As we approach the final of the historic FIFA Soccer World Cup hosted by South Africa in this historic year which marks the 50th anniversary of 17 African states, we need to explore the ideas and motives that underlay the colonial business model and the forces that precipitated the rapid decolonization of Africa.
The anti-colonial movement gathered momentum not only because there was a general feeling that colonialism was immoral but the issue acquired weight in the public mind and attracted remarkable individuals who were willing to devote time, creativity and …

Many of us have inspirations and visions on the kind of Africa we want to see, but wonder whether Africa will one day be what we would like it to be. Wonder is not knowledge, neither is it ignorance. It is something or a feeling that we believe we can be. People have so many incredible ideas and visions yet we tend to underestimate what we are capable of doing and what we can achieve. You wouldn’t have the desire unless you had the ability …

Africa’s future must necessarily lie in underpinning its moral capital with supporting and reinforcing institutions.
Ultimately, the accumulation and retention of moral capital is and should be inextricably linked to institution building.
Reputation of moral conduct determines the value of moral capital as human existence and experience has not been able to produce a mechanism that can read people’s minds.
What lies between the ears of a human beings is so complex and hidden that observation and experience are the only reliable instruments for predicting behavior.
It is impossible to rely on a person’s …

Africa’s future belongs to builders.  Our civilization has evolved and contemporary African civilization is dualistic with one part based on laws and other institutions underpinned by a market system and another that is based on what can be described as African norms, traditions and custom.
I was born in Zimbabwe and I must confess that there is nothing that prepared me to be a businessman of the scale that I have been privileged to engage in.
The political, social, moral and economic morality that informed the …

Africa is a unique continent. There are so many reasons why we should put a different face on Africa. It is a continent rich in natural resources, yet it is so poor. There are factors which shaped Africa into what it is today, and some factors which contribute to the continuation of its poverty, from corrupt governments and politicians to mismanagement of money and natural resources, tribalism and war just to mention a few. However there are a few places in Africa which …

On 1 November 2009, I began this series of 20 articles with the hope to provoke thought about what Africans can do to enhance their stock of social, political and economic but also moral capital.
This being the last installment, I could not think of any better subject to complete the conversation than deal with the complex issue of commercial civilization and its relevance to Africa’s uncertain future.
Any progressive modern civilization has to be based on laws underpinned by an institutional framework that allows individuals a large measure of freedom to …

What is a gentlemen’s club?  What, if any, is its usefulness to nation building?  What role did it play in the consolidation and sustenance of the colonial political economy?
The origins of gentlemen’s clubs is to be found in 18th century English society where members-only private clubs were established to promote and protect interests of members.
They were set up by and for English upper society but today they are a universal phenomenon.
Our knowledge of the few that were and are successful in climbing the opportunity …

On the 27th of May 2010 there was a special AHS members evening gathering. The day was dedicated to celebrating Nathan Mariemuthu’s birthday, a man Mr. Mawere described as a distinguished achiever and personal friend.
But also significant on this day was the presence of the minister of Zimbabwe’s Youth Development Empowerment and Indigenization – Hon. Saviour Kasukuwere. In his address, Mr. Mawere reminded the members that such a ministry was not installed in any other government in Southern Africa, which made the minister …

On 1 November 2009, I wrote the first of 20 articles under the theme: ”Pushing the envelope of knowledge” focusing on the concept of capital and its role in human progress and nation building.
I was acutely aware that what I may consider knowledge might not have the same meaning to others.
Notwithstanding, I felt it was important for me to add my voice to the kind of debates that we must have as Africans if we have to discharge our generational responsibilities to make tomorrow …