In this issue

Capturing yet another tumultuous year but looking forward to a new one filled with optimism and hope, the December 2021 / January 2022 issue of FORBES AFRICA will unpack the 2021 African of the Year. Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s President, has raised the profile of the country in the global marketplace as one reliant on its own resources and strengths. He has redefined economic development and it’s resonating across Africa. In an exclusive interview with FORBES AFRICA, he dwells on the new focus of the West African nation that is today one of the continent’s most stable democracies and fastest-growing economies. Also check out our story on South Africa’s township economies, which, come rain, shine, Covid or civil unrest, will band together and emerge from the ashes, resolutely, resiliently. Staying with South Africa, read about Covid-19 vaccines making their way to the people by rail. We have an exclusive interview with swimming sensation Tatjana Schoenmaker, South Africa’s star at the Tokyo Olympics winning record-breaking gold in the 200m breaststroke. From film to fashion to beauty and food, we have every entrepreneur covered from Lagos to Kigali to Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in this issue. And don’t miss our eye-catching year-end luxury fashion spread. All this and more in the December 2021 / January 2022 issue of FORBES AFRICA, out now!

African Of The Year

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s president, has repositioned the country in the global marketplace as one reliant on its own resources and strengths. He is redefining economic development and it’s resonating across Africa. In an exclusive interview with Forbes Africa, he dwells on the new focus of the West African nation that has in recent years consistently been one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

10+ mins

The Anti-Amazon

Josh Silverman is using cutting-edge technology and an army of 5 million artisan-entrepreneurs to transform ETSY from a hippie flea market into a Wall Street hero—without losing its soul.

5 mins

Appetite For Business

Starting with just $45, Ghanaian entrepreneur Violet Amoabeng’s startup has progressed with skincare products you can eat and the unpalatable realization that the only way to make it in business is to crash, break, stretch and succeed.

4 mins

The $30 Billion Kitty

The standard playbook in private equity is to borrow, buy and cut costs ruthlessly. But a massive windfall from investments in PetSmart and Chewy has taught BC Partners’ Raymond Svider that sometimes, doubling down on risks is a better option.

4 mins

‘I Haven't Seen A Day Of Peace In My Life'

Faced with an uncertain present, women and girls in Afghanistan hope the new Taliban regime will ease the restrictions on them and that the international community will intervene. For now, their only option is to stay strong and reconcile their dreams with the current reality.

9 mins

Electric dreams: East Africa on the move

Electric Vehicles (EV) are fast becoming a mainstay of daily commutes around the world. From battery-powered vehicles to electric public buses, we are on the precipice of a revolution in the automotive industry. Africa is not excluded in this new movement with burgeoning sectors looking to change the way African cities move – and breathe! FORBES AFRICA looks at how the EV market is moving in East Africa.

5 mins

The Future In Motion

The six-month Expo 2020 bringing together 192 countries to Dubai that opened on October 1 is exploring opportunities for partnerships between Africa and the Middle East. Get a load of barista bots that make coffee and tell jokes, do calligraphy or tai-chi, and ones that bring Beethoven’s work to life through performance.

3 mins

The Together Man In Regional Cinema

At the cornerstone of contemporary Swahili cinema, Tanzanian filmmaker Amil Shivji is adamant about telling stories of contrast and community and promoting local talent.

4 mins

Read all stories from Forbes Africa

Forbes Africa Magazine Description:

Forbes Africa is the drama critic to business in Africa. The magazine helps readers connect the dots, form patterns and see beyond the obvious, giving them a completely different perspective. In doing this, it delivers sharp, in-depth and engaging stories by looking at global and domestic issues from an African prism.