What We Can Learn From Entrepreneurs in Africa
I’m far from an expert on Africa and the difficulties faced within the continent. But it seems to me, if there’s any place on earth that needs powerful, motivated and passionate entrepreneurs, it’s Africa.
Benin Mwangi is opening the door on African entrepreneurship and his recent post 7 Lessons from Africa’s Successful Entrepreneurs is worth delving into. Incidentally, Benin’s post title ends in a question mark but I don’t think it should. He’s right on the money and not only that, the lessons being learned by entrepreneurs in Africa apply equally as well to entrepreneurs anywhere.
“Each of them has made their business into a platform or a bigger cause, almost taking on the an evangelistic role for their particular industry or products.”
Africa should be a hotbed for social entrepreneurship because there’s no shortage of people who need help. But that’s true anywhere you look in the world. There’s no such place as utopia – not even close – and what the world needs more of is entrepreneurs using their brains, energy and guts to build companies with bigger purposes and visions.
“Adapting thinking, processes, products, and/or services to their local environments.”
I love the message here — think local, go global. It’s so easy to look elsewhere for your success – the grass is always greener elsewhere right? Entrepreneurs can do so much at a local level and develop businesses that are driven by local needs and wants, and then take those successes to everyone else.
“Most of them built their businesses around their own personal experiences and as a result ended up creating niche-targeted businesses.”
This lesson holds true for anyone. The best way to start a business is find something you want that you can’t get and make it happen. You want to be your own customer. It’s the best way to know if you’re headed in the right direction.
Benin has additional observations that are worth checking out. Whether you plan on doing business in Africa any time soon or not, The Benin Epilogue looks like a blog worth following.
Ben:
Hi, I just wanted to say that this is one of the best post summaries that I have ever read. You have communicated the intent of my post with the utmost clarity. The fact that you were able to do this without over communicating, nor over-simplifying the message is even more amazing.
Finally, interesting observation on the question mark. You are right I could have ended it without the question mark. At the time it seemed, to me, the best way engaging the audience and also evoking some curiosity. But, your point is well taken. Thank you very much, you have gone above and beyond!!!
By the way, your blog is quite an encompassing tool for entrepreneurs. Bravo!
Benin – thank you for stopping by and commenting.
What’s your take on services like Kiva.org which offer a way for people to do microloans – many of which go to places in Africa?
Hi,
As an entrepreneur in South Africa, I have learnt much about business in Africa. There is huge enthusiasm amongst fellow citizens to start their own businesses, be it from raising and selling chickens to massive stock exchange listed companies.
However, on the smaller scale, I have found that there is such a huge shortage of basic business skills that micro-entrepreneurs just do not possess.
My future business plans are to set up some sort of forum – we can’t use the internet, as most people here don’t have internet access – perhaps a monthly seminar, where small business entrepreneurs can network with a few ’specialists’ in order to learn basic business skills.
Any ideas?
Grant.
Grant – I think that’s a great idea. In Montreal we have an organization called YES – Youth Employment Services – which offers counseling as well as networking events and workshops.
Many of their workshops are quite basic – learning the basics of taxes, setting up a company, marketing, etc.
You could probably bring in experts as well to speak, answer questions…Good luck!
This a very good resource. I have recently been meeting youth in my village. These young people expressed that they would want to star small businesses (which i think is a good idea) since they are drowning in poverty and not doing anything viable. But expressed that they need guidance and skills of how to start and manage a small usiness. This would boost the HIV programme I have satrted with the youth . Anyone with such committment and willingness to guide or provide business skills and management skills will be welcome
Grace Aolikol
Interesting article I must say will be reading the main one written by Benin. I am an entrepreneur in South Africa and must say that there are forums maybe not as much as needed but an organisation like Junior Chamber International (www.jci.cc/southafrica) are providing that platform for young people to meet and talk business. Mostly happening in Tshwane and Joburg.
I guess we need even more and even JCI South Africa to expand nationally to afford young South Africans an opportunity. What is event great is that this orgnisation is international with strong links in Africa and Middle East.