Part 3: The 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013
03 Feb 2014
#10. OZWALD BOATENG
Country of Origin: GHANA
What: Ozwald Boateng is a London-based fashion designer who has been a mainstay on the menswear scene since 1991 when he opened his first studio. His impeccably-made clothing with classic British tailoring has been seen on the likes of Will Smith, Mick Jagger, Jamie Foxx and David Bowie, to name a few. Since founding his company, his goal has been to modernize the wardrobe of the well-dressed man—something he has done very successfully. With his flagship store on the prestigious Savile Row in central London and numerous awards, Boateng has made a name for himself as, not just an African designer, but a talented designer with global appeal whose has secured a place in the annals of men’s fashion.
Why I’m Inspired: Tapping into the influence he’s gained as a successful designer, Boateng co-founded the Made In Africa Foundation with Nigerian oil-tycoon, Kola Aluko and Atlantic Energy in 2011. The mission of the Foundation is to support and fund studies for large-scale infrastructure projects across Africa. In 2013, the organization made its first major milestone investment in Uganda’s Naguru-Nakawa Project, which entails the urban regeneration of 160 acres of the region. The organization’s financial support for the completion of master plans and feasibility studies for the project set the foundation for the commencement of construction of what will be the largest planned urban redevelopment project ever undertaken in Africa. As Boateng stated in this CNN op-ed:
“A small group of nations cannot forever benefit from keeping the majority of nations and people in a state of weakness. The peoples and continents of the world are not separate, they are part of the same social and economic system: a system that must return to balance and harmony. But this balance can only occur when Africa itself realizes that it is time for Africa.”
I couldn’t have ended this series on a better note. It’s time for Africa.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013 as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Who else do you think should have made the list? I'm always looking to profile individuals who, not only inspire change, but are the change. Leave your comments below!
Julian B. Kiganda
I hope you enjoyed this post! A little about me: I’m the founder of Bold & Fearless and a Transformational Brand Strategist. My gifting is in helping purpose-driven women transform and build million-dollar brands. I’m also an author, transformational speaker and multi-passionate entrepreneur. In 2014, I published my first highly-acclaimed book co-authored with my sister: Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. To learn more about how you can connect or work with me, visit www.julianbkiganda.com.
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