Lize-Mari Ras
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The Republic of Congo – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you while travelling to the Republic of Congo.

 

Population of Congo

  • 6 million.

 

Official Language(s)

  • French, Kituba, Lingala.

 

Currency

  • Central African CFA franc.


Office Hours

  • 07:00 – 15:30.

 

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

 

Time Zone

  • UTC +1.

 

Calling Code

  • +242.

 

Tipping

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

 

Embassies

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

 

Government

  • Denis Sassou Nguesso is the president of the Republic of Congo and has been in office since 1997.

 

Climate

  • The Republic of Congo is situated along the Equator, and therefore has an equatorial climate. This entails that the weather is generally humid and warm. In the northern parts of the country the weather is hot and humid all year round, with no real dry season. While in the southern and central regions of the country, the weather is more tropical.

 

Transport

  • The main airport in the Republic of Congo is the Maya-Maya Airport, located in Brazzaville. Other forms of transport in the country include land, air and water transportation. The country has a large port on the Atlantic Ocean at Pointe Noire and others along the Congo River at Brazzaville and Impfondo. The Congo-Ocean Railway connects Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. There are three main national highways; N1, N2, and N3.

 

Economy

  • The main industries in Congo that contributes towards its GDP include petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes. The country’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, oil, and support services. Oil is another primary source of government revenues and exports.

 

Hospitality

  • The Republic of the Congo is a predominantly rural nation, as 56.98 % of the country’s population live in rural areas. There is a stark contrast between the way citizens live in the rural spaces compared to that of urban spaces, owing to the influence of western values. Rural communities in Congo take pride in their traditional way of life and tend to be more conservative. Congolese people are typically more formal when conducting business, especially with strangers. Politeness is emphasized and expected from all the members of the society regardless of their social status.

 

Greetings

  • There are over 200 different ethnic groups living in Congo, each with their own distinct customs and language. The most common language spoken in the country is Lingala, which is also the lingua franca. Other widely spoken languages include French, Swahili, and Kikongo. Due to the multitude of languages throughout the country, it is important that when greeting someone, you use the appropriate language for the person you are greeting. If you speak Lingala, the most common greeting you can use is “Mbote.” If you speak French, you can say “Bonjour,’’ if you speak Swahili, you can say “Habari,” and if you speak Kikongo, you can say “Moni.’’

 

Money

  • The Central African franc or CFA is the official currency of the Republic of Congo, as is for many other central African countries. The CFA is linked to the Euro by a fixed exchange rate of 1 Euro for 655.957 CFA Francs. The equivalence with other currencies is dependent on the fluctuations of the Euro.

 

Transportation

  • Public transportation is only available in the two main cities, so it is advised that you hire a car if you are travelling anywhere else in the country. Driving occurs on the right-hand side in Congo, and it is best to drive an SUV while here due to the country’s driving conditions and roads. The rules of the road in Congo are not implemented, and citizens tend to drive fast and aggressively. Going over the speed limit is common, and police officers often accept bribes.

 

Safety

  • The Republic of Congo is a safe country to travel to. Petty crimes occur mostly in the capital cities, so make sure to take necessary precautions. It is better to travel in large groups, with a tour guide, or with a local who has experience and knows the areas. You will be required to follow the country’s health and safety protocols to ensure a smooth and secure visit. Although there are no laws against homosexuality in the Republic of the Congo, many locals and visitors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community have reported that they have faced discrimination and harassment. For your personal safety, it is best keeping public displays of affection to a minimum and avoid talking about sexual orientation to avoid causing offense.

 

Culture

  • The Republic of Congo is renowned for its diversity and rich cultures. The pre-colonial expressions and celebrations typically revolved around music, dances, and the sculpting of tribal figurines. Some of this is still present in their cultures today, but to a much lesser degree. However, colonialism inevitably affected the traditional way of life of the locals, and since then the population has adopted more modern cultural aspects, due to the influence of western culture. However, locals still uphold some traditional systems. Children are expected to show respect to those older than them, and girls are taught how to care for their younger siblings and assist their parents from a young age. Elders and leaders deserve the most respect.

 

Shops

  • The Republic of Congo has numerous stores, shopping centres, and malls that are modern like that of those in western countries, especially in its capital city. Therefore, shopping and entertainment should be no hassle.

 

 

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Written by Saudika Hendricks

Edited by Eloise Williams

Lize-Mari Ras
,

Selflessness is also Self-Care

Charity Starts at Home

 

This famous phrase entails that we care for our own households before anything else, and we prioritise our family’s needs above everything else.

 

We offer our time, money, efforts, and energy to the people we care about the most.

 

But what about the less fortunate, who do not have a family or a home?  Who cares for those who are left uncared for?

 

Mandela Day, celebrated annually on the 18th of July, serves as a great reminder to all of us about the things we often forget about or neglect. It forces us to take a step back, shift our attention from our own problems, and humble ourselves by helping a neighbour in need. Mandela Day is not a public holiday. Rather, it is a day to honour the legacy of former South African president, Nelson Mandela, his values, and his commitment to justice and serving society.

 

Mandela Day is therefore a call to action based on the fact that each individual has the ability to make an impact. It is based on the notions behind one of his most famous quotes, ‘’Today we should all ask ourselves: What have I done to improve the surroundings in which I live? Do I litter or do I protect my surroundings? Do I buy stolen goods, or do I help reduce crime? ‘’

 

There are numerous things that you can do for Mandela day, as long as your efforts are altruistic and intended to benefit others. Whether you help out at an animal shelter, assist a friend with applying for a job, or donate a few blankets to your local shelter. You may choose to spend money, time, or energy, but the point is that you are doing something for a greater cause.

 

The idea behind the Mandela Day campaign is that Nelson Mandela fought for social justice for 67 years. Let us start with 67 minutes.

 

This year, at Relocation Africa, we decided to spend our 67 minutes caring for the less fortunate at the Haven Night Shelter located in Wynberg, Cape Town. It is a homeless shelter that cares for adults, reconnects them with family members they lost contact with, and help them reintegrate into society. The work they do is admiring and their start up story, which is available on their website, is so inspiring. They are an organisation that was founded for no other reason than to be at the service of those in need, and the passion of their employees is evident in the manner that they carry out their care.

 

We took the liberty of preparing lunch for the people at the shelter and personally delivered it. The members of the organisation met us with warm smiles. Their kindness was so contagious, and we listened to the way they expressed their sentiments about the people at the shelter. We witnessed the beautiful relationships between the guests and the employees, which speaks to the sincerity of their deeds.

 

And while all this happened on the 18th of July, this is not about Mandela day. Mandela day is merely a means and an opportunity that comes around once a year and forces us to remember those in need. Instead, this is about serving a cause greater than yourself, helping someone without expecting anything in return, putting your own needs aside and prioritising the needs of someone else. It is about using the means, energy, health, and blessings that was bestowed upon you by the Creator to help the creation.

 

Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, is not only beneficial for the recipient of the help, but also makes a positive impact in your community and on yourself. We often become so focused on our problems that we forget to acknowledge our privilege. Helping others allows you to step out of the comfort of your life and into the reality of others. When we partake in prosocial actions or activities, although we are tending to the wellbeing of others, we also gain the multitude of personal benefits that helping people have on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

 

An article published in The Journal of Positive Psychology asked 400 participants to report on how frequently they engage in different acts of selflessness and how meaningful their life feels. The results showed that participants who were more altruistic reported a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. This is a fact that has been known for centuries, as even Aristotle wrote that finding happiness and fulfilment is achieved by ‘’loving rather than being loved.’’ Ironically, it is through giving that we receive.

 

Doing something for a greater cause helps to meet our basic psychological needs. It enables us to feel competent, to feel a sense of belonging, as well as allowing us to be more sincere in our intentions and interactions. According to another article published by Psychology Today, helping others is also said to assist us in regulating our own emotions, decrease symptoms of depression, and ultimately improve our mental wellbeing.

 

In short, volunteering your time, money, or energy to help others does not just make the world better, it also makes you better.

 

Mandela day merely serves as a reminder of the joys and reward that lies in being a part of something larger than yourself. Just because it has passed does not imply that our kindness should decrease.

 

Here are a few recommendations on how to give more meaning to your life, even after Mandela day:

  • Start small.
  • One person cannot solve world hunger or change the world but every day, small gestures could be more impactful than you could ever possibly imagine. Whether it is a loaf of bread or a kind word, you never know how significant it could be to them in that moment.
  • Make your helping count.
  • Not all types of giving have the same effects on us. If giving your time and energy to someone exhausts you more than it uplifts you because they are taking advantage of your kindness, perhaps find someone else to offer your help to. Helping others is more effective when you can see the impact that your actions have.
  • Show gratitude.
  • Being grateful for what you have and the people who help you can be just as rewarding as the act of helping others. Expressing gratitude can be a prosocial act too. When others take time to do something nice for you, making them feel appreciated can help build your relationship with them and make your life more meaningful, as well as theirs.

 

If you learned something interesting from this article and would like to read more interesting articles like this, click here.

 

Written by Saudika Hendricks.

Edited by Lize-Mari.

Ideation by Joy Jackson.

Lize-Mari Ras
,

Mauritius – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you while travelling to Mauritius.

 

Mauritian population

  • 3 million.

 

Capital and Largest City

  • Port Louis.

 

Official Language(s)

  • English, French.

 

Currency

  • Mauritian rupee.

 

Office Hours

  • 09:00 – 17:00.

 

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

 

Time Zone

  • UTC +4.

 

Calling Code

  • +230.

 

Tipping

  • If a service charge is not included in the bill a tip of 10% is acceptable.

 

Embassies

  • Most countries are represented by embassies or consulates located in the capital city.

 

Government

  • Prithvirajsing Roopun is the president of Mauritius as of 2019. He is associated with the Militant Socialist Movement party.

 

Climate

  • The local climate of Mauritius is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds. There is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. Anti-cyclones affect the country during May to September. Cyclones affect Mauritius during November–April. Hollanda (1994) and Dina (2002) were the worst two last cyclones to have affected the island.

 

Transport

  • The main airport in Mauritius is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (Plaine Magnien). Transportation in Mauritius is characterized by the network of roadways, ports, and airports. There are currently no railways in Mauritius. The country has three main freeways: M1, M2, and M3. The bus network is quite extensive and is organised around Port Louis. Port Louis is the main port in Mauritius.

 

Economy

  • The main industries in Mauritius that contributes to its GDP include agriculture- largely sugar milling- textiles, clothing, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, and tourism.

 

Hospitality

  • Mauritians are conservative and humble. It is common for them to look down on anyone who acts inappropriately in public. The term ‘’sauvaze’ means ‘’savage’’ in old French and is used to refer to anyone acting out of turn- such as dressing immodestly, causing conflict, being loud and argumentative, or smoking and drinking on the street. This is not regarded as acceptable behavior for Mauritians, or anyone who visits their country. Regardless, the population is warm and welcoming, and many visitors have reported that Mauritians also have a playful and artistic nature.

 

Greetings

  • Greetings may vary depending on the person’s ethnic background. The most common, polite and widely acceptable greeting in Mauritius is a firm handshake. People who are friends or acquaintances will typically greet each other with the traditional French greeting of a kiss on both cheeks. Muslim Mauritians, however, may feel uncomfortable shaking hands with the opposite sex. Hindu Mauritians, on the other hand, might practice the traditional Indian greeting of pressing the palms of the hands together in front of the chest and saying ‘’Namaste.’’ In formal settings, however, the French greeting ‘‘Bon jour’’ (‘Good day’) is most appropriate.

 

Money

  • The Mauritian rupee (sign: Re/Rs) is there official currency of Mauritius. Several other currencies are also called rupee. One rupee is subdivided into 100 cents.

 

Transportation

  • If you want to discover the island by yourself at your own pace, the best thing is to rent a car, as many visitors tend to opt for this. The rental prices are quite affordable. Depending on the distance you intend to travel, you could also hire a scooter or a bicycle. Driving in Mauritius is on the left-hand side, and priority is given to those coming from the right. Mauritians are lovely people, so do not hesitate to ask people if you cannot find your way!

 

Safety

  • Mauritius is one of the safest locations to be, both for expats and for locals. Its crime rate is low, and the crimes that do occur are usually petty and non-violent crimes, most of which take place in the busier parts of the country’s capital. Mauritius is the safest country in Africa and even ranks higher than some European countries on the Global Peace Index.

 

Culture

  • Mauritius is home to multiple ethnic groups with different customs and rich cultures. The ancestral cultures of all the locals have been preserved for decades and centuries. Mauritius is famous for being a peaceful island, and this reputation is embedded in the identity and values of the locals. Mauritius has the third highest percentage of practicing Hindus, after India and Nepal. Nearly half of the population of Mauritius follows the Hindu faith, with smaller percentages following Christianity and Islam. The attire amongst locals is culturally dependent, but also quite conservative. Lightweight and brightly coloured fabrics are commonly worn. Inappropriate clothing, toplessness, nudity, and even provocative swimsuits are not condoned. Homosexuality is illegal in Mauritius and punishable with up to five years’ imprisonment.

 

Shops

  • Shopping experiences in Mauritius are said to be exciting! Mauritius has a reputation of being a shopping paradise. There is something for everyone- ranging from a relaxed atmosphere in large shopping centres for doing retail therapy, to exhilarating shopping experiences in craft markets, or buying things from hawkers on the beach or on streets.

 

 

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Written by Saudika Hendricks

Edited by Eloise Williams

Lize-Mari Ras
,

Why Africa is Becoming the Next Frontier of Entrepreneurship

Africa’s entrepreneurial future is not just promising — it’s already unfolding.

 

The rise of Africa as a prominent player in entrepreneurship is evident and gaining significant momentum. Africa is emerging as a formidable force in the entrepreneurial world, poised to make a substantial impact.

 

Entrepreneurial activity in Africa is experiencing a remarkable surge, growing at an exponential rate. This dynamic and thriving landscape of entrepreneurship is fuelled by multiple factors, such as:

 

  • A youthful population spearheading innovation
  • Enhanced technology accessibility eroding conventional obstacles
  • And, an unwavering determination to challenge the existing norms

 

 

Expanding Entrepreneurial Opportunities

 

As we examine the landscape, certain strategic sectors stand out as expanding opportunities for sharp entrepreneurs ready to leave their mark, catalyse economic growth and stimulate lasting social impact.

 

Financial Technology (Fintech) is Reshaping the African Banking Landscape

 

The Fintech sector in Africa has been a hotbed of innovation, thriving against all odds. World Bank data reveals that approximately 66% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s adult population remains unbanked.

 

This gap presents a unique challenge and an equally distinctive opportunity.

 

Fintech startups leverage cutting-edge technology to bridge this financial gap, offering innovative digital solutions that redefine the traditional banking experience.

 

For entrepreneurs, the fintech sector offers an immensely lucrative venture due to its scalability potential. More importantly, it paves the way for financial inclusion — a key determinant in driving economic development and stability.

 

Agribusiness: The Cornerstone of Africa’s Economic Prosperity

 

Africa’s agribusiness potential is vast and significantly untapped as a predominantly agrarian continent.

 

Agri-entrepreneurs are channelling this potential and innovating to tackle challenges head-on. These range from agricultural productivity, to supply chain management, and market access as well.

 

The agribusiness sector has evolved into a lucrative domain for entrepreneurs. The industry offers an abundance of opportunities for creating sustainable solutions that address food security concerns while yielding considerable profits.

 

It also promises to spur rural development, improve livelihoods, and contribute to national economies.

 

Renewable Energy: Charting a Sustainable Path to the Future

 

The renewable energy sector in Africa presents another vast landscape teeming with opportunities. Blessed with abundant sunlight and wind, Africa is well-positioned to propel into the future as a global leader in green energy.

 

Entrepreneurs venturing into this sector play dual roles. They contribute to a sustainable planet while addressing the continent’s chronic energy deficit.

 

Africa’s energy challenge has spurred innovation in the renewable energy sector, with startups leveraging solar, wind and hydro resources to bring power to millions of off-grid households.

 

This sector represents a business opportunity and a chance to improve the quality of life for millions fundamentally.

 

Ecommerce

 

The digital revolution has piloted Africa into unprecedented growth and opportunity, most notably observed in the thriving ecommerce sector. The rapid expansion of internet usage, accelerated by smartphone penetration, has fundamentally reshaped consumer behaviour and market dynamics.

 

Entrepreneurs are tapping into this digital shift, offering online platforms that enable consumers to access a diverse range of products — from fashion to electronics, groceries and more. The digital retail sector is reshaping Africa’s economic landscape by stimulating local innovation, enabling new business models and reaching previously inaccessible markets.

 

Health Tech: Pioneering a Healthy and Resilient Africa

 

Health tech startups in Africa are disrupting the traditional healthcare landscape, carving a new path marked by improved accessibility, affordability and quality of services.

 

These startups are leveraging digital platforms and data-driven approaches to overcome healthcare challenges, including a shortage of healthcare providers, remote patient monitoring and disease surveillance. This sector’s transformative potential underscores the role of technology as a catalyst for improving healthcare outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.

 

Carving a Path for African Entrepreneurship

 

Even though the African entrepreneurial landscape is increasing with promise and potential, it does still have its fair share of challenges.

 

Entrepreneurs often find themselves grappling with a host of issues, such as:

  • Limited access to finance
  • Regulatory constraints
  • Scarcity of mentorship
  • And, insufficient support structures

 

 

These obstacles underscore the need for a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers startups to thrive and scale.

 

Governments, investors, and support organisations each have a critical role in nurturing this ecosystem. Governments can institute favourable policies, provide funding opportunities, and foster an environment conducive to innovation and risk-taking.

 

Local and international investors can furnish the much-needed capital for startups to scale, while support organisations can offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and capacity building.

 

Moreover, collaboration is pivotal to success. By forging partnerships with research institutions, industry leaders, and each other, startups can push innovation, create synergies and accelerate growth.

 

The potential for entrepreneurship in Africa’s strategic sectors is immense. From fintech to agribusiness, renewable energy, e-commerce and health tech, these opportunities are all thriving for entrepreneurs who are eager to innovate and drive change.

 

Each of these sectors presents unique economic growth, job creation, and socio-economic development prospects.

 

However, it’s paramount to remember that a problem-solving mindset is at the heart of every successful entrepreneurial venture. The entrepreneurs who will chart a prosperous future are those who identify societal problems and create innovative, sustainable solutions to address them.

 

Conclusion

 

Today’s African entrepreneurs are charting the course for a prosperous continent, leveraging opportunities in strategic sectors, and setting the pace for future generations.

 

Their ambition truly mirrors the African proverb:

 

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Africa is going far, and it’s going together.

 

 

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