Culture of Africa

Africa is a large, divers continent. It is divided into three major

subdivisions: northern nations, middle nations, and South Africa. For protocol
etiquette, the northern nations follow Muslim and Arabic customs; the middle
nations follow customs oriented to black multicultural; and South Africa follows
tribal black African influences as well as some British customs

Because of the diversity among the countries in Africa, only a few basic
guidelines for protocol and etiquette are presented here. If you are going to
spend some time in a particular country, please us additional resources for more
information.

French is the official language for most of the 16 countries in West Africa
and 8 countries in central Africa. Swahili is the official language along the
East African coast. In South Africa, the main languages are Afrikaans, English,
Nguni, and Sotho. In North Africa, Arabic and French are the official languages.

Even though you would not be expected to know the languages throughout
Africa, it is a good idea to learn the local words for hello, good-bye, and thank
you.

Most African countries are comfortable with a great deal of tolerance and
openness toward foreigners, and it is unlikely that you would ever be directly
confronted for inappropriate dress. Generally, it is best to dress modestly.
While it would not be necessary to bring suits and other formal business attire,
clothing like ripped shorts and scruffy t-shirts are not appropriate, especially
along the Muslim dominated coast and in rural areas. The best options for men are
long pants and shirts with sleeves. For women, its skirts that fall below the
knee or loose-fitting long pants with modest blouses that have some type of
sleeve.

Appointments are recommended for business meetings. In most of the African

countries, you are expected to be on time. In Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, and
Senegal, punctuality may be somewhat relaxed. However, you cannot go wrong by
being on time.

It is common to shake hands when you greet someone or are introduced to a

person. In some countries, the people also shake hands as they leave. If a
person extends a hand to you as you are baout to leave, extend your hand to
complete the handshake. Handshakes are also an important part of social
interactions, with people often continuing to hold hands for several minutes after
meeting. in addition to the handshake, good friends-both men and women--may also
kiss each other on the cheek. In addressing a person by name, use a professional
title with the last name.

It is expected that you will take some time for pleasantries when you meet
people Africans often spend several minutes at the beginning of a conversation
simply greeting each other; it is impolite to launch directly into questions or
business interactions.

It is a custom to exchange small, inexpensive gifts during a business visit.

The manager of our zoo gift shop will be able to suggest appropriate gifts for you
to take with you as you visit specific African countries. You might want to keep
the gifts and the wrapping paper separate until you arrive at your destination.
Be prepared with a gift and follow the lead of the person with whom you are
dealing as to when you should present it. For example, in Kenya, gifts are
normally exchanged during your second visit.
 In many African countries, friendship and trust come before nay business
relationships. Good topics for friendly discussion are history, antiquity,
culture, achievements, sports figures, wildlife, national resources, arts and
world affairs. Stay away from such topics as religion, politics and government
leaders, inefficiency in local industries, military occupation by another country,
regional disputes, and racial unrest.

Because there are many different nationalities in Africa, it is hard to ive

do's and don'ts for gestures and body language. once you are in an African
country, you need to observe carefully what gestures and body language are
appropriate. As a start, here are few guidelines.

In a country where the Muslim religion is followed, sit properly without

slouching or putting your feet on a table. Do not lean against a wall or put your
hands in your pockets because both are considered disrespectful. Do not show the
sole of your shoe or point it at someone; the soles are the lowest and dirtiest
part of the body. And remember that the right hand is the prominent hand--use it
to present gifts, gesture, touch, and eat. The left hand is generally regarded as
the unclean hand and is used primarily for hygiene. If you are female, remember
that in many countries women are considererd to be inferior to men; women may not
be permitted to have direct eye contact with men or shake hands with them.

Quality of food varies greatly across Africa. In rural areas, you many eat
local styel(with your hands). Before eating, a bowl and a pitcher of water are
often passed around for washing hadns. If the bowl is brought to you first as the
guest and you are not sure what to do, indicate that it should be taken to the
head of the family first, then do what they do. The usual procedure is to hold
your hands over the bowl while your hostess pours water over them.