AS THE ROUGH BEAST THAT WAS 2020 slouches off into the past, a more benevolent creature is stirring. Some say it’s a horned serpent, or a horse-giraffe-crocodile hybrid; others call it a fearsome dragon, or a rainbow-colored mystery that descends with the heavy rains.
It’s the Ninki Nanka, and its powerful charisma could be a shot in the arm for the Gambian tourism industry in a postCovid environment hungry for adventure with a conscience.
Tales of African cryptids are common across the continent: the Congo River has its quasi-plesiosaur Mokèlé-mbèmbé, Botswana has its village-stomping Kgogomodumo.
The swamp-dwelling Ninki Nanka of West African folklore is another frightening enigma, weaponized in the evening-stories of weary parents to deter curious children from venturing too far after dark.
There are still local fishermen who refuse to enter certain creeks, such is the Ninki Nanka’s ancestral resonance. Some believe encounters spell certain death, unless the dragon is viewed in a mirror, but a scale recovered from its body unlocks a magical wish for an adventurous survivor.
Now, in 2021, an innovative Gambian initiative, several decades in the making, is at last ready to emerge from its long incubation, turning cryptozoology into currency in a way that promises to deliver real-world benefits to local communities.
Bu hikaye Forbes Africa dergisinin February - March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Forbes Africa dergisinin February - March 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
HIP-HOP'S HOTTEST HUSTLER
The Memphis rap star runs one of the biggest music labels, owns a piece of an MLS team and is looking to expand his empire like his billionaire mentor Jay-Z. But first, he's going to business school.
Kigali Triennial, The Ambitious New Event On The African Cultural Calendar
Rwanda has rightly earned the nickname of \"a land of a thousand hills and a thousand and one opportunities\" because of the country's impressive economic progress. However, after the recently-concluded celebration of arts which was the inaugural Kigali Triennial festival, you can now add culture to the list of things the country offers for tourists and investors.
The dark Side of AI
There is a thin line between innovation and abuse. A look at how large language models (LLMs) are making cyber-criminals even better at mastering the art of deception.
Gene Gamechanger
Disease-resistant crops? Cows that can withstand climate change? Here's how CRISPR is already transforming the continent, and why building a network of skilled scientists can help position Africa as a key global contributor in this frontier of crop development.
Women Empowerment And Transformation In Mining: A Distinctive Perspective
GMDC is a mining company that specializes in tungsten (wolfram) and operates in the city of Kigali, Nyarugenge District, Mageragere Sector.
How The Mining Sector Contributes To Community Development Initiatives
It plays a significant role in Rwanda's overall development, contributing to infrastructure, job creation, health, education, and even environmental conservation. It's not just about extracting resources; mining is mandated to build up the communities and nation alongside its operations.
Reflecting On 2023 Milestones And A Look Ahead
Last year solidified Rwanda's position as a prime African mining investment destination and a burgeoning hub for mineral value addition. What will 2024 hold?
Rwandan Mining Regulator Unveils Three-Year Mineral Exploration Campaign
A holistic approach to responsible mineral resource management in the country.
TASTING SUCCESS
Paul Siguqa has had an unlikely journey in the wine business in South Africa. His mother worked in the vineyards as a laborer during the apartheid era and now, his fully black-owned wine farm sells premium products.
Creating Stronger Communities In Africa Through Digital And Financial Inclusion
In Sub-Saharan Africa, a silent barrier to economic inclusion and social mobility persists: one in four adults lacks identification, according to a World Bank report.
