Ozwald Boateng guest edits New African
The latest 180 page issue is packed with interviews and guest contributions, looking at a Future Made in Africa as well as a 60 page supplement to celebrate the 50 years of the OAU, with some of the key speeches and moments by African leaders.
The issue has a strong focus on infrastructure, which reflects the work of the Made in Africa foundation in this field; a US$400m fund to finance the feasibility studies, or 'the first dollar' of projects, to fast-track infrastructure investment throughout Africa.
The issue features a star cast of writers and columnists. Editorial contributors include Tony Blair, president Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, Tony Elumelu, Mo Ibrahim, David Adjaye, Jay Naidoo, Omar Bongo Ondimba, Minna Salami, Swaady Martin-Leke, and Kandeh Yumkella and Babatunde Fashola.
A reflection on Africa's challenges
Featuring exclusive interviews and editorial content, this month's issue steps outside the box and combines a reflection on Africa's challenges, achievements and progress over the past 50 years with its report on the African Union with analysis and debate on 'what Africans can do in the next 50 years'.
In line with visionary angle of the magazine, which wants to position itself as helping shape the African agenda, articles include: an expert panel discussion with Tullow Oil initiative Invest In Africa; the role of women in Africa's future; 'Investing in infrastructure is key to Africa's growth'; '20 innovative trends taking Africa to the world stage'; brands in Africa; and Nollywood's next generation to watch.
What to expect
In its "Trailblazers under 50" list, New African lists its selection of 50 Africans under the age of 50, in alphabetical order, that are breaking ground and setting hope for Africa's future. The list includes Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Alex Wek, Didier Drogba, Hadeel Ibrahim, David Rudisha, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Juliana Totich, P-Square, Dambisa Moyo and its very own readers.
In recognition of the significance of the OAU's and AU's role in Africa's history from colonisation to independence the 60 page special features an extensive timeline including commentary, speeches and analysis from notable players such as Ghana's first president Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, and Malcolm X.
In his opening overview "Why our future should be made in Africa". Boateng insists "If the world is to get beyond boom and bust, it requires African creators, farmers, workers, industrialists and leaders to be given the tools and opportunities to play their part for the good of all".
Omar Ben Yedder, publisher of New African magazine, commented: "Ozwald Boateng has done a fantastic job and this is really a collector's item, and one which we hope will be read and studied in schools and universities across Africa. We feature some great interviews and viewpoints, putting forward solutions and new ideas, as well as looking back at some of the vision of our founding fathers. It was a true learning experience working on this issue".
