Why Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa?

President Barack Obama's only other trip to Africa during his presidency -- before he returns this week -- was a 36-hour visit to Ghana in 2009. At the time, he told the Ghanaian Parliament, "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions."

He plans to re-emphasize that point when he travels to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania June 26-July 3 to celebrate those countries' democracies and to strengthen economic ties, say White House and former officials.

And, not to mention, make up for lost time.

"This is a region that, frankly, has been underrepresented in our travel," said the White House's Ben Rhodes in a conference call with reporters on Friday. "This is a place where the United States needs to be present."

One country noticeably absent on President Obama's trip is Kenya, his father's birthplace and home to some of his relatives. The country's new President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to stand trial at The Hague's International Criminal Court later this year, which appeared to factor into the White House's decision. Kenyatta is accused of crimes against humanity for allegedly orchestrating post-election violence in 2007-8.

"We also as a country have a commitment to accountability and justice as a baseline principle. And given the fact that Kenya is in the aftermath of their election and the new government has come into place and is going to be reviewing these issues with the ICC and the international community, it just wasn't the best time for the president to travel to Kenya at this point," said Rhodes.

Senegal

The first country on President Obama's tour of sub-Saharan Africa is Senegal. The nation of 13 million people is considered one of Africa's most stable democracies.

Last year, when then-President Abdoulaye Wade chose to run for a third term, despite a constitutional term limit of two, the nation protested and elected prime minister Macky Sall in his place.

Mr. Obama plans to recognize Senegal's ability to hold free and fair elections and to applaud the three nations' democratic progress as a whole, said Johnnie Carson, who was assistant secretary of state for African affairs from 2009 to April 1, 2013, and is now a senior adviser at the U.S. Institute of Peace.

Senegal, which is 94 percent Muslim, is the United States' strongest French-speaking African partner, he told reporters on Monday. It has received aMillennium Challenge Corporation grant of more than $500 million for road-building and food-security initiatives.

South Africa

After Senegal, Mr. Obama and his family fly to South Africa on Friday. His main speech of the trip will be delivered at the University of Cape Town on Sunday, where he plans to focus on the themes of trade and investment, development, democracy and security partnerships, according to the White House.

Also in South Africa, where nearly half of the 48.6 million population is under the age of 25, the president and first lady Michelle Obama will hold meetings with young entrepreneurs. Africa's youth are the leaders of its economic climb, and they want to acknowledge that, said Carson.

While in South Africa, Mr. Obama will contact the family of former President Nelson Mandela, and will defer to them in terms of any interaction with the anti-apartheid leader, said Rhodes. Mandela has been in the hospital for two weeks due to a reoccurring lung ailment. His condition took a turn for the worse over the weekend.

Mr. Obama also plans to visit Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years he was in jail before the end of apartheid.

Tanzania

The last country on the tour is Tanzania, which is one of the world's poorest economies but is getting a boost from gold production and tourism. Mr. Obama plans to meet with African business leaders there.

China, Brazil, India and Turkey are becoming major investors in Africa. "It would not be in our interest for the United States to pull back at precisely the time when we see other nations stepping into Africa and increasing their own investments," said Rhodes.

The president is bringing a group of American business leaders with him to demonstrate the U.S. interest in trade and investment, he added.

"The point is Africa doesn't need handouts," Rhodes said. "Africa needs trade [and] economic growth."

While some Africa advocates welcomed news of Mr. Obama's trip, they expressed concern that he might gloss over some regional governments' failings, such as reported instances of media and civil society repression.

Sarah Pray, senior policy analyst at the Open Society Foundations, pointed to the Tanzanian government banning a Swahili-language newspaperand tensions over the timing of Zimbabwe's elections to ensure fairness.

Countries like South Africa can help stabilize the region, she said, and Mr. Obama should make his expectations clear. "We need to make sure the improvements in human rights and democracy, and in the advances South Africa is making, that we don't see a backslide in those things."

Jobs invented.

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• HR Executive

  RIGHT CORPORATION 
  Deadline: Jul 31, 2013

• Chief Operational Officer

  Right Corporation 
  Deadline: Jul 31, 2013

• Administrative Assistant

  Right Corporation 
  Deadline: Jul 31, 2013

• Program Officer

  Africare Tanzania 
  Deadline: May 28, 2013

• Jolly Phonics Teacher

  Dar Jobs 
  Deadline: May 22, 2013

• Occupational Health Nurse Officer - 4 Posts

  African Barrick Gold (ABG) 
  Deadline: May 25, 2013

• Fleet Manager

  Human Capital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 23, 2013

• Executive Management

  Human Capital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• National Head of Sales

  HumanCapital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 25, 2013

• Executive Chef

  Human Capital on Behalf of Client 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• Sous chef

  HumanCapital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• Financial reporting and compliance Manager

  HumanCapital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 22, 2013

• Assistant Restaurant Managers

  HumanCapital on behalf of client
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• Front Office/reservations Manager

  HumanCapital on behalf of client 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• Supply Chain Superintendent – One Post

  African Barrick Gold (ABG) 
  Deadline: May 26, 2013

• Counseling and Testing Manager

  Walter Reed Program - Tanzania 
  Deadline: May 30, 2013

• Inthinc Technician – One Post

  African Barrick Gold (ABG) 
  Deadline: May 26, 2013

• HIV Study Physician

  Walter Reed Program - Tanzania 
  Deadline: May 29, 2013

• HIV Study Coordinator(AFRICOS STUDY)

  Walter Reed Program - Tanzania 
  Deadline: May 29, 2013

• Cashier

  Car & General Trading/ Tanzania Limited 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• TVS Technician

  Car & General Trading/ Tanzania Limited 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• IR Technical Service Engineer

  Car & General Trading/ Tanzania Limited 
  Deadline: May 31, 2013

• IR Product Development Manager

  Car & General Trading/ Tanzania Limited 
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• Parts Sales Manager

  Car & General Trading/ Tanzania Limited 
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One's ability can build a better world.

“With realization of one’s own potential & self confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.” For the vast majority of my life I didn't believe I could do most of the things I wanted to do.I knew I wanted to be in a relationship, but I feared that if I got into one I’d do something to mess it up.I wanted to perform on Broadway, but even moving to DAR es salaam didn't give me the courage to audition.

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I wanted to be a lawyer, but I thought it was far too difficult to get published, and therefore didn't even try until I turned 20 then decided to take bachelor of Accounting and finance.Maybe you've never been as unsure of yourself as I used to be, but you can likely relate to that feeling of wanting to do something but feeling terrified to start. This not only limits your potential in life; it also minimizes your ability to make a positive impact on the world around you.

There’s a lot that goes into overcoming those fears. You may need to challenge limiting beliefs formed years ago, or take yourself out of a situation where other people undermine your abilities. One thing that will definitely help is working on your confidence.Not sure if confidence can be learned? I asked this question on my blog page to see what readers had to say and then used some of their responses to shape these 8 steps outlined below:

1. Tap into the confidence you were born with.

I feel it’s something that is always there, something you’re born with that gets lost along the way, or stolen by others. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find it again. 

You didn't come out of the womb unsure of your cry or insecure about your large umbilical cord. You came out blissfully unaware of external judgment, concerned only with your own experience and needs. I’m not suggesting that you should be oblivious to other people. It’s just that it may help to remember confidence was your original nature before time started chiseling away at it.Once you developed a sense of self-awareness, you started forming doubts and insecurities about how other people saw you. You learned to crave praise and avoid criticism and maybe you started getting down on yourself if you got more of the latter than the former.

When you start feeling unsure of yourself remember: we were all born with confidence, and we can all get it back if we learn to silence the thoughts that threaten it.

2. Know your strengths and weaknesses.

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As you learn who you are, you gain confidence in your strengths and also learn your weaknesses. Learning who you are doesn't happen overnight. For one thing, it can be hard to know which parts of you are you, and which parts are who you think you should be.A good start is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and then weigh those against what you enjoy. (If you’re great in sales, but you actually can’t stand sales jobs, then it doesn't really matter if you have confidence there. Unless it’s all about ego—but does that really make you happy?

It might help to list five things you do well that you enjoy and five things you’d like to do well. Make an effort to utilize some of the first list and work on some of the second every day. As you use your strengths and improve where there’s room to grow, you’ll develop both confidence and fulfillment simultaneously.

3. Expect success.

Confidence comes from success…But confidence also combines another quality because you can be successful, yet lack confidence. It requires a mental attitude shift to an expectation of success. And this alone, can bring about more success, reinforcing the confidence. It spirals from there.It might seem strange to say expect success since you can’t predict the future, but don’t we do the alternative all the time? Have you ever gone into a stressful situation assuming the worst—that something would go wrong?

Conventional wisdom suggests it’s smart to expect the worst because you won’t be disappointed if you fail and you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you succeed. But research suggests this isn't universally true. Pessimism can undermine your performance creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.Find the successes in every day and you’ll notice over time that they increase.

4. Trust your capabilities.

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Confidence comes not from knowing you know everything, but from knowing you can handle what comes up.No one in the world knows everything. Everyone is good at some things and not so good at others. Don’t weigh your security against what you know or can do; weigh it against your willingness and capacity to learn.If someone criticizes you, take it is an opportunity to improve. If someone does better than you, see it as an opportunity to learn from them. If you fall short at something, realize you can get closer next time. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in what you can do now—be confident in your potential.

5. Embrace the unknown.

Confidence comes from a space of humility. It is spawned when we dare to see the world through an alternate lens. It grows when we have the courage to embrace the experience of the unknown and the unknowable. People often think confidence means knowing you can create the outcome you desire. To some extent it does, but this idea isn't universally true for anyone. No matter how talented, smart, or capable you are, you cannot predict or control everything that happens in your life.

Even confident people lose jobs, relationships, and sometimes, their health.Confidence comes from knowing your competence but acknowledging it’s not solely responsible for creating your world. When you take that weight off your shoulders and realize that sometimes the twists and turns have nothing to do with what you did or should have done, it’s easier to feel confident in what you bring to the table.

6. Take risks.

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Confidence is a funny thing. You go out and do the thing you’re most terrified of, and the confidence comes afterwards.If you always do things as you've always done them of course you won’t feel confident.

When I first moved to San Francisco, I was highly insecure with relationships. I’d moved a lot, and spent years hopping around the country partly to avoid getting close to anyone. Eventually I realized the only way out was through. I’d never be good at relationships if I didn't jump in, get messy, and learn what to do and not to do.I had to crawl, walk, fall, and repeat to get comfortable with vulnerability and conflict. I made tons of mistakes, and a lot of it hurt. But I live a peopled life now, and it’s worth all the discomfort it took to get here.

7. Learn to receive praise.

Confidence is earned through positive recognition and reinforcement.It’s amazing how easy it is to believe all the negative things people say and yet discredit the positive. Taking a compliment is an art. Sometimes, it’s instinctive to assume they’re just being nice or that maybe you aren't really skilled—you just got lucky.

Occasionally, this may be true, but for the most part you earn the praise you receive. Don’t talk yourself out of believing it. Instead, recycle it into confidence. You did a fantastic job on your project at work—that means you can do it again. You had an amazing performance—that means you can trust you’re talented.Other people want you to succeed; now you just have to believe them when they show you you’re worthy.

8. Practice confidence.

It can be practiced—and with that practice you will get better.

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Like anything else in life, your confidence will improve with practice. A great opportunity to do this is when you meet new people. Just like if you were the new kid in school, they have no idea who you are—meaning you have an opportunity to show them.As you shake their hand, introduce yourself, and listen to them speak, watch your internal monologue. If you start doubting yourself in your head, replace your thoughts with more confident ones. Ask yourself what a confident person would do, and then try to emulate that.Watch your posture and your tone. Hunching and mumbling will make you feel and look less confident, so stand up and speak slowly and clearly.

People are more apt to see you how you want to be seen if they suspect you see yourself that way.You may have confidence in some areas and not in others; that’s how it works for most of us. Draw from those areas where you’re self assured.

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If you feel inadequate in professional situations, recall how it feels physically when you’re confident in relationships. If you’re insecure in love, access what you feel when you’re comfortable around friends.Above all, remember you are capable and worthy—just as much as anyone else, regardless of what you've achieved, regardless of what mistakes you've made. Knowing that intellectually is the first step to believing it in your heart. Believing it is the key to living it. And living it is the key to reaching your potential. Have your at the e-mail belo

We are given the last chance.

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     Understand that responsibility is earned. It's not something you're entitled to. If someone is hesitant to give you additional responsibility, it's probably because you've been nonchalant with the responsibilities you already have. You might think, "But the responsibilities I have now are so petty/boring/stupid/etc., and if I'm given more of a challenge, I will take it more seriously," but that's a characteristic of irresponsible people;

    Deal with issues that are forced upon you Good examples of this could include dealing with an unplanned pregnancy; caring for a disabled child; or helping family members when they need help. Succinctly put when life gives you lemons you juice-'em and make lemonade. 

    whatever is in front of you. A responsible person does what they said they'd do because they said they would. Period. If you want to be seen as more responsible, think about the responsibilities you already have and take them more seriously, no matter how pointless they might seem. Consider it a way to pay your dues.

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   Stop making excuses. In any situation, there are always some factors we can't control. Irresponsible people tend to shift the blame onto those factors, and vocalize them as excuses. Anytime you make an excuse, it's like saying "I am not responsible for this because..." and what you're really saying is "I am not responsible." Pay attention to how you think and talk: do you find yourself making excuses? Excuses come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common is "I would/would've, avoid that t

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   Start small. As with most other tasks, acting responsibly works best when you can get a bit of momentum going. If you feel crushed under a backlog of responsibilities, start with a few small or fast tasks. Being able to cross them off your list will make you feel as though a weight has been lifted, making you more enthusiastic about moving on to bigger responsibilities. Before you know it, being responsible will make you feel good and add value to your day.h

   Don't forget anything. There’s a difference between starting a load of laundry before tackling that homework assignment and cleaning the entire house so that you end up “having to” put a project off for another day.

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   Learn from your mistakes. Making the most of a mistake is a double-whammy of responsibility: not only does this transform time that was otherwise wasted into a valuable, course-altering experience, but it keeps you from wasting future time by ensuring that you don’t repeat yourself

    View yourself as a creator When you see something that needs doing or needs to change, don't wait for somebody else to do it; be the one to make a positive difference. Taking charge will make you feel powerful, which will spill into and improve many other aspects of your life.

The 6th Africa Investor Summit May 2013

Africa’s investors Challenged to invest in infrastructure to drive growth and prosperity agendaCape Town, 7May, 2013: Ahead of the World Economic Forum billed to run from 8 – 10 May, 2013, in Cape Town, South Africa, African Investors have been challenged to convert continental constraints into opportunities for growth and prosperity. In a keynote address to open the 6th Africa Investor CEO Summit and Awards,the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, called on private investors to increase their investment in infrastructural development. The lack of infrastructure is a constraint against growth. Investing to fill this infrastructural gap will unleash the potentials for future growth on the continent.

The Chairperson noted that while 65% of Africa’s infrastructural funding comes from public investments by governments, only a quarter (25%) comes from private investor, according to World Bank statistics. Investment from non-EOCD countries, including China, amounts to 6%, while that of multi-lateral development assistance remains at 4%. In a vivid comparison to illustrate the level of deficit, the Chairperson drew the investors’ attention to the fact that Africa’s total electricity generation equals that of Spain, even though we have twenty times the population.

“Large-scale scale investment in energy, including hydro, coal, geothermo and solar power over the next decade will therefore be critical to Africa’s transformation, both in the economic and social spheres.” She said.Extending appreciation to Dr. Dlamini Zuma for what he described as an informative and inspirational keynote address, and a visionary leadership in promoting African private sector participation in infrastructure development,” Hubert Danso, CEO and Vice Chairman of Africa, welcomed the collaborative partnership of the African Union. He noted that with the leadership of Dr. Dlamini Zuma, as AUC Chairperson, Africa can increase its intra-Africa investment to 40%, from the current 5%, which is extremely low, especially when compared to the intra-regional average of 12-15%.

The 6th Africa Investor Summit was organized with the aim of bringing infrastructure project developers together, and to facilitate increased private capital and private investment flows into infrastructure projects in Africa.The Commissioners for Infrastructure and Energy; Trade and Industry and other officials were also in attendance at the Africa Investor summit. They are expected to also attend the upcoming World Economic Forum.