To survive in the competitive global market, nations are engaging in “nation branding”, and the concept is increasingly becoming a priority for many governments. It encompasses marketing techniques and strategies that a nation uses to improve, enhance and strengthen its image and reputation globally.

Why does Pope Francis capture the imagination of vast audiences across the globe as he travels to different parts of the world? Why do the statements he makes leave a deep and lasting impression in the minds and hearts of millions if not billions of people?

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday launched the Kenya Diaspora Policy as well as a new Foreign Policy, which seek to enhance the country’s engagement with other nations. The President says the two policies will help the government put in place structures, programmes and incentives to attract and utilise qualified and skilled human resource drawn from Kenyans abroad.

 Pope Francis announced Monday he will make his first visit to Africa later this year with stops in Uganda and the restive Central African Republic.

Government and the tourism sector have hailed the ranking of Zimbabwe as the 14th must-visit global tourist destination for this year by the New York Times.

Beijing has previously said its cooperation with African nations covers farm, health and infrastructure-related projects. In July, China said more than half its foreign aid, of more than $14 billion between 2010 and 2012, went to Africa. China says there are no strings attached to its aid, but some of its projects have drawn attention for their support of governments with poor human rights records and lack of transparency, such as Zimbabwe, Sudan and Angola.