When Bono disembarked from a 737 chartered plane in the tiny kingdom of Lesotho on Tuesday at the start of a new African visit, executives from Gap and Motorola were with him. Both companies are part of his Product Red branding initiative in which products associated with it help to raise money for a global fund to tackle AIDS. Teaming up with a celebrity like Bono also has its public relations perks.
Bono acknowledges that four years ago when he toured Africa with then U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul ONeill, bringing private sector with him would never have crossed his mind.
It’s a signal of changes in Africa over the past decade, but in part it’s Bonos own advocacy that has helped shift attitudes toward the African agenda.
I think it is bizarre that Africa got me interested in commerce, chuckles the U2 lead singer in an interview with Reuters. I am an activist but I looked at the mosaic of problems facing this magical place and I could see so many of the pieces intersected with commerce, trade and entrepreneurial spirit.
And Im saying, I believe that Africa can compete with China in terms of offering jobs to its people in the apparel sector, I believe Africa can compete with India in terms of offering jobs to people in the IT sector, if this problem of business efficiencies and strangulation of red tape and corruption can be dealt with, he said. Africas political leaders know the influence he wields. Lesothos Minister of Trade and Industry Mpho Meli Malie is one of those who knows that having Bono pitch for Lesothos apparel sector could bring new investments. A celebrity like Bono and with his organization DATA they should be able to penetrate and encourage some of the brands to consider Lesotho as a destination, said Malie.
(Ed. note: Reuters correspondent Lesley Wroughton is traveling with Bono in Africa. You can send questions or comments to her with the comment link below. The picture: Irish rock star Bono speaks to HIV positive workers at a clothing factory in Lesotho’s capital Maseru May 16, 2006. Bono began a new African tour on Tuesday in Lesotho where he will unveil a new initiative to fight AIDS in its ailing textile industry. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings)
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46 comments so far
Why does it take a celebrity like Bono to get the West engaged in Africa?
- Posted by PatrickRED is great first step. But when will MNCs use their enormous global PURCHASING power to enable African firms to participate as suppliers in this $50 billion/yr trade? Africa has 1% of this business. There is a solution that will bring a huge amount of jobs and income in place of aid. Can DATA champion this cause and can I help?
- Posted by MarvinGod bless everything you’re doing, Bono.
Hi,
I have been following all of Bono’s visits to Africa and think he is doing a fine job. What I just do not understand is how he chooses his destinations. If he was very serious about Africa’s problems, he should focus on war ravaged countries such as Sudan, Sierra Leone, etc. and develop alliances with African organizations in the region. A good place for him to start with would be the African Development Bank.
Patricia Laverley
- Posted by Patricia LaverleyI too thought why doesn’t Bono spend more time focusing on the countries where civil/guerilla warfare takes place. Then I thought some more. Bono can’t stop the corruption but he can champion in places where the government and its people accept an opportunity for positive change….. one small successful step at a time to rebuild Africa. Thanks to everyone involved in this campaign for your hard work and determination.
- Posted by IrisWhen is Bono going to sing his One song for everyone in front of King Abdullah?
- Posted by timoWhat Bono is trying to do is very honourable. I find it difficult, however, to become involved in such causes because I don’t know where to start. Bono, what can the average person do to assist you and others that are trying to help a continent? From the US the problem seems so big and so far away.
- Posted by Christian TracyWouldn’t it help Africans more to just get help getting their countries’ businesses off the ground rather than have a bunch of foreign businesses come in and take their country’s money-what little they have?
- Posted by AnitaCorruption is a murderer in disguise. The philippines is a example of a high literacy rate, but due to corruption and pilaging of its coffers it is a very poor country. I don’t see any magic cure for corruption. Can you enlighten me with what is being done to help fight against it in Africa?
- Posted by Tom SandersI have been a fan of U2 for over 20 years. I have always admired that they transcend their music by the other things beyond the music that they do.
As for Africa,there is no question thatif it people could unite and corruption kept in check it would be a rival to any of the top industrialized countries.
It is sad that the media (espeically Western Media),think of what is going in Africa is mundane and not worth reporting on or investigating.
Bono:What can someone like myself due to help further the cause,to actually make a difference.
Thank you and God Bless
- Posted by ArtemisArtemis
My question is similar to several of those above — besides donating money and sending letters through One (as requested via emails), what hands-on things can I do in the US to help change things in Africa? And what about visiting Africa — does it help or hurt to travel there as a tourist? Or is there something I can do during a visit to Africa that would make a difference? Thanks for all that you and Ali are doing to make the world a better place. It is much appreciated!
- Posted by Wendy TerrienWhy did Bono and company sue the group Negativland for their album “U2″ instead of simply sending a cease and desist order? … Care to comment?
(Editor’s note: this comment was shortened.)
- Posted by Negativland Lover/U2 haterThere are so many celebreties who would never think of dedicating their lives in service to others. I would like to ask Bono, what, has inspired him to take this direction of love and compassion?
In addition, I would just like to thank Bono for his enormous contribution towards ending world poverty and suffering. Having been a peace and justice activist for nearly four decades, I am strengthened by how much this, one man, has accomplished.
Randy
- Posted by Randy CahallI find it ironic that Bono doesnt pay any income tax in his home country of Ireland but hes ready to “save the world”. The world needs to learn to take care of itself. Eventually countries and continents will reaslise that war, famine and poverty are their own doing. How about taking resposibility for your own people and government. If you live in one of the effected countries start effecting change. It certainly happened in western countries with women getting sufferage and indigineous cultures being given equal rights. Evil succeeds when good people do nothing. The people im talking about reside in Asia, South America and Africa.
- Posted by JamesBono,
Corporate America is becoming “sensitive” to CSR and the developing market in organic and fair trade - I am wondering - Have you pondered talking with Wal-Mart to offer CSR/Fair Trade products from Africa on their store shelves?
And, have you considered establishing a dialouge with organizations, such as, Fair Trade Resources Network (FTRN), which is commited to educating in Fair Trade.
I would love to hear back from you - Markets that are just are long lasting - and add long term value, unjust markets are short term and create poverty.
I am in a MBA program focused solely on the triple bottom line - people, planet & profit (www.bgiedu.org) and would like to know how I can sustain this effort that you are helping to create, and foster into a movement that transcends markets. I believe it has to be incorporated into a manifesto and developed as a platform (political) for it to ultimately survive and grow beyond it’s founders.
Best regards,
Rick Anderson
- Posted by Rick AndersonWow. Another opportunity to pour money down the drain trying to end African poverty and corruption. I’m sure this half-baked scheme will definitely work where all the sundry others have failed. Where do I sign up and is there a limit to how much I can throw away?
- Posted by thompsonWhy does that white man feel a need to intervene in the affairs of African countries. Why not let Jesse Jackson do the work?
- Posted by GuzzardBono,
We are all witnesses. RED is a brilliant idea because as you said, you bring the fight to where I am. It would be a major coup if the project could convince EU and US governments to reduce relevant trade barriers on products branded RED so long as the inputs / manufacturing is from / in Africa and the contributions are made to the Fund. Goes hand in hand with Marvin’s suggestion.
And Bono, could you convince music artists in your fraternity (the Rolling Stones, the Coldplay’s, the Madonna’s, etc.) to sell their concert tickets and albums under the RED brand? Most of these artists have so much money, what does 5% mean to them?
Tom
- Posted by Tom EmmetI’d like to know if Bono feels that it is at all irresponsible for someone that has gained the popularity that he has, to influence peoples veiws on politics. I know for a fact that “The Rock” is a very popular actor, however I don’t beleive that the major decision making in global culture should be guided by the fans of professional wrestlers. I feel that in most cases, stars turned advocates exploit the “blind sheepish” nature of there fan base to promote personnal agenda.
- Posted by IconoclastBono, in all the years that I have been a fan to U2, I’ve known that you are a person that cares for the suffering nations of the world. It is a pleasure to see that your “activism” is alive and well. God bless you and your wife in all the endeavours that you come up with to help others less fortunate. Give all my love to the African people and let them know that, even though I am one, together with people like yourselves they will not be forgotten or abandoned. God bless you and give you many years to keep this ministry alive!
- Posted by Sergio SouzaDear Bono,
God bless and keep you for all the wonderful work that you don’t have to do, but chose to do. I admire you a great deal, and your conviction in your beliefs is inspiring. Those who speak against what you do, clearly are missing some understanding about what it is you, ONE, DATA, RED and the many people who have joined the necessary cause, are attempting to do. Please continue to be the voice for all of those who have no voice. You are loved, admired, and are great model for so many. Have faith in God, faith in what you do, andfaith in yourself.
Sincerely,
- Posted by Carmen MickeyCarmen
Why is Bono a new world order puppet? Is he a Free Mason?
- Posted by Mike GonzalesSomethings Odd in OZ, Bono.
- Posted by Mike GonzalesBono,
- Posted by Jim RepkoI’ve written you so many letters, trying to help. When I lived in Bray and used to drop them in your mailbox at your home, DATA in London contacted me but then dropped the ball. Now I live in Silicon Valley and when I gave a note to your security chief at the Fairmont hotel the night of the San Jose concert, he said you’d get it - or at least Jamie would. No response. (That one was about my daughter Hannah, an American who grew up in Bray and is now a missionary in Uganda.)
I’m a skilled enterpreneur, mid-career and middle aged, and I’d love to help with DATA or RED - or any other way. Here’s ONE idea: take the activities of a good VC fund, sort of like Elevation Partners, and combine with companies that would consider to outsource their production to African locations. I could write up a good business plan and financing scheme for that one.
Dear Bono,
First of all I would like to thank you for being an inspiration for millions of people like myself to be able to speak out and lend our voices to help put an end to extreme poverty. I have been an advocate of DATA and the ONE campaign since the launch in Philadelphia. For over a year now I have been a lead volunteer for ONE in New York. I was a delegate from New York at Live 8 in Philadelphia and also had the great opportunity to work with ONE at the U2 shows in NYC.
On June 7th and 8th I will be participating in the National Advocacy Conference in Washington DC with Care. On the second day of this conference we will be going to Capital Hill to meet with members of congress to discuss the issues and policies with members of Congress. Is there any advice you can give to me so that I can make the most of my meetings on Capital Hill?
Secondly I would like to say that it would be great to have yourself or some other representative from DATA at the conference.
Once again thank you for being an inspiration and for all the work that you do for the poor of the world.
God bless!!
Robert Napoli
- Posted by Robert NapoliTo the formers of live aid,,
- Posted by jeebasmidge ure,bob geldolf,etc.
thank you for opening our eyes to the plight of all those in africa and other countries that are going through the worst of poverty to the point of starvation and unnecassary death as the result of it.
even though now that mr geldof and mr hewson has carried the awarenes now for twenty years, is nothing short of remarkable with such commitment and strenght,,but there will come a time when these countries will have to stand on their own feet,,and all your help in providing clean water and medicines will be a good part of their history to come,,
so don,t give up, even when too many unseen things get you down and block your paths,,
our love and prayers are with you while god is providing with the confidence needed to carry on.
love from jeebas at the web forum and the others that reside there with pride from the work you all do,,
happy birthday,,
do come to the forum for a chat with us all when you get time out,, it would delight and thrill us all,,.
[even though we won,t beleive its you..]lol.
jeebas.
Stay safe and glad to see that the one person that started the talks about Africa, Bono back there. Way to go Bono, I know your trip will be of success.
- Posted by JessBono, have you been to Bohemian Grove Lately?
- Posted by Mike Gonzalesthe African agenda That is the 1st problem!
- Posted by Mike GonzalesI think it is bizarre that Africa got me interested in commerce, chuckles the U2 lead singer
I think its more than bizarre it sounds down right sinister and suspect!
- Posted by Mike GonzalesDon’t shop at the Gap or Motorola.
- Posted by Mike GonzalesALOHA DEAR BONO,FROM THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII. YOU ARE A VERY POWERFUL PERSON ON THIS PLANET!!! AND ROCK &ROLL IS A POWERFUL MEDICINE.ANYONE OF YOU BEING NEGATIVE ON BONO GOT A BETTER IDEA, I DO NOT SEE YOU ALL OVER TV..BONO KEEP IT UP,AS I KNOW YOU WILL.SOME OF US CAN NOT AFFORD HIGH PRICE ITEMS. IAM A HARD WORKING REGISTERED NURSE BUT ARE WAGES ARE NOT THAT HIGH FOR WHAT WE DO THE SCIENCE OF CARING FOR PEOPLE.EDUCATION IS THE KEY,BONO.PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO TALK TO THEIR KIDS ON AID/HIV WHICH IS SO WRONG AS IT IS NOT LIKE WHEN WE GREW UP.AMERICANS IF YOU ARE COMPLAINING ON AFRICA THEN HELP HERE.WE HAVE PEOPLE LIVING IN BUSHES,NO FOOD,NO MEDS.START AT HOME THEN.GO VOLUNTEER AND HELP OUR PLANET.STOP COMPLAINING AND DO SOMETHING!!! AS A NURSE,WE NEED MORE HELP!!! MAY 23,BONO FROM AFRICA ON NBC I AM HAVING A WATCH PARTY AT MY HOUSE IN PAPAALOA,HI..WHAT ABOUT YOU??? CONTACT THE ONE STAFF,HELP!!! VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE WORLD GO ROUND..CHEERS TO YOU BONO,I WAS BORN IN MANCHESTER,ENGLAND AND NOW I PROUD AMERICAN.PEACE,LOVE,BONO RULES.NURSE SUSAN R.N.P.S START TEACHING THE KIDS HOW TO HELP!!!
- Posted by nurse susan szyrajew R.N.corruption
n 1: lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain [syn: corruptness] [ant: incorruptness] 2: in a state of progressive putrefaction [syn: putrescence, putridness, rottenness] 3: decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation) 4: moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles; “the luxury and corruption among the upper classes”; “moral degeneracy followed intellectual degeneration”; “its brothels; its opium parlors; its depravity” [syn: degeneracy, depravity] 5: destroying someone’s (or some group’s) honesty or loyalty; undermining moral integrity; “corruption of a minor”; “the big city’s subversion of rural innocence” [syn: subversion] 6: inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony); “he was held on charges of corruption and racketeering”
A simple understanding of what corruption is, in a AD campaign might get one person to take a small step causing a understanding of what it is and creating a domino effect.
- Posted by Tom Sandershttp://www.transparency.org/policy_resea rch/surveys_indices/cpi/2005 has a list of most corrupt nations in the world. Lesotho is halfway down the list around 70. A good choice in my book for a beginning. I’d give you high praise for what your doing. Keep up the good work.
oh yeh,,,
- Posted by jeebasforgot to say also that you will deffently love the bono too hot thread on your zootopian u2 web forum,,.there,s plenty of [cough] there.
love from us alll,.
lol.
Dear cute Bono I love What your doing helping Afica
I see photos and on tv how bad it is in Afica It brings tears to my eyes.
Keep the good work up. In your free time It be nice if you go to u2 com fourm chat with us .
Take care.
- Posted by lillyI would like to ask Bono, while he is doing these great works in africa and the world does he ever ponder on how he found the photo of the joshua tree? Also if he would of ever thought then he would do so much for mankind, and does he remember the promise made under the shade of a trimmed palm tree years ago in 29 Palms?
- Posted by Dan StewartThe Tree Man
P.S. Does he ever listen to neon tribe?
[…] Who would have expected these words from Bono’s mouth? According to a Reutersblog posting by Lesley Wroughton, Bono acknowledges that four years ago when he toured Africa with then U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul ONeill, bringing private sector with him would never have crossed his mind. […]
- Posted by The Bethie Bee » Blog Archive » Bono Suddenly a Free-Market Advocate?Dear cute Bono I just saw the video of you in Afica on the Msnbc website.
- Posted by lillyI am drepressd now. I got upset . I am so Glad your doing everything to help them.
Hope one day we can put a end to this.
Bono will you promote one and red In Australia?
I love to help you out with it do everything i can to help those poor people in Afcia.
Take care .
Bono has come up with this brilliant (RED) idea to give the countries that colaborated to Africa’s current situation a chance to redeem it. I am happy to see them make the most of it. I know he’s far too busy at the moment, but it would be great if he could also put pressure on the US and the European Union country members so that they reduce the levels of support they offer their own farmers, and the import tariffs they put on food and other agricultural products from the developing world. The Doha round talks must be revived. As Bono himself acknowledged trade will save Africa (and it is also the answer for us South Americans). I wish Bono the best in his ALAFA Project in Africa. He makes the world a better place.
- Posted by BraziliAnaBono:
In a globalized wolrd, where the situation in Africa is not the only “tragedy” going on, and is not given enough attention to it; Do you think that a “Live aid” concert is necesary to happen every year to remind people and to keep their voices and minds on this? And if you do, would you be willing to accept the challenge?
Thank you for everything and God be with you, sincerely a big fan…Pichu.
- Posted by PichuThere were lots of different opinions (sometimes bitter) about Bono’s journey to Africa. I would like to add my, becouse those who can speak should speak!
- Posted by Pauline BudzyskaNot longer than 15 min ago I was reading in my local press about the situation of people living in Sierra Leone, and a trip of a famous in my country actress to that coutry on behalf of Unicef organisation. What I read there moved me deeply. I’m wondering how we can dare to call ourselves a “civilised” nations if we continue to remain ignorant about what is happening there. The article said that 33% of children are dying before there’re 5 and it’s all because there are no money for vaccines against basic illnesses.
Do you know how much money would save 10 lives of those tiny children? Only 1 $!!!
Going back to Bono and his mission… Such people as you Bono (hope you read this) are needed to have our eyes being open on what is happening there. Thanks God someone cares!
I wish you Bono lots of strength, love and smile despite the haunting clouds in the sky!
And now to all the people who will read this - we are born to be heros, so don’t don’t despair you can’t do anything to help the needed becasue you are not famous as Bono. You still can help - remember, only 1$…
God bless you Bono - your big fan from Poland
Bono,
How does it feel to be nominated for the NBPP. What an honor your work to help the helpless and the needy is tremendous and deserves not to go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you have done. Thank you for mentioning David A. Stewart for early insparation for walk on all you can’t leave behind in cd booklet.
Been a long time since we drove out to the joshua tree in my old ford truck
Keeper Of The Palms
- Posted by Dan StewartThe Tree Man
Bono:
I am Argentinian! and a great one fan yours! master which beams by the world and I admire to you very many! you are my idolo! and it wanted to know like this east Africa year! it wanted to know if the collections that beams help! because it interests much to me! thanks! I adore to you! a great one fan yours Of Argentina Denise!
- Posted by DeniseFirst, I would like to thank Bono for all the hard work he is doing to raise awareness about what is taking place in Africa. However, I feel that we must address the reasons why so much poverty and disease exists in Africa.
Many people do not know that the governments of Europe and America contribute to the problem not only because they support Africas dictators but also because they back rebel groups in order to steal Africas natural resources. How can Africa advance if there is no fair trading?
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, has been taking place since 1998 because the US government is supplying arms and training to Rwandan and Ugandan rebels occupying the Congo in exchange for Congos minerals. One such highly sought after mineral is coltan, which is used in cell phones, microwaves, computers, pagers and TVs.
For more information about coltan check out “Coltan Is What It’s All About in the Congo” in Dollars and Sense July/August 2001.
If you are interested in learning more about the conflict that is taking place in the Congo, I recommend Ted Koppels investigative broadcast, Heart of Darkness(January 21, 2002), produced by ABC Nightline and the book The Assassination of Lumumba by Ludo De Witte.
- Posted by ngalulaBono,
Thank you in every language possible for all you have done to open the eyes and ears of people around the world regarding the issues in Africa. I would like to know what someone that has the potential to empower thousands of young people like myself - I am a teacher of 6th grade social studies and teach countries and cultures of the world - can do since we cannot travel to see these places in order to ’show’ our students what life is really like for these people? We are provided with text books that only tell the students what they want them to know - not always the full story! I believe that you should add a few teachers to your group that travels - what a great way to get the message out to our students!
Sincerely,
Shelly Irwin
- Posted by Shelly IrwinBono,
- Posted by Chad PeedI have not seen the other members of your band in the photos of your tours. Are they as active as you in Africa?
“In the past 40 years, Western governments have given Africa more than half a trillion dollars. Yet Africa is even poorer than it was before the foreign aid began.
Fifty years ago, countries in East Asia were as poor as Africa. Now many are rich, despite much lower levels of aid because their governments created understandable laws so people could trade, borrow and start their own businesses.”
http://www.abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id= 1955664&page=1
Sorry folks, but all Bono is doing is funding corruption and stroking his guilty White ego. The problems in Africa are not lack of money. Which is why poverty has flatlined in Africa for 25 years, while it has nosedived in China.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Less_ than_%242_a_day.png
Despite the fact that China hasn’t received half a trillion $$$ from the West in free handouts.
To become a wealthier country, you need:
POPULATION CONTROL (Africa has highest birthrates in world)
HIGH IQs (Africa has lowest IQs in world)
Now, you may be brainwashed to disagree with both of these root causes…but the results speak for themselves.
So, simply throwing cash at this fire isn’t going to put it out - only feed it!!!
- Posted by hardfax