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Unforgettable Self Driving Tours in Uganda

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Self Drive Uganda

Car hire / rental services in Uganda and Rwanda is our area of expertise and anyone who wishes to rent a self-drive car in Rwanda and Uganda should look no further. We possess a variety, including 4×4 safari vans, suitable for vacation tours in Uganda and Rwanda. Our 4×4 safari vans come with pop up roofs, comfortable and flexible seats with enough leg room. Others are 4×4 safari land cruisers, 2×4 mini buses, RV4s, station wagons, among others.

Our agency is well known for providing luxury and commercial affordable car hire services in Uganda and Rwanda, suitable for both leisure and business travelers. Travel to your dream destination across Uganda and Rwanda with our unequaled car rental services. It is not only affordable but also provides a diverse fleet of cars and gives an opportunity for one to select with very knowledgeable and professional divers.

Here are some of the facts why 4×4 self – drive rental cars are more considered for short trips, town runs and even preferred for long overland trips; self – drive 4×4 rental cars from Self Drive Uganda are perfectly maintained and regularly serviced by expert mechanics to prevent any inconveniences while on a trip during your car rental in Uganda. Top destinations to be visited in Uganda on self drive trip include Bwindi impenetrable forest national park , Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls national park & Kidepo Valley National Park.

We also go an extra mile to offer helpful ideas for those visitors who want to plan for a road trip in the countries of Uganda and Rwanda and they can enjoy themselves as they travel independently and at their own terms and schedule.

We have been in this car rental business in Rwanda and Uganda for long, and so we provide unrivaled services in terms of client handling and the kind of vehicles we possess. Our professionals are mainly known for testing and inspecting our cars before and after every trip. These experts know the ins and outs of each car and deal with any maintenance problems as soon as possible.

Our team of mechanical engineers is always alert for any changes in the performance, sound and the visual tip-offs that suggest if any service or repairs may be needed. So every after a self – drive trip, clients are supposed to park the vehicles at our offices, airport or any other place that might be agreed upon.

There are many 4×4 self – drive cars and they include the 4×4 ordinary land cruisers, 4×4 safari vans or sometimes referred to as the 4WD safari mini bus rental, Toyota SUVs, Coaster buses and the 4×4 super customs.

The Prado TX land cruisers are very lavish cars and they are perfect for the high class and fancy visitors. They are very favorable for different weather and road conditions whether up town journeys or up country over land tours.

The 4×4 super customs range from five, seven to 10 seaters and conducive enough for long trips and up country safaris. These vehicles are very equipped with air conditioners, unlimited wifi internet and also got the pop up roofs to enable travelers have a great view of the landscape and comes with experienced drivers who double as tour guides as well.

Benefits of self-drive trips in Uganda:

  • You got the total freedom and flexibility to get off-the-beaten-track and explore to the maximum.
  • The overall pace of the trip is decided by you entirely.
  • Greater degree of privacy, flexibility and comfort.
  • Self – drive trips are the best ways to explore Uganda’s most hidden treasures which you may not rather see during a pre-arranged / guided trip.

Important tips and advice to consider when hiring a vehicle on self – drive.

  • Most main roads and high ways are generally well maintained and well sign-posted, however most feeder roads connecting to different destinations / lodges may be in bad state or nearly impassable during rainy seasons.
  • Distances can be deceiving; our reservation team can help forge a practical itinerary for you.
  • Service stations are few in upcountry and far between, so fill up whenever you find one.
  • Choose the right type of vehicle depending on the route you are taking – make sure there is sufficient boot space for luggage and that it is mechanically sound to maneuver you through those high terrain roads!

Best 5 Safari Destinations in Africa

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African Safari

Africa is endowed with some of the best tourist attractions in the world. Here is our list of the best safaris in Africa (in no particular order).

1. Tanzania
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is endowed with some of the most popular African safari attractions; among them Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Tanzania is also home to a thriving population of wildlife that inhabit the country’s numerous national parks and reserves – making it home to some of best safaris in Africa.

Top destinations in Tanzania include Zanzibar and Mafia islands, Selous National Park (one of the world’s largest national parks), Ruaha National Park and of course Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Serengeti.

Tanzania was ranked 7th in the New York Times’ list of 45 places to visit in 2012.

2. Morocco
If you are looking for the best safari in Africa, Morocco may be your ideal destination. Located at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, the country offers breathtaking sceneries and attractions.

The North African country is renowned for its rugged but superb looks, especially the expansive Atlas mountains and the awe-inspiring Sahara desert.

Running between the Atlantic coast in the southwest to the Mediterranean Sea in the northeast (about 2,400km), the Atlas mountains offer a spectacular scenery of Morocco. The Sahara desert is on the other hand a favorite location for many Hollywood movie actors.

Morocco is also endowed with an expansive coastline that boasts 120 high quality beaches, most of which are safe for swimming. Other popular destinations in Morocco include the capital Rabat, Casablanca and the ancient city of Marrakesh.

3. Uganda
Located in East Africa, neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda is a small but stunning destination. The landlocked country is home to Africa’s largest mountain range – Rwenzori and the highest concentration of primates on earth, among them the endangered mountain gorilla which can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Uganda is also the source of River Nile – the longest river in the world, and the country offers some of the world’s best white-water rafting around Jinja. Some of the most popular destinations in Uganda include Rwenzori, Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth national park as well as the capital Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja town. Are you looking to a budget safari in Africa? This is the ultimate destination to visit. Uganda was ranked 1st in the Lonely Planet’s list of the Top Countries for 2012.

4. Namibia
Located in south western Africa, Namibia is endowed with unspoilt landscapes and a thriving population of wild animals.

Despite its harsh climatic conditions, Namibia has some of the world’s most stunning national parks. These include the Namib-Naukluft Park in western Namibia and the Etosha National Park in northwestern region of the country.

Etosha National Park has a huge population of elephants. Etosha National Park (one of the most popular wildlife parks in Africa) has the largest concentration of Namibia’s wild animals that include lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Some of the most popular destinations in Namibia include the spectacular Fish River Canyon National Park to the south, Namib Desert (believed to be the oldest desert in the world), the capital Windhoek and of course Etosha and Namib-Naukluft national parks.

5. Mozambique
Situated in Southern Africa along the Indian Ocean coastline between South Africa and Tanzania, Mozambique is gaining much popularity as a foremost African holiday destination.

Mozambique is endowed with favorable climatic conditions and a 2,500 km coastline that is lined with high quality beaches and lagoons, most of which are safe for swimming.

While on holiday in Mozambique, visitors have the option of spoiling themselves at the expansive beaches or taking game viewing safaris in the country’s national parks and reserves. Mountain hiking is also possible but not recommended due to the large number of landmines that were left in the mountains during the civil war of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Rushaga Bwindi

Thinking about going for gorilla trekking in Africa? Uganda is the best destination where visitors can meet the endangered mountain gorillas face to face in their natural home. With two national parks gazetted by the Uganda government to protect the mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable national Park is the most known and here is Why you should take Uganda’s option as the most viable for gorilla safaris in Africa.

The famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the only four national parks that protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Known as “the impenetrable forest” Bwindi is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the entire world, Bwindi Forest National park is a perfect destination for gorilla trekking holidays in Africa. Whether you want to see only mountain gorillas  or visit other Uganda attractions with friends and family Bwindi forest has it all because its conveniently located close to not only Uganda attractions but also to other mountain gorilla parks in Rwanda and Congo.

How to Get There

Fly to Entebbe international Airport either you traveling on budget or luxury and get the trip started right away upon arrival or a day after arrival. It’s the only international airport for Uganda for both domestic and international flights. Better to arrange a pickup with your hotel of residence if your flight is late or with your trip organizer.However, most tour operators offer free pickups and drops especially if you book a trip with them. Entebbe international airport is served by many airlines so you will have plenty of m flight price options to choose from once you ready to track mountain gorillas of Bwindi Forest National Park. However, you free to connect to the park by road on a scenic drive or by air on any scheduled flight to Kihihi Airstrip.

Getting Around Bwindi Forest

Bwindi forest transport options are safari vehicles, land cruisers, super customs. Toyota Rav4, mini bus all with a pop up ideal for game viewing and photography since Uganda is a home of impressive attractions. If you staying close to the park a day before your trek, you should look at hiring a rental car that will take you for briefing , at the start point for the trek and also to pick you up after the trek since the trek may end in a far distance away from your lodge of residence. However, if you starting your trip from the capital of Kampala better to leave the city with a private hired car. But if backpacking your trip organizer will arrange for a rental car to take you through the entire trek.

Where to Stay in Bwindi Forest

Choosing your accommodation should depend on the gorilla group or family you to trek. Remember, Bwindi forest has four sectors each with different gorilla families and accommodations. Therefore, you need to check your gorilla permit details before booking any accommodation. If your permit is for Buhoma, book buhoma lodges and campsites, if Ruhija still book Ruhija lodges and campsites and same applies to Nkuringo and Rushaga gorilla permits. Would advise you to book only one night accommodation so that in case you want to transfer to another destination after the trek, its flexible.

Plan a Gorilla Trek in Uganda?

Bwindi forest is quiet and cold in the evenings and at night so you need to pack warm wears to deal with the cold weather situation. However, it’s warm during the day when the sun shines. The forest is dump and muddy due to thick vegetation of shrubs and trees so  some places can be slippery during the trek the reason we do recommend a walking stick to give you support in case you find difficulties in walking. Even porters are good because they carry the luggage and give you a chance to walk free and light. Expect no bargains on gorilla permits and accommodation if you visit during high season and holiday times like Christmas and New Year. However, the park offers hug discounts on permits during April, May and November. When it comes to cheap budget gorilla tours in Africa, Uganda often gets all the fame and attention. You will prove this once you start planning your gorilla watching trip in Africa.

Planning a Perfect Rwanda Safari

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For many thousand travelers, Rwanda is a decade treasure destination in Africa with variety of wildlife, landscape, culture and nature. For those looking for amazing African safari holidays in 2016, Rwanda tours answer all Africa holiday questions leaving every tourist satisfied & happy. Rwanda attractions inspire many tourists annually giving every country guest an outstanding perfect experience together with memorable photography at un predictable moments in different encounters. It’s only in Rwanda where one can find the best reason to visit & revisit Africa as the most incredible travel continent in the world.

Would very much recommend the use of local travel agents in order to have a well-organized Rwanda tour holidays at any time of the year. As it’s known that not every time of the year is good for different tour activities, get suitable tour adventures to do at particular times of the year from the country’s travel experts. A part from a few but Rwanda gorilla tracking adventures are year round activity though some say its best done during the dry season unlike during the low season. It’s exciting to find all your tour expectations on the scene, the unique wildlife, birds, landscape, accommodation, comfortable safari vehicle etc. Tour experts can’t only advise travellers on the best time to do different tour activities but also on the right pack list, country visa fee and application, health tips, and how to fit in your travel budget for your desired adventure. Experts can move out of their way ensuring the travellers satisfaction and its tricky when it comes to booking trip essentials in bits, transport, gorilla permit, and accommodation

Mountain climbing, hiking, nature walks, Chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing, canopy walks, bird watching, golden monkey tracking, sunbathing, sunset & sunrise chilling, swimming, cultural adventures and gorilla tracking are the most done tour adventures in Rwanda. Every tour safari holiday is exciting no wonder some travellers chose to explorer the country on foot. Don’t miss out to reach the digit point a place which gave birth to Rwanda Gorilla travel and tourism. Dian Fossey tomb and research Centre is sited close to the Rwanda gorilla park and a significant point of interest, commemoration sight and gorilla conservation fund basis. Sometimes travellers don’t visit the primatologist tomb but it’s a great involvement to visit the gorillas as well as the Dian fossey tomb.

Most Rwanda tours and safaris are purchased and booked online so one can make a tour choice and even make payments there and then. But it’s good to transfer or make tour deposit payments to right people due to many fraud and scam cases online .Always make good research on the tour expert before committing to them. You can even talk to previous clients who have ever used particular tour company’s which intends to extend their services to you during your Rwanda safari tour. Credit card, MasterCard payments or wire transfer are the best ways in which one can make payments though while in Rwanda some remote villages only accept cash. Always request for confirmation receipts from the tour organizer to confirm that they received your trip deposit. But if you make payments to travel experts who have ever been used by your friends or relative that is very safe because the same trust will be extended to you as well.

Gorilla Trekking: 5 Tips for a Successful Trek in Africa

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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

“On my first gorilla trekking in Africa in 2008, I felt as if I had been invited to a reunion of distant, hairy relatives. When I first saw the gorillas I took photos for a while, but then put my camera away so I could just watch. I stood mere feet from these powerful animals and they calmly let me be a part of their world. No glass, no bars, no rumbling safari car engine, no squinting through binoculars. Just humans and gorillas together in the forest”.

Those are some of the reviews of gorilla trekking, an amazing adventure experience that can only be got from Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though gorilla trekking is such a wonderful experience, a successful adventure in search of these giants requires proper planning. Today, it is common for most travelers to go on safari in East Africa adding on a few days to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are the top travel tips that you should know about gorilla trekking in East Africa;

Gorilla trekking requires more active participation than traditional safaris, so it’s important to plan ahead so you are prepared for the challenge. Once you book a tour here are some important points to keep in mind:

1.       Dress for success

I have seen gorilla trackers tourists dressed in all kinds of outfits, from young women in skinny jeans and tennis shoes to well-heeled adventurers decked out in North Face gear that would rival anything you’d see at Mt. Everest base camp. Personally, I think you need to be prepared for muddy trails and changeable weather, but it’s not necessary to spend a fortune to be prepared.

Here’s what I recommend. On top, wear layers. Start with a shirt made of a synthetic material that dries quickly. I usually spend most of the trek up the mountain in a t-shirt as it can get quite warm and muggy in the forest. I usually add a fleece layer when the group stops and I start cooling down. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a third rain layer. Rainstorms can happen at any time in the forest, and it’s no fun, not to mention dangerous, to be cold and wet for hours. You can bring a waterproof rain jacket, but a cheap poncho will also work.

On the bottom I wear long pants, also made of a synthetic material. Between the potential for cold weather and the stinging nettle plants of the forest, wearing shorts is an invitation for misery. Some trekkers also bring waterproof pants to wear on top of regular pants, but I usually don’t unless it’s the peak of the rainy season in April and May.

2.       Wear proper footwear

Boots that fit above the ankle are a must. You’ll probably walk through ankle-deep mud at certain points, and sometimes even knee-deep mud that threatens to suck the boots right off your feet. Because of this, you should wear gators over your boots that go up to the knee. When I trek, I go like the locals and wear knee-high rubber willies with treads on the bottom. I’m guaranteed to stay dry up to knees and the boots can be quickly cleaned and dried out for the next day. I wear Smart Wool socks underneath.

3.       Pack enough food and water

There’s no place to buy food and water once you get to the national parks so make sure you have at least a liter of water and some snacks to pack with you. Some treks last well into the afternoon, so I try to bring some energy bars and fruit to keep me going. Volcanoes Safaris’ lodges provide packed lunches for trekkers but it’s always nice to have a few favorite snacks from home in case you’re a picky eater.

4.       Speak up about your trekking preferences

When you arrive at park headquarters on the morning of your trek, the national park guides will assign you to a gorilla group. Technically, it’s not possible to book permits for a specific gorilla group. However, it is important to let your tour company representative know your fitness level, so they can work with the guides to assign you to group that will be within your ability to reach. Some groups are known for ranging far afield while others stay closer to the park boundaries or even go outside of the park. However, all groups move in search of food so there’s no guarantee that one group will be easier to reach than another. On certain days when fewer tourists are trekking than usual, you may be able to request specific groups. Closer groups with new babies tend to be the most popular. It’s hard to pick which groups are the “best” because they are all different and group size and composition changes from one year to the next. Every gorilla trek I’ve been on has been unique and revealed a new facet of mountain gorilla behavior.

5.       Make sure your camera is forest ready

I’ll offer more specific photography tips in a later blog, but here are the basics: Flash photography is not allowed as it disturbs the gorillas so make sure you have your camera manual with you so you know how to disable the automatic flash and automatic focus light functions. Photographs of gorillas in the low forest light often turn out dark due to underexposure. To avoid this, I tend to shoot at ISO 1250 or higher when in the forest. These days, newer models of both point-and-shoot and DSLR camera can handle relatively high ISOs without adding too much noise. No matter what kind of camera you bring, make sure you keep it in a waterproof bag (a large Ziploc will do) to avoid getting the camera wet. I’ve seen way too many nice cameras destroyed by African rainstorms.

The price for a Rwandan mountain gorilla trekking permit is $750, $ 500 dollars for Uganda and $ 400 dollars for the Democratic republic of Congo, so book your gorilla safari with Go Gorilla Trekking, adventure travel specialists for an agent to handle the paperwork for you.

Best of Botswana Vol. 3 Presented to the Botswana Vice President

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Botswana Vice President

On 18 February 2013, the Vice President of Botswana, Dr Ponatshego Honorius Kefaeng Kedikilwe, was presented with a copy of the Best of Botswana Volume 3 by Global Village Africa Publisher Thapelo Letsholo.
The honourable Vice President signed a copy for Global Village Africa as follows: “The positive spirit and vision through this piece of artistic and pictorial presentation should be a source of inspiration and patriotic favour for future generations and positivity.”

Foreword by His Honour the Vice President Dr Ponatshego H. K. Kedikilwe

The celebration of Botswana’s successes continues in this third volume of Best of Botswana. The books are becoming a constant reminder of all that we have achieved as a nation; and in return, inspiring us to continue growing and developing. By showcasing ongoing successes, Best of Botswana circulates the stories which further inspire positive action.

The progression and adaption of each volume tracks the progress of the country. From the last issue, Best of Botswana notably introduced a Sustainability and CSR Chapter. This helps to celebrate the strides made in the sector – which we as the government of Botswana are most proud.

The introduction of an Entrepreneurship Chapter, giving upcoming entrepreneurs the chance to be recognised, is a vital component of a project of this magnitude. Entrepreneurship and SMMEs are an important part of our economy and is a rapidly growing sector.

Best of Botswana Volume 3 is making a valuable contribution to our efforts of economic diversification. Economic Diversification Drive is a vision of which we are in constant pursuit and which we are advancing towards. Detailing and exposing the array of Botswana sectors making waves in the region speaks volumes about the burgeoning success of the economic diversification programmes. The true heroes of this success story are the Batswana people who explored new arenas and become pioneers in business and trade.

The story of our great nation’s growth is being revealed before our eyes in these unique collector’s volumes. The showcase of Botswana in the highest resolution helps remind us of all that we have worked to achieve. Sharing these achievements with the rest of the world provides us with a rare moment of reflection, to sit back and enjoy the spoils of Botswana through the vibrant colours and voices evoked through these pages.

Paging through Best of Botswana Volume 3, the shared values of leadership, integrity, commitment, collaboration, and accountability which we are promoting as part of the Vision 2016, are already so evident in Botswana’s entrepreneurs and businessmen and women.

I hope you will be as inspired by Best of Botswana Volume 3 as I am.

Yours Sincerely

Dr Ponatshego H. K. Kedikilwe, PH, MP,

Vice President of the Republic of Botswana

 

BEST OF BAHRAIN Goes to Africa

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Best of Bahrain

Presenting BEST OF BAHRAIN Vol. 2 to Chairperson of the African Union Commission on 18th September 2012, under the patronage of HRH The Prime Minister’s Court.

BEST OF BAHRAIN Vol. 2 was honorably presented to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in efforts to encourage bilateral agreements between Africa and the GCC, initiated under HRH The Prime Minister’s Court, with a press conference held on 18th September 2012 at the Intercontinental Regency, Bahrain. Future International forums and creation of an MOU between the countries will be implemented in on-going collaborative efforts.

Meet the Best of Ghana Team

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President of Ghana Meets Best of Ghana Team

The ‘BEST OF GHANA’ is poised to tell a great African story for itself. Ghana is a leading example of African success and stringent governance. Its success has stemmed from good leadership meeting commitment from the people –and watered with the innate endowments of this exceptional land.

The inaugural edition of ‘BEST OF GHANA’ captures the spirit of the country and her people. It is only through the stories of the people and their successes that the whole picture can be shared. As a showcase for this success – the book is shared with the world on the Global Village platform, in a unique and timeless format.

This yearly publication is part of the Global Village Partnerships publishing model that now extends across over 50 countries. To complement the readership of our print model we are also present on www.GVPedia.com and the www.ProudlyAfrican.info portal where millions of international readers have access to a virtual copy of ‘BEST OF GHANA’ in eBook format.

This is a visual celebration of Ghana’s diverse achievements, successes and potential.
Our sincere thanks must go to the participants showcased in our very first edition; representing the ‘BEST OF’ in their respective fields.

We hope that ‘BEST OF GHANA’ will inspire new visitors and investors to the country.

The World Trade Center African Initiative Strengthens Ties With the DRC

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On the afternoon of Thursday the 21st of July 2011, the World Trade Center African Initiative took another large stride towards its goal of building relationships in the sub-Saharan region of the continent and thus increasing trade and prosperity for the people of Africa.

After intense preparation, the World Trade Center Cape Town team stood proudly along the red carpet to receive the Honourable Minister Jean-Marie Bulambo Kilosho, the Minister of Economic Development for the Democratic Republic of Congo. A delegation consisting of Miss Isabelle Maneno (Head of Minister’s Mission), Mr. Bavon Kakisingi (Judicial Councilor), Mr. Darius Sumuni (The Minister’s Parsec) and several others accompanied this prestigious governmental figure.

The occasion commenced in the WTC Cape Town boardroom with representatives from both parties sitting alongside the grand boardroom table.  Mr. Theo Poggenpoel Vice President African Relations for World Trade Center Cape Town led proceedings, starting with greetings and introductions. Mrs. Vanessa du Plessis read a letter in French, to the Honourable Minister, from World Trade Center

Cape Town and African Initiative President, Mr. Julius Steyn. This welcomed the delegation and expressed Mr. Steyn’s sincere wishes to sit with the Minister in the very near future. Mrs. Julia Steyn, Mochron Investments CFO also welcomed the group in her husband’s absence, a gesture warmly received by the visiting party.

After all pleasantries were exchanged, the Minister took the opportunity to express his views on the World Trade Center African Initiative, the DRC and our future together. He extended a hand of friendship and cooperation towards the WTC and its initiative. The desire for World Trade Center African Initiative to engage in large-scale business opportunities within his country was expressed, including the sectors of natural resources consisting of copper, gold, uranium, zinc, cobalt and others.

The DRC is the single wealthiest country in the world with regards to natural resources with only the Amazon boasting a larger area of forestry. With the country’s natural assets valued at $24 trillion, a partnership is beyond beneficial it is essential.

The minister went on to communicate his view that WTC African Initiative are establishing trade zones on the continent for African countries to perform trade freely, an enterprise that is vital for the empowerment of Africa. He stated that like an army preparing for war, covering themselves in armour, we must equip ourselves for business together. A second meeting is required, he went on to say, to further discuss the next steps of business. He expressed his intentions to sit with the government of the DRC, the following day, to give them a full and positive report on his experience with the World Trade Center African Initiative team. His report will motivate the need to solidify their relationship with the WTC African Initiative through a fully functioning collaboration.

Mr. Sven Boermeester, head of GVPedia.com and Director of Media Africa at World Trade Center Cape Town, then showcased his ‘Best Of’ series and expressed his intention to have the DRC version completed shortly. This was enthusiastically received and the Honourable Minister advised Mr. Boormeester to make contact with the Department of Environmental Affairs in the DRC and to visit the country where he will be able to gather content far more effectively by experiencing it first hand. He encouraged the implementation of the publication to be finalized as soon as is possible.

Upon the conclusion of the meeting, the Honourable Minister stated that the formal invitation for a second meeting, in the DRC, would be extended before his delegation’s departure from South Africa. He expressly stated his anticipation to meet with Mr. Julius Steyn and that his written message had gone straight to his heart. He thanked the WTC staff for the warm reception and was most impressed with all arrangements.

A quick tour of the WTC Cape Town’s facilities completed the delegation’s visit, complete with a viewing of the architectural designs for Gaborone, personally introduced by its designer and President of World Trade Center Lusaka, Mr. Sergio Muchengwa. The Minister’s final words were a reiteration of his intent to back the coalition of the DRC government with the WTC African Initiative. This proved to be an amazingly successful visit and a testament to the hard working WTC Cape Town staff as well as the vision of its seniors.

Over 20 Years of Namibian Independence

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Little-known Namibia, one of Africa’s most sparsely populated nations, is also one of the continent’s most stable. In late March 2010, Namibia’s ambassador, Patrick Nandago, held a reception in Washington to celebrate “20 years of independence, freedom, democracy and the rule of law in our beautiful country.”

Several hundred people gathered at the Omni Shoreham to help Nandago mark the occasion – singing both “Namibia, Land of the Brave” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” as colour photos depicting the country’s flora and fauna flashed on large screens.

Among the guests Nandago singled out for special recognition were Susan Page, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs at the time, and Chester Crocker, who served as U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs from 1981 to 1989.

“In the heat of the armed liberation struggle in Namibia, and the civil war in Angola,” said the ambassador, “Dr Crocker was the man who developed the strategy that produced the treaties signed by Angola, Cuba and South Africa which culminated in the ceasefire between South Africa’s UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) rebels and SWAPO (the South- West Africa People’s Organisation), leading to the first democratic elections in Namibia.”

South Africa’s former colony finally obtained independence on March 21st 1990, after 106 years of foreign occupation.

“Since then, Namibia has held free, fair and peaceful elections every five years, with the most recent one held in November 2009,” he said. “Over the years, we have witnessed successful transfers of power, and our country is known to be one of the most democratic on the African continent. Our economic and political stability makes it an attractive location for investors.”

Turning the evening into a sales pitch for his country, Nandago explained that the four pillars of Namibia’s economy are agriculture, mining, fishing and tourism. With only just over two-million people in a country whose land covers 825,418 sq km, Namibia should be quite wealthy. And in fact, its exports of diamonds, uranium, copper, gold and zinc are legendary.

“Namibia is faced with many challenges, including the availability of portable water, access to quality healthcare, housing and education, and the challenges of unemployment, HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,” said Nandago. “Namibia did not escape the brunt of climate change, and for the last four years, the country has witnessed severe drought and devastating floods”.

Nor, he said, did the global economic crisis spare Namibia. “But we remain hopeful that things will turn around.”

As part of its strategy, the government has set up the Namibia Investment Centre and has signed agreements with neighbouring Botswana and Zimbabwe to acquire dry-port facilities in Walvis Bay, Namibia’s deep-water port on the Atlantic Ocean. Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are negotiating for similar arrangements.

Page, speaking on behalf of her superior Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, said Namibia had a lot to celebrate on its 20th anniversary.

“Since its separation from apartheid South Africa in 1990, Namibia has pursued a path of democracy and free-market economy. It has distinguished itself from other African states by having held 10 national, regional and local elections,” she said, noting that Namibia is one of the 15 “focus countries” under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). That entitles it to more than US$100-million annually to help Namibia “mitigate the suffering of HIV-AIDS patients.”

In September 2009, the U.S. government’s Millennium Challenge Corp. signed a US$304.5-million compact with Namibia aimed,

among other things, at boosting the quality of education and rectifying the country’s unequal distribution of income.

“Now that President Hifkepunye Pohamba has been sworn in for a second term, we hope he will continue to take a strong stand against corruption and genderbased violence,” Page told the assembled guests. “The United States is seeking to build mutual trust in addressing the many challenges Namibia faces, including the fight against HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis, and the need to create jobs and reduce poverty.”

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