It was in September 2020 when we launched Jambo Africa Online as an uncompromising pan African business platform. I look back and wonder how did we make it to this far? This question does not speak to our competence and expertise as knowledge producers but it speaks to us having achieved so much with no support from the advertising industry, none of African countries’ governments, the African Union and or their agencies. It has been, literally, a labour of love: sweat, sacrifice, resilience and insatiable doses of our desire and resolve to survive against all odds. We knocked on doors, promises were made but never kept. This neither deterred nor dampened our spirit. We have soldiered on, week in and week out, churning out one edition after another.
What sustained us? First, our love for this continent. Second, your support as our loyal reader: the positive feedback you’ve been giving us. Third, other subsidiary companies within the Brandhill Africa group carrying us. Four, and most significantly, our unwavering commitment to pursuing this mandate we’ve given to ourselves: to produce information that could empower our people – senior government officials, diplomatic corps, policy analysts, business chambers and individual entrepreneurs – by de/constructing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Research clearly indicates “Made in Africa” service and product brands are under siege. Our consumers are cavorting with foreign brands dumped into this continent. We don’t blame such brands or their owners. The question is what is it that we as Africans doing to ensure we position our brands in such a way that our consumers perceive them positively. Do we invest sufficient resources into our brand management?
Our contribution as Brandhill Africa™ is through business publishing – producing, inter alia, this news portal. Business publishing plays a crucial role in the development of the African economy. It provides valuable information, insights, and resources to entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals, helping them to make informed decisions and drive growth and innovation in their industries.
In a rapidly developing continent like Africa, where new businesses and industries are emerging all the time, business publishing is especially important. By providing access to the latest trends, best practices, and cutting-edge ideas, business publishing can help entrepreneurs and business owners stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them.
Business publishing also plays a key role in promoting transparency and accountability in African businesses. By providing in-depth coverage of the business landscape and sharing information about the successes and challenges faced by businesses across the continent, business publishing helps to shine a light on the key issues and trends that are affecting African businesses and provides a platform for discussion and debate about these issues.
In addition to providing valuable information and insights, business publishing can also play a role in supporting the development of the wider African economy. By promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, business publishing can help to create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and support the long-term development of the African economy.
Overall, business publishing is a critical component of the African business landscape, and it is essential that it continues to evolve and grow in response to the changing needs and demands of businesses across the continent. By providing access to valuable information, insights, and resources, business publishing has the potential to support the growth and success of African businesses for years to come.
We do believe there are several reasons why it is important for Africa to develop its own media:
- Representation and Voice: Developing a strong media sector in Africa can provide a platform for African voices, stories, and perspectives to be shared on a global stage. This can help promote greater understanding and appreciation of the diversity and richness of African culture, history, and experiences.
- Economic Development: A strong and vibrant media sector can play a key role in supporting economic development by promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.
- Increased Connectivity: Developing African media can help to connect people across the continent and foster greater understanding and collaboration among different countries, communities, and cultures.
- Improved Democracy: A free and independent media sector is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, which are critical components of a healthy democracy.
- Improved Access to Information: Developing a strong media sector in Africa can provide greater access to information and news for people in rural and remote areas, helping to bridge the digital divide and reduce poverty and inequality.
- Cultural Preservation: Developing African media can help to preserve cultural heritage and traditions by promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the continent’s rich cultural heritage.
We are fully convinced that the development of a strong and independent media sector in Africa is important for promoting representation, voice, economic development, connectivity, democracy, access to information, and cultural preservation. By fostering greater understanding and collaboration among different communities and cultures, African media can play a vital role in promoting greater peace, prosperity, and stability on the continent.
Yes, we’re ready to forge partnerships with those ready to contribute to the brand re-engineering of Africa. Direct benefits for them are plenty. Some of the key benefits include:
- Increased visibility and brand awareness: By sponsoring business publishing, organizations can increase their visibility and brand awareness among their target audiences, including entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. This can help to build brand recognition and establish the organization as a thought leader in its industry.
- Access to a targeted audience: Business publishing often has a highly targeted audience, including entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals who are interested in learning about the latest trends and best practices in their industries. By sponsoring business publishing, organizations can reach this audience directly and build relationships with them over time.
- Opportunity to showcase expertise: Sponsoring business publishing provides organizations with an opportunity to showcase their expertise and thought leadership in their industries. By contributing content, participating in interviews, or hosting events, organizations can position themselves as experts in their fields and build their credibility with their target audiences.
- Networking opportunities: Business publishing often attracts a wide range of entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals, providing organizations with an opportunity to network and connect with potential partners, customers, and suppliers.
- Support for the wider business community: Sponsoring business publishing is a way for organizations to give back to the wider business community and support the growth and development of businesses across Africa. By supporting business publishing initiatives, organizations can help to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in the region.
Indeed, partnering with a business publishing initiative such as ourselves can be a valuable investment for organizations operating in Africa, offering a range of benefits that can help to build brand recognition, reach new audiences, and support the growth and success of businesses across the continent.
Do come onboard.
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
Publisher, Group Chairman & CEO
Brandhill Africa™
Tel: +27 11 759 4297
Mobile: +27 83 635 7773
eMail: saul.molobi@brandhillafrica.com
Website: www.brandhillafrica.com
Social Media: LinkedIn / Twitter / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter / Jambo Africa Online / WhatsApp Group