to such initiatives, which have so far been funded largely by Western donors.

Technology can also help. The non-profit Techfugees, for example, is already working to coordinate the tech industry’s response to the refugee challenge, spurring the development of solutions “for and with displaced people.” Existing projects include Migreat, which helps refugees navigate the asylum application process, and GeeCycle, focused on recycling and donating mobile phones to refugees.

More fundamentally, keeping migrants safe requires governments and media to set the record straight. In South Africa, for example, anti-immigrant rhetoric has recently fueled xenophobic attacks on Malawians and Zimbabweans.

While African migration flows are not as large as some politicians claim, they could increase, as the effects of climate change – such as droughts, floods, and other natural disasters – intensify. Already, climate change is contributing both to extreme events, such as Cyclones Idai and Kenneth in Mozambique, and to chronic emergencies, such as increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in the Sahel. These trends highlight the growing urgency of improving how migration is managed.

Of course, migrants’ home countries also have a role to play. Migration represents a brain drain within Africa – given that most young African migrants are educated. Their departure undermines development in the countries that need it most while fueling growth in host countries by filling labour gaps, boosting consumption, and expanding the tax base.

Migrants do send back remittances, which amount to one of the largest sources of financial flows to developing countries globally. But this money is used mainly to supplement consumption for recipient families and pay for school fees, rather than to finance productive investments. That is why home-country governments – again, with international support – should be working to generate the quality jobs needed to entice young Africans to stay home.

In recent years, entrepreneurship has been hailed as the solution to Africa’s jobs problem. But spurring entrepreneurial activity will require concerted action from governments. For example, to address the mismatch between the skills private companies seek and those Africa’s young people possess, governments should invest in education in science, technology, engineering, and math, and in improving vocational training. Moreover, governments should work with the private sector to improve the business environment.

Governments should also capitalize on the dynamism of the large informal sector, which employs an estimated 75-90% of Africans. Formalizing agriculture, agro-processing, and many small-scale manufacturing and service enterprises will require governments to provide infrastructure, public services, and access to credit.

At the Now Generation Forum in Abidjan earlier this month, debates among youth delegates made clear that African young people will no longer passively await a better future. They are doing everything in their power not just to develop their skills and find quality jobs, but also to bring about political change, even if it means taking to the streets to challenge their governments, as just occurred in Algeria and Sudan. But they cannot do it alone. African governments and the international community must do more to support their ambitions – and the continent’s future.

This commentary summarizes the debates at an INET-CGET workshop held during the Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend, which brought together panellists from Afrobarometer, the African Development Bank, UN Migration, UNU-INRA, the African Union Development Agency, and representatives from the African private sector.

Folashadé Soulé is an associate at the Institute for New Economic Thinking’s Commission for Global Economic Transformation.

Camilla Toulmin is an associate at the Institute for New Economic Thinking’s Commission for Global Economic Transformation.

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African Leadership Magazine is a Pan-African flagship leadership-focused publication that focuses on showcasing the best of Africa to a global audience while proffering solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today.

The management of African Leadership Magazine, as part of its 2017 editorial offers, has included My African Story, a special feature in the magazine’s monthly publication. 

My African Story is a monthly column, created to showcase and celebrate young Africans making positive impact in their communities, countries and various regions across the continent. This column is designed to feature an extensive showcase of a selected young Africans on its monthly print publication, telling their African stories from an African perspective.

The post My African Story-Celebrating young Africans appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

The post My African Story Registration appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

African Leadership Magazine is a Pan-African flagship leadership-focused publication that focuses on showcasing the best of Africa to a global audience while proffering solutions to peculiar challenges being faced by the continent today.

The management of African Leadership Magazine, as part of its 2017 editorial offers, has included My African Story, a special feature in the magazine’s monthly publication. 

My African Story is a monthly column, created to showcase and celebrate young Africans making positive impact in their communities, countries and various regions across the continent. This column is designed to feature an extensive showcase of a selected young Africans on its monthly print publication, telling their African stories from an African perspective.

The post My African Story-Celebrating young Africans making positive impact in their communities appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.