Tag Archive for: Africa

Saudika Hendricks
,

Zambia – Travel Guide

Facts to assist you while travelling to Zambia.

 

Zambian population

  • 5 million.

Capital and Largest City

  • Lusaka.

Official Language(s)

  • English.

Currency

  • Zambian kwacha.

Office Hours

  • 08:00 – 17:00.

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

  • UTC +2.

Calling Code

  • +260.

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

  • Hakainde Hichilema is a Zambian businessman, farmer, and politician who is the seventh and current president of Zambia.

Climate

  • The climate of Zambia in Central and Southern Africa is tropical but modified by altitude (elevation). In the Köppen climate classification, most of the country is classified as humid-subtropical or tropical wet and dry, with small patches of semi-arid climate in the south-west. There are two main seasons, the rainy season lasts from November until April and occurs during summer, while the dry season lasts from May until October and occurs during winter.

Transport

  • The main airport in Zambia is the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, located in Lusaka. Zambia has rail links with the DRC, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Zambia also has many navigable rivers, lakes, and channels through swamps, which together reach a large proportion of the rural population. The country has 88 airports, eight of which have paved runways.

Economy

  • The main industries in Zambia that contributes to its GDP include agriculture, copper mining, manufacturing, fisheries and livestock, energy, electricity, tourism, media, and finance and banking.

Hospitality

  • Zambian’s traditionally serve a local dish called nshima at gatherings and have a standard set of etiquettes revolving around how nshima should be eaten. Nshima with ndiwo is the most important meal in Zambian culture. It holds significance in the traditional culture of the people as it is often shared alongside expressions, tales of hospitality and wisdom and folk tales. It is considered a sign of disrespect to serve left over nshima to an adult, as elders are typically shown more respect in the culture. Be careful not to over-indulge as Zambians believe that leaving some food behind on your plate indicates that you have been satisfied.

Greetings

  • Greetings always start with a handshake and a polite, “How are you?”. This is frequently followed by questions about the wellbeing of your family, or the conditions of your journey.

Money

  • The Kwacha (code: ZMW) is the currency of Zambia. The name kwacha is derived from the Nyanja, Bemba, and Tonga word for “dawn”. Its meaning alludes to the Zambian nationalist slogan of a “new dawn of freedom”. The name ngwee translates as “bright” in the Nyanja language.

Transportation

  • Zambia has over 91 000km of roads divided into trunk roads, main roads, and district roads, which connects rural areas to other trunk and main roads. Most trunk and main roads are paved while district roads can sometimes be partially paved or may even be gravel and dirt. The condition of these roads get worse during the rainy season. All trunk roads are tolled with toll gates being administered by the National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) and Road Development Agency (RDA). When travelling to Zambia, it is important that you remember to take this into consideration as you plan your budget.

Safety

  • Although Zambia is one of the safer countries in Africa, visitors are still advised to take whichever precautions they feel necessary. Mostly petty crimes occur, such as bag snatching and theft from parked cars. It is best to always keep your bags and other valuables secure and close to you. When traveling by car, keep the doors locked and the windows up at all times. Valuables should be kept out of sight as thieves may target travelers at transport hubs, crowded market areas and shopping precincts.

Culture

  • Zambian culture traditionally separated the roles of men and women. However, this practice is much less common in recent years, especially in the urban areas. In rural areas, women in are generally assigned the household tasks, children care, and work in the fields. Men are expected to do the fishing, hunting, and livestock management, as well as the family’s financial planning. Christianity is the religion of the majority of Zambians, and this is reflected in the contemporary culture of the citizens. Weddings and other important events are mostly in the traditional Christian style but often incorporates elements of indigenous customs and rituals.

Shops

  • Zambia has a number of modern shopping centres and malls that resemble those found in western countries. Shopping in this country should be hassle free, especially in the capital city and other urban areas. There are also a multitude of online stores for the convenience of all shoppers.

 

 

 

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Saudika Hendricks
,

Democratic Republic of Congo – Travel Guide

Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Facts to assist you when travelling to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

DRC population

  • 102 million.

Capital and Largest City

  • Kinshasa.

Official Language(s)

  • French, Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, and Tshiluba.

Currency

  • Congolese franc.

Office Hours

  • 08:00 – 17:00.

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

  • UTC +1 to +2.

Calling Code

  • +243.

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

  • Felix Tshisekedi is the 5th president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Climate

  • The Democratic Republic of the Congo lies on the Equator, with one-third of the country to the north and two-thirds to the south. The climate is hot and humid in the river basin and cool and dry in the southern highlands, with a cold, alpine climate in the Rwenzori Mountains. South of the Equator, the rainy season lasts from October to May and north of the Equator, from April to November. Along the Equator, rainfall is fairly regular throughout the year. During the wet season, thunderstorms often are violent but seldom last more than a few hours.

Transport

  • The main airport in the DRC is the N’djili Airport, located in Kinshasa. Ground transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo has always been difficult. The terrain and climate of the Congo Basin present serious barriers to road and rail construction, and the distances are enormous across this vast country. Rail transportation is provided by the Congo Railroad Company and the Office of the Uele Railways. The Democratic Republic of Congo has thousands of kilometres of navigable waterways. Traditionally, water transport has been the dominant means of moving around in approximately two-thirds of the country.

Economy

  • The DRC’s main industries that contribute to its economy include mining, mineral processing, consumer products, metal products, lumber, cement, and ship repair.

Hospitality

  • It is very important to know the gestures and mannerisms when interacting with locals, so as to not be considered rude. When in DRC, do not use your left hand as it is used for personal hygiene. It is common practice in the local culture to touch one another when greeting each other, but it is ultimately expressive of their culture and values. Other things that might be important to know is that in the DRC, pointing at someone is considered to be impolite. Objects are to be passed either with both hands or only the right hand, never with the left hand. Also note to never shake someone’s left hand.

Greetings

  • One of the best, most common, and most appropriate greetings for formal settings and to show politeness is ‘’Bonjour’’. This French greeting is widely acceptable as French is the official language of the country is widely spoken.

Money

  • The Congolese franc is the official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It used to be subdivided into 100 centimes, however, centimes no longer have any value and are therefore no longer used.

Transportation

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo, unfortunately, does not have an extensive transport network. Many of the roads are not paved or are in a bad condition. Taxis are often the best way to travel between the sights, especially in Kinasha and other towns and cities. In the case that you may want to cover large distances in a short span of time, then road transport is not really an option. Instead, one of the 200+ airports spread around the country may better suit your travel needs.

Safety

  • The DRC is a deeply troubled country with a tumultuous past. The arrival of Europeans in the late fifteenth century, and the colonisation by Belgium shortly thereafter, stripped the country of its abundance of rich natural resources. Post independence violence in the form of war persisted in the country, further disadvantaging the nation. The DRC still struggles to break free from its reputation as a country of ”darkness”. The country faces huge challenges, but its people are welcoming and warm. However, the fact remains that it is not the safest country to travel to.

Culture

  • The culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is varied and reflects the diversity and different customs that coexist in the country. Congolese people have a strong sense of tribal identity. There are 242 languages spoken in the country, with perhaps a similar number of ethnic groups. They combine culture and tradition with religion, as well as taking influences from western culture- owing to the effects of colonisation- and abroad. The vast majority of the population are followers of Christianity, while the rest of them follow traditional religious beliefs. However, even those who follow Christianity often conflate the religion with their traditional beliefs that they hold on to.

Shops

  • There are a few shopping centres in the DRC that resemble that of western countries. There are also some online stores, which are very convenient for expats who have not yet settled in. However, ecommerce is still in the beginning stages in the DRC.

 

 

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Saudika Hendricks
,

São Tomé – Travel Guide

Sao Tome beach with local fishermen in boat

Facts to assist you while travelling to São Tomé.

 

São Tomé population

  • 231 856.

Capital and Largest City

  • São Tomé.

Official Language(s)

  • Portuguese.

Currency

  • The Dobra.

Office Hours

  • São Tomé follows the ILO regulation. This means that employees in São Tomé work an average of 8 hours a day, five days a week.

Weekend

  • Saturday – Sunday.

Time Zone

  • UTC.

Calling Code

  • +239.

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

  • Carlos Manuel Vila Nova is the current president of São Tomé. He has been in office since 2021.

Climate

  • The island of São Tomé, located in the Gulf of Guinea and near the Equator, has a warm tropical climate. The island is hot and humid throughout the year, with a slightly warmer period from January to April and a cooler period from June to August. The island is covered with beautiful forests and hills and experiences a dry season from June to September. The country receives most of its rain from April to May and experiences a second rainy period later in the year that lasts from October to November.

Transport

  • Transport in São Tomé is primarily dependent on road infrastructure for local needs, and airports and sea travel for all its international needs. The main airport in São Tomé is the São Tomé International Airport. There are seaports in São Tomé by Ana Chaves Bay, and another one in Neves.

Economy

  • Sugar plantations were set up under Portuguese colonial rule and the island was used for the transshipment of slaves. Since the 1800’s the country’s economy has been dependent on plantation and agriculture. The economy of São Tomé is still traditionally reliant on cocoa but is experiencing considerable changes due to the country’s investment in the development of its oil industry in the oil-rich waters of the Gulf of Guinea. The primary crop in São Tomé is cocoa, making up for about 95% of exports. Other export crops include copra, palm kernels, and coffee.

Hospitality

  • Etiquette plays an integral role in São Tomé. When meeting friends and acquaintances, it is important to greet them properly and ask how the person is doing. You may also ask about the person’s family. The elderly are treated with special respect and greeted first, especially if they have many children and grandchildren. In São Tomé being invited to someone’s home is a favour that is most commonly bestowed upon friends. Acquaintances often meet and make small talk outside on the street or by the fence to the garden.

Greetings

  • Due to its Portuguese influence, ‘’Olá’’ is the best choice of greeting for most social situations regardless of the person you are addressing or if it is a formal or informal setting. ‘’Hi” in Portuguese is ‘’Oi!’’, which is used when greeting friends and is very Informal. ‘’Tudo bem?’’ means ‘’How are you?’’ and is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

Money

  • The dobra is the official currency of São Tomé. It is abbreviated as ‘’Db’’ and is divided into 100 cêntimos. The first dobra (STD) was introduced in 1977, replacing the escudo at par. The name derives from Portuguese ‘’dobra’’, meaning “doubloon.

Transportation

  • Driving in São Tomé occurs on the right-hand side, and visitors will need an international driving permit to rent a car. Roads in São Tomé town are paved, but some are in poor condition. Main roads outside of town are paved but are in even worse condition, while secondary roads are often unpaved. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and animals on the roads can be a major hazard especially at night when most roads are unlit.

Safety

  • São Tomé is a safe country with an amazing laid-back nature. Crime is not commonly experienced by visitors, but you should still take precautions by staying out of trouble and not making a target of yourself. Even petty crimes such as burglary and pickpocketing are infrequent and serious felonies such as armed robbery or rape, are unheard of. Same-sex relationships are not illegal in São Tomé, however LGBTQ travelers may face discrimination.

Culture

  • São Tomé is home to a population of around 231 million citizens. Their diverse population groups consist of the mestico, forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicals, and tongas (contract laborers from African countries and their descendants), Europeans, Asians. Portuguese is the official language and is the language spoken by 98.4% of the population. Other widely spoke languages in the country are Cabo Verdian, French, Forro, Angolar, and English. The vast majority of the population follow the Christian faith is the religion of the majority in the nation. São Tomé was once a very traditional country with defined gender roles for men and women. However, women are now employed in various fields like academics, healthcare, and other service-related industries. Women are also represented in politics, administration, and business.

Shops

  • São Tomé’s capital shopping centres and, in other areas that are developed, may also have major supermarkets, clothing stores, liquor stores, furniture, homeware, and electronic shops, in addition to local banks and ATMs.

 

 

If you thought this was informative and would like to read more interesting articles and blogs, please click here.

 

Donna Christie
,

We support high-tech to enhance the assignee experience for destination services

 

We support high-tech to enhance the assignee experience for destination services 

We live in a fast-changing world of technology and in the global mobility space our clients are looking for solutions that support their assignee population alongside the hand holding support of destination service providers like Relocation Africa.   We have partnered with a technology partner that offers an intuitive, centralised platform offering real-time insights and host location information at the assignee’s finger tips. Moving away from emails back and forth and PDF documents. Having all this centralised improves efficiencies and streamlines communication between Global Mobility, HR, Assignee, and the provider.   The tool is user friendly that liberates our teams from manual and repetitive data handling. 

The tool is a partnership which means that the technology continues to evolve with the multitude of other clients who utilise the same technology but due to its customisable attributes to each country, city, client, and assignee’s profile it feels like a bespoke tool just designed us. 

Relocating talent to all parts of the globe requires a new sense of providing solutions that allow 24/7 access online
– we cover that! 

 

The technology solution brings an elevated user experience to its clients and their relocating employees, helping them to access information at their fingertips, whenever they want it, helping them to settle into their new location with less hassle and more efficiency. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The digital environment offers high-tech service through a mobile-friendly, digital friendly digital platform connecting the assignee, the internal account management team, and the client seamlessly. 

It empowers the assignee to experience real-time insights into the status of each service. 

 The tool offers a single, organised solution to access essential host location information that is customised to the Country, City, CompanyCompany, and Assignee’s unique requirements such as city guides, tours, home searches, schooling requirements, and local knowledge and processes. It also safeguards all the communications and personal information in a secure and compliant environment. 

 

 

With our expert guidance from a dedicated team both at the office and on the ground the support of the high-tech tool brings the collaboration together seamlessly allowing each contributor to monitor milestones throughout the entire delivery of services. It also provides for seamless communication.  

 

 

 

The tool is available to assignees in Africa through Relocation Africa. We can offer services which include: 

  • Virtual Tours (great for graduate programs)
  • Immigration 
  • School Search 
  • House Search 
  • Settling in / and Departure Services 

If you have assignees in other parts of the world there are other businesses who support this tool contact marketing@relocationafrica.com for more information.