The decision to publish this directory was inspired by African Pages, perhaps the first attempt at compiling a directory of African businesses and organisations in the UK. This highly impressive initiative by the Ghanaian, Kwasi Sarpong, was published in 1998 after some five years of research. Though a highly commendable effort, African Pages, never came out again after its debut edition. When we launched Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd in March 2003 to publish books and journals, we were enamoured with the idea of reviving or re-inventing the African Pages, and making it an annual publication to supplement existing directories in the UK such as Yellow Pages and Thompson's. We made several attempts to get some organisations to partner with us on the project but unfortunately drew blank with each effort. There are definitional issues in deciding what makes a business or organisation 'African' in the UK. Is this defined by ownership or service orientation? We decided to be eclectic, combining both approaches. We felt that to use ownership alone to determine what should be included and what should be left out will be extremely limiting as it will exclude many vital businesses and organisations that users of the directory are likely to find valuable. Therefore DABO is a directory of businesses and organisations either owned by Africans or whose services target Africans either in the UK or in the continent.The directory could be bought from all leading online booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and WH Smith as well any good shop. We also welcome direct inquiries. Website: www.adonis-abbey.comTel: + 44 (0) 2077938893