(Image: Melissa Johnson/BlackEnterprise.com)

BlackEnterprise.com got exclusive backstage access during New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to talk to four of seven African designers who debuted their Spring 2012 collections in the Made in Africa: ARISE Magazine show.

Each designer infused the culture, history and richness of a diverse continent to showcase their own unique flair for mixing traditional with destinct prints and textiles. We caught up with four of the designers, duo Malcolm KLuK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit of KLuk CGTD; Pierre-Antoine Vetterello and Tsemaye Binitie, each of their respective namesake lines; and Lisa Folawiyo, of Jewel by Lisa, on how to make it in the business of fashion, and their must-have beauty and apparel items to keep their looks fashionably polished.

(Videography: Melissa Johnson)

Visit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!

(Image: Melissa Johnson/BlackEnterprise.com)

With one amazing finale to New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the Made in Africa: by Arise Magazine show ushered in seven talented African designers.

More than 1,000 attendees witnessed the debut of Spring 2012 collections by: Kluk CGTD (worn by the likes of Beyonce and Charlize Theron); Bunmi Koko (whose designs have caught First Lady Michelle Obama’s eye); Pierre-Antoine Vetterello (who’s held posts at Balenciaga and Lagerfeld); Asibelua (with it’s Nigerian prints infused with modern cuts); Jewel by Lisa (a favorite of Solange Knowles and Kendall Jenner); Tsemaye Binitie (whose resume includes Stella McCartney); and Lanre Da Silva (who’s bright silhouettes are infamous for impeccable draping.)

Hosted by Arise Magazine, an international style publication that covers fashion, music, politics and culture, this year’s show featured runway sensation Sessilee Lopez and a closing performance by platinum-selling singer Leona Lewis.

It was the second Arise show in the U.S., with its premiere show launch in 2009, featuring cameos by pop icon Grace Jones and fashion industry powerhouses Tyson Beckford, Alek Wek, and Liya Kebede.

BlackEnterprise.com got exclusive backstage access to talk to design duo Malcolm KLuK and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit of KLuk CGTD; Vetterello and Binitie, each of their respective namesake lines; and Lisa Folawiyo, of Jewel by Lisa, on how their diversity, history, and love for Africa inspired their Spring 2012 collections:

(Videographer: Melissa Johnson)

Visit BlackEnterprise.com/style for more Fashion Week coverage as well as features on how you can upgrade our professional style profile!

What I learned from visiting townships like Soweto or other locations where Mrs. Obama and her daughters danced with the young women as they sang, “We Are Marching in the Light of God,” is that being from a mostly poor, impoverished place, where generations of black people have known nothing but oppression and denial, has not in any way diminished their humanity or their capacity to dream, though it may have stood in the way of realizing those dreams.

Read more at The Root …

As a girl, I traveled extensively with my parents while my mother worked as a flight attendant. At 13, I went to Italy and France and became completely fascinated by each country’s culture, food, and language. Three years later, I convinced my parents I was mature enough to live in the United Kingdom for a month as part of a student ambassador program. I continued such trips during my college years. In 2002, as a Spelman College undergraduate, I traveled to Cuba to research its healthcare system. The following year, I studied abroad in South Africa, and then returned in 2007 to collect data for my graduate thesis on pediatric AIDS for Boston University.

These experiences taught me that people are more alike than different. We hold similar aspirations: to achieve the best quality of life possible for ourselves and families. I am grateful my travels enabled me to feel completely comfortable in different types of environments, personally and professionally. In fact, seeking global experiences is a growing trend. According to the 2009 Kelly Global Workforce Index, 81% of Millennials believe a strong global orientation is vital to career prospects, followed by 78% of GenXers (approximately ages 30-47).

As globalization continues to shrink boundaries, workforce diversity will be an imperative for long-term sustainability of businesses large and small. These entities will require workforces with unique perspectives to remain competitive.

By 2016, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and women are expected to comprise 70% of the U.S. workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And by 2043, white Americans are expected to make up less than 50% of the nation’s population. Diversity, historically considered an “initiative” in corporate America, will become a workforce and marketplace reality, according to FutureWork Institute, a consulting firm that evaluates workplace trends. The organization further maintains that the fastest-growing domestic markets for goods and services will be minority communities. Therefore, smart companies are bolstering internal and external diversity efforts to take advantage of continued growth in buying power. One such emerging group is African immigrants, representing an estimated $50 billion market, according to the U.S. African Consumer Segment report (“A Unique Consumer Market,” Diversity Watch, August 2009).

With the “browning” of America and an increasingly borderless business environment, diversity will steadily become a way of life not just from 9 to 5 but from 5 to 9 as well. As our differences become a welcome part of a more dynamic workplace, and world, we will not just talk about inclusion but live it.

Annya M. Lott is BE’s careers editor.

Earlier this year, Seruma, chief investment officer, managing principal, and founder of New York-based Nile Capital Management L.L.C., unveiled the Nile Pan Africa Fund (NAFAX), the world’s first actively managed mutual fund to focus exclusively on Africa-based investments. “The fund invests across the entire continent from Cairo to Cape Town, and in all industries, including basic materials, technology, utilities, and consumer goods,” says Seruma, who serves as the fund’s portfolio manager. Since the fund’s inception last April, it’s become available on four major brokerage platforms: Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Pershing, and Scottrade. Seruma spoke to Black Enterprise about Africa’s emergence and how African American investors can take part.

Should Africa be on every investor’s radar screen?
We believe so. Here’s the reason: Brazil, Russia, India, China, were once where Africa is now. A lot of investors who may have missed out on the opportunity to invest in those countries 10 years ago are beginning to realize this is the time to do it for Africa. It’s the last frontier in terWs of investment destinations. We believe that investors can look at Africa as a way to deepen their emerging market allocations without increasing risk.

What’s the best case for investing in Africa now?
Look at returns. Over the last 10 years, the returns for emerging markets have been about 7.3%. If you look at Africa, the returns have been 13.8%. African markets have performed just as well as other emerging markets. In the first quarter of 2010, Africa’s return has been between 20% and 25%. When you look at developed markets in the first quarter, they were about 4.87% (S&P).

What are your criteria for the African companies you look to invest in?
We look for good corporate governance, dominant market share, good solid management, the ability to execute, companies that have a good shareholder base—when we invest in local companies, we like those that have multinational shareholders. We also like companies that have access to cheaper capital. Aside from that, there are three important factors I look for. The first is consumer growth. Africa is urbanizing. We’re looking for companies that are exploiting this huge market opportunity in the urban areas. The second thing is infrastructure, companies that provide infrastructure services to the big urban centers—not only roads, but also technology infrastructure such as telephone and Internet. Many African countries are spending a lot of money to fund this infrastructure. Finally, there are many companies that are part of Africa’s commodity story. Most people when they think about Africa, they think of its abundant natural resources. We look at companies thriving in that space. Big multinational companies are beginning to invest in Africa to increase their oil and gas resources.

What’s your favorite commodity-based African company right now?
Tullow Oil plc. (TUWOY). They have been the most successful oil and gas exploration business in Africa. The investment thesis for this stock is based on the company’s assets in Ghana and Uganda, where the most recent oil discoveries in Africa have been made. The market potential is about $7 billion in oil. The Ghana discovery is jointly owned by three companies: Tullow Oil, Kosmos Energy, and Anadarko Petroleum. They each currently own one-third of the discovery. Additionally, Tullow Oil has another recent discovery in Uganda. It owns 50% of that asset with a company called Heritage Oil.  Now, Heritage Oil has recently decided to sell its 50% stake to Tullow, making it the sole owner of that asset. In Ghana they are looking to start pumping out oil by the end of this year. In Uganda it’s going to be 2011. Tullow is positioned to benefit from that given the fact that they are a large holder of those two assets. Their stock price right now does not reflect the value of those two assets. So, as a long-term call, it’s a very good company to own. In addition to that, Tullow continues to explore oil on the rest of the continent. Our 12-month price target is $11.

What’s a good way to capitalize on consumer growth on the continent?
SABMiller plc. (SBMRY) is a South African brewery company that started out in Cape Town and grew its business across the entire continent. It has been very successful at doing that, and has since expanded outside Africa—with assets in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America. After this summer, the company is looking to benefit from the World Cup [held in South Africa in June and July] because it sells 90% of all beer in South Africa. The company is looking to capitalize on it in order to expand in other African countries. It owns the largest brewer, for example, in Zimbabwe. And, they’re pursuing the same strategy in the rest of Africa. So, if you go to Kenya or Uganda or any of these countries they own some of the largest local brewers. They are looking to use their infrastructure in a way to expand their business. So, it has a good exposure to Africa, Latin America, and Europe. It’s an African company that has really gone global. Owning a piece of this company gives an investor exposure to Africa but also other emerging markets. My 12-month price target for SABMiller is $35.

So, we have both commodity and consumer-based picks. Do you have an infrastructure play for us?
Yes. My final pick is MTN Group Ltd. (MTNOY), the largest telecommunications operator in Africa. Based in South Africa, they operate in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Their two largest markets are South Africa and Nigeria. Their main source of future growth will come from all the untapped markets in Africa. Telecommunications penetration among consumers on the continent is under 15%. That presents an opportunity—a lot of growth possibilities. Another growth opportunity for the company is in the data market. In Africa there is only about 2% penetration in the data market. Our 12-month price target for this stock is $18.

As he is about to release the third edition, publisher Michael Eboda talks about similarities with black America regarding struggles for equality and recognition and how this list could be a first step in Great Britain toward greater diversity. Powerlist 2010 will be available online Sept. 21 at www.powerful-media.com.

In previous Powerlists, there have been a number of black Brits featured from the creative and athletic world. Why do you think there are so few black people in business who get the same recognition?
Actually, the sector with the most representation in the 2010 list is the business/finance sector, so things are changing. We didn’t include many individuals from the sports world even on the last list—unless they were in a very senior managerial position—because although they may be well known, they tend to have only a limited amount of influence as we define it.

The Powerlist is not based on fame or wealth, but on influence. You define influence as “the ability to alter events and change lives.” Why did you choose this definition of influence and how did it shape your search for candidates?
We chose this definition because we wanted to distinguish ‘influence’ from ‘power.’ We wanted to promote the idea that a person who is powerful is only influential when they unleash that power in the right way. Power, in other words, is latent influence.

What are some obstacles for blacks in Britain to rising up the ranks in the business and corporate world? Do you think they are similar to those that black Americans deal with?
I imagine they are pretty similar to those faced by African Americans—about 30 years ago! We are still a long way behind. So, for example, there is only one black CEO of a FTSE 100-listed company, Tidjane Thiam at Prudential  plc. (no affiliation with U.S.-based Prudential Financial Inc.), and he was only appointed this year and is not British. He is from the Ivory Coast and came here via France. We are probably about 10 years away, I imagine, from having a black British CEO of a major company.

Do you really think that the lack of diversity in the business and corporate world stems from an inability to locate the right people or are there other things at play?
Quite often it’s about networks and whether or not you are a part of the right one. In England, for example, a lot of socializing goes on in the pub. But many black people don’t go to a pub on a regular basis, so they miss out. There are other exclusive preserves, too: golf clubs, private members clubs, and the old school tie-in. All of them are in effect devices people use to congregate around people like them. It’s not surprising that so many business decisions are made in these places between the people who are a part of them. Historically, blacks have been kept out of these networks. One of the things we are building with the Powerlist is a strong network of our own. So, for example, if an African American wants to do business in London, we can introduce them to people—black people, at the right level—who can help them to get things done.

This article originally appeared in the September 2009 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

In making the announcement at the NAACP’s centennial celebration in New York Wednesday, Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade stressed an abundance of untapped investment opportunities that Americans, especially black Americans, are missing out on.

“Africa is now the only continent that has plenty of natural resources,” Wade said. “This is why we have to prepare our people for this next opportunity. People will come to Africa, because Africa will be the last frontier.”

Wade and leaders from other African nations will use the festival to promote private and public sector partnerships with Africa. Fesman 2009 is slated to be the largest ever gathering of artists from Africa and the African diaspora worldwide.

Even greater than establishing business and investment opportunities in Africa, the festival also seeks to push forward the goal of a united Africa by 2017.

A United States of Africa would hold more weight in international affairs and command global recognition, according to Fesman2009.com. Proponents said the unification would better equip the continent to fight instability without Western interference and also “fight poverty, and…face the challenges of globalization.”

But, with only eight more years left in reaching this goal, Wade’s initiative may prove to be a bit ambitious for continent with hundreds of languages and a multitude of cultures.

Renita Burns is the editorial assistant at BlackEnterprise.com.

Wake up people!

Opportunity is at hand; can you see it?

I firmly believe there lies potential for growth and prosperity amid these economically troubling times. After attending several entrepreneurs and investing conferences over the past six months, I noticed a number of recurring themes. Here’s a look at some of the business concepts that may change the game for many small business owners and Every Day Joes like myself.

Engage me, please: The old rules of paying your dues and climbing the corporate ladder have been shaken with the advent of Web 2.0. Young people have created lucrative companies and branding opportunities utilizing new media technology.

TUVOnline.com

A college classmate of mine, Jason Smikle, started his own fledgling web-based company, TUVOnline.com (Truly Unique Vision Online) about two years ago. After interning at MTV and learning about film production, he realized, EUREKA! —I can do this myself. And that’s exactly what he did. TUVOnline started with a couple maxed out credit cards and a “party cam” where he and other students filmed weekend and campus events and posted them online. At the recommendation of a contact from Burrell Communications Group, Smikle leveraged his network’s audience for market research. They began doing market research for advertising firms to find out what young people are interested in. Smikle says in 2007 he earned $50,000 in revenue which doubled to $100,000 by 2008.

“The most significant constant that is occurring in business right now is that companies know they can’t market to consumers the same old way but the rules for success have not clearly been established,” says Carol Watson multicultural advertising and marketing talent source at Tangerine-Watson, Inc.

The problem?

While at an entrepreneurs conference in February, experts advised small business owners to engage their customers via blogs, social networking and a host of other Web 2.0 platforms.

The overwheming response was resistance. “Can I hire someone to blog for me?,” one entrepreneur queried. “Do I really need a Facebook account? I just don’t have the time,” said another entrepreneur. What I gathered from many of these conferences is customer engagement is growing increasingly important to maintaining clients and growing your business. While some older business owners shift to new age technology reluctantly, young people are growing with the advancements, and it’s shifting business dynamics.

Young adults knowledgeable and skilled “will be able to write their tickets” if they continue to build their Web 2.0 expertise, Watson adds.

Growing in Africa: Investing in Africa also stood out as a possible trend or growth opportunity, too. Black Enterprise has long been a proponent for finding financial opportunity on the African continent. This is not because it’s an African American-based publication, but because it makes good business sense. This issue was driven home during the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/Push Coalitions Wall Street Summit in January.

“Those who’ve invested in African stock markets are doing a little better,” said Rosa Whitaker, CEO of The Whitaker Group, a consulting firm focused on development in Africa. “In capital markets the economic crisis hasn’t affected Africa because the economies are not directly interlinked,” she added.

At the conference, panelists suggested researching emerging market funds or even small business opportunities.

Renita Burns is the editorial assistant at BlackEnterprise.com

“We have a challenge and along with the challenge is the opportunity,” Obasanjo said. “If we identify the opportunity then we must seize the opportunity.” That opportunity includes emerging market stocks whose returns have outpaced those in other global economies despite the economic crisis.

“Those who’ve invested in African stock markets are doing a little better,” said Rosa Whitaker, CEO of The Whitaker Group, a consulting firm focused on African development. “In capital markets the economic crisis hasn’t affected Africa because the economies is not directly interlinked,” she added.

Whitaker was of many on a panel interested in boosting African American investments in Africa. The forum, “International Africa, The Last Economic Frontier: The Role of the Diaspora and Foreign Investors,” explored the numerous financial opportunities available in Africa. It was apart of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 12th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project Economic Summit.

Telecommunications and technology sectors are growth industries for the continent, according to Whitaker. And with President-elect Barack Obama promising to focus on sustainable and renewable energy, Africa is sure to be a power player as it is home to some of the largest energy reserves in the world. These oil and gas reserves are concentrated in Northern Africa and Nigeria.

Panelists said in order to boost black dollars flowing into the country, trade and investment incentives need to be advocated for. “We will have to look at opening up the tax codes because that will open up investments,” Whitaker said.

Even with a poor housing market and troubled economy Obasanjo said it should not cloud insight on investments. “Our outlook should be global and international and our outreach too should be global and international,” he said.