Dear Afriversity Friend

In my last visits to South Africa I was again reminded of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that exists amid the tough economic conditions. South Africa has not escaped the global recession and unemployment is a whopping 24.5%. It's of course no better in neighbouring African states. Everyone is trying to find a way to sell their services and products. For many, starting and running a business is not a choice but a necessity to put food on the table.

So when I met our latest Afripreneurs during our small business development courses, I was so impressed by their resilience, determination and energy to want to learn how to better manage their businesses. They all want to go from survival mode to growing their business into sustainable ventures. They want to understand which tools are available to help them spring board their business. There is no lack of positive attitude towards learning. They are hungry! They just need more knowledge and skills, and mentors that believe in them as successful business people. They need the networks of contacts to expand sales and partnerships. They need access to loans and investment to realize their dreams.

We are also so excited to see the power of diversity in the South African entrepreneurship community. Although we believe in the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment programme (BBBEE), we believe even more in the potential of multi-cultural, multi-racial entrepreneurship networks that can draw on experiences from all cultures. I have personally witnessed first-hand the successes of multi-diversity management teams and I have always found it to be far superior to anything else. At Afriversity we are seeing the power of networking and we have set up an Afriversity social networking site for all our Afripreneurs and anyone else who wants to join the party! Please go to www.afriversityct.ning.com and enjoy the team spirit and contribute your blogs, ideas, inspirations, and share with other fellow entrepreneurs' experiences and resources.

Lastly, I want to thank our corporate and private sponsors as well as partners. Your donations are making a real difference. A difference to create new sustainable jobs and helping to make dreams happen.

It's coming up to the Festive Season so let that generous spirit flow into Afriversity!

With Seasonal Greetings and Wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year for everyone!

Love,

Thorgeir

Founder of Afriversity

The Time is Right to Invest in Africa!

Whilst Tony Blair was Prime Minister, he put Africa at the heart of his foreign policy - from the Commission in Africa to the military intervention in Sierra Leone. Since leaving office, Tony Blair has renewed his commitment to Africa's development and economic growth by setting up the "Africa Governance Initiative". The Africa Governance Initiative is underpinned by two key principles that Tony Blair came to see as central to achieving the vision of a stable, prosperous Africa taking its rightful place in the world with an end to aid-dependence.

First, that good governance, including an effective centre of Government and a thriving public policy space, is essential for development.

Second, that growing Africa's private sector is the only long-term way to escape from poverty. Increased investment - including foreign direct investment - is vital to this.


Click here to listen to Blair´s enthusiasm and hope for Africa!

Do you have a great business idea but lack funding and resources?

THIS IS YOUR LUCKY DAY!

Evo Media is sending a nationwide call for applicants for the Young Entrepreneur Programme

This exciting new programme is taking South Africa by storm. 24 young people will travel to the USA to receive world-class business training. Whilst there, they will work closely with professional US mentors and when the six weeks are over, these mentors return with them to South Africa to help them set up their own businesses.

The programme is creating a network of South African entrepreneurs who will have the skills and the support to help build a strong new youth owned business sector.

Apply immediately for an all expenses paid experience of a lifetime! Do not miss this amazing opportunity!

Click here to fill out the application form before 14 December 2009.

Good Luck!!