Free TALK Africa: The story of South Africa strategy to attract investors through self Branding

By Prince Osuagwu

South Africa is not leaving anything to chances about its quest to be the hub of African businesses.
Recently it gathered journalists around the world to see for themselves what potentials abound in Africa, with South Africa as a reference point. The tour was not political just as it could have been in other African countries. Interestingly the South African government handed the BRAND SOUTH AFRICAN project to professionals who gathered experts in all sectors including Banking, Health, Energy and other business areas who reeled out action plans in their different sectors.
It was one of the most perfectly organised tours I have ever witnessed in my career as a journalist. The tour took the journalists from Nigeria,South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, Egypt, Zambia, Kenya among others, across Johannesburg,Pretoria and Cape Town and in each location, it became clearer that South Africa is a proud African continent flag bearer.
What with the COP17 billed to be hosted there between November and December this year, the country is not ready to leave any bit of opportunity it could provide its business environment. An elated Minister of Internal Relations and Cooperation, Mrs Maite Nkoane who eventually is the incoming president of the COP17 is already celebrating the milestones of the event in the history of South Africa. For her, this is another World cup. And we all knew what leverage the 2010 world cup left for country.
From the Ten point plan Health Sector reforms by the radical South African Minister of Health in Pretoria to the Alternative energy plant and the robust wine farms in Cape Town, there was no doubt that South Africa has taken time to strategise on what it wants and those that would deliver them to the promised land.
The Brand Africa team stuck to time and made the tour worthwhile for the tourists. The hospitality is a story that has no end and the friendliness leaves a lasting taste in the mouth of all participants, to say the least.
These picture could speak volumes.
Enjoy them!