The Jet Age Nation Builders (JANB) are a simulation of the Africa Union Agenda 2063 in collaboration with African Governments, investors, diplomats, innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and youth organizations across Africa and beyond. JANB primary aim is to foster growth and development across African states. It is an African-based institution with a focus on the advancement of Africa as a continent through training programs (re-orientation & mentorship), empowering citizens for sustainable growth and development, bridging the gaps between governments and its citizens, organizations, development partners, investors, friends of Africa, and also Africans in diaspora, with the task of creating an environment for “Africa We Want”. JANB is represented by Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye (Founder) and has been to Mauritius on two occasions in 2022. He sees Mauritius as a compelling destination for business and investment.
JANB draws citizens from across the nations of Africa, black communities outside of Africa, and investors within and outside Africa to re-orientate, educate, and enlighten them on the necessity of working in synergy with critical stakeholders in Africa. This is aimed at evolving a dynamic and developed continent through collaboration for sustainable mobilization, with the use of renowned tools like information technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, healthcare, renewable energy, security, climate change knowledge sharing, and entrepreneurship all around. We also partner with credible organizations to empower, promote quality leadership, and enhance the practice of transparency and accountability for investors across the globe for industrialization, innovative finance, and promoting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
THE AFRICA STRATEGY
Unlocking Africa’s Potential: A New Era of Growth
Africa stands on the brink of a transformative era, fuelled by its vast natural resources and youthful population. With a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of USD 3.5 trillion, the continent is emerging as the world’s largest growth market. The UN Global Compact Africa Strategy is paving the way for this transformation, prioritizing issues that matter to African companies and promoting participation from leading Pan-African and national firms.
Rich in minerals like gold, diamond, copper, and oil, Africa boasts over 200 million hectares of fertile land, accounting for 60% of the world’s arable land. The Food & Agriculture Organisation predicts that food production in Africa will surge by 30% over the next 30 years, positioning the continent as a significant player in the global food industry.
Innovative agricultural initiatives, such as Nigeria’s “Agricultural Transformation Agenda,” are already underway, aiming to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports. Furthermore, cities like Nairobi and Lagos are emerging as tech hubs, with companies making significant strides both locally and internationally.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to further stimulate intra-African trade, fostering economic integration across the continent. Notably, Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex, one of the largest solar farms globally, exemplifies Africa’s potential in renewable energy.
As these sectors converge, Africa is poised not just to thrive but to become a global powerhouse, influencing the future of its economies and the world.
THE MAURITIAN CONNECTION
Mauritius is recognized as a gateway to Africa, linking Asian and African markets, despite Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) accounting for only 3% of the global economy. The island nation plays a vital role in the region, showcasing sustainable economic growth and stability. Transitioning from a sugar-dependent economy, Mauritius has developed strong outsourcing and financial services sectors, along with a significant tourism industry, leading to one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes. Although it represents just 0.1% of Africa’s population, Mauritius contributes 0.6% to the continent’s GDP and mediates 9% of all FDI into mainland Africa. JANB aims to position itself strongly in Mauritius and has appointed Mr Azaad Khan Taher as its Business Development Co-ordinator for the region. Mr Taher wants to create a pragmatic approach for a better business networking for the region. He stated that “we need to set up an African Hub in Mauritius where businesses and investors can operate in a favourable environment that can foster further economic growth, enhance technology, employment etc.”.
Political stability, economic growth, ease of doing business as well as strategic location makes Mauritius an attractive place for businesses and investments.
FACTORS THAT MAKE MAURITIUS ATTRACTIVE FOR INVESTMENTS
- Political Stability: Mauritius has been a stable democracy since its independence in 1968. Elections are held every 5 years as per its constitutions. It has a strong and independent judiciary, free media, and a vibrant civil society. This stability creates a favourable business environment and encourages foreign investment.
- Low Corruption: Mauritius consistently ranks high in various corruption indices, demonstrating a government commitment to transparency and integrity. This reduces the risk of corruption and facilitates smooth business operations.
- Business-Friendly Environment: Mauritius has made significant progress in reducing bureaucratic hurdles and promoting a conducive business environment. The government has implemented various reforms to simplify business regulations, increase efficiency, and enhance the ease of doing business.
- Robust Legal Framework: The island nation has a well-established and robust legal framework, which provides clarity and protection for investors. This framework ensures a predictable and secure business climate.
- Highly Developed Banking System: Mauritius boasts a highly developed banking system, with a well-regulated financial sector and an extensive network of local and international banks. This provides businesses with secure and reliable financial services.
- Strategic Location and Membership in Global Organizations: As a member of various global organizations, such as the Commonwealth and the African Union, Mauritius has preferential access to international markets and trade agreements. Its strategic location between Asia and Africa makes it an ideal hub for intra-regional trade.
- Favourable Tax Regime: Mauritius has a competitive tax regime, offering attractive tax incentives, zero withholding tax on dividends and capital gains, and a 100% tax exemption on foreign-sourced income.
- Investment Protection and Dispute Resolution: The government has put in place robust mechanisms for investment protection, dispute resolution, and arbitration, ensuring that businesses can resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
The implementation of free trade agreements with over 55 African countries in January 2022 Mauritius is well under way to stimulate its economic growth and attract more investors. Key trade policies, such as Freeport trade incentives and duty-free regional trade facilities, are expected to further boost the economy.
Youth empowerment is a core focus, with initiatives aimed at inspiring future leaders and providing opportunities for young people and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to foster smarter and more sustainable development in Mauritius and across Africa.
THE FUTURE WITH JANB
JANB’s focus for the year 2025/2026 will cover the principles that will lead to “winning together”. This is difference from the traditional concept of “win-win” that draws on the tactics of integrative bargaining, considerations of best alternative, as well as non-monetary and monetary strategies to achieve successful agreements to projecting and building the Nations of Africa that should be of interest to everyone of us. JANB has aligned with Africa Communities in Diaspora, Friends of Africa, Goodwill Ambassadors and Development Partners in projecting and achieving “The Africa We Want” in line with the Africa Union Commission “Agenda 2063”.
Ambassador Piero stated that JANB are focusing on key projects that address multiple sectors such as Education, Health, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Investments, Real Estate, Mining, Tourism and Security (including Cyber Security) to name a few. These projects, although at different stages, are all geared towards the Mission in Building the Africa that should be of interest to everyone and project African solutions for Africa’s greatest needs and problems. From 2022-2024, JANB have moved the following 5 projects to the next stage of implementation:
- The JetAge Academy powered by JANB Nigeria.
- Partnerships with Governments, Goodwill Ambassadors and the International Communities, led by Rwanda, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
- The Health, ICT Start-ups, Real Estate development & re-development projects and Innovation – spearheaded by Mauritius and Nigeria.
- The JetAge Boot camp for Startup Funding, led by Goodwill Ambassadors and Friends of Africa.
- The African Union Simulation Parliament, Expo and Conference at the African Union Headquarters, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana.
African Solution for Africa’s Problems (ASAP)
JANB’s 2025/2026 objectives will remain as bold as our organization:
- Increase of resource mobilization up to 50million US Dollars to support its ambitious projects
- Increase the numbers of our partners, corporate members, governments, and stake holders
- Expand the numbers of physical offices to 10 Nations of Africa in addition to the existing 12 Nations.
- Consolidate and complete a minimum of 5 blueprints, and
- Bridging the gap between the government and her citizens which remains our core.
THE AGENDAS FOR 2025
- February – April: – Youth re-orientation, Training and Empowerment Across Universities in Africa.
- May: – Africa Day 2025, Abuja, Nigeria.
- July: – Africa Investment, Trade, Economic and Technology Expo, (Namibia, Mauritius and Zimbabwe)
- August:- The Parliament and Inauguration at The African Union Commission Simulation, (Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia)
- September: Co-host the Africa – China Tourism Expo, (Beijing, China)
- November: African Union Commission Simulation Inauguration and Award, (London, United Kingdom)
Amb. Dr. Young Piero Omatseye (Photo)
Africa Coordinator and Director of Parliament: Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Session African Union Simulation
Azaad Khan Taher (Photo)
JANB Business Development Co-ordinator – Mauritius
