BY ELAINE PORTEOUS 16 JAN, 2016 12:50

Spending on infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach $180bn a year by 2025, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PWC) 2014 report. People need roads and railways, schools and hospitals, water, power and access to health services and medical supplies. Spending in the public sector has been hampered by poor governance and compliance, limited awareness of risk factors and how to manage them. The reasons for this are many – lack of access to the right training and resources, poorly defined

WORDS: FREDERICK ERASMUS  |   2 JANUARY, 2016 11:56

It was driven by adventure, greed, delusions of grandeur, dreams of empires, need for resources, trade improvement, often overloads of ignorance­ and the total absence of empathy, forethought or consideration. The ‘Scramble for Africa’ 130 years ago, marked by the infamous Berlin Conference­, wound up in February 1885, was the climactic culmination of European imperialism into Africa. Eight European nations had invaded Africa and established colonies long before the historically acclaimed ‘Scramble’.

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 10 DECEMBER, 2015 09:35

Possibly the two most deplorable items regularly appearing in world news, are refugees and corruption and in their relation to Africa, they cause us immeasurable, negative publicity. Our magazine however, is only about Africa, and we mostly concentrate on the positive sides as we celebrate the great continent of Africa. This edition is dedicated to the ‘Scramble for Africa’ 130 years ago, therefore refugees and corruption are not the subject of

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALESSANDRO PARODI,  23 NOVEMBER, 2015 10:15

Discop Africa is the main yearly event for the professional workers of Film and Television in the continent. Hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, between the 4th and the 6th of November, the gathering proved to be the stage of a pan-African cultural renaissance. Companies and private stake holders from the five continents met and mingled to pursue unique business opportunities and celebrate the awakening of cinema and popular culture in Africa.

WORDS BY MARTIN CHEMHERE,  12 NOVEMBER, 2015 12:51

Nomad Africa magazine implores African governments to learn from South Africa's recent visa regulation blunder. Avoidance of similar crises in future will certainly boost the continent's travel and tourism industries. In the previous year the South African government had made changes to the visa regulations that required parents to produce un-abridged birth certificates for their accompanying children. The government had not carefully considered the

WORDS BY: MARTIN CHEMHERE  |  PHOTOGRAPHS: JOHN MENSAH,  4 NOVEMBER, 2015 05:29

Nomad Africa magazine, one of Africa’s fastest growing publications, recently partnered with Talana Museum to celebrate the Battle of Talana Hill, hosted yearly by the Talana Museum in Dundee, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The celebrations were held from 16 to 18 October, attracting scores of tourists, cultural enthusiasts, historians, Boer War experts and locals who offered their devotion and

WORDS: BRUCE GERMAINE  |   22 OCTOBER, 2015 02:14

Today, Africa has become increasingly attractive and shines in the global limelight as a promising investment destination – the fruits of effective governance and rule is, of course, key to sustainable and long lasting economic development – where responsible politicians actually serve the people while in office – thereby continuing the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI).

WORDS: ALESSANDRO PARODI  |   11 OCTOBER, 2015 19:11

The American flight company Delta Airlines has announced a ban on hunt trophies in their flights from South Africa. The decision has divided the country between those who see the turn of the events as a victory for the conservation of nature and bio-diversity, and those who fear its economical impact on local sustainability. The prohibition was announced by Delta Airlines on the 4th of August, with the following media statement: "Effective immediately, 

WORDS: MOZA MOYO  |   26 SEPTEMBER, 2015 22:18

More often than not, the big talk about Africa focuses on the development of our beautiful continent or the lack thereof, missing out on the quiet moments of daily lives of Africans and the hidden nuances that make Africa tick. That’s exactly what compelled two photographers to embark on an expedition, documenting the daily city life in all 54 African countries over a period of five years. The project, aptly named African Cityzens, has taken off on Instagram, looking at ordinary people as they go about their

WORDS: SUGAR CHAGONDA  |   19 SEPTEMBER, 2015 03:47

Zimbabwe's minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Engr Walter Mzembi has been unanimously re-elected by African countries as the Chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF). Engr Mzembi's re-election was endorsed in the 57th meeting of the CAF which was presided over by the UNWTO Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai. The 57th  

WORDS: ALESSANDRO PARODI  |   08 SEPTEMBER, 2015 22:16

“There is a train eagerly awaited by everyone fortunate enough to be on the line – The Phelophepa Train. It is a powerful force for healing, change and development in the communities it touches”. Kofi Annan

Healthcare and assistance in South Africa travel on rail. The two Transnet Phelophepa Healthcare trains travel across the South African Rail corridor delivering primary healthcare to thousands of South African communities in need. They are fully fitted with advanced technologies and expert 

WORDS: MICHELLE COLMAN  |   31 AUGUST, 2015 02:11

Working at the intersection of the formal and informal economy, Leon Mdiya is opening eyes on both sides of the divide. Common sense is the guiding force in the life of Leon Mdiya – if an idea isn’t plain and simply logical, it’s not worth pursuing. This philosophy makes Mdiya perfect for the company he founded eight years ago, Future Space Solutions.  It focuses on exposing people to environments they don’t normally engage with, opening their eyes to opportunity and potential they never knew existed.

WORDS: MICHELLE COLMAN  |   18 AUGUST, 2015 21:16

The donation of five lionesses from the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda in June, is the latest in a growing list of initiatives adopted by the wildlife tourism operator, andBeyond, to bolster wildlife conservation on the African continent. The lionesses, along with two male lions donated by the provincial wildlife authority Ezemvelo KZN 

WORDS: REBONE MASEMOLA | 10 AUGUST, 2015 11:03

Many African countries receive on average a very high amount of days per year with bright sunlight and hot conditions, especially in dry areas. The sun is the natural gem that has gone under utilised even though it holds the potential to move the continent into new territories. Many households in Africa are still not wired to electricity grids with countries like South Africa facing an energy crisis that hampers economic growth. There is a lot of potential that 

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: ALESSANDRO PARODI | 03 AUGUST, 2015 10:25

South African fashion designer Clive Rundle has reshaped womenswear in Africa. His atelier was already operative during the Apartheid regime in the ‘80s and now produces the most wanted pieces of garment in the market. A thin line divides scrap from a dress worth thousands of rands in the finest boutiques of Johannesburg in South Africa. Clive

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: IVOR VAN RENSBURG | 29 JUL, 2015 05:31

Mobility brings improvements to the enterprise in terms of efficiency and lower operational costs. This means that by investing in a mobile strategy, employees are given the tools needed to make better and faster decisions. Is delivering mobile applications really worth the effort and will they really add value to the business?

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: BRUCE GERMAINE | 21 JUL, 2015 01:52

Salad Nthenda is the Vice Consul Tourism, Malawian Consulate-General in Johannesburg, South Africa. Nomad Africa Magazine’s Bruce Germaine had an exclusive interview with him at the recently concluded Meetings Africa 2015 held at the Sandton Convention center, Johannesburg in South Africa. He highlights the major 

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: ALESSANDRO PARODI | 07 JUL, 2015 09:15

The South African portion of the Square Kilometre Array Telescope is under construction in the semi-desert region of the Karoo. The land was anciently inhabited by Bushmen tribes considered to be the first performers of arts and astronomy, as known by modern archaeology. Today, looking at the sky has acquired new significance, thanks to the improved applications of radio astronomy.

WORDS: KRISTIE OMAR | 1 JUL, 2015 11:50

Previously known as Embakasi Airport, Jomo Kenyatta Airport is the aviation wonder of Kenya, which gleams from a distance commanding one’s attention. Beautifully located 15 kilometers to the southeast of the Nairobi Business District, the airport is the regional hub for East Africa, with many long-distance flights landing there to connect to countries across the

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: JANIS THERON | 17 JUN, 2015 11:50

Godfrey Phiri knows deep in his heart that climate change will place greater pressure on African communities, particularly in Zambia, his homeland.

“Zambia in the southern African region is a significant emitter of greenhouse gases that drive global warming,” he says. “Reality is catching up with us, as seen in the semi-droughts and poor rainfall -partners resulting in poor crop yields. This is visible today and communities are feeling it.” 

WORDS: WALE OJO LANRE | 8 JUN, 2015 07:38

The 2015 IMEX which was held at Messe Frankfurt from May 19 to 21, 2015 gathered the largest concentration of professional tourism planners, convention centre managers, marketers, entertainers, promoters, event planners, and sellers in networking for business, sharing ideas, educating the public and boosting commercial relationship.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHS: BRUCE GERMAINE | 01 JUN, 2015 07:17

The recent INDABA 2015, which came to an end on 11 May, has been described as a huge success and a truly pan-African travel trade show. Held recently in Durban, South Africa, at Durban’s premier convention location, the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the travel trade show recorded well over 8,700 meetings compared to about 2,400 in 2014, representing a more than 56% increase

BY MOZA MOYO 23 MAY, 2015 21:17

The Internet revolution in Africa has prompted the emergence of new start-ups that enable consumers to skip restaurant queues and order meals online. 24-year-old Blessing Meyiwa parks his bike after delivering a meal to a customer in the upscale suburb of Sandton in Johannesburg, South Africa. As he takes off his helmet, his phone beeps, notifying him of a new online order. He notes, “It’s always this busy, orders come in all the time.” With 

BY ALESSANDRO PARODI 19 MAY, 2015 05:31

The creation of an art workshop in the neighbourhood of Noord Street in Twist Street,  Johannesburg, South Africa, has seen a dramatic improvement to the lives of the people who inhabit it. Hosting a large bustling  taxi rank, the area is one of the busiest and more feared parts of the city centre. Since local artist Msa Xokelelo and his colleagues settled in Noord, a cultural pole of attraction has risen. The central street lanes of Johannesburg constitute a maze 

BY: BRUCE GERMAINE 12 MAY, 2015 01:17

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

An inspirational and very relevant quote by Nelson  Rolihlahla Mandela – a name  synonymous to democracy and freedom particularly in Africa by one of the world’s great leaders who left his mark and legacy for the world to see and live by for generations to come. What is it that makes a leader stand out not only among men, but also among his peers? Is it their vision or courage? Or perhaps the ability of the leader to lead where others fear to tread?

BY: USMAN ALY | PHOTO: BIDO SAMUEL | 29 APR, 2015 06:32

The crescendo of xenophobic violence gripping South Africa has rattled the collective conscience of South Africans, now finding their voice in Madiba’s own views on intolerance. In 1993, Mandela had warned against the growing dangers and risks of not tolerating diversity. The simmering reality of xenophobia less than 18 months since the passing away of the icon serves as a stark reminder that words and 

BY BRUCE GERMAINE 20 APR, 2015 09:03

Can you remember those old TV images of that flamboyant politician – the one who used to wave that white handkerchief, one of the key elements and an essential part of his attire at the time ? Yes, we are talking about one of Africa’s greatest politicians and liberators from colonial powers – Mr Kenneth David Kaunda of Zambia. Born on 28 April, 1924 in Lubwa, near Chinsali, in the then Northern Rhodesia and now part of Zambia, his father hailed from Malawi, formerly known as Nyasaland, and it was this legacy that would later become yet another challenge to Zambia’s 

BY NICOLLE KAIRUZ 20 APR, 2015 08:32

New incubators go beyond business training to provide market access and prototyping support, ensuring the sustainability of business ventures. As a major contributor to the South African economy, it has never been more important for Standard Bank to support business and entrepreneurs. In line with this objective, and to keep up with the rapid pace of innovative products and services, the bank launched two incubators on the 16 April 2015 with the 

BY MKHUSELI VANGILE 13 APR, 2015 12:45

The city of Durban, situated on the east coast of South Africa, is the only African city that has submitted the bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Its tourism sector is exceedingly up to par and ready to welcome thousands, if not millions of visitors from all over the world.  The Durban tourism sector is also one of the biggest tourist attractions in the SADC (South African Development Community) region

BY MIA RUSSELL 7 APR, 2015 07:25

Wandering through the streets of Cape Town will send you on a sojourn back in time through the annals of architectural history.  From the winding, cobblestone streets of the colourful Bo-Kaap to the pentagonal-shaped Castle of Good Hope and the Renaissance-styled City Hall, each corner of the city has its own architectural story and contributes to the complex, multi-cultural and richly diverse society that makes up this cosmopolitan city. 

BY KRISTIE OMAH 29 MAR, 2015 17:33

From its independence from Belgium in 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been left with an unstable political system as its tribal leaders have had more power than the Central government. Prevalent on the world’s mind when DRC is mentioned are the names such as Kabila, Lumumba, Mobuto and ultimately the first and second Congo war. From 1971 to 1997 the country was officially the Republic of Zaire; a change made by then ruler Gen. Mobutu Sese Seko to give the country what he thought was a more authentic African name. 

BY KRISTIE OMAH 16 MAR, 2015 10:54

Most of us were not there but the electricity, fear and excitement that the, then Gold Coast citizens had can be felt in Kwame Nkrumah’s words when he spoke. Ghana was free. Free from colonialism, ready to take on the world. But what of the man who had pioneered this country’s independence, making it the first African country to achieve? We so often hear of pioneers of Pan – Africanism, its fathers and its molders. It is commonly forgotten what its meaning is, its impact and necessity on the continent. 

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 11 MAR, 2015 09:08

Having worked in the Human Resource sector for 12 years, Genevieve Puni felt the need to return home and set up an HR consultancy firm to help show case and enable African talents to be sourced in a more modern effective way. Above all, act as a gap between Diasporas and potential clients. With a team of seasoned experts in the Human Resources arena with over 20 years combined knowledge and experience in customer service, coaching, recruitment, 

BY MKHUSELI VANGILE 9 MAR, 2015 13:08

The limited use of technology by the tourism sector within Africa presents various business technology opportunities for tourism in Africa.  Investing in technology innovations is said to be the solution that will take the African tourism industry to world-class tourism. Experts say that in order to fully exploit Africa’s tourism potential, it is opportune to invest in modern technologies that are used in tourism and 

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 6 MAR, 2015 05:06

Our heroes' struggle for political independence teaches us of the sacrifice that must be made. Their heroism must transcend the struggle for political independence, and inspire a new generation of heroes that must sacrifice for the indigenous majority's pursuit of indigenization and economic empowerment.

The legacies of a hero can only live on and find infinity within the cause of people and nation. Ghana will always 

BY BRUCE GERMAINE 23 FEB, 2015 07:20

South African Tourism CEO, Mr Thulani Nzima: “Every single INDABA element must give exhibitors an unrivalled and effective platform to showcase their products and services, and to do business. INDABA belongs to them”. South African Tourism is working to make sure that INDABA 2015 exceeds the business expectations of both exhibitors and buyers.

South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima says: “INDABA is the single biggest platform for African tourism businesses to come and meet global buyer 

BY MKHUSELI VANGILE 13 FEB, 2015 14:55

After the introduction of the National Rural Tourism Strategy in 2012 by then Minister of Tourism in South Africa Marthinus van Schalkwyk, rural tourism in South Africa has been surviving in the shadows. Tourists in South Africa are not fully subjected to the entire tourism sector in South Africa, with so many unexplored attractive sightseeing areas around South Africa that you as a tourist would find utterly adorable. Tourists are not visiting the most beautiful places in South Africa but the most popular ones, which does not

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 2 FEB, 2015 14:37

Johannesburg, South Africa is set to be the most popular destination city in Africa for the second year, followed by Cape Town, according to the 2014 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index. Johannesburg expects 4.3 million international overnight visitors in 2014, a 4.9 percent increase on last year’s 4.1 million visitors. The world class African city also comes out tops in Africa in terms of international visitor expenditure, with travelers expected to spend a substantial US$3.2 billion in 2014, compared to US$3.06 billion last year.

BY JO KROMBERG 26 JAN, 2015 13:42

Caleb Mabaso is a pioneer in the Southern  African hospitality industry. Having started out as a waiter at the Johannesburg Sun and Towers, from 1986 to 1987, he has risen like a Phoenix to hold senior positions with various hospitality groups. He has also chaired various boards such as THETA and FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa) Inland where he provides overall strategic direction and maintains effective stakholder relations. Nomad Africa's Jo Kromberg chatted to this interesting and

BY JO KROMBERG 19 JAN, 2015 03:04

Africa is arguably the most misunderstood continent on earth in many senses. It hides secrets, treasures and ancient wisdom in the forms of lost civilizations, architecture, art and cultures. But there is one unit of scientists  – very little known and unassuming – that is attempting to uncover and preserve at least a small part of Africa. Under the expert supervision of Professor Heinz Rüther, The Zamani Project was initiated in the Geomatics Division of the University of Cape Town and is currently funded by the Andrew W. Mellon

BY ANDREW PARKER 12 JAN, 2015 08:51

Toxic infusions are the latest weapon to counter the thriving industry of rhino poaching in the big game areas adjoining South Africa’s Kruger National Park. The poachers themselves, the starting point of the criminal traffic inside and around the Kruger National Park, receive a mere fraction of the R2 to R2.5 million value of each horn. Consumers of the powdered horn in Asia risk becoming seriously ill from ingesting a so-called ‘medicinal product’ which is now contaminated with a non-lethal chemical package.

BY KRISTIE OMAR 2 JAN, 2015 20:26

For decades Africa was regarded as a continent dependent on western aid for survival.  However, a different picture has started to emerge. The continent is changing. Today Africa is generating innovations that are relevant to international markets. African technological innovations are not mere gadgets.  They are life-enhancing tools that contribute to a more productive economy and improvements in quality of African people.

BY REBECCA BAM 16 DEC, 2014 19:39

Sub Saharan Africa’s tourism industry is set to spur more economic growth for the continent and directly employ 6.7 million people by 2021, according to a newly released World Bank report. The report—Tourism in Africa: Harnessing Tourism for Growth and Improved Livelihoods—says that tourism accounted directly or indirectly for one in every 20 jobs in Sub Saharan Africa in 2011, and is one of the few industries on the continent in which women are well 

BY KRISTIE OMAR 8TH DEC, 2014 14:26

One does not need to be active in the fashion industry to recognize names such as Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Mai Atafo (Nigeria), David Tlale (South Africa), Kofi Ansah (Ghana), and many more. To wear clothes by some of the afore-mentioned designers has become hip, cool and recently expensive which clearly defines how the African fashion industry has managed to cement itself as an industry of note in Africa. 

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 15TH NOV, 2014 15:35

In contrast to the popular error-laden school of thought on perfection, it is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are, the gentler and quieter we become towards the defect of others. Africa in recent years has definitely done alot in addressing its innumerable imperfections. Cities like Capetown hosted the world during the world football tournament in Year 2010, our report shows the unique features of the beautiful city, several years

BY ADEPOJU PAUL 13TH NOV, 2014 16:44

How did West Africans transmogrify from technology skeptics to ecommerce enthusiasts? Nomad Africa’s PAUL ADEPOJU researched deeply to provide an answer. E-commerce store Jumia Nigeria, West Africa has won the Best Retail Launch of the Year award at the World Retail Congress, making it the first African company to win the award. The site is one of the most visited in Nigeria, a nation that only joined the comity of nations with mobile communications about ten years ago.

BY LARA PRESTON 7TH NOV, 2014 07:00

The just concluded 2014 DISCOP Africa market and exhibition has exceeded all expectations and previous records in terms of attendance, meetings and sales. The jam-packed three day event has seen many of the world’s largest content aggregators, distributors and broadcast networks descend on the Sandton Convention Centre to meet, network, and most of all, to do business.

BY HEATHER BALOUZA 3RD NOV, 2014 09:24

Just as one would see an optometrist for problems with vision or an oncologist for treating cancer, so it is the same with traditional healers. I was invited by Xolani Zwane, a friend and a traditional healer, to his wife’s homecoming ceremony, after which, she would be integrated in to her Zulu culture as a fully recognised traditional healer. Although I had seen a few tourist-orientated shows of Zulu dancing, had had some exposure to rural African life and attended a

BY ADEPOJU PAUL 1ST NOV, 2014 18:50

He had nothing fancy during his childhood. As a son of an elementary school principal and a mother whose work was cooking and cleaning at a school for the blind. Growing up wasn’t the best of days for him as a had to battle with ubiquitous segregation which meant living in restricted areas and staying away from the polling booth, not because he’s not of age but for the color of his skin.

BY ADEPOJU PAUL 24TH OCT, 2014 11:00

Fela was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria into a middle-class family. His mother, Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti was a feminist activist in the anti-colonial movement and his father, Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a Protestant minister and school principal, was the first president of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). His brothers, Beko Ransome- Kuti and Olikoye  Ransome-Kuti, both medical doctors, are well

BY ADEPOJU PAUL 30TH JUL, 2014 15:10

The garden looks well kept. Three doves - Colmcilla, Colombe and Takchawee, perch on the suspending swings literally assessing us like the newly installed 3D travellers’ screening machine at the international wing of Accra International Airport. We felt violated. When he finally joins us, he exudes confidence as his well kempt moustache perfectly complements the bewitching youthful smiles. In all, he looks presidential despite the fact that he has

BY ASHLEY ADDEH 2ND OCT, 2013 09:55

The general belief in Africa is that the northern region would be hotter than other parts of the continent. Literally and figuratively, this assumption seems to be true as the scorching sun in Morocco is stronger than that of Lesotho; while the entropy level on Egypt is higher than that of Djibouti. In addition to determining the temperature and depicting the predominant political situations in the various regions of Africa, the sun is also the symbol of hard work since it is expected that real men and women would be busy

BY LIBBY POWEL 2ND AUG, 2013 07:00

Stigma and ignorance make life hard for the disabled street children of Sierra Leone, but there are signs this is changing. In an abandoned yard in central Freetown, a young man is making his way through the shadows of two burnt-out cars. His legs are buckled by polio into a knot beneath him and he pulls himself forward on his fists. His name is Fengai,he is 21, and this is his home: a neglected community of disabled street children in one of Sierra Leone's forgotten corners.