1. 1 year ago 

   RE-BRANDING AFRICA: Introduction

   I’m convinced that a large part of what holds Africa (and others) back from being a “developed continent” stems from a less than desirable branding trend. The international aid community has done a phenomenal job of branding her as some sort of Mad Max desert overrun with corruption, disease and poverty. However, I assure you that is not representative of the Africa I know and love.
   
   The typical American (and Sarah Palin) doesn’t understand that Africa is actually a continent, the second largest in the world, not a country. She’s overflowing with natural resources and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. She produces 46% of the world’s chromium, 48% of its diamonds, 29% of its gold and 48% of its platinum, just to name a few of her attributes.
   
   I’ve always said “Hey, if you don’t brand yourself, the market will do it for you, and it may not be as glowing of a brand as you’d hope for.” That is certainly the case with Africa. But it’s not too late. In fact there’s good momentum in the right direction (thank you Bono).
   
   It’s time to start re-branding Africa for what she really is; one of the most awe inspiring continents on the planet, abundant with resources and room to make it all happen.  So I’m writing a series of blogs on this topic. No idea how many there will be, but it’s a multifaceted topic, so probably quite a few.

2. Notes

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These are my thoughts, and more likely my agendas. Let’s call a spade a spade. I want to inspire people to treat each other with love and respect, and to live each second as if it were our last.

At the end of the day, I appreciate the journey, good and bad. I believe there is purpose in everything; literally everything. And the more I embrace that, the more I truly live; the more peace I have.

I believe in the social entrepreneur model, as opposed to the traditional forms of aid that have crippled developing nations for decades. And on top of that, I believe the fashion industry is one of the best industries to leverage as a tool to combat poverty and help restore dignity to developing nations. So that's my thing. If that's not appealing, you might want to read a different blog.

I believe in the power and importance of ubuntu. I aspire to do more…more than I have to. I won’t "change the whole world", but I intend to make some significant improvements along the way as I try. And I’ll fight for all sorts of justice, up to the day they throw dirt on me.

I thank God that I get to live this life. Carpe diem.

+ Comments are welcome. I'd love for this to be a two way conversation. +

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