After all, Proverbs 8 did tell us that counsel, sound judgement and insight are powerful tools to be used by kings and leaders to govern and rule.

Today we’re looking at 7 female African leaders that have led massive economies. These African female Heads of States are among many, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, who came before them. I mean, we’ve all heard of fearless African warriors who led their communities valiantly.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/08/07/lived-in-the-streets-but-it-did-not-break-me-it-made-me-fearless-jackie-bomboma/

1. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia

Sahle-Work Zewde is known to many as a well-seasoned diplomat. She took the presidential office in 2018 after being unanimously elected by members of the National Parliamentary Assembly.

Prior to assuming her President role, she served as an ambassador for Ethiopia in Senegal, Djibouti and France. She worked as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).

She was also the Director-General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. In 2011, Zewde was appointed to the position of Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. President Sahle-Work Zewde also served as the UN representative at the African Union.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/02/16/the-7-pillars-of-good-governanceleadership/

2. Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, Gabon

Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, the Prime Minister of Gabon was born in 1964 in Libreville. She is an economist by training. Don’t you love economists? I adore them. These breed can accelerate GDP rates like the Kenyan athletes do the marathons if they want to.

She received a degree in economics and public finance from the Gabonese Institute of Economy and Finance. She has served Gabon for decades.

Raponda has worked as Director General of the Economy and Deputy Director General in the Housing Bank of Gabon, as Budget Minister and was the elected Mayor of the capital city Libreville representing the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party.

She also became President of United Cities and Local Governments Africa and played a vital role in Africa’s peace and security. Talking about an African warrior, Raponda also served as her country’s Defense Minister.

3. Prime Minister Dogbé Tomegah, Togo

Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu Dogbé Tomegah, the Prime Minister of Togo is a respected and experienced politician. Prior to her position, she worked at the United Nations Development Programme and also served as the Cabinet Director to the President of Togo.

Tomegah Dogbé was also the Minister of Grassroots Development, Youth Craft and Youth Employment.

4. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician who served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She studied at Madison Business College and Harvard University.

She was the Deputy Minister of Finance, worked for the World Bank in the Caribbean and Latin America and worked for Citibank and then the Equator Bank. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the 2005 presidential election and was re-elected in 2011. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, in recognition of her efforts to bring women into the peacekeeping process. She has received numerous other awards for her leadership.

Is it just me or does she eminate a Wangari Maathai vibe?

5. Samia Suluhu Hassan

She is the current Tanzanian president after assuming office upon the death of president John Pombe Magufuli in 2020.

She previously served as the Vice president of Tanzania, the Member of Parliament for Makunduchi and was the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office for Union Affairs. She also served as a minister in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar during President Amani Karume’s administration.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2016/04/30/i-might-be-small-but-mighty-defines-my-dedication-to-mama-africa-roman-girma-teshome/

6. Joyce Hilda Banda, President of Malawi (2012-2014)

Joyce Hilda Banda served as the President of Malawi from 2012 to 2014 after taking over the office following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Before becoming the President of Malawi, she served as the Member of the Parliament, Minister of Gender and Child Welfare and as a foreign Minister. In 2014, Forbes named her as the 40^th powerful woman in the world and the most powerful woman in Africa.

7. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius (2015 – 2018)

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, a biodiversity scientist served as the President of Mauritius from 2015-2018. She opened her own science center known as CIDP Research & Innovation where she is the Managing Director.

There are many other indomitable and fearless female African leaders who are daringly transforming their respective African countries. The contribution of women to what Africa is today is unquestionable.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/19/self-management-8-different-aspects-by-the-experts/

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Effective communication is about understanding information, clearly conveying a message and making the other person feel heard and understood.

Like the broken telephone game, effective communication should be instinctive but all too often, something goes astray. We say one thing, the other person hears something else, and conflicts ensue.

Common barriers to effective communication include:

1. Lack of emotional intelligence: Stress misreads other people and sends off-putting non-verbal signals. It’s important to learn how to quickly calm down to avoid conflict before continuing a conversation.
2. Lack of focus. Non-committment to the conversation will almost certain make you miss non-verbal cues. Staying focused is key.
3. Inconsistent body language. Saying one thing while your body language says something else, makes the listener feel your dishonesty. For example, nodding “yes” while saying no.
4. Negative body language. Sending negative signals such as raising one eyebrow, crossing arms and avoiding eye contact can rebuff the other person’s message and put them on the defensive.

Effective communication skills

1. Consider your audience: This helps deliver the right messages effectively. Education, age, ethnicity, gender, income and professional experience can all impact how your message is received.
2. Listen Actively: Effective communication requires active listening, understanding the information being communicated and considering the emotions the speaker is trying to convey.

• I understand your problem.
• I know how you feel about it.
• I am interested in what you are saying.
• I am not judging you.

3. Establishing clear expectations is key whether your communication is through Whatsapp, an email or having a one-on-one conversation.
4. Pay attention to nonverbal signals: Use of open body language such as maintaining eye contact, arms uncrossed or even standing with an open stance is key.
5. Know your audience. Influencing strategies by tailoring for a particular person and considering their personality goes a long way. A rational party is more logical than emotional.
6. Keep stress in check: High pressure situations require emotional intelligence, avoiding overreactions and thinking on your feet.
7. Read the room. Watch your audience and adjust your message and style accordingly.
8. Assertive expressions make for clear communication. When you’re assertive, you are open and honest and not aggressive or demanding.

• Value yourself, your options and other people.
• Respect and honor other people’s rights.
• Negative thoughts can be expressed in a positive way.
• It’s okay to say “no.”

9. Take feedback seriously.
10. Use the right medium or platform. Would Zoom, Whatsapp, one on one or an email suffice? Casual and formal communications call for different mediums. Whatever you choose should be appropriate for the situation.

Benefits of effective communication

• Managing and building teams.
• Building strong relationships and improved social, emotional, and mental health.
• Better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills.

The post 4 Common Barriers To Effective communication appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

The Maasai are a physically beautiful, lean and healthy nomadic, pastoral indigenous tribe whose ancestral territory stretches across southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are closely related to the Nuer, Kalenjin and Dinka.

The Maasai community are globally known for their distinctive culture, high jumping dances, beautiful dresses and being gutsy warriors.

Here are 7 riveting aspects of the Maasai culture:

1. Our cattle is precious gold: For centuries the Maasai have been nomadic pastoralists whose lifestyle depended on their cattle. They believe they are the custodians of cattle- the shepherds who amass and graze large herds of cows (and to a lesser extent goats and sheep). The cattle is a great income earner, plays a giant role in the Maasai traditional and communal life like establishing alliances and as a sacred diet. The Ilkunono, a sub-group of the Maasai, were also known for making cowbells and weapons, and being skilled blacksmiths.
2. Our lions respect our Warriors: Though lion-hunting as a traditional is no longer practiced, it has been a key Maasai rite of passage for many decades past. The young Maasai men graduated to Morans through this initiation rite- the ala-mayo. Hunting is currently forbidden by the law but the fierce bravery of the Moran still stands tall.
3. From boys to men: The Eunoto ceremony marks the boys to Morans Ilmurran warriors upon circumcision events held every 10-15 years marking a new age-set.
4. Our shiny and distinctive Maasai drip: The Maasai are known for their physical beauty, graceful physiques, their unique ornamentation and garments. The Maasai warriors traditionally have braided hair, which is dyed with red ochre. The Maasai have distinctive dress and decorative beaded jewellery for various events that can be distinguished by the color combination of the beaded jewellery. The Maasai blanket is perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of the Kenyan Maasai. Just like many Kenyans from various tribes, I have mine that comes in handy in the cold seasons.
5. Anyone fancy cow’s milk and cow’s blood? The Maasai have a tradition of drinking raw blood, cooked blood, and blood-milk mixtures. Drunk in chai, drunk soured (or raw), or turned into butter, milk is a part of almost every meal for Maasai herders. Raw beef is also consumed. Unknown to many, the diet has always been supplemented with tubers, honey, and foraged plants that are most often used in stews. More recently, the Maasai have supplemented their diet with grains and maize-meal as urban lifestyles sneak up on them and communities interact.
6. You can not beat the Maasai in a jumping contest: The Maasai have many singing and dancing ceremonies but the best-known is their jumping dance- adamu. It is often a tingle of display to witness the extreme heights reached by the Maasai warriors.
7. Staying green is a Maasai rule: Since time immemorial, the Maasai have nomadically grazed their herds while taking care of the environment and the resident wildlife. They did this mainly by migrating seasonally across territories, leaving the land plenty of time to recover before cycling back for a graze.

Though influenced by the changes in society, many Maasai cultural practices are still embraced today,. The Maasai community continues to fascinate and inspire.

The post <strong>7 Riveting Aspects of The Maasai Culture</strong> appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Here are 7 things that make Kenya breathtaking

1. Landscape that makes you ooh and aah: Kenya rises from the coastal plain on the Indian Ocean to give you beautiful beaches, captivating mountains and plateaus right at its center, the highlands, wide plains and dramatic escarpments that define the Great Rift Valley, the deserts of northern Kenya amongst other wonders of the world.
2. Kenya’s economy is the largest in eastern and central Africa. Agriculture serves as the largest sector with tea and coffee as traditional cash crops, while fresh flowers are a fast-growing export. Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city serves as a major regional commercial and technical hub. Tourism amongst other service industries are economic drivers.
3. People & Culture: Kenya has more than 42 ethnic groups- there are over 69 languages spoken throughout the country. Majority of Kenyans speak more than one African language. All ethnic groups boast of beautiful unique cultures like traditional songs, foods, beliefs, history and customs.
4. Nature: Millions of visitors around the world visit Kenya to see its endless savanna and the animals that inhabit it like the Big 5. Kenya has more than 60 reserves and parks to protect these animals. The Kenyan ecosystem boasts of mountains, forests, deserts and swamps.
5. Nairobi, which means the land of cool waters is also known as the safari capital of Africa. It is a fast, energetic, modern city that boasts of a national park within it. It serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and fast city life.
6. Kenya’s ancient sites at its Coast like the former town of Gedi which dates back to before the 14th century will not fail to enchant.
7. Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa sits in its own national park, amid indigenous fauna and flora.

Considering how absolutely extraordinary Kenya is, I don’t think it gets talked about well-nigh enough!

If you need to see the Big 5, witness the greatest wildebeest migration on Earth, encounter the Big cats, bounce on the beach, enjoy bird fluttering, sleep under the stars, have breakfast shoulder-to shoulder with giraffes, bask in flourishing creative arts scenes, etc., be sure to get jet in to the resplendent land of Kenya.

The post <strong>7 Breathtaking Truths About Kenya’s Landscape</strong> appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Tell us your story, background, school and achievements

I was born in a village in Taveta that was full of love. Everyone loved me I think because of my strong personality, I am that one child who was brought up by the whole village because I loved visiting and checking on everyone.

One thing I clearly remember was my friends telling me that my skin would eventually turn black and I believed them because I really admired black skin. My parents were well informed about albinism when they had me because my older brother also has albinism which had forced them to seek medical advice earlier.

I went to a regular school and I am grateful for that because most of the people I have interacted with were forcefully taken to special schools. There’s a belief that people with albinism are also blind. My playmates were very considerate and would insist we play in the shade courtesy of enough information from the small community I grew up in.

High school was in another district and the first day I joined I was already nicknamed Mzungu. It was very interesting as I got all manner of brochures to join different entertainment clubs.

Did I forget to mention that I was a very naughty girl. My mum had to keep punishing me. I remember I was suspended once in form four for bad behavior. I was that over self confident young girl who believed that I will one day change the world.

Before I cleared high school, I began to notice that boys from other schools wanted to hang around my friends and not me. This began another chapter of my life as I began researching on albinism.

In 2012, I moved to Nairobi to join the University of Nairobi for my BA in Diplomacy and International Studies. Nairobi was not pretty for me. I got stopped on the streets by people who wondered why I was so confident or even why I wore make up as a person with albinism.

I got names hurled at me, Zeru zeru, albino, albino msupa etc., from street families and motorists. My first year was hell on earth. It was also the time where people with albinism were being kidnapped and taken to Tanzania.

I thank my friends and parents who kept encouraging me. This built who I am today, I gained back my confidence. (she laughs). In 2013, I joined Doctor Choksey Albinism Foundation and became an active member.

They called me many times for speaking engagements which involved telling my story and educating people about albinism. For the first time in my life, I felt satisfied giving back to the society. It was also the place I met my super amazing mentor, Jane Waithera.

I became very active in campus from joining the Rotary club, drama, church activities and St. Johns ambulance program which I learnt later was a huge encouragement for students with albinism.

In 2015, I joined Colour Kwa Face initiative by Nonini as a volunteer after graduation. The project involved visiting schools in Kenya and sharing our experiences. The project has changed thousands of young lives. I am currently a director and the ambassador of the program.

I also pursued The journey Leadership Management Course while still in campus and graduated last year.

I got selected for YALI last year which was a life changing experience for me. I was surrounded by over 80 young African leaders from East and Central Africa who are transforming their communities.

My paradigms about Africa were shifted. I was challenged and the networking was out of this world. One of the greatest lesson I learnt was The 7 Habits and number six to be specific- Seek first to understand then to be understood.

After the program, I joined the creative industry after auditioning for Africa City Model auditions where I met great photographers and activists. I still work with them to creatively create awareness on albinism through film, photography and other forms of media.

We bagged the Discovery Award last month in France. My photos were in every big mainstream media channel including CNN. I am still waiting for an interview CNN, okay? I also partner with PAWA 254 occasionally to talk about being a woman with albinism.

Florence in the next 10 years.

I intend to continue building on creative platforms that educate people about people with albinism  through various forms of media like a blog, TV and film. I hope to chase my dream of being a TV personality. By the way, I can not wait to fulfill my vision of hosting a show and being a news anchor, a dream I have had since childhood.

Advice to the youth

Work hard, work smart. Never compare yourself with others. African youth need to rise up and take charge as we drive our continent forward.

Weird question you have ever been asked?

If I have a boyfriend. Maybe that one person who asked me if people with albinism can be in a relationship.

And are you in a relationship?

Yes. (her face lights up and blushes). I am in a relationship with my best friend and no., I will not tell you his name.(Giggles)

Favorite food?

Anything sweet!

We wish you the very best Miss sweet tooth as you continue to shine and make Africa a better place.

The post Albinism Is Not A Disease- Hasn’t Stopped My Passion For Good African Leadership. Florence Kisombe appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

When I met Noeline Kirabo, I could not help but notice her self awareness, confident humility and that contagious bigger than life smile. A few minutes in to our conversation, she revealed that life had not been very easy for her.

I am the founder of KYUSA which means change in Luganda. Our main objective is to empower youth who are ready to join college and train them on how to become employable. By the end of 2016, we had directly reached 250 young adults.

My mother battled with cervical cancer which I found out after clearing high school. I could not join college because we had to pay for her expensive treatment.

It was a huge blow for young Noeline who encouraged her mother and opted to enrol in free libraries and read everything she could lay her hands on which changed her life.

My mum recovered fully. It was a hard time considering the fact that she raised us as a single parent and I had battled with identity crisis through teenage hood that had led to depression. When I finally met my dad, he died before I could get all my answers.

This confident leader taught herself computer packages. Her tenacity and natural people skills got her a job with the Youth ministry in Uganda. Her fearlessness got her top jobs with NGOs that needed a masters degree or PHD as qualifications (She was not qualified) but she applied anyway.

My mum told me earlier on that I can be anything I wanted to be. I could change and shape my world from a young age. This has kept me going all my life.

She has studied social entrepreneurship in India, is a YALI RLC 2017 alumna, among other accomplishments. She uses her spare time to offer motivational talks in schools.

I always tell young people to pursue what they are passionate about. To better someone else's life. Our vision at KYUSA is to eradicate youth unemployment in Uganda and expand to other countries.

Keep soaring and changing many lives Noeline, we appreciate you.

The post My Radio Frequency Is Care And Leadership. Noeline Kirabo appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

The organization has directly reached tens of schools and hundreds of girls. She is a former director at Malindi Islamic Center for Orphans and a mentor to many children.

I was very curious to know about her journey after she hit the headlines in 2011 for winning the Lamu cultural festival several times and getting a sponsorship to showcase her henna art at the Cincinnati museum in the U.S.

I grew up in extreme poverty in Pate Island. Girls were not allowed to go to school. My mum, a single mother and my uncle paid attention to my plea and allowed me to join Primary school.

After Primary school, everyone in the community expected me to go by the norm and get married. I refused. I was the only girl to join high school from my community and had to do this in a different area. I moved to Lamu.

After High school, I moved to Mombasa and worked in beauty salons to save money for college. I could not go back home. I got selected to join Pwani University where I pursued Archaeology and Sociology.

I get such deep satisfaction when training girls in my community through art and raising funds for their high school education. My community now looks at me differently and every parent wants to take their girls to school.

Tashrifa got selected for the prestigious YALI program and admits that the skills she learned helped her secure a job as a probation officer with the Ministry of Interior & Co-ordination. Her role will be empowering and transforming the offenders’ lives.

Life has taught me to mentor others, to work very hard and smart. To always aim at disrupting the status quo. I am very young and still rocking second floor with a vision of empowering thousands of young people.

Keep at it Tashrifa. If you happen to connect with this fearless young woman in Lamu Island, do surprise her with a meal of Tanduri and vegetable stew- it’s her favorite!

The post Refusing To Get Married After Primary School Transformed My Life. Tashrifa Mohamed appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

I was privileged to attend a good private school where I mastered the language of English. I must however emphasize that English as a language is not a measure of intelligence. It is a necessary tool on interacting with the world.

Mandeg grew up in the capital of Djibouti and was blinded to various lifestyles until she visited schools in the rural areas. Here, she unmasked the looming issue of lack of opportunities in learning the English language.

I founded the Djibouti English Teaching Association whose main objective is to teach English to teenagers who drop out of school because of the rigid education system. In partnership with the U.S Embassy in Djibouti, our program has over 30 certified youth.

The young fearless leader is an alumna of the YALI RLC E.A and is headed to the U.S to further her career in Business and leadership. Her goal is to grow her organization and open it up within and without Djibouti to reach children and the youth who lack opportunities to study English.

Laila Akita said, You can go as far as you dream, think and imagine.

We are told to constantly aim at disrupting the status quo, imagine my surprise when I asked Mandeg what her personal vision is and she said to become the president of Africa.

Most Africans do not realize how blessed they are, their continent is, their resources and the opportunities. Oh my days! How encouraging it is when you meet fearless Africans regardless of age aiming for the best and nothing but the best!

Wake up, you are the solution to your challenges, be united, work, have faith, gratitude, desire, walk in a positive frequency and you will leave a legacy.

The post Today Knowledge, Tomorrow Leadership. Mandeg Mahamoud appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

This fearless 30 year old is the founder of Young Strong Mothers, an NGO whose main objective is to provide an opportunity for girls and young mothers to address their health, social, legal and economic needs. This is through educating, providing services and strengthening their entrepreneurship skills. This idea was born following the rough life she experienced as a young girl.

I got pregnant at 15 years old. The whole community isolated me. Everyone abandoned me calling me a curse. No one talked to me for months. I was homeless. I lived in the bushes. I gave birth by the roadside with the help of two strangers.

Jackie lost her parents when she was three months old. The only person that accepted her was her grandfather. It was a tough upbringing. There was no money to enroll her to high school after primary school.

Few months after my baby was born, I ran away from home. My grand father had accepted us back months after kicking me out but the poverty and rejection from the community was hard to bear. I joined the street life in Tabora and in Dares salaam for years. It was really tough.

Later on I got a job as a maid for a really great young lady who mentored me and saw my hunger for education. She sponsored me through high school before she relocated to Canada.

Jackie studied hard. Worked part time doing odd jobs in various organizations to provide for her daughter. Her break was getting a secretarial job in a local organization and working her way up managerial level.

My organization has reached 576 girls with 38 girls having graduated from our entrepreneurship course and 15 in vocational training. Others have gone through health hygiene with a main focus on HIV and pregnancy.

Jackie’s vision is to build a center for her organization which is in progress having bought 15 acres of land. She has partnered with the public, various local and international organizations and some arms of the Tanzanian government to build on her vision.

She has been featured widely by the media from BBC, Voice of America and local media. I hugely admire this because I believe the local media MUST get involved in telling the positive influence of young Africans in their communities.

Never give up. I have lived, tasted and breathed the wilderness for far too long but the desire to succeed and to see my daughter succeed was so great. I just had to see it come in to fruition.

I used to survey cars, houses and buildings as a street kid and claim them for my future. Getting selected for YALI RLC was transforming. My thinking is now different. I am a better leader. The connections and networks I made are unbelievable.

Jackie’s call to action is to partner with like minds and help reach hundreds of girls. She is looking to build her team and invites people with the technical know how and capacity building skills to join her team and make Tanzania a safe haven for naive and disadvantaged girls.

Keep up the great work Jackie! you are a great inspiration for young African leaders.

The post Living In The Streets Did Not Break Me- It Made Me Fearless! Jackie Bomboma appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

In primary school, her grades were very low and the pressure to do a bit better came from all angles. She drove all her frustrations in to beading and garment sketching.

At 19, all I wanted was to join fashion school but the options were few in Africa. I settled for a BA with the option of marketing at the International Leadership University.

She started making jewellery in campus under an entrepreneurship unit. Her first line of jewellery cost her under a dollar then sold out. With the help of her professor, she saw a need in the market for African themed jewellery. Krystal-Bella then put her profits back in to her business.

She saved money with the vision of expanding her business in to East and Central Africa. Krystal-Bella was continually invited to fashion shows in different African countries.

In 2014, I was invited to Origin Africa which celebrates spirit, style and innovation of modern Africa that was held in Kenya. It was an honor receiving my certificate from the then first lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta.

My social enterprise, Krystal Brand involves teaching youth and women to earn a living through making jewellery and clothes in partnership with Cooperatives. We work on their business models and have so far positively impacted tens of lives both in rural and semi-urban areas.

We have a partnership with some organizations in France and in Burundi where we export the products. We have an online site too.

Krystal-Bella is a motivational speaker which she does in various universities and schools. She has reached hundreds of youth through her talks.

Krystal is a Mandela Washington 2016 fellow and YALI RLC 2017 alumna. She confesses exposure both regionally and internationally has changed her life and made her better as a young African leader.

This young leader is working on continuing her studies by pursuing a Masters in International Business/ Supply Chain Management. This year, her enterprise is working on expanding the business in more areas of France, Burundi and in to other countries.

I always encourage young Africans to never give up. Pursue your passion and especially those pursuing the arts. Africa is just beginning to embrace the arts. Be part of the change. It is important to know who you are and what your vision is. If you have the desire, you can create anything you want.

Her vision in the next 10 years is to be one of the top ten African designers. To inspire thousands of African youth and women through her organization and to promote African designs and cultures.

I like to call myself the African Naturalista from hair to food. (Laughs).

We wish you the very best Krystal-Bella. Keep representing dynamic African cultures and impacting lives while at it. After all,

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.” -Jean Cocteau.

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