Mulday Mondays: Day Zero in Cape Town, South Africa

This is an oldie but goodie in explaining Water Security. 

CAPE TOWN 

In the beginning of the month, we touched on just how close Cape Town, SA was to Day Zero of having no water supply. The imbalance in distribution of water across the region including weak water policies have contributed to the water shortage in Cape Town. Other issues such as failing waste water plants and poor water system infrastructure to treat sewage that needed a major upgrade also made this situation worse. South Africa is the largest food producer for Southern Africa, the agriculture sector consumes about 60% of all water use in the country. This water shortage crisis in Cape Town will result to water stress towards neighboring countries that will also lead to Food, Water, and Energy security towards the entire region.

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS WITH A POINT SYSTEM

Cape Town has officially announced that each person in the city will be given an allowance of 25 liters a day (6 gallons) of water. Yet the public has heard no immediate solutions from the government on making sure this catastrophe does not repeat itself years later. Cape Town has failed to look at the other dangers that come with hygiene and water access.  

This is repeated so often in discussions with water access and challenges that face women in global south spaces, Menstrual Hygiene. The inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene for women brings more challenges than solutions and should never be gambled or minimized.

Put aside that poor menstrual hygiene leads to a host of health issues such as: UTI’s (ask any woman in your life just how great this feels), Constipation and a Range of infections.

What do you think school attendance will look like for girls attending school in the region compared to boys?

“Do you know that washing your hands can prevent over half of the water borne related illnesses? Granted the WATER IS CLEAN.
”

— Handwashing

Inadequate W.A.S.H(Water Sanitation and Hygiene) affects Public Health, Waterborne Diseases, Vector-Born Diseases, Nutrition, Gender, Education, and Disaster Management. Inadequate W.A.S.H(Water Sanitation and Hygiene) affects Public Health, Waterborne Diseases, Vector-Born Diseases, Nutrition, Gender, Education, and Disaster Management. The Cape Town government has been reactive and not proactive even at this moment. While Citizens are being asked to sacrifice their health and wellness, the government is still not working on the real issues.

The city recommends people take no more than 2 showers a week

The city also encourages using the ocean for washing. However, if people cannot flush often, care to guess how quickly Open Defecation might be an issue?

How much water do you use daily? Try this Water Calculator out!

                         TOURISM TAKES A HIT

It is reported that numbers of tourists are cancelling their trips to Cape Town. You can imagine tourists might not be okay with one flush a day, personal hygiene in the ocean or showering twice a week.
 

   CAPITALIST SEES ONLY SOLUTIONS 

RAINBOW GASTRONOMY WITH NO WATER

Cape Town Food Designers, are making the best of no water in Cape Town, by making sure to use only salt tolerant vegetables. This is the type of unique ingenuity expected from Chefs of the “Rainbow Cuisine”. Rainbow Cuisine is the term used to describe South African Gastronomy. This ingenuity makes South African chefs, cooks, and food designers important players in the overall narrative of African Gastronomy. This is also a tool that can be used for their niche Gastrodiplomacy in interacting with other countries that are experiencing similar water shortage issues.

DRY BATH-BATHING WITH NO WATER BY MR. MARISHANE

If you had to walk a mile for a jug of water every day, as millions of people do, it's unlikely you'd use that precious water to bathe. Young entrepreneur Ludwick Marishane tells the amazing, funny story of how he invented a cheap, clean and convenient solution: DryBath, the world's first bath-substituting lotion.

Want to know more about his products?

See you next  Mulday

.

Cassava Tuesdays: Where is Morna in the Cabo Verde Brand?

“The thread to the fibers of the Green Cape

The heart beat of cape verdean people ”

— Morna Music

SIDE BAR #1

My younger years, this was the flag of Cabo Verde. The current flag came to be in 1992 but this flag below shares the familiar colors we associate with Pan African Colors.

Pan-Nationalism is quite a common theme throughout Africa. Western Asia and North Africa States sometimes labeled as Pan-Arab States share similar flag colors. Think of the following countries and the colors of their flags: - Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and United Arab Emirates.

the current flag of cabo verde

“The (10)gold stars represent the (10) islands of the country.

Dark blue represents the Atlantic Ocean

The Red Stripe - Represents the road to economic progress.”

— Cape Verde

“ On a scale of 0 (Highly Corrupt), 100 (Very Clean)

Cape Verde scores 59 ”

— Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International

Capital: Praia
Languages Spoken: Portuguese, Creole
Religion: Christianity, Islam(Very small minority)
Population: 539,560

Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva

President Jorge Carlos Fonseca

“Depending on which Island, Self- Identity/Cultural Identity can be tricky. The countries listed below influence Identity Politics and Cultural Hertiage:
Brazil
Portugal
United States
Netherlands”

— Struggles of Colonialism- Water & Cassava

“Cabo Verde scores 56.24/100 on the ease of doing business.
”

— The World Bank Group (Doingbusiness.org)

Cape Verde currency...Does that face look familiar??? Look Below.... She sang with no shoes in solidaritary  of poor women that could not afford shoes.

“Do you know your phones?
Lusophone- Portuguese
Arabophone-Arabic
Francophone- French
Anglophone-English
Hispaniphone-Spanish
Rusophone-Russian”

— Behind Water & Cassava (Half Anglophone/ Half Francophone)

THE PAST

Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral, (G.O.A.T).  (1924-1973)

OUR BROTHER IS ALWAYS OUR BROTHER

Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral, we shall call him (Grande Irmao) of African Lusophone spaces. He is credited to be the architect of freeing Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde from Portugal.  He founded and lead the organization, Partido Africano da Independência da Guiné e Cabo Verde (PAIGC). This is the reason for the still close relationship between Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. Both countries still consider each other as brother countries because of their joint colonial past in fighting for independence. He is also one of the founding fathers of the Angolan political party, MPLA (Movimento Popular Libertação de Angola). I hope to touch on the other founder Agostinho Neto on another Cassava Tuesday for my take on Angola. All two were close to Mozambique’s Eduardo Mondlane a force to be reckoned with on his own right. Our three musketeers were mates at the University of Lisbon.  All three men are very important to the Lusophone political narratives in Africa.

Unfortunately, as most of our stories go with fighters of colonialism in Africa, Mr. Lopes was murdered by some disgruntled PAIGC members with the help of the Portuguese police and never lived to see an independent Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde. I should note that American Intelligence deny any intervention of the Portuguese and claim that this as an issue of Creoles(Mulattos) not wanting him to be leader of the party and president of the country.

“Our Lusophony brothers and sisters are passionate about him as the Francophones feel about Patrice Lumumba and Thomas Sankara. The Anglophones on Steven Biko and Kwame Nkrumah. The Arabophone on Gamal Hussein.

All those phones in a sentence.. go use a phone today..”

— Water & Cassava

A song for our Lusophony friends by the Cape Verdean Queen of Morna, Cesaria Evora. That is the lady on the currency above this text. This song could be an ode to Angola during the time of civil war about still seeing and loving the beauty of Angola. This song also has some Cape Verdean Creole, which makes it a bit difficult to translate. It is still such a beautiful song, I hope you enjoy.

COUNTRY BRANDING EXAMPLES

  A country that is: Clean, Modern, Secure, (Outside)
   
Safe/Attractive Airline Carrier, Culturally Seductive, Positive Reputation and Behavior (Inside)

Benefits: Media and Tourists love you and it feels like this

Uploaded by Be_ Gentel on 2016-04-03.

Let's take a look at the Republic of Mauritius through the lenses of Air Mauritius

Description

now

A country that is: In-War, Transitioning out of War, High Crime, Severe Poverty(Outside)
Corruption, Citizens abuse Tourists, Poor or Inadequate Infrastructure (Inside)

Expectations: No Tourists and the Media will show more of this below. 

 Let's look at Libya through Libyan Airlines just in case the media is biased. 

أكثر من نصف قرن من العطاء ،، ليس الافضل و لكن من هنا البداية نحو الأفضل ..

Do you see yourself excited for that trip to Tripoli? Libya or Mauritius?

“Cape Verde Scores

72.2- Overall Governance Score

76.1-Safety & Rule of Law

78.0- Participation & Human Rights

60.6-Sustainable Economic Opportunity

74.0-Human Development”

— Ibrahim Index of African Governance

cape verde or cabo verde or green cape or .......

This is the importance for branding your country correctly.  This issue was so important that the country asked the United Nations to formally recognize a name change to Cabo Verde.

WHERE IS THE MORNA IN BRANDING?

There is something missing in the brand of Cabo Verde.  There are tools in their branding box, but the government is not investing in the box to promote the brand effectively. We will go through problems and opportunities for Cabo Verde in this section. 

The lack of appreciation towards country branding and working on investments that support the brand of the country thoroughly is the norm with some African countries. This is not to bash our Cape Verdean friends, few African countries truly invest in their brand and even their soft power, which we refer here to as Cassava Diplomacy. Interesting enough, despite the lack of investing in infrastructure that supports brands and soft tools, there are no issues with enjoying tools and brands from China and from former colonial countries. 

Branding examples and Soft Tools IN AFRICAN SPACES

• My use of all those phones
• Francophone countries in Africa that still view boulangeries to be of upper class but the local bakery to be for the locals. They can say Merci to Napoleon, his goal of francophonising the world down to cuisine is still effective.
• Lusophones are you Latin, Hispanic or Lusitanic? Please do not bring this up among people who identify as Lusophone unless you want to feel all their passion and love for all that is Portuguese. Please take my word for this, speaking to Mozambicans, Angolans, Brazilians you shall just be passion-ed to death.
•  The Anglophones in Africa  proudly say: My English name is…
   

BRANDING PROBLEM #1

COUNTRY CARRIER (NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS OF 3/18)

As discussed earlier with our Cassava Tuesday entries, part of the country brand must include a country carrier. The role of a country carrier is not just for quick safe transportation but to sell the country. This separates countries that are Developed, Underdeveloped and “the other”.

Inflight Magazines and Infight Entertainment highlight key players and areas of your destination. They are purposely designed to promote: Investment Opportunities, Culture, and Tourism, they are tools found in the country brand box. In this age of International Relations or state play, never forget that if the global community does not eat like you, drink like you, watch your entertainment, vacation with you, wear you as fashion. You do not matter, you are other and fair game to push other states’ soft tools or brand.

TACV Cabo Verde Airline is the country carrier of Cabo Verde but have you seen this airline before? They fly to ten destinations in North America, South America, and Europe, still does not ring a bell?

You can have a country carrier but if you do not market your brand effectively, you might as well not have one. It becomes an expense and not an asset for the country brand. Speaking of expenses, as of last year Loftleidir Icelandic will take over all marketing and business operations as the new strategic management partner of TACV. In return Loftleidir Icelandic, will have “right of first refusal” to own majority stake in TACV and Cabo Verde will be a minority holder. TACV is currently in the red of about $100 +million and as of last month, Cape Verde has decided to privatize the airline by March 2018.

SIDEBAR #2: COOL NORTH DIPLOMACY

Icelandair Group owns Loftleidir Icelandic which is the largest corporation in Iceland. So, let us say Thank you to Cabo Verde for pushing the country brand of Iceland. One country's lack of understanding in branding is another's soft power. In case you were curious, the Nordic country is part of a collective in diplomacy known as Cool North Diplomacy. 

OPPORTUNITY  #1

BLUE TOURISM- ACTIVE SPORTS TOURISM

At the coast of west Africa, there is a serious business of fun in the sun. From nearly nothing just a few years ago, water sports have taken off in Cape Verde. It's even been named one of the world's best places to surf. Now the government is trying to catch the wave.

“Cabo Verde’s (Cape Verde’s) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 4.9% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 3.0% in the previous quarter”

— MacuHub

OPPORTUNITY #2

Attracting new markets and adding variety to its tourism package -- that is what Cape Verde chamber of tourism believes can help boost an already lucrative sector. Tourism is the highest foreign exchange earner in the country, which is made up of 10 islands off the West African coast.

“More Cape Verde Citizens stay in Brazil, Portugal, United States and Netherlands”

BRANDING PROBLEM #2-HUMAN CAPITAL FIGHT

Cape Verde is a collection of 12 islands off the coast of North-west Africa. Here, foreigners outnumber locals, and 9 percent of the country's GDP comes from expatriates. Cape Verde has few natural resources, little arable land and is prone to drought - just some of the reasons why many residents are desperate to move to greener pastures.

OPPORTUNITY #3- NEIGHBOR APPEAL

The Ghanian Company, Trasacco group purchased land in Sal Island for the purpose of tomato production. 

““We expect an investment of approximately 140 million euros, employing 3,600 workers, providing housing for most of them, to export approximately 150,000 tons of tomato per year, worth approximately 300 million euros”

— CEO of the FOISal company, Ronald Quist

OPPORTUNITY #4- GLOBAL APPEAL 

“Tourisim accounted for 44 % of the GDP in 2016.”

— World Travel & Tourism Council

The country will exempt all E.U citizens from visas to visit the country in hopes to boost tourism by 7%. This is excellent in promoting the brand because European tourist make for a huge chunk of visitors. It would be much better if this was extended to all African states, like other African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and the island country of Seychelles dropping visa requirements for other African countries. Global Appeal is only believable if your neighbors do the boasting for your brand. 

SIDEBAR #3: THE CASE OF CHINA  

The “Belt and Road” Initiative is about China Soft Power in African Spaces. This is not about economic and social development for Cabo Verde. This is China playing the game of Power and Engagement. Be CAUTIOUS of state to state “friendship” in which one state has HARD AND SOFT POWER. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton called this Smart Power, that was the approach of Uncle Sam’s interaction with China during her term.

China is playing and Cabo Verde is getting played, you would have to go back on our MulDay entry on Africa Blue Economics and Overfishing to understand this piece. 

Cape Verde's leaders said they support the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's trip. Both countries plan to deepen bilateral cooperation. Wang Yi said Cape Verde is one of China's most important partners in Africa -- and that their bilateral friendship sets an example for large and small countries on mutual respect and treating each other equally.

The Brand of Cabo Verde must invest and work on diversifying the economy and even focusing on entrepreneurship.

Institute of Surfing-Cabo Verde, Do not laugh at me. There is a Cannabis University in the states making millions in revenue. To know more about Oaksterdam University and their subjects that include Business Courses, Cannabis Laws and Raising the best bud

Europe makes up for the largest trading partner and foreign investment for Cabo Verde. This is highly problematic and feeds into the poverty rate of the country. Cabo Verde needs to work with more African countries in this area not Europe. Reach out to Mauritius perhaps?

We shall leave you with the Princess of Morna, see you next Cassava Tuesday!

Cassava Tuesdays: The Curious Case of The Republic of Botswana

President Ian Khama (He is living next year)

Map of Botswana

Capital: Gaborone
Languages Spoken: English, Tswana
Religion: Majority Christian
Prime Minister: Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

Bostwana Currency: Pula

“Bostwana is one of the 32 African countries that Baobab Trees call home. They can live for up to 5,000 years, reach up to 30 metres high and their trunks can hold up to 120,000 litres of water”

— Water & Cassava

Baobab Tree

Botswana Map and Flag colors

Botswana is home to 2.25 million people and is considered one of the safest countries in Africa with a stable democracy. It continues to rate low in global corruption scales. Botswana is a active member of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, Southern African Development Community (SADC), World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Baobab Fruit

“Botswana has a huge Metal Rock subculture. ”

— Water & Cassava : The more you know

There is something about Botswana that is just, yadi.. yadah. What is Yadi Yadah? I will let Seinfield & Co explain

“In 2013, Botswana started actively building on a National Brand Identity .........”

— Water & Cassava

BRANDING & BOTSWANA

ASSET #1: ATTRACTIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH & INVESTMENT

Botswana in 2013 started actively building on a national identity. The goal was to position itself as an economic force to be reckoned with, among neighboring giants such as Angola and South Africa. This brings us to asset #2.....

ASSET #2: TREAT YOUR POWERFUL NEIGHBOR WITH TLC  

Our friends in Botswana realize, when your neighbor is a middle power state that wheels regional and global diplomacy, you will need to be a very dear friend. As luck would have it, they both are home to the Tswana population. This mutual background and “power” allows South Africa to enjoy very lenient policies with Botswana:

    *No foreign exchange controls

    * Double Tax Avoidance agreement

ASSET #3: TOURISM SECTOR

Botswana's tourism sector continues to thrive amidst the country's stringent conservation policies and its growing elephant population. Our reporter Njanji Chauke and cameraman Sicelo Hlanula went on a river Safari at the Chobe National Park - home to Africa's largest elephant population For more news, visit: http://www.sabc.co.za/news

ASSET #4: REGIONAL PLAY- THE SPECIAL CASE OF CHOPPIES

Botswana's biggest supermarket is set to receive a boost. Choppies wants to widen its presence on the continent -- and increase the number of its stores to 250. It's eyeing southern and East Africa as potential markets. CGTN's Maria Galang has more.

....SOMETHING IS MISSING... 

Botswana looks great on paper but something just does not add up....

IMPROVEMENT #1: LEAVE THE DIAMONDS ALONE

Our theme for this section, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and that guy

suggestions: AGRICULTURE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

IMPROVEMENT #2: MAY YOUR CURSE BE YOUR BLESSING

“The World Bank approved a $145.5 million loan to the Republic of Botswana for the Emergency Water Security and Efficiency Project. This will help Botswana cope with increased water stress, arising from a number of factors including chronic drought”

— World Bank, March 1 2017

“Adolescents and young adults constitute a large population that has been largely neglected and left behind by the national HIV response. HIV and AIDS services targeting adolescents and young adults are inadequate and often perceived by the beneficiaries as “unfriendly”. HIV testing and counselling uptake among adolescents has remained unacceptably slow;”

— UNAIDS

SUGGESTION: OPEN THE HEALTH SECTOR & EDUCATION FOR INVESTMENT

IMPROVEMENT #3: GO GREEN!!

Why can't the country send all the coal elsewhere?? Oh I will guess here, China!!! Though this blogger stays in Asia and could really appreciate cleaner air....Tswana people send away!!! In return, invest in solar panels. 

IMPROVEMENT #4: AIR BOTSWANA NEEDS HELP

As we have discussed earlier, the proper branding of a country needs a respected airline. The airline must be safe, attractive and must go to two locations first: Your neighbors and your business partners.  The airline needs a major makeover including getting out of the red fiscally. 

WE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE... 

Read this article below to understand just why it seems forced, like this piece I wrote

This snapshot of Botswana is frustrating because it is a country with so much opportunity. We brought up Botswana to show that a country can “ideally” look one way in theory (positively) but without a cohesive message it is just as bad as the other country. This circumstance is not unique to Botswana as majority of African countries underestimate the importance of Branding and Soft power.

Branding is not advertising, it is an ongoing process and government must be front and center of the brand. Citizens, Business Community, Non-profit organizations must all be part of the branding process. The committee must have a shared understanding of just what the country’s makeup is about be it culture, religion, tradition, location, nature, history (good and terrible). The brand of the country must speak to all the citizens and be fluent in all the positive elements that make up the entire nation.

Until next Cassava Tuesday
 

Cassava Tuesdays: Sega Branding of Mauritius

“Red- Freedom and Independence
Blue- Indian Ocean
Yellow- The new light of Independence shining over the island
Green - Agriculture of Mauritius and the colour of the country throughout the year”

— Mauritian People to the World

Capital: Port Louis
Languages Spoken: English, French, Creole and variety of Asian languages
Religion: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam,  Buddhism
Prime Minister: Paramasivum Pillay "Barlen" Vyapoory

President:  Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

“Mauritius ranked # 50 out of 176 countries”

— Corruption Perceptions Index 2016

Currency: Mauritian Rupee

“Mauritius is one of the most stable and successful economies in Africa with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 11.8 billion and per capita GDP over USD 9,400. ”

— export.gov (2016)

We must take a moment to remember, our friend the Dodo. The Dodo was a unique bird because it was only found in the country of Mauritius. Hunters from other spaces and hunting in Africa will forever be the death of our ecology system. The Dodo became extinct in 1662.  

BRANDING IS NOT SOFT POWER

Our 5th country for Cassava Tuesdays will be the Republic of Mauritius. Mauritius is home to over 1.3 million people and belongs to quite a few intergovernmental bodies such as: Mauritius belongs to the: Small Island Developing State (SIDS), The European Union (EU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and South Africa (COMESA) and the United Nations (UN) and maintains strong economic ties with the BRICS.

The small island country of Mauritius is actively working on branding tools. We will discuss nation branding today, this is not the same thing as soft power. It is an arm of Soft Power but not Soft Power. Do you need a refresher on the term Soft Power? Simply go back to any of our entries: Mulday, Cassava Tuesdays, Public Health Wednesdays, or Silk Road Thursdays. 

“Applying corporate branding techniques to countries. ”

— Nation Branding

nation branding visuals

WHAT DOES MAURITUS HAVE SO FAR AS AN ASSET?

• Political Stability
• Economic growth 
• Investment & Secure Friendly
• Bilingual Workforce 
• Open market for foreigners and talents
• Multiethnicity 
• Ocean Statehood *(I will touch on this another day)
• Intergovernmental Relations (I mentioned that earlier)

TOURISM ECONOMICS: BRANDING TOOL #1

The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Mauritius lure tourists from around the world. The tourism sector is vital to the island's economy and this year is set to grow again. CGTN's Clementine Logan reports.

HOW DO WE VISIT, ARE YOUR SKIES REALLY FRIENDLY?

Remember in an earlier entry, I stressed the importance of "Flag Carriers". Check out the last entry on Ugali meet Kimchi. The Airline of a country must be safe, attractive and sky friendly. 

“Flag Carrier Safety: Have you been banned from the safe skies of another country?”

— Water & Cassava

 BRANDING TOOL : AIR MAURITIUS #2

Air Mauritius is accessible to visitors from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This is also strategic based on their economic ties. The airline is IOSA-certified (IATA Operational Safety Audit) airline and approved by EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). Secondly, using an airline as a branding tool only works if your regional neighbors also respect your brand. Read this letter below to understand the role Air Mauritius will have in Ghana’s new brand. We discussed Ghana on an earlier entry. You will have to read that to appreciate this letter. 

Thirdly, The brand must be respected internationally, read this letter below to understand KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air Mauritius new partnership. Make sure to read this letter with the background of branding and soft power. 

HOW ATTRACTIVE ARE you?

Did you know that Air Mauritius has helicopter services? By services, I mean premium services. 

What about Air Mauritius holidays?

Do you have a in-flight magazine? In-Flight magazines are there to sell the "BRAND", "PROPAGANDA" of a country, city or region. It is a very impotant tool in the visualization of the country's brand to the passenger. Check out the bilingual Air Mauritius's Islander Magazine

BRANDING TOOL: CULTURE #3

What is Sega? Sega Music was created by the escaped slaves, it was their expression of all their new and old experiences.

There is also a new trend of blending sega, zouk and reggae, check it out! 

BRANDING TOOL: LOCATION, LOCATION #4

BRANDING TOOL #4: REGIONAL INFLUENCE

Mauritius is hosting the first African economic platform forum. It's aimed at economically transforming Africa through industrial development and intra-Africa trade. The two day forum is being attended by heads of state and governments from across Africa. CGTN's Girum Chala is in Mauritius following up on the latest

BRANDING TOOL #5:  CONDUCTING BUSINESS MINUS THE HASSLES 

This is just the beginning of Maurtius! I hope you appreciated this example of branding . 

See you next Cassava Tuesday

Cassava Tuesdays: Ugali meet Kimchi!“Can Kenya Soft Power extend pass Econmics in South Korea?”

Have some tea or coffee! Let's talk Kenyan....(Yes, people actually ask Kenyans "Do you speak Kenyan?")

THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

Now you know!!

Flag and Map of Kenya

Capital: Nairobi
Population: + 48 million people
Official Language Spoken: Swahili (KiSwahili) and English
Religion: Diverse Religions are practiced from Christianity, Islam, Baha'i, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judiasim
Currency: Shilling
President: Uhuru Kenyatta
Vice President: William Ruto

Kenyan Currency-Shilling

“Soft Power must be a fluid relationship, “I find you attractive and the other person says, me too!””

— Water & Cassava

THE PAST: THE TALE OF BOTH R.O. K’s

WAR & COLONIALISM: ABOVE THE EQUATOR LINE AND BELOW IT..

Both countries have experienced the brutality of colonialism. There are opinions, that view Japan to South Korea vs. Great Britain to Kenya as "different". This kind of thinking, which places hierarchy in the experiences of the severity in colonialism as “countries above the equator line” very bad but “countries below the equator line” it was not really….

It also promotes a form of “rationalize and marginalize” in the discussions of colonialism that allows for this space of the imaginary grey, I will call memory of the colonized. This colonized memory must also go through the process of decolonization otherwise it will just handicap and agitate the “modernization, growth and security” of these unique spaces as they interact with each other and the “global north spaces” promoters of “globalization, human rights and democracy”.  

Pali-Pali-(빨리빨리) meet Kwa Haraka

Education in South Korea just like working is 빨리빨리. This phrase in Korea makes up the very cells that hold this country together. It means more than hurry, like your very next breath depends on you carrying out the task at hand. Students in Korea have a school schedule that resembles an overworked professional in the country. It is beyond 8 hours and there is no such thing as paid overtime or after school extracurricular activities. This rigorous approach to education and competitiveness in getting into fields of technology and sciences play a huge factor to the differences between South Korea and Kenya.

Kwa Haraka (Kiswahili for Hurry )

In the case of Kenya there is no Kwa Haraka on the conversations of developing the brilliant young minds of Kenya. For so long similar regional or tribal backgrounds were the only qualifiers needed for employment. This blatant oversight will cripple Kenya and starve the growth and development of a country that as many other countries in Africa, suffers from brain drain.

Side bar

South Korea is also driven with sticking to certain cliques, that if young graduates are not from the S.K.Y universities, it is extremely difficult or impossible to work for certain companies.
Seoul National University
Korea University
Yonsei University

Despite such rapid development in many sectors of society, South Korea still struggles with diversity inclusion. In the conversations of Africa & South Korea, it is also the responsibility of African states to promote their brand and educate the Korean public. 

Sidebar: This is why ESE & SEGYE is greatly needed, like the chili paste to the 떡볶이 떡 (Tteok-bokki)

“Just explaining, the story of two students that attended the same primary and secondary school. Their approach to higher education, saw one working 40+ hours, interning 20 hours, and graduating on time! This allowed for the enjoyment of their fruits of hard labor, after graduation. The other underestimated such a rigorous schedule and now must work thrice as hard to enjoy the fruits of their labor.”

— Water & Cassava

“Did you know: Kenya had a higher GDP than South Korea in 1962. In 1963, Kenya gave out a $10,000 loan and relief food to South Korea.”

— Ugali Diplomacy (Water & Cassava)

Both countries have strong economies but lack career opportunities for the younger generation. Current President Kenyatta and Moon have expressed passionate pleas to change this dilemma. We shall all see!

However, this 빨리빨리 mentality of Koreans, has propelled a poor G-77 country to the incredible nation that is the Republic of South Korea.  The R.O.K is a member of G-20, N-11, OECD and APEC. This 빨리빨리 mentality will introduce the world to Kimchi Diplomacy!.

UGALI DIPLOMACY

This is Ugali- This also means love. 

UGALI ECONOMICS SOFTPOWER-
KENYA & SOUTH KOREA 2016

Soft Power has many faces, for the country of Kenya it is stable economic policies. It is clear from our videos below, Korea loves ugali! Kenya keeps hegemony throughout the East Africa Region and plays the role of peace promoter and advocate for open markets. 
Kenya is a major player in regional bodies such as: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East Africa Community(EAC), WTO (World Trade Organization) and so many other organizations that contribute to shaping out ugali economics soft power. 

Kenya could teach a thing or two to African leaders that enjoy the glory of visiting foreign nations and those foreign leaders visiting their countries but does nothing for their image. 

Regional & Neighborly Stage of Diplomacy

“July 2015, Kenya played host to U.S President Barack Obama(Superpower state) during the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Nairobi. ”

— Pres. Kenyatta making use of Ugali Diplomacy (Middle Power State Diplomacy) Water & Cassava

To understand more on the importancec of the Global Entreprenuership Summit:

Global Stage of Diplomacy (On

You must always lend a helping hand to those that have nothing, this is middle power state diplomacy at work, notice Kenya is the only African country on the list. I told you Ugali is love!

한-케냐 정상회담.. 한국형 산업단지, KAIST 수출된다 We begin in Nairobi where President Park Geun-hye is slowly wrapping up her tour of the African continent. Today, she sat down with her Kenyan counterpart where the two leaders agreed to cooperate on Kenya's massive infrastructure projects especially in the energy sector.

한-케냐 경제교류 The president's trip to Kenya is also expected to elevate their economic cooperation to the next level. For more on the potential of the Kenyan market and where the two countries stand in terms of economic relations, Kim Min-ji reports. Kenya is East Africa's economic heavyweight.

Rand Merchant Bank’s (RMB) seventh edition of Where to Invest in Africa was released September of this year and Kenya was #6. 

UGALI SAY HI TO KIMCHI, 안녕

Kenya fails in the section of branding towards South Korea and for that matter Asia! I mean Koreans drink Kenyan coffee and that is it. I am afraid Kenya underestimates the power of a brand and the role it can play in preserving "ugali soft power".  

Here are some soft power tools available for Kenya towards Korea.

1. Tusker Beer
The beer's slogan is "Bia yangu, Nchi yangu" means "My beer, My country" in Kiswahili. Look at you, reading it in Kiswahili! 
Easy promotion with this here, you don't even have to try! The way Koreans enjoy a beer, I think this could even be used as a bridge to build on inter-cultural relationships between the two. 
Did you know: You can buy Tusker in the U.K. Yup at Sainsbury's, I swear you can honestly find anything at a local Sainsbury's

Kenyan Beer-Tusker

It would be criminal not to post this very famous Tusker commerical! Don't you just want to get on a Kenyan Airways flight? 

Tusker Beer

2. The Giraffe Manor
You are welcome!
 

Giraffe Manor, Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya

3. Gastrodiplomacy
Perharps a Kenyan Pub that offers Nyamachoma in Seoul? 

Nyamachoma- Very popular dish in Kenya (roasted beef)

Mandazi, you have not tried this? Poor you. (Pub Food and everyday food here)

4. Beach Tourism 

The Sands at Nomad offers you the ultimate beach getaway. A combination of discretion, tranquility and warmth with the privilege of Kenya's best beach. Nestled into 26 Acres of pristine coastal forest The Sands at Nomad steps away from the traditional block hotel concept, into an atmosphere of space, freedom and personal care.

5. Safari Tourism
Partnering up with local universities... Nah, that is why you should contact our mother company, ESE & SEGYE. 

Wildlife expert Saba Douglas-Hamilton and family move to the romantic Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya to run a safari lodge for the first time. This wild, remote and rugged region is on the frontline of conservation and the battle to protect Africa's big five from poachers is heating up.

6.Kenyan Airways
Unfortunately, Kenya has still not grasped the power in this tool

Considering visiting Kenya? Only one way to fly!

See you next Cassava Tuesday!