Interview: Dangote Group president and CEO Aliko Dangote

The Dangote Group is one of the most diversified business conglomerates in Africa. The group’s activities encompass cement manufacturing, sugar and salt refining, flour and semolina milling, pasta and noodle manufacturing, poly products manufacturing, port management and haulage logistics, real estate and the Dangote Foundation.

How confident are you about growth prospects going forward, in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa?
Our business strategy has really paid off. The year 2012 was particularly good for us in terms of our record of excellent performance. In 2012, we launched a number of projects, including a fertiliser plant and an oil refinery. These are big-ticket projects. We are also looking at establishing more cement plants and expanding our sugar business in line with the new federal government backward integration policy.
Our business strategy has been to look at the country’s imports and invest in critical areas of need. By so doing, we have helped to make Nigeria self sufficient in some commodities such as cement, and also a net exporter of these products, specifically within the Economic Community Of West African States.
There are a lot of investment opportunities in Nigeria and Africa. Discerning investors know this and are trooping in to have a piece of the pie. The only thing keeping others back is the issue of the negative perception that some people have about the continent. But things are changing fast. Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. The return on investment in Africa is also one of the highest.
So, the potential for growth is there. We need to transform this potential into reality. In addition, you have to be innovative in this market. If you bring a textbook solution and try to apply it here, it won’t work. To tell you the truth, the best market today is sub-Saharan Africa and I have not seen any country where you can make money like in Nigeria and I say it to anyone who cares to listen. The opportunities here are so tremendous.

How do you balance growth trajectories with profitability?
We are currently diversifying our business. Some businesses will have greater or lesser profitability, depending on the industry. In petrochemicals or refining, for instance, the refining margin is low, perhaps no more than 10%-12%, but what we are doing is not just refining, we are also extracting a lot of high-value items out of the import pool. That requires a huge investment.
For example, today, I don’t control all of the costs in my sugar business because I don’t grow my own sugar. I only add value. If the cost of raw sugar goes up too high, I can’t make much money, but if it falls, I can make more money. By producing sugar, you end up with excess capacity. When you crush the byproduct, you end up with a shell which can power high-pressure boilers to produce power, which you can pass through the national grid. You produce ethanol which you can mix with diesel for fuel and other byproducts can be used for animal feed. So there is no waste and it is about value distribution and putting things back into the economy, including employment.

What are some of the risks to growth that worry you?
The biggest issue that we have that really worries me is the lack of infrastructure. Our leaders are beginning to understand this. Without infrastructure, no one will come to your country to invest.
I also have a phobia about debt. The way we operate the company is this: we take on debt and we go through our trajectory to deliver what we promised to deliver. We accumulate cash and after two years or so we have more money to invest. Once you do your numbers right and know what you are doing, everything falls into place.
There is risk in anything. What you need to do is make sure that you minimise those risks and that they are calculated risks.
Corruption and oil theft in Nigeria are two other areas that I am more worried about. When you create jobs and people have disposable income, there is less restlessness, particularly among the youth. It is very simple. We have abundant resources, but we need the right attitude to get there.

This interview was published as part of PwC’s The Africa Business Agenda 2013 report.MTV Base Meets Africa's Richest Man: Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote Lecture at Lagos Business School Part 1

Interview Wil Johnson

Talks Producing, Nollywood & Africa/Carribbean Unity with Promota! The star of BBC's 9yr series Waking The Dead, Wil Johnson talks to Promota's Beauty & Arts Editor Clare Eluka about his latest film "Disorientated Generation" which he co-produced with Nigerian CEO Christian Ashaiku, about discipline of children in today's western society and African Prosperity.

Interview: Rudolph Walker, OBE

The Eastenders star, Rudolf Walker talks to Promota’s Beauty & Arts Editor Clare Eluka about his success on the screen. CE: What bought you to London in 1960? RW: I came in September of 1960 to be exact. Just coming up to my 21 birthday. I was a very young man who had never left the island of Trinidad apart from sailing over to Tobago. It was an extraordinary feeling because I arrived in Britain and I said to myself, I am here to face whatever happens. There was no panic, I had this confidence. Nothing fazed me, not even the cold weather coming in the autumn. Somebody would say “Rudolph, It’s snowing outside” and I would look and say “Oh, Yes it is” and thought nothing of it.

Interview Ayo Johnson: Africa Specialist Analysit

The Promota was honoured to interview one of the world’s leading speakers and a specialist in African Affairs. He is the owner, founder and Director of Viewpoint Africa media house that deals with news from the continent. Viewpoint Africa sells Breaking news content from Africa to media outlets around the world. He went to South Bank University where he gained a Masters Degree in International Development. He is a consultant who has taught, trained and is imparting his experiences to 100’s of NGO on the ground in Africa.

King of 'Wuk-Up'

FROM AGE FOUR he has been involved in music.

King Shepherd was born to a Barbadian father and a Guyanese mother and was christened Dwayne Semple. He spent most of his early days in Jamaica where he says he got his roots in music. For the last 11 years, he has been living in Barbados.

Interview Zain Latif, An Investor Keen to transform the Lives of Africans

The answer for Africa’s underinvested health infrastructure. Mr. Will Mutenza the publisher of Promota magazine had a chance to meet Zain Latif, Principal of TLG Capital.  

Promota: There may be some folks who don’t know you so, if you had to introduce yourself, what would you say?

Zain: I am the principal of TLG Capital, a firm that focuses on frontier markets.

Promota: What is your background and what was it that motivated you to begin TLG Capital? Zain: To give some background: TLG Capital started in September 2009. But before that, I was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs in the New Markets division focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa across all products. I joined Goldman Sachs from Merrill Lynch where I was involved in originating and executing a number of emerging market transactions in Africa.

An exclusive interview with Julius Mucunguzi A young Ugandan journalist making headway at the international scene of journalist

Julius Mucunguzi,36, is a Spokesperson for Africa at the Commonwealth Secretariat, an international intergovernmental body of 54 countries based in London. He is also responsible for managing communications and public affairs of the organization on economic, trade, investment, climate change and export promotion. Before joining the Commonwealth in 2006, Julius managed Communications for World Vision International in Uganda, taught journalism at the Department of Mass Communications and Makerere University, and before that, reported for The Monitor and New Vision newspapers in Uganda.

INTERVIEW WITH SPORTS’ AGENT: GAVIN MKANDLA

Gavin Mkandla is a new entrant into the sports agent profession, and he plans to make quite a splash with the representation of his players.

PROMOTA: What made you get into the profession as oppose to other avenues such as coaching or media work?

GAVIN: I first got into agency work because when I came out of football through injury at 17, I didn’t feel that people would particularly take me seriously as a coach nor did I have the profile at the time to go into media.I also was not good enough to make it as a pro footballer in Europe.

PROMOTA: You came into the industry as an ex-player. Do you think that gives you a unique advantage when speaking on behalf of a potential client?

GAVIN: I do genuinely feel that being an ex- player gives me an advantage over agents who haven’t played the game. In addition to my love and passion for the game of football, sports psychology, I also have an entrepreneurial spirit, and experience selling to and managing relationships with senior executives at Futse 100 companies provide all of the skills needed to successfully advise professional athletes.

PROMOTA: The transfer window hadn’t even opened and already some deals were supposedly near completion. Is it normal for transfers to be organized prior to the window opening, despite not being publicized?

GAVIN: It’s always difficult trying to forecast what will happen on the transfer window. We all know how each window seems to bring surprises in the way of trades or particular players rising or falling from their projected spots.Negotiations often begin outside of transfer windows as clubs can actually sign players outside of transfer windows too but they can’t be registered. This just means they aren’t eligible to play until they have been registered.

PROMOTA: Are you recruiting other potential clients now that you have your first big client under contract? If so, what is your recruitment strategy and what tactics have you employed?
GAVIN: Right now the main focus of Ethicalsports Sports Management is preparing players for the upcoming transfer window and supporting their transition to life as a professional athlete.
It is truly a blessing to have these players as clients and we will actively recruit other potential clients. Our strategy is to pursue individuals who are high caliber athletes and outstanding individuals. We are implementing an agency model that will engage clients in business, personal and professional development opportunities that are unique and different to the traditional sports agency model, and have the potential to extend beyond their sports careers. So with that, there must be the right fit for both the athlete and Ethical Sports Management.

PROMOTA: The whole industry of sports management seems almost flooded with agents. Does that make your job more difficult?

GAVIN: There are over 450 licensed agents in England now but there are only a handful of credible ones. It doesn’t make any difference with our dealings with clubs as we are very well respected. If anything, it has more of an effect on young players and their families as they have so many agents to chose from.

PROMOTA: What’s the most frustrating thing when a player is moving clubs?

GAVIN: As long as the player is happy once he has moved, I don’t really find anything frustrating about the process.I have been on 4 continents in 8 months just this year alone. Players are prepared to move if the deal is right.

PROMOTA: To be a licensed football agent you need to pass a law-based exam. Is there anyway you’d reform the process?


GAVIN: I have a Law degree myself, the exam itself has a 10% pass rate as most people find id difficult.There are many ways in which the current licensing process could be reformed, but generally it has more to do with who is allowed to take the exam in my opinion. FIFA have now decided to deregulate agents as of November 2011 so the next ten months should be quite interesting.

PROMOTA: Give a piece of advice to our readers who hope to one day break into the business of representing athletes.

GAVIN: My career advice is always to follow your passion. After doing many things, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to do just that and meet great sports people. But assuming that’s why your readers subscribe to Promota and visit your site, I know it’s an old cliché, but this is a business. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry and your career comes with lots of personal and professional responsibilities that are 24/7. I believe success in business comes from finding a niche, be it by sport, geography, type of athlete/personality you want to work with, or service you want to provide. Then prepare, deliver what you say you will, and work hard.

Interview with Clyde James Head of Policy, Publications & Stakeholders, Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)

Could you give us a brief overview of OISC?
We are responsible for the following:
Strategic policy –our code of standards, rules and other regulatory documents, plus guidance
Publications – as far as possible we ensure that our publications are up-to-date and relevant.  This includes our website
Stakeholders –we are responsible for engaging with stakeholders, internal customers, regulated advisers, the wider immigration and legal advice community, Government and the general population

How do you identify a certified immigration advisor?
A regulated adviser appears on our website under the Find an Adviser section, further, all regulated advisers must display their certificate of regulation, signed by the Commissioner and our “global tick” logo should also displayed, usually as a window sticker.

Can you register to become an advisor if you are qualified?
You can apply to be regulated.  There are no specific qualifications, similarly there is no guarantee that an application to become regulated will be successful. The OISC will look at the application, the adviser’s personal history (including a CRB check) and their competence will be tested .  We wish to ensure that the adviser is “fit and competent” to provide immigration advice and services.

Are advisors required to have a Professional Indemnity Insurance?
All advisers are required to have Professional Indemnity Insurance.  Failure to have PII would automatically lead to the refusal of an application or the Commissioners seeking to withdraw regulation from those already in the scheme.

How do someone become an immigration adviser if wishes to? 
An application is made using the documents on our website.  We look at personal history, competence, the organization structure that the adviser is wishing to become part of, the financial status/ business plan for the business, plus many other factors when deciding to award a certificate of regulation.
We also look at the type of advice that the adviser wishes to give we regulate at 3 levels, put simply, Level 1 is for basic advice, Level 2 more complicated advice, Level 3 advocacy and representation before the immigration courts

What makes an advisor to be disqualified?
If an adviser is found to be operating illegally or in gross breach of  the Code of Standards or the Commissioner’s Rules then the Commissioner can lay a charge against them before the immigration services tribunal.  The Commissioner can ask for a wide variety of sanctions, including an indefinite ban. This ban action has resulted to the advisors below.  We are under a duty to publish those banned.

• African Legal Advisory Services: Indefinitely prohibited


• Samba Mwani-Gambamba: Indefinitely prohibited


• Jacob Moyo: Indefinitely prohibited


• Rizwana Javed: Indefinitely prohibited

What Immigration advisers provide advice and services on?
Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 immigration advice and immigration services must relate to a “relevant matter”.  As defined within the Act, ‘relevant matters’ means any of the following:

• a claim for asylum;


• an application for, or for the variation of, entry clearance or leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom;


• an immigration employment document;


• unlawful entry into the United Kingdom;


• nationality and citizenship under the law of the United Kingdom;


• citizenship of the European Union;


• admission to Member States under Community law;


• residence in a Member State in accordance with rights conferred by or under Community law;


• removal or deportation from the United Kingdom;


• an application for bail under the Immigration Acts or under the Special Immigration Appeals Commission Act 1997; or


• an appeal against, or an application for judicial review in relation to, any decision taken in connection with a matter referred to in paragraphs (a) to (j).

If a person gets wrong advice from an adviser and fail their asylum application, can they sue them?
Yes the can
We have a lot of people claiming to be advisers, is it wrong and how do we safeguard the community from unregulated advisers?
It is illegal to claim to be an immigration adviser (offer advice), while not being properly qualified i.e. regulated.  Further, it is illegal to give immigration advice or services while not properly regulated.

Any advice for those seeking advice and how best to find it? 
Look for a regulated immigration adviser on the OISC website www.oisc.homeoffice.gov.uk they will have the OISC global tick logo, as attached.  There will be an OISC regulation number, those that operate “for profit” have a number that starts with an F followed by 2 and 7 digits, this shows the year that the organization was first regulated e.g. F20101234, those that operate on a “not for profit” basis have a regulation number that begins with an N e.g. N20063456.
 

Interview with Dr. Emmy Wasirwa Chairman of Uganda liquefied petroleum Gas Association

Could you give us an overview of your background and responsibility at ULPGAS?
I am the Chairman and founder of Uganda liquefied petroleum Gas Association (ULPGAS) and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wana Solutions (U) Ltd. The company markets and distributes LPG in Uganda. Prior to my current undertakings, I obtained a medical degree from Makerere University Kampala and I was a Nuffic fellow at Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. There, after I obtained Master’s degree in Public Health from University of London, UK.

ULPGAS has positioned itself to lobby and advocate for policies which promote the use of LPG as a clean energy in Uganda. As the founder and chairperson, my responsibilities include steering the association towards independence.
In a period of just six months, we were able to hold two very important events. The stakeholders workshop and the National Conference titled “LPG: Exceptional energy for Uganda”. This conference brought together international and national dignitaries and these included government ministries and Members of World LP Gas Association, and Total International, developmental organisations and LPG stakeholders in the country.

What does ULPGAS stand for?
ULPGAS is a National Association for LPG in Uganda. It is a voice of dealers, marketers, and distributors of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Our vision is to empower all stakeholders through information, education and networking.

You start1ed Wana Energy Solutions. What does it do?
I grew up with my parents in a rural Uganda on the slopes of Mount Elgon. My mother cooked food with crop residues and firewood for all types of foods. Since I was ten, my mother was in and out of hospital. Little did I know for years that she suffered from chronic bronchitis. She visited me in Kampala and cooked food on LPG. For the short period of time she spent with me in Kampala, I noticed some improvement. On returning to the village, she was admitted again for bronchitis related illness. Since she commenced using LPG she has at least been admitted to hospital for something different from bronchitis.

Wana is an indigenous company which was formed on the premise of combating the negative effects of traditional fuels used by my mother and many other women who strive every day preparing a meal in open kitchens. So Wana was commenced as a treatment precaution. We call ourselves as a social enterprise because we put the community ahead of profits.

The price of charcoal has skyrocketed to unaffordable price. Are your gas services affordable to the local people?
LPG in itself is an expensive energy in short term but quite cheap in long term. It is very expensive due to the startup costs. However in the long run, LPG is very cheap and safe as compared to fuelwood. For example, a 13kg of LPG can last a family of five people for about a month, unlike a 40kg bag of charcoal which costs the same price as LPG but can last the same family for less than two weeks.

How is the safety culture of LPG products?
Although we have not experienced a serious negative effect of LPG in Uganda, it can be dangerous due to unethical practices due to lack of safety standards. ULPGAS in collaboration with UNBS and MEMD are working on safety standards.

How do you distribute to customers?
Wana developed a unique approach. It is the first of its kind in the country. We distribute door to door complete packages which include stoves and accessories. We have commenced bulk distribution to Estates.

I understand you are planning to move back to run your business. Why now?
There are so many opportunities as indicated by Hon. Muloni during the just concluded Uganda Convention UK in London. Equally inside me, there are so many questions about what I tend to do for my country, rather than what the country should do for me. It is time for improvement in the association, from a personal growth to organisation transformation by developing the association as a strong institution which should stand the test of time.

Recently at the Convention, the Minister of Energy encouraged Diasporas to go back and invest in various segments in the oil sector. You are one of the Diaspora investors in this sector. Is there room for other Diaspora investors to venture into?
The oil and gas sector in Uganda is a virgin area. In the short term, we need to invest in storage facilities for LPG as we plan to heavily invest in distribution when the refinery commences in the next few years.

How do you advise the Diaspora who are struggling to access finance to start their business in Uganda?
Resolve and persistence. Foreign investors can offer modest cash for investment unlike local banks.
Invest your hard earned money, usually called “painful cash”. Establish a base and start looking for cash from foreign investors on the net.

The government has set up a Diaspora Directorate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and there is a Diaspora Desk in Uganda Investment Authority. What support have you ever received from the organisations?
I heard about it once through the yearly conferences. But I have not personally accessed that service.

Do you think the government should have a Fast Track Stop shop for Diaspora?
Of course, I think the Diaspora desk has not been marketed well to the Diaspora. Instead of having a diaspora desk in Uganda, probably it would be better if it was either at embassies or at influential Ugandans business base, such as The Promota because they know potential investors in the Diaspora.

What is your opinion on the new Dual Citizenship?
Look at it in this way. We were born from two parents. Should one choose the father or the mother? Both are parents and should be treated as such.

What are the benefits of LPG for environment?
There are so many advantages of LPG but most Ugandans have been hooked on a myth that LPG is “very dangerous”. LPG presents with less green house gasses hence less destructive effect on the environment, unlike firewood. According to NEMA (National Environmental Management Authority) if the current trend of using firewood is not checked in Uganda, by 2050, all the remaining forests will disappear and LPG provides a solution to this problem.

What is your opinion on the recent Uganda Convention in the UK and how can initiatives like this help investors like you?
This convention was well overdue. It was an eye opener for most Diasporas as well as dignitaries who were in attendance. The attendants were able to network and shared anecdotes with each other. I suppose they received first-hand information about the challenges Diasporas face while trying to set up business in Uganda, or exporting goods from here to Uganda and equally the existing opportunities in Uganda. Also, Hon. Ministers were able to realise the amount of expertise and experience which exist amongst the Diaspora.

What are the challenges faced in the LPG sector?
The LPG market is severely constrained because of a number of structural defects such as lack of a regulatory framework that encourages private and public investment in distribution assets, and high upfront costs of cylinders, accessories and appliances.

If you are appointed the Minister of Energy, what are the core systems that you would structure?
First and foremost I would consider a strong public private partnership as a single policy document because to the government, the task seems mountainous. Likewise the private sector alone cannot be able to sustain the investment on its own.  I hate charities and it sounds like people in the diaspora are like charities to their own families. They need to be encouraged to invest that money into energy business by encouraging them through Diaspora desk in the Diaspora, not in Uganda. I would also encourage consumers and private companies in setting up pressure groups. Listening to stakeholders helps to develop a robust policy. Above all, living in the 21st century and still using fuelwood is not an option.

What is your 10 year plan?
Our strategic plan is to improve distribution channels of LPG in rural areas by developing distribution channels through employment. We hope to attain 20% of the population accessing LPG by the year 2020.

Any encouraging messages that you would like to share with fellow Diasporans?
As much as business is geared towards profits, social entrepreneurship should be a driving force for Diasporas. Start a social business with an intention of making profits. Prepare a bankable business plan and visit the website and search for the investors. Attend conventions such as the Uganda convention UK for networking, and above all you can only succeed if you are persistent and able to command unending resolve.

 

10 minute with mentor Alexander Amosu

Alexander Amosu, a young entrepreneur, set up his first business when he was a schoolboy. He turned his interest in technology and the mobile phone industry into a commercial success with RnB Ringtones. He now heads his current high-profile luxury phone company ‘Amosu’. He looks back on his first businesses and gives advice on how to market to niche and overseas customers.

Alexander Amosu talks about what motivates him and how to find customers in different markets.

Is the entrepreneurial spirit something you’re born with?
I don’t think entrepreneurial spirit is something you’re born with. I think, for me, it’s a situation I was forced into. When you come from a very poor background, you’ve got to fend for yourself and look at opportunities around you that can make money. I started from a very young age and gradually built up a system to learn about looking at my environment and making money from it, and that’s how I’ve grown into it. So sometimes I think it’s made me more entrepreneurial, rather than being born with that kind of gift.

Were your businesses always a success?
My businesses were not always a success. From a very early age I tried several different businesses. I would say 40% of them failed, but I think part of the failure is actually where you learn. For me, failure is part of success. So having businesses and learning the wrongs and right of them allows me to grow, and when I have a business in future I know not to make the mistakes I made when I was young.

Where do your business ideas come from?
Business ideas come from my environment, things around me. It’s about spotting the gap, and I think there’s a certain type of gift in doing that. You’ve got to be able to see something that nobody else sees and be able to make money from it. I could be sleeping and some idea might come to me. I’ll jot it down on a piece of paper. Or I could be in a car. I could be in a restaurant. Anything around me, my environment, is what I absorb when I think about the next idea that could really make money. You’re sitting on a chair, for instance. If you’re sitting in a certain way, maybe there’s a type of chair that needs to be specifically designed for that type of audience. It could be anything, and how an idea starts is just from something that you see and then you generate it into more of a bigger idea.

How did you market your first business?
Well, it depends on which business. The very, very first business I had, when I was 14, was when I organised a five-a-side tournament in school. I got a group of kids together and asked them to pay £5 per team, and all I did was simply go to the library, design a A4 news leaflet that said five-a-side tournament, £5 per team to find out who the best player was in school. And then I went round the school and gave it to every teenager I felt was interested in football. That was my marketing ploy at the time to try and get people to be interested in my ideas. So something as basic as that at that age has obviously grown a bit more sophisticated now in terms of using the internet, radio, TV and newspapers. That’s how I started my first businesses, just by going out and giving things to people by hand.
What have you learnt about marketing since then?
Well, I’ve learnt a lot about marketing in terms of being in the right place at the right time. You can’t market a particular product without understanding your market audience. I think one very important part in anything you do when you’re about to market is to do your research, because there are often times where you could spend thousands and thousands of pounds putting an advert promoting a particular product in a newspaper, but it never reaches your audience in any particular way. So I think the most important thing for me in understanding your marketplace is by doing a lot of research and understanding what exactly you’re trying to market.

How do you sell to niche markets?
I’m in a niche market at the moment. I sell high end, very luxurious, very expensive mobile phones and a very, very small number of people who can afford my phone because it starts from $20,000. Not everybody’s got $20,000 to spend on a mobile phone, so it’s a very, very niche market. However, in saying that, there are people who have that kind of money, who have maybe two or three cars, live in Spain, Italy, France, have a plane, so it’s just an additional line in terms of the luxury they want, and these people can be found in high-end places. I have to target this audience wherever they are around the world, millionaires, footballers, celebrities and the like. I approach that angle by looking for these niche markets and selling my products directly to them.

How do you adapt your marketing for overseas markets?
I think I have to adapt my marketing overseas by understanding the local knowledge and culture of those countries. So, for example, if I’m going to market in Spain or Italy, I wouldn’t use a British marketing company because they have a different understanding, a different culture. For me it’s very important to understand the local knowledge and use it to market the products in those countries.

An Interview with Western Union Foundation President Luella Chavez D’Angelo

Luella Chavez D’Angelo is President of the Western Union Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western Union Company, and Senior Vice President of Western Union Social Ventures. As president, she shapes the direction, Corporate Responsibility and the giving strategies of the Foundation and is an outstanding advocate for the issues most important to the Corporation and the Foundation. Mrs. D’Angelo began her corporate philanthropic career in 2000 as the inaugural director of the First Data Western Union Foundation and continued her leadership through the spin-off of Western Union from its parent company and the establishment of the independent Western Union Foundation. Under her direction, the Foundation has distributed more than $73 million in grants and disaster relief to more than 2,030 organizations in over 108 countries.

Describe a little bit about the founding of and motivation behind the Western Union Foundation.
Luella Chavez D’Angelo: When I joined Western Union in 2000 as the inaugural executive director, I had the rare chance to help build a foundation from the ground up. This was a great challenge and opportunity, in light of the company’s global reach and direct ability to positively address some of today’s most complex social challenges. Today, Western Union operates in more than 485,000 locations, in over 200 countries and territories.

In the early days of the Foundation, we focused on multiple giving projects that were typically influenced by a variety of priorities. By 2006, it had become clear that we could have a greater impact and more effectively rally stakeholders if we stood for one important social cause. We set out to select a focus that capitalized on our strengths as a business and was relevant to our customers.
We understood that in the ordinary course of doing business, Western Union facilitates extraordinary good. Our service is an economic lifeline that helps the world’s migrant population send money to family, friends and business partners back home. Because Western Union is one of the largest players in this flow of remittances, which for many countries is nearly three times as large as foreign aid, our core businesses accelerates economic development. Our Foundation takes that a step further through grant- making, employee engagement and direct social investments.

2007 saw the launch of Western Union’s Our World, Our Family® program, a five-year, $50 million commitment to a single issue: addressing the root cause of poverty by creating greater economic opportunity. So far, we have touched more than 2.5 million lives.
Though our work has evolved over the years, our approach has remained consistent; just as Western Union takes a collaborative approach to its business, the Foundation takes a collaborative approach to community investment. Through volunteerism and collective philanthropy, we provide ways for Western Union employees, Agents and others to pool their efforts for greater impact. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed employee giving participation rates as high as 46 percent. To date, we have granted $73 million to more than 2,030 NGO organizations in 108 countries and territories.

What are the key focus areas of the foundation and what kinds of initiatives are you currently involved in?
Luella Chavez D’Angelo: The Western Union Foundation creates a better world, where the ability to realize your dreams through economic opportunity is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all. The Foundation advances this goal through three focus areas:
We support education – including family scholarships, job training, life skills and language acquisition – to prepare people for new or better jobs.

We help spur job creation by supporting microfinance programs and essential business training for entrepreneurs, so that positions are waiting for people who have invested in education. This also helps ensure that those who have entrepreneurial spirit can start small businesses.

We create materials for consumers and provide grants to NGOs to promote financial literacy, promoting financial inclusion and helping people convert wages to wealth.

Since job creation is a major priority for everyone these days, I’d like to share some of our experience in this area. We know that small businesses are one of the most reliable engines of job creation. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, small and medium businesses are responsible for 65% of global GDP and account for nearly 90% of the world’s workforce. Yet, a lack of business know-how causes too many small businesses to fail.

That’s why Western Union provides market insight and guidance to the growing ranks of our Business Solutions customers. In the U.S., we are a proud sponsor of a program that matches experienced businesspeople as mentors to small business owners (Micromentor.org). Busy professionals benefit from a flexible program that lets them use their skills to help their neighbors. We’ve helped Mercy Corps expand this promising program to parts of Latin America and Haiti, leveraging our connections with diaspora communities to promote this effort.

As you look ahead, what’s on the horizon for the foundation over the next five years?
Luella Chavez D’Angelo: I take a long-term view. Our company’s founders set out 160 years ago to unite a haphazard web of telegraph lines into a unified network. For the first time, families could connect with loved ones and businesspeople with distant markets, instantly. Western Union continues to develop innovative services that connect people to one other and to the global economy. Our Foundation echoes that focus on promoting financial inclusion – yet in the next five years and the next 50, we’ll pursue that mission in interesting new ways.

For example, while the business pioneers mobile money transfer – which allows mobile phone users to send and receive funds even in areas lacking financial infrastructure – we’re looking at ways those three billion mobile phones can improve literacy and serve as a platform for reducing poverty.

Similarly, our CEO and key business leaders are passionate about the ways a culture of responsibility can attract and grow the best and brightest employees. We teamed up with another NGO called Ashoka on an executive-in-residence program that encourages our rising stars to spend two weeks immersed in a different country and culture, where they support a social entrepreneur who has benefitted from Foundation grants. In coming years, we’ll experiment with new programs along those lines, engaging Western Union employees, Agents and other stakeholders in creative, hands-on opportunities to make a difference.

I also think we’re just scratching the surface of what we can do from a cause brand and marketing perspective. We developed Our World, Our Family in 2006, when the need for economic opportunity wasn’t capturing as many headlines. Today, the relevance of this issue couldn’t be clearer, and that provides exciting new opportunities for us to connect with our consumers around the cause. Our brand is about “moving money for better,” and the next five years will see us pioneer new ways to engage all of our stakeholders in doing just that.

by Rahim Kanani is a writer, interviewer, advocate, strategist and entrepreneur for global social change.

An exclusive interview with Mark Perryman, MoneyGram Regional Director - UK and Ireland

The Promota Magazine: What is your role at MoneyGram?
Mark Perryman: I am Senior Regional Director, MoneyGram International. I am ultimately responsible for Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics. I joined MoneyGram in 2004.

PM: MoneyGram is always the favorite of African Diasporas for their good service. What do you think has made  MoneyGram unique?
MP: MoneyGram money transfers are fast, safe, secure and reliable.  Our fees are highly competitive, and we work hard to offer the best pay out rates to receivers. Our fees and rates are very clear, and receivers don’t pay a fee when they collect their money. Our service is highly convenient with over 256,000 agent locations throughout the world, so there is always a location nearby. Money typically arrives in just 10 minutes. You don’t need to have a bank account to use our services. In the UK, customers can send money from any Post Office, any Thomas Cook or Going Places travel agency, and anywhere you see the MoneyGram sign. With nearly 13,000 locations, we have the largest money transfer network in the UK. We know how hard you work for your money - that’s why we keep our fees low, so your money goes even further.

PM: MoneyGram has been supporting African community initiatives for a long time. What are the criteria of determining the beneficiaries?


MP: We are passionate about giving back to communities. MoneyGram International has long been associated with Africa. One example is the way in which we sponsor events/activities that will benefit our African customers at home or in the Diaspora. Another example is that it costs just £4.99 to send up to £100.00 to Uganda and money typically arrives within 10 minutes. For our Ugandan customers present at this year’s Uganda Independence Day celebrations at “Ange Mystique” Old Kent Road, London we know they all enjoyed themselves! MoneyGram sponsored this event and the turnout was really great, which speaks for itself.

Additionally, as part of our commitment to Africa, we recently donated $50,000 to UNICEF programme area: child survival and development initiatives in Africa and emergency relief efforts in the drought and famine affected countries of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti in East Africa. We know the Horn of Africa is facing the worst drought in 60 years, and we want to be there to support.

Also, in Nigeria, we recently awarded scholarships to 10 female students at tertiary institutions. These scholarships were awarded in Benin City (Southern Nigeria). The winners were drawn from the University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University, as well as Ekpoma and Auchi Polytechnic. The young women were presented with cheques, which will cover the cost of tuition, books and accommodation.

“Gear Up for School” is another campaign MoneyGram just concluded in October. During this campaign, we gave out school packs with pencils, pens, notepads, water bottles as well as laptop computers. The three countries that mainly benefited from these initiatives were Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia. As before, we know the importance of supporting the local communities, which is why we try and sponsor as many African events as we can, right across the UK.

PM: Is there any innovative product or service we can expect during 2012 to enhance Diaspora remittance experience to Africa?
MP: We are constantly looking at ways in which we could enhance remittance experience both from send and receive side. There are a number of new additions planned for 2012 that I will be delighted to share with you at the appropriate time. We are excited that 2012 is going to be a year of wonderful surprises for all our customers at home and abroad.

PM: We are seeing mass emigration of Africans going back to Africa from the Diaspora; does this worry you as those who remit money are going back?
MP:  I hadn’t seen this claim before, and I have to say that I would like to see the evidence to support it.

Africans have always travelled to and fro between the UK and Africa, so I don’t think that this is anything new. For every person who might go home to retire or set up a business, students arrive to further their education, or other Africans arrive to take advantage of job opportunities.

Despite the tough UK economy, our remittances to Africa are increasing steadily, so I believe that the size of the Diaspora in the UK is remaining constant.

PM: Convenience and security is now the core determinant for choosing a money transfer agent. New innovative methods like mobile money (M-Pesa), online transfer are now in operation in the UK. Is MoneyGram thinking of taking advantage of new innovative technology to offer a convenient and better service?
MP: We are constantly evaluating adaptation of our service to give our customers the best proposition and value for money that we can. As I have said, we plan some innovations in 2012, so watch this space!

However, with more than 95% of the UK population living within one mile of a MoneyGram location, we uniquely offer our customers a highly convenient service. Customers trust us as MoneyGram has approved Payment Institution status, is regulated by both the Financial Service Authority (FSA), Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and ring fences customers funds for added security. As a company, MoneyGram is over 70 years old, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. MoneyGram is the exclusive supplier of money transfer services to the Post Office, Thomas Cook and Going Places, three of the UK’s most trusted organization. These facts should assure customers that the MoneyGram is very secure and trusted.

PM: The year is coming to an end. What has been MoneyGram’s achievement in this year gone by?
MP: Personally I am most proud that more and more customers are choosing MoneyGram to transfer their hard earned money to Africa. There is a lot of competition in the UK, so for increasing numbers of people to choose us is very flattering and humbling. This motivates my team and I to work even harder to deliver an even better service in 2012.

Globally our network increased by 24% to 256,000 locations, which means that we can provide an even more convenient service.

Finally, MoneyGram won the award for the best money transfer company to Ghana at the Ghanaian UK-based Achievers (GUBA) Awards in November.

PM: Financial remittances provide a lifeline for many of Africa’s poorest. At the micro-level remittance has become a much needed and reliable source of stable income to many marginalized families, extended families and local community groups. Do you think the flow of remittance from Africans in the Diaspora is sustainable?
MP: A recent publication by the World Bank shows that the remittance trend to Africa has continued to rise. Migrants’ remittances have become an important source of external finances for the African continent.

Many Africans in Diaspora are passionate about helping and supporting loved ones back home while for others, it is about investing in capital projects, stock, bonds etc. Despite economic pressures in the UK, the Diaspora continues to send money home. We envisage that remittance to Africa will continue to grow for a long period.

PM: Any word of wisdom to your customers?
MP: I will like to encourage them to continue to use our services as they’ve been doing. We on our side will continue to improve our services with more innovative and convenient ways to send and receive money. For example, as part of our commitment to our customers this festive season, we are giving lots of gifts to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Some of our give- aways to our customers sending money to Africa include 42 Inch Plasma TVs, Blackberry Smart phones and other exciting prizes. To enter for this draw, simply visit www.moneygram.co.uk/christmas for further details.

As MoneyGram is such an effective means to send money, sometimes fraudsters target members of the public, and try to trick them into sending a MoneyGram transfer for a bogus purpose. Beware of these scams and don’t send money to someone you don’t know. Please visit our new website for more information about how to protect yourself from falling victim to a scam. The address is http://www.moneygram-preventfraud.com/

PM: Funding and empowering Diaspora entrepreneur is the new initiative adopted by your biggest competitor Western Union in a scheme called “African Diaspora Marketplace” in partnership with USAID. Does MoneyGram has any scheme that encourage innovation, job growth and development in Africa?
MP: As I said earlier, MoneyGram is constantly re-investing in Africa – one of which is the donation of $50,000 to UNICEF program areas: child survival and development initiative in Africa. We strongly believe in giving back to the community as part of our continuous Corporate Social Responsibility as an organization. This donation formed part of our relief effort to Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti all in East Africa.

The MoneyGram service is now available at over 17,000 locations across Africa via our agent partners. In Uganda, these include Bank of Africa Uganda, Buddu FxB, Housing Finance Bank, DFCU, Metropolitan Forex Bureau, Prime Forex Bureau, Stanhope Finance Company, and Orient Bank Limited. By offering the MoneyGram service, this creates jobs for Africans within our agent partner network, and stimulates the local economy to the benefit of all.

 

Model & Stylist: Samantha Watson

Place of birth: London, England
Height: 5› 9»
Educational background:
After finishing school with 11 GCSE, I went on to college firstly to do a Literacy level 3, in which I achieved a distinction. Then I went on to do a GNVQ UK Leisure & Tourism course where I got a distinction as well. I’m also a trained UK professional dancer with a collection of medals for ballet, jazz, rock and roll and disco dancing.

Country of origin or parents’ origin:
My father Peter (RIP) was from Belfast, Northern Ireland and my mother Roselyn was born here but her mother came from Montserrat in the Caribbean

How would you describe yourself?
I’m smarter than people think.I’m fun loving, kind, humble, a muse. I’m a glass ‚half full’ kind of girl, not judgemental, I’m a big box of tricks that i can’t put a label on. I’ve got a good side but never an ugly side and always a Lady.

Why did you choose to become a model?
I don’t think you choose to be a model. I think you are born one.
I was a very cute and pretty child and started modelling as a child. I’ve always loved having my photo taken and as I was dancing up and down the country in full glitz, it was easy to get into modelling. As a child, I was in a few runway shows and beauty contests and won a few too.

Any interests in acting? If so, what type of roles attract you?
Why yes, I am an actress as well. I’ve done a few musicals. My preferred roles of course are of a leading lady but I think I would play a good villain or a spy. Acting is a real passion of mine, eiter film, stage or TV. I hopefully will be on all three in the near future.

What’s the part of your body you like most?
I love my legs. I think they are long and sexy and they never let me down, they are very strong and i couldn’t live without them. I’ve been a trained dancer from the age of 4, and I still dance, to cheer me up or because I’m sad.

What are the qualities of your ideal man?
Someone who loves me for me, not because of the way I look, someone who doesn’t mistreat me, someone who knows that is about give and take, someone who’s got brains not just looks, someone who’s a real man because only a real man knows how to treat a real Lady.

What would you like to achieve in life?
As a mixed race female, I have found a very good role model in Halle Barry. Halle went from dancer to beauty queen to model to Hollywood actress. I feel that this is the same path that I am taking. I have always said that when I die, the world will know my name for good not evil. I’ve always known I was meant to be a Star.

Any advice to those aspiring to become models?
My advice is in the form of questions. Can you work well with others even if they may not like you? Can you get back up after you have a knock-back, wether it one knock-back or ten? Can you rock an outfit wether it’s made out of black bags or silk and not moan or complain about it? Can you handle the fact that you are there firstly to make the designer and their garment look good, and that your feelings about the look or theme of the show/shoot is not important, you are there only to do a job? Do you know it takes a lot of hard work and effort to make it in the fashion world, and that acting as if you’re a Diva from the start will hold you back?

It is alos about being one with who you are, learning from others, showing a willingness to do whatever it takes to make it (within reason) and knowing that even if you are pretty you have to have and give more than just a good face.

As a model, is there any particular thing you’d like to campaign for or against?
Yes, I would like to campaign about a few things 1) Against Age limits set in the modelling world - I believe that as long as you still look good it shouldn’t matter what your true age is. So if you look like you are 20 years old when you’re really 30, why should it matter?

2) I’m campaigning for more mixed race people to be on TV and as supermodels.We all know there are few black people in both areas but even fewer mixed race people.  We are a fast growing race, but with few people to look up to. We are not black and we are not white. We need role models for our children whom they can watch and relate to.

3) I have dyslexia and I want to show others that you can be and do more than you think you can, and nothing needs to hold you back as long as you have faith in yourself.

4) I’ve been a campaigner for more help and understanding for women’s mental health issues.

What’s your message to those who organise fashion events in UK but deny models of colour a chance of taking part?
All I would say to them is this: “could you imagine this world without different colours, no green grass nor blue sky and  no yellow sand”. If the answer is that we can’t live life in shades of grey, it’s the same for fashion. Only using white models or really dark models is not allowing the beautiful colour palette that exists today in the world. Models come in every shade but grey, so show that you can see the whole range.

Any other information you’d like to share with our readers?
As well as being up for a BEFFTA for Best Female Model, I’m also up for a BEFFTA for Best Wardrobe Stylist. I started as a stylist when asked to assist at London Fashion Week events in between my shoots. Since then, I have done a 1940 Vintage photo shoot, bridal shows, African outdoor events and urban catwalk shows. I was inspired to create a company named Bouyon Inc. My team consist of a professional Model Coordinator, a photographer and myself as Stylist and Creative Designer. Bouyon Inc has a website and is on Facebook. I have developed a clientele of designers who have used my skills as both stylist and creative designer to present  professional themed fashion shows, venue decor, commercial or private photo shoots. I get the greatest pleasure from seeing the smiles on the designers’ faces when they see how I have made their designs, craft and accessories comesto life. I am overwhelmed at being nominated for the Stylist BEFTA award for sharing the vision and inspired presentations that I enjoy producing. I aim to continue using my gifts to keep reflecting the designer’s concepts into reality.

How can someone book you?
Through my agent
models@mahoanymodelmanagement.com
Fashions Finest: skydrop6@yahoo.com
samanthastylist@yahoo.com

 

Exclusive Interview with: Kingsley Aikins Diaspora Matters founder and former CEO & President of The Worldwide Ireland Funds

Mr. Mutenza was privileged to interview one of the greatest icon in the Diaspora movement and founder of the renowned Irish Diaspora Matters.

1. Who is Kingsley Aikins?
I am an Irish born and educated person who has lived and worked extensively overseas. I was CEO of the Worldwide Ireland Finds from 1992 to 2011. This year I established a consultancy company Diaspora Matters (www.diasporamatters.com) to work with Governments, companies, organisations and individuals to help them develop strategies to connect with their Diasporas. I write and lecture extensively on diaspora and philanthropy issues and have put together Toolkits on both topics. I am very actively involved with Ireland’s efforts to develop greater connections with her Diaspora.

2. What inspired you?
Two things really. Firstly, I raised a quarter of a billion dollars in the Irish Diaspora to fund projects of Peace, Culture and Charity in Ireland, North and South. This was at zero cost to the Irish government and the Irish taxpayer. I saw the power and influence of the Diaspora in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland.

Secondly, I asked myself a number of questions as follow. What made China the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, what made India a global  technology hub, what made Israel the second largest venture capital country in the world and what helped bring peace to Northern Ireland? To me, the answer to each of those questions was the same ie networking with their diasporas primarily in the USA. When you put it in that context, then the power and potential is obvious.

What inspires me is that so many countries are now realising that and are beginning to see their diasporas as terrific resources but they need to find ways to connect with them. Emigration is being viewed differently and there is the possibility that brain drain can become brain gain and brain exchange. There are 215 million people who live in a country other than the one they were born in and that number has tripled in 40 years. Communications and technology are making it possible to identify and connect with these people in new and innovative ways.

3. Best way to harness the Diaspora?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ but there is, I believe, stages of evolution that countries tend to go through. For many countries, that starts with remittances and moves to philanthropy followed by business networks followed by venture capital. Perhaps the best way to start is to try to figure out what the home country can do for the Diaspora rather than always looking to what the Diaspora can do for the home country. The key is to build networks and begin to apply the 4 phase process of Research, Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship that are outlined in the Diaspora Toolkit.

4. Lessons from Ireland
Every country does it differently and Ireland is no exception. The political problems in Northern Ireland were an ‘ever present’ in diaspora affairs. However, the key lesson for Ireland is that hundreds of different organisations grew up around the world. This, in my view, is a confirmation
that there is no such thing as an Irish Diaspora, rather there are dozens of Irish diasporas and you need different strategies to deal with each one. The glue that keeps them all together is self interest which is why it is important that they need to see that they get something out of the relationship with the home country. In Ireland’s case, some organisations flourished and some failed. Key is always the quality of the leadership. In short, then, I believe in ‘letting a thousand flowers bloom’.

5. Diaspora Bonds
Key here is distribution, credibilty and reportability. Israel and India are the gold standards in this field. Easier said than done.

6 Role of Government
My view is that governments are better as facilitators than implementers but they have a very important role in giving their imprimatur and approval and allowing their facilities eg embassies to be used. However, if the market does not respond, then sometimes they have to intervene to kickstart activity. Obviously, some activities such as the issuance of bonds or certificates of citizenship need to be run by governments.

7. Hillary Clinton’s Initiative
This was the first ever such event held by the US government and was very significant for that. It reinforced a realisation by the US State Department that this is an important topic and is part of America’s ‘soft power’ that can lead to hard impacts. It is also part of the reinvention of how America sees its role in the world and is part of the 21st Century Statecraft approach of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Working closely with US based Diasporas greatly helps America’s influence in the world. I think it is fair to say that peace would not have occurred the way it did in Northern Ireland without the role played by the US government and the Irish Diaspora in the US.

Hillary Clinton has also announced the creation of IdEA - International Diaspora Engagement Alliance - which could play a very big role in the future.

8. Your message to governments who don’t engage their Diaspora
The message is simple. You are missing out. Other countries are now doing it and some of the most successful countries in the world have been doing it very well for a very long time. It is proven to work. Now techology and communications are making it more possible. Migrants tend to be very successful and we need to tap into their success, wealth, contacts, know-how and experience. We now live in a world where it is not who you know, not even what you know but who knows you. The key to success is thriving in a networked age. The world is no longer even about countries but rather cities and regions where clusters of creative people congregate.

9. Investing in Uganda
I have watched Tullow Oil in Uganda....very successful Irish company. I am not in a position to invest but clearly they are very happy with it and this will lead to more. The West needs to understand just what an economic powerhouse Africa is. They don’t, but key people in the Diaspora could help get this message out.

10. Words of encouragement
This is an incredibly exciting time for the potential of developing greater involvement with diasporas. Everybody can play a role and governments need to make that clear. Every government department, corporation, organisation, province, town, village and individual can do something. It needs inspiring leadership and a ‘national call to arms’. If that happens, then amazing results will ensue. Key to success is innovation, identifying people who can make things happen and  engaging the next generation.

Interview: Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage

Uganda is very interested in the Ugandans in the Diaspora and sees them as Ambassadors for marketing Uganda abroad. Accordingly, UTB intends to identify new clusters in which Ugandans in the Diaspora can be mobilized and sensitized so as to encourage not only themselves but also their friends, relatives and acquaintances to visit Uganda.

The Promota: Uganda was selected the world’s tourist destination for the year 2012 by “Lonely planet”, an international publisher of the world’s largest travel guidebook and digital media. How is Uganda Travel Bureau (UTB) taking advantage of this accolade, internationally?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda Tourism Board has incorporated this recognition into the country’s short term and medium term marketing campaign through a number of initiatives including; the use of social media to market the various tourism destinations and products in Uganda; encouraging destination endorsement through familiarization trips by the leading tourism suppliers and celebrities coming to Uganda.

We have emphasized this strategy in all up-coming conferences such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly due to take place in April 2012 and major National events like, the upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations of Uganda 2012.  We are urging the highest levels of political and other structures to embrace it as part of the national promotion initiative.

PM: What are Uganda’s unique selling points?  Have there been any new discoveries or projects taking place?
Ambassador Mugoya: The new projects taking place include,  repositioning of the Tourism sector with the creation of a fully fledged Ministry and prioritization of the sector in the National Development  Plan.

By regional and international comparison, Uganda is exceptionally endowed with unique and rich ecological and cultural resources; hence the historical brand as the “Pearl of Africa” stated by Sir Winston Churchill in 1908.  Over 270 tourist attraction sites have so far been recorded including 10 National Parks and 13 Wildlife Reserves, 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 Community Wildlife Areas, 506 Central Forest Reserves and 191 Local Forest Reserves. All are characterized by mosaic of landscape inhabited by and comprising a unique diversity and richness of wildlife, cultures and way of life of indigenous peoples.

Uganda’s unique selling points include the following; Uganda hosts 54% of the world’s Mountain Gorillas; the Source of the River Nile, the second longest River in the world; more than 1,150 species of birds which equates to 11% of global bird species, and more than 4,500 plant species which makes Uganda an eco-tourism paradise. And Mountain Rwenzori, situated on the Equator, is a mountaineering wonder with permanent snow throughout the year.

Uganda is home to a large number of primates and 8% of the global mammal diversity  including the big five; 19% of the Africa’s amphibian species richness and 14% of Africa’s reptile species richness.  White water rafting, bungee jumping and sport fishing also offer unique experiences on the River Nile.
The country has unique and rich ecological and cultural resources, and is also well known for its wide cultural heritage and excellent hospitality.

PM: Considering the 350,000 Ugandans believed to be in the UK, do you have any plans to tap into this market?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda is very interested in the Ugandans in the Diaspora and sees them as Ambassadors for marketing Uganda abroad. Accordingly, UTB intends to identify new clusters in which Ugandans in the Diaspora can be mobilized and sensitized so as to encourage not only themselves, but also their friends, relatives and acquaintances to visit Uganda. This will be done in collaboration and coordination with the Uganda Missions abroad, as representatives in the source markets.

PM: Uganda earns over 650 million US Dollars from over 500,000 tourists annually.  Why is it that very little is invested in promoting the industry compared to other regional markets?
Ambassador Mugoya:  For sometime the focus of government was on investing in sectors that would  enable the economy to recover, such as agriculture, infrastructure, industry, health, education and security, after the many years of upheaval prior to 1986.  Since then, a lot has been achieved and  the focus is now shifting to sectors likely to further catalyze the growth of the economy such as tourism.

PM: The tourism industry was growing during the most severe economic crisis of a generation, and it was said that the number of international tourists globaly in 2012 would break through the one billion barrier. What are you doing to ensure that tourism is sustained to maintain growth?
Ambassador Mugoya: Steps being undertaken to ensure that tourism is sustained to maintain growth include; the review of Uganda’s Tourism Master plan which expired in 2003, the development of a responsive tourism  marketing strategy, focusing on international, regional and domestic tourism promotion and skills development to ensure quality service delivery.
The Ministry is also positioning itself  to ensure protection and sustainable utilization of Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage resources, reviewing key issues that affect the overall destination competitiveness and carrying out product development through Public Private Partnerships. We have also embarked on the promotion of domestic tourism including the formation of Tourism clubs in schools.

PM: Ugandan Embassies have always been poorly branded and under-utilised when promoting Uganda. Are there any plans to change this in par with most African countries?
Ambassador Mugoya:  Embassies are an important tool for destination promotion. When poorly branded and utilized, they become a weak link in the chain for Tourism promotion. We therefore intend to brand the Embassies, identify and train personnel in order to promote tourism in source markets.  We shall also increase our support to the Embassies with the necessary marketing materials.

PM: Africa is leading the world in mobile commerce with the travel industry at the forefront of the movement, reveals the WTM Global Trends Report, released in early Nvember 2011 at World Travel Market. What plans have been set up by UTB to promote tourism via technology?
Ambassador Mugoya:  UTB together with other strategic Tourism Partners intends to further leverage the power of technology in promoting Uganda as an attractive tourism destination through the development of a National tourism portal and a dedicated social media campaign.

PM: Were the Ministry of Tourism’s expectations realised at the WTM?
Ambassador Mugoya: The Ministry’s expectations were well met during the World Travel Market exhibition. The ministry participated at the highest level of representation. The delegation was led by Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Heritage and included private sector participants.
Overall, the attendance at the Uganda stand was encouraging gauging from the interactions with the participants. The delegation participated in a number of activities, including the Ministerial meeting that addressed the topic ‘How Tourism can prosper during times of uncertainty’. At the Regional Ministers meeting hosted by Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, members discussed joint marketing activities of the East African Region; a networking cocktail for Uganda’s business partners at the Uganda stand, where a number of Uganda’s Tourism attractions were highlighted and the World Travel and Tourism Council meeting.
Uganda registered a substantial number of inquiries on the country’s products, while the private sector participants signed a number of contracts with international tour operators.  The interest in Uganda’s stand reflected the big potential the country has.  During his stay, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu also gave a number of press interviews.

PM: What are the best opportunities to invest in tourism in Uganda and what incentives are in place?
Ambassador Mugoya: Uganda has a favorable investment climate with a one-stop investment centre, the Uganda Investment Authority. The areas for investment include among others, accommodation, tour, travel operations and charter flights, heritage parks, and entertainment centers, water transport, angling/ sport fishing, water rafting, game ranching, restaurants, tourism and hospitality training institutions.

PM: Normalcy is back in Northern Uganda.  Are there any plans to rejuvenate the tourism industry in the region especially the cultural sites?
Ambassador Mugoya:  There are plans to rejuvenate the Tourism Industry in the northern region. The documentation is ongoing of the tourism sites to be put in the database for future development. The preservation of four memorial sites in conjunction with the communities, has already commenced. A strategy to promote the northern slave trade route, covering Fort Patiko, Pabo, Wadelai, Dufile and Nimule is also ongoing. The Fort Patiko trail was launched in September 2011 as part of the activities to mark the World Tourism Day.  Plans are also in advanced stages to develop the Tourism facilities at the Nyero Rock paintings in Eastern Uganda.

Exclusive Interview with His Excellency Maurice Peter Kagimu Kiwanuka Uganda’s Ambassador to Switzerland

The Promota: Can you give us a brief biographical background and current duties?

Maurice: I am Maurice Peter Kagimu Kiwanuka, 50 years old, married, with 3 kids. I am a son to the former Chief Justice the late Ben Kiwanuka, murdered by Amin and his regime.

I am Uganda’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, World Trade Organisation and Other International Organisations. I am based in Geneva. Formerly, I was the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, office of the President, and an ex-officio Member of Parliament. Before that, I was a Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi constituency in Masaka District from 2002 to 2006. In 1994, I represented my constituency in the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s current Constitution.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Makerere University, Kampala, and a Bachelor of Philosophy degree of Urbaniana University, Rome.

I worked in Bank of Uganda as a Banking Officer in the foreign exchange section and in National Housing and Construction Corporation as an Administrative Officer in charge of office administration and group employees, who were so many in this Housing Corporation.

I was at one time an Importer of hardware from Dubai and an Importer of motorcycles and motor vehicle spares from Japan.

What is the role of the Mission in Geneva and how has it promoted trade between Uganda and multinational organizations abundant in Geneva?

Maurice: Briefly, we handle multilateral diplomacy in Human rights and trade among others. In multilateralism, countries negotiate together. In human rights, all countries come together to ensure that all of them respect human rights and the rule of law.

In trade, in the world trade organization, countries group together according to regions like the LDCs (the least developed countries), ACP (Africa, the Caribbean and Pacifi c countries), AG (the African group) among others, to fight for common interests. Uganda belongs to the 3 groups.

Currently, we are fighting for Market access to the Western markets which seem to be very closed. Though they seem to open up, regulations like the phyto sanitary standards, carbon prints, among others make it look like someone giving you with one hand and taking away with the other.

We are now fighting to see that in the ministerial conference in December, (for 10 years the world has failed to implement what they agreed upon in the Doha round) they give LDCs an early harvest (a special package) they agreed upon in HongKong in 2005. In the package were items like DFQF (duty free quota free) market access, services waiver, remove the cotton subsidies given to western farmers among others. However, this is still a very uphill task.

There are also other organizations like Unctad, EIF etc…which give technical support to countries.

WTO is now opening up to support infrastructure development by assisting regions to acquire world bank loans to put up regional infrastructures.

We also do bilateral relations with the government of Switzerland. Currently, we are in the process of re-drafting the investment treaty between Uganda and Switzerland which was last signed in 1971 and which expired in 1976 ! This is a very important treaty on which investors insist because it protects their investments.

So far, more than half of Uganda’s coffee is sold in Switzerland though now our government insists on promoting value addition. So far, a company called Masaba has started selling processed coffee. There are also several Swiss companies in Uganda like Roko.

Swiss companies deal more in pharmaceuticals. For Nestle, we have tried to lure them though not with much success. But we are luring some German companies and recently German businessmen visited Uganda to explore investment opportunities.

Do you think Diasporas have a role to play in Uganda’s development ?

Maurice: Oh my God ! a lot! In fact that’s why I want to come and talk. at next year’s Convention in the UK. Our proverb says : obwavu lwoya lwa mu nyindo, olwejja wekka mu nyindo and Nkoba za mbogo, zejja zokka mu bunnya and omugg’oguli omwa munno tegutta ngo etc….

Many people think that that there is an uncle in Europe who loves us very much and who will come to develop our country. This is very wrong, people come to make dividends and siphon them away ! Take the example of Barclays bank. For how long have they been in Uganda? But look at their poor structures. They would be owning 20 workers houses!

The diaspora sends a lot of money to Uganda : about $1bn a year but it is mainly in real estate and recurrent expenditure for relatives. Its impact is not felt. This is because it is not channeled into production. This is my point and that’s why I want to come and give a talk, to sensitize our people so that even the conventions can have an impact. They have been taking place in the US for long but with little impact apart from housing companies going there to advertise houses for the diaspora to buy!

We have to organize ourselves and invest together. It is high time the elite entered production like for example through large scale mechanized farming. The peasants can no longer feed us plus the region. They are not credit worthy. They cannot qualify for a billion loan. The elite should stop looking at farming as a domain for the uneducated and failures. In the West, farmers are billionaires and educated. All the food is going to Southern Sudan and Kenya. This is a huge opportunity to make money but we need to be organized first. Everybody who gets money only thinks of building a house ! I will develop these points when given a chance to talk.

The mobile telephone companies are siphoning out a lot of dollars. Actually they are the ones which keep the exchange rate high because each buys almost US $ 30million a month to take out and they are about 6 ! Imagine !

Putting up a mobile telephone company requires US $ 100 million. This is a tenth of what the diaspora sends home. If we team up we can do a lot and save our country’s foreign exchange for further development. The sky is the limit. We need to set up a credible company run by serious and credible managers from companies recommended by companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers etc…. This is because, with such companies involved, people can entrust you with their money and besides, one is sure they know what they are doing. These can do great wonders.

Do you think missions in Europe have done enough to mobilise Ugandans in the Diaspora?

Maurice: No, not all. There is plenty we can do. People in the diaspora usually just criticize government, forgetting that problems are opportunities. If we are organized, we can set up a powerful garbage collection company which can do a good job similar to that done in Europe. We can go into a joint venture with an experienced European company because we need expert management.

Do you buy into the new idea that each mission should have a dedicated officer dealing with Diaspora issues, especially guidance and investment support?

Maurice: Definitely, but we have to do something first. Government will just beg us to do that.

What is your opinion on initiatives like the Ugandan UK Convention ?

Maurice: This is a wonderful idea but we should do performance evaluation. Since the last convention what has been achieved? We should set up charters, set goals, make performance evaluations etc….so that it does not become a social gathering. I am yet to see the impact of the US Convention which has been there for many years.

The remittance sent back home by Diasporas is close to a $billion a year. As a former Minister for Economic planning, do you buy into the notion that if Diasporas are empowered, they can even multiply the money they send back home? This includes setting up incentives and policies that are conducive for Diaspora investment.

Maurice: Definitely. The incentives are already there like tax holidays, but they are enjoyed by foreigners. I think before we ask for more favourable policies, let’s use the already available ones. You see, people ask God for blessings without exploiting first those he has already given them !

What do you think about new schemes, like Diaspora bond ?

Maurice: Very wonderful. They can be an addition to what I’ve explained above.

Do you support the idea of setting up a Diaspora Ministry with representative in the parliament to lobby for Diaspora affairs?

Maurice: Definitely, but we have to do something first. It will be automatic. If we lobby for it first it will be like one making way for an ugly princess ! He has to invest a lot in shouting !

Any word of wisdom to the Diasporas?

We can neither become rich individually nor develop our country without coming together to invest together. We should stop thinking of working for our families alone, the ‘nnaasiwa mukange’ business ! -‘only me’ business. P

Contacts: The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Uganda Rue Antoine Carteret, 6bis, 1202 Geneva, 1st Floor Tel: +41 22 339 88 10 Fax: +41 22 340 70 30

Email: Chancery - chancery@ugandamission.ch Visa Applications - consular-visa@ugandamission.ch