Tag: Urban Development

Unveiling Africa’s Economic Boom Behind the Headlines

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

By Nkozi Knight, GreenHomeHub, Knight Investment Group

April 19, 2024

Embracing Africa’s economic upswing, a group of entrepreneurs mirrors the continent’s colorful ascent on the global stage.

African Original travel-reality series, Ebuka Turns Up Africa, featuring celebrated Nigerian star Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

My journey into the heart of Africa’s economic boom began with conversations with my oldest daughter Nkozia who is a frequent visitor to the continent, and my curiosity further peaked from my sectional sofa as I became captivated by Amazon Prime’s series “Ebuka Turns up Africa”. In this television series, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu travels across the continent, exploring hidden gems and navigating the complexities of friendships, relationships, finances, and loyalties. Inspired by the vibrancy and spirit shown in each episode, I was interested in diving deeper and upon my research, I discovered a reality about the continent that is vastly different than the Western media portrayals that mostly reflect poverty and conflict.

The Children of Hope campaign in Malawi presents a snapshot often seen in Western media: youthful faces finding joy amidst the challenges often depicted across the continent.

For years, Africa’s narrative has been dynamically shifting. Long portrayed as a continent primarily of destitution and despair, the real Africa has a much different story. A rich story of booming economies, groundbreaking technologies, and cultural renaissance. This narrative shift reflects a continent ripe with opportunities and a hotbed for growth and innovation in places like my home country of Nigeria, challenging the outdated views held by much of the Western and European media.

Nigeria: The Economic Powerhouse
Leading Africa’s economic charge is Nigeria, currently the continent’s richest country with a GDP of $477 billion as of 2022. With projections by the International Monetary Fund suggesting an ascent to $915 billion by 2028, Nigeria’s economy, fueled by its diverse sectors including oil, gas, and technology, shows no signs of slowing down. Its burgeoning tech industry, particularly in cities like Lagos and Abuja, underscores a broader trend across the continent: a leap into digital and technological entrepreneurship.

The city of Lagos has the tallest skyline in Nigeria. 

Infrastructure and Regional Giants
Significant infrastructural developments such as Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam and Kenya’s expansion of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway illustrate serious strides toward modernization and improved regional connectivity. These projects not only support economic growth but also enhance the daily lives of millions, with technology at the forefront of this renaissance.


Africa’s tech revolution extends beyond my home country of Nigeria. Innovations in mobile banking and renewable energy are pivotal. Mobile banking has transformed financial access for millions, demonstrating a leapfrog over traditional banking barriers. In the realm of sustainable development, nations like Morocco, where my daughter attends school, and South Africa are harnessing wind and solar power, setting new benchmarks for renewable energy.

The cultural sectors throughout Africa is thriving, making significant inroads on the global stage. Nigerian music, South African films, and Ghanaian fashion are capturing international audiences, showcasing the continent’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and its something to truly be admired.

Cape Town South Africa

Economic Landscape

The economic landscape across Africa is as rich and varied as its cultural tapestry, with nations like South Africa and Egypt featuring robust, diversified economies that span mining, agriculture, and a burgeoning service and tourism industry. Algeria’s substantial oil and natural gas reserves play a crucial role in its financial health, echoing Angola’s reliance on its natural resources. Morocco’s vibrant economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and a growing industrial sector.

Also, Kenya’s status as a regional economic hub is cemented by its diverse economy that embraces services, agriculture, and tourism. Ghana’s growth is buoyed by its agricultural base, complemented by significant oil and gas sectors. Tanzania, where my daughter recently visited, leverages its natural beauty and resources with a flourishing tourism and finance sector. Meanwhile, the beautiful people of Ethiopia are charting a path of rapid economic expansion, driven by sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and ambitious infrastructure projects.

The economic diversity across Africa is a story we need to hear more of as it reflects the resilience of the continent’s people who still deal with the theft of resources from European countries who often threaten to make topple their governments if they refuse to comply. Despite this, Africa’s adaptive and innovative spirit helps shape a new narrative of prosperity on the global economic stage.

Ethiopian Airlines pilot and flight crew

Confronting Stereotypes

Yet, despite these successes, Western portrayals often remain focused on negative aspects, overshadowing the continent’s achievements. This skewed narrative can influence public perception and policy in ways that are not reflective of the current African reality. African leaders and thinkers are calling for a more balanced portrayal that recognizes both the challenges and the immense progress being made.

Ebuka Turns up Africa

As the stories of 2024 unfold, it’s evident that Africa’s rise is not just in spite of Western media narratives but perhaps because it defies them. From the bustling markets of Cairo to the stunning vineyards of Cape Town, innovation, growth, and cultural vibrancy weave a rich tapestry that demands a global reevaluation. The legacy of resource extraction by countries like France and Great Britain is being overwritten by a new chapter of African self-determination and prosperity.

Shows like Ebuka Turns up Africa serve as a clarion call, inviting viewers to step beyond the screen and witness firsthand the continent’s transformation. The call is not just to watch, but to participate; to swap the well-trodden paths to Europe or the beaches of Mexico for the opportunity to immerse oneself in the tapestry of Africa’s economic prowess and cultural renaissance.

Let 2024 be the year where more travelers like myself, choose African destinations, where investment flows not just to traditional markets but to the burgeoning cities and industries across the African continent. This is not just an invitation; it’s a call to be part of a historical movement where one can witness a continent coming into its own, with success stories like Ebuka’s becoming the norm, celebrated and shared with the world. It’s time to rise from our sofas, set foot on African soil, and experience the continent’s heartbeat for ourselves.

Shades of Gray: The Historical Impact of Political Policies and the Importance of Knowing Our Past

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Decades ago, the corridors of American politics witnessed a series of decisions that would dramatically reshape the landscape of African American communities. This story begins in the halls of power, where policies and laws were crafted, setting off a chain of events that would echo through generations. From the Reagan era’s war on drugs to the legislative intricacies underpinning Joe Biden’s rise in the political arena, these decisions painted a complex picture of intention versus impact. This aim is to untangle this complex web, tracing the roots of policies that have left a lasting imprint on society. We delve into the intricate interplay of legislation and its intended consequences, piecing together how political maneuvers have sculpturally shaped the realities of countless individuals and communities across the nation.

The 1980s, under the presidency of Ronald Reagan, marked a pivotal era where international intrigue and domestic policy collided. The Iran-Contra Affair, a scandal defined by covert arms sales and secret funding, not only dominated headlines but also served as a backdrop to the escalating War on Drugs. This war, declared with a mission to eradicate drug abuse, inadvertently laid the groundwork for a crisis in African American communities.

Simultaneously, a young senator named Joe Biden was rising through the political ranks. A figure who would come to shape significant aspects of criminal justice policy, Biden’s career in the 1980s and beyond reflects the complex relationship between American politics and the African American community. His role in shaping the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, with its disparate sentencing for crack and powder cocaine, had far-reaching impacts, disproportionately affecting African Americans and contributing to a surge in incarceration rates.

As the narrative progressed into the 1990s, Biden’s influence continued to grow. His involvement in crafting the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act further entrenched the trend of mass incarceration. Though aimed at addressing rampant crime, the bill’s consequences rippled through African American communities, deepening the chasms of inequality.

Decades later, during his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden’s rhetoric reflected a shift. His acknowledgment of the impact of these policies, coupled with promises of reform, marked a departure from his earlier stances. However, this shift was not without its controversies. Biden’s declaration in a 2020 interview that questioned African American allegiance to the Democratic Party sparked a conversation about the taken-for-granted African American vote in U.S. politics.

Biden’s long-standing pledge to Zionism, mirroring the broader U.S. political landscape’s support for Israel, further adds to the narrative’s complexity. It reflects a broader theme in American politics: the alignment of foreign policy interests, often at the expense of addressing pressing domestic issues.

The story of U.S. drug policy and its impact on African American communities, intertwined with Biden’s career, stands as a testament to the cyclical nature of political priorities and the often contradictory nature of government policies. It highlights a dissonance between the quest for votes from minority communities and the legislative actions that have historically impacted them.

This evolving narrative, chronicled over several decades and various administrations, is not merely a historical account; it serves as a reflective mirror for American society. In an era where political promises ebb and flow with the tide of public opinion, the importance of scrutinizing policy decisions and understanding their long-term impacts becomes paramount. As voters, the responsibility lies in our hands to delve into the history of those we elect into power.

It’s a reminder that genuine representation in the corridors of power and accountability are not just political ideals but necessities. As we stand at the crossroads of another election, it is crucial to remember that the votes we cast are echoes of our collective history and aspirations. We must challenge ourselves to look beyond the rhetoric, to understand the past of those we entrust with our future, ensuring our decisions are informed, and our voices are heard in shaping a more equitable and just society. As James Baldwin once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

The Lingering Shadows of Imperialism: Exploitation of African Nations

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

As someone who has served in the military, I’ve had firsthand insight into the geopolitical dynamics that still play out across the globe. One particular issue that has always been close to my heart is the persistent exploitation of African nations by former colonial powers and the United States.

Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, serves as a stark example. It is the source of 5% of the world’s uranium, a precious resource vital for nuclear energy and weapons. Yet, despite its immense wealth beneath the ground, Niger consistently ranks as one of the world’s poorest countries. This incongruity can be attributed to the continued imperialism and exploitative tactics employed by Western nations.

Historically, countries like France and Great Britain have left indelible marks on Africa, ostensibly ending colonization, but in truth, perpetuating a new form of neocolonialism. France, for instance, still exerts considerable economic influence on many of its former colonies, including Niger. Complex agreements and unequal trade dynamics ensure that while African nations supply raw materials, they see only a fraction of the profits.

The United States, though not a colonial power in Africa, has also been implicated in this exploitative dynamic. The establishment of military bases across the continent serves dual purposes: it’s positioned as a safeguard against extremism and other threats, but it also ensures that the U.S. maintains a stronghold to protect its interests, which often include access to natural resources. During my time in the military, it was evident how strategic positioning wasn’t just about national security, but also about economic leverage.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that while African countries export raw materials, they often have to import finished products at higher prices, further entrenching them in a cycle of poverty. The revenues from these natural resources, like uranium from Niger, do not equitably benefit the local communities. Instead, profits are siphoned off by multinational corporations and corrupt leaders, leaving the general populace grappling with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.

Addressing this exploitation requires a multipronged approach:

  1. Transparency in Trade Deals: International trade agreements involving African nations must be transparent, ensuring that they benefit local communities as much as they do foreign entities.
  2. Empowering Local Economies: Investing in local infrastructure, education, and healthcare can help African nations process their own resources, creating jobs and reducing dependency on imports.
  3. International Accountability: Global institutions, such as the UN, must hold countries accountable for exploitative practices, ushering in a new era of equitable and fair trade.

While the flags of colonial powers no longer fly over African capitals, the shadows of imperialism linger. It’s a collective responsibility, both of African governments and the international community, to dismantle these remnants of exploitation and pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for the continent. As someone who has seen the intricacies of this exploitation up close, I urge everyone to educate themselves, advocate for change, and support policies that promote fairness and justice.

What Emmett Till’s Mother Taught Me About Grief and Justice

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

On Feb. 26, 2012, my entire life changed in ways that I could never imagine. Within an instant, after the brutal and inhumane killing of my son, …

What Emmett Till’s Mother Taught Me About Grief and Justice

Five ways of expanding your business internationally

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

The global economy is changing thanks to worldwide connectivity. Companies across the globe are communicating with others without delays or hassles …

Five ways of expanding your business internationally

5 Tips to Get Your First Business off the Ground

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Building your first business is tough. Building any business is tough, but your first is going to be especially difficult – you have no mistakes to …

5 Tips to Get Your First Business off the Ground

5 Steps For Building Trust And Credibility

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

In today’s hyper-connected and transparent marketplace, brands and products arrive and depart at hypersonic speeds.

According to the 2012 Edelman Trust Barometer, For the first time, trust and transparency are just as important to a company’s reputation as the quality of their products and services. In U.S.A., these two elements stand even higher than product quality.

Cautious of fraud, scams, and scheming marketing tactics, customers are beginning to perceive the world defined by genuine or contrived. More often than not, they’re basing their buying decisions on how authentic they judge an offer to be.

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Unfortunately though, many companies don’t practice trustworthiness and credibility. Alternatively, they attempt to grow their firms based what they believe customers want to hear.

But listening to prospects and customers and mindlessly responding back what they state isn’t going to earn trust or relationship capital from the customer. It is not about deceiving people with amazing commitments. Rather, it is about courageously proclaiming what you believe, and then withdrawing to observe who is attracted to your idea.

Credible brands are able to earn a loyal following; a social community, so to speak. Happy customers will share their experiences with peers and friends, and if the company stays true to its messaging and continues to deliver products and/or service that are in alignment with the customers’ hopes, it will be on the path toward building a relationship capital brand built for the long-run.

If you’re thinking of elevating your organizational culture, launching a startup or developing a brand, think of the 4 attributes of earning Relationship Capital (RC):

•Character
•Competence
•Good Intent
•Proactivity

Take the Free Relationship Capital (RC) Test. I welcome you to take this assessment in confidence as we never share this information outside Standard of Trust.

 5 Steps For Building Trust And Credibility

The following steps are by no means the only ways to build trust, credibility, and relationship capital, but they are the most important.

1. Define Your Purpose and Guiding Principles

The first step is to determine what your credibility is composed of. You will need to choose which guiding principles you are willing to commit to no matter what. If you commit to the open standard principles of Relationship Capital (RC), they are the following:
•Honesty
•Accountability
•Responsibility
•Support
•Respect
•Trustworthiness
•Emotional Boundaries

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Your ability to embed this relationship capital guiding principles into your company’s purpose will be an effective way in earning and building relationship capital with your stakeholders that will sustain long-term distinction.

For example, the Purpose of the Standard of Trust Group is:

To make a difference to business organizations and their stakeholder relationships through the capture, measurement, and utilization of open standards of relationship capital. To assist business leaders and their organizations to compete by out-behaving the competition.

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Let me “Warn” you. Do not make superficial commitments to the relationship capital guiding principles or other principles you may select. Inauthentic behavior will be found out by the social and digitally connected tribe and your reputation and credibility will be damaged

2. Determine How You Will Demonstrate Authenticity

Look for the moments to demonstrate your authenticity. Whether it’s online with social media or your LinkedIn blog, or in offline interactions with others, take the time to learn and understand your audience and permit to learn and understand you too.

3. Be Open

How far would you go to show your authenticity and credibility? Decide how you will demonstrate your guiding principles and how open you want to be. Then make a plan of action for showcasing this openness.

4. Be Consistent

Keep your communications consistent. The messages that you’re sending out through marketing, promotions and social media should be in alignment with the offline experience that you provide to customers.

5. Prepare For Resistance

Finally, get ready for the resistance. When you build a certain level of awareness, you’re going to get people who oppose. Don’t let this dishearten you or sidetrack you from your guiding principles and purpose. Stay committed to your principles, and you will earn respect (and relationship capital) from the people around you. Your loyal and customers, employees, partners, and brand ambassadors will defend and support you.

Conclusion

Whether a business leader, entrepreneur or startup, committing your authentic self is about being true to your guiding principles and fulfilling your stated commitments to your stakeholders (customers, employees, or partners).

Leading with authenticity is not for everyone, but those who decide to utilize this as the foundation for establishing or nurturing a relationship capital business or a relationship capital brand will learn that building a company based on purpose, performance, and relationship capital will provide sustainability despite the accelerating changes that may come in the future.

By Robert Peters

Sources: Standard of Trust: Leadership

Urban Ecology Center- Riverside Park

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Image I am always amazed when I find new and exciting places to visit here in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and Urban Ecology Center’s Riverside Park is one of those places. Made of 76% recycled material, the Urban Ecology Center “Green” building boast that it using rain water for all restroom purposes and is not connected to the Lake Michigan water filtration system, saving thousands of dollars a year. On the roof are solar panels that produce enough energy to sustain it for the summer months and get a rebate from Wisconsin Electric Energies (WE Energies). The hardwood maple floor is over 100 years old and was donated after the demolition of a nearby elementary school gym. The wraparound porch is made entirely of wood scraps of trees from Africa from the construction of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Although the building is amazing, the best feature of the Urban Ecology Center is its people.

Led by the unassuming Executive Director, Ken Leinbach, the Urban Ecology Center has grown year after year as one of the key organizations designed to connect urban areas with the beauty of the outdoors. In just 10 years the organization has grown from a $50,000.00 annual budget to over $3 million dollars as of the 2011. To ensure that all of the employees of the Urban Ecology Center share the vision of the organization, they are required to go on a 3 day camping retreat with no access to technology while being immersed in nature. This helps drive the purpose of the mission and the importance of what they look to accomplish; improving the relationship between nature and the urban community while promoting green energy alternatives.

If you are interested in learning more about what the Urban Ecology Center has to offer, please visit their website at: http://urbanecologycenter.org/ for more information.