Lindsey Kin recently attended the official announcement of the launch of Forbes Africa magazine. The media briefing introduced Sid Wahi, the project manager who is spearheading the launch of the brand, and Chris Bishop, the editorial head of Forbes Africa to the media, and revealed a taste of what is to be expected from the world’s leading business media brand moving into Africa.

I recently attended the official announcement of the launch of Forbes Africa magazine, held at the Saxon Hotel in Sandton. The media briefing introduced Sid Wahi, the project manager who is spearheading the launch of the brand, and Chris Bishop, the editorial head of Forbes Africa to the media, and revealed a taste of what is to be expected from the world’s leading business media brand moving into Africa.

Wahi began by explaining that it took over two years to finalise the launch. “The double-dip recession has, to some extent, seen a collapse in the print media industry globally, however, we believe that the markets are beginning to recover, and with our focus on business, we believe this it the right time to launch Forbes into Africa.

“Forbes brings a different and unique perspective to business media reporting,” said Wahi. It is a world-leading business media brand reaching more than 4.3-million influential readers though its publications that are published in ten different languages, in more than 100 countries. With this said, Forbes Africa will be the 16th local language edition to be launched in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, with 20 000 copies being distributed on 28 September.

“It is a great day for business journalism in Africa,” said Bishop. Having spent many years travelling through Africa as a journalist, something that struck him was the desire for those from the streets of Namibia to the boardrooms of Nairobi, to move up and make it in the widening avenue of business. He described this as a desire that cuts across borders, class and backgrounds, and believes that throughout Africa, the barriers are coming down, opportunities are opening up and aspirations are growing. Bishop hopes that Forbes Africa will inspire the continent’s business people for generations to come. “We hope it will be a unique business magazine where the risk takers and the dreamers will find an oasis of information that will help them make informed decisions that will enable them to change the business landscape of this continent.”

Bishop concluded that Forbes Africa will be focusing on the entrepreneurial spirit of Forbes in all its glory. “We will be nobody’s cheerleaders … we will be reporting vigorously without fear … this is my vision!”