Lessons From 12 Young African Business Leaders

Monday marks the beginning of the Global Entrepreneurship week (GEW), the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship and encourage the next generation to focus on pursuing business interests.

From the 17th – 23rd of November, budding entrepreneurs all over the world will participate in events that will connect them with potential investors, collaborators and even mentors. The global event also attracts and engages high-profile business leaders whom are enthusiastic about sharing personal experiences and insights.

To commemorate this year’s event, I have compiled an essay of 14 young African entrepreneurs I have had the opportunity to chat with this year. They all have discussed the experience of managing a business and these can serve as an inspiration for those aspiring to own a business in the near future.

Akaliza Keza Gara
Rwanda
Business: Shaking sun
Shaking sun is a Multimedia company that offers a wide range of services including website development, video editing, graphic designs and animations.

Thought: “I would say that, especially in the tech field, don’t spend money before you need to. Take advantage of the many free and open resources available to you.”

Advice: “Running a business is very taxing and that passion can push you through the tough times. (However) I would advise you to do thorough research. Just because your idea excites you, it doesn’t mean there is a paying market for it.”

Orondaam Otto
Nigeria
Business: Slum2school
Slum2school is a volunteer social development organization operating in Nigeria. Its vision is to transform the society by empowering disadvantaged children in Slums and remote communities. It has helped children and teenagers in rural Africa gain access to education as well as acquire vocational skills. The result has been a rapid improvement of well-being in the communities the initiative has been implemented.

Thought: “The challenge of education doesn’t just pose a big threat to the future of these vulnerable children but also to the sustainability of the nation in general.”

Advice: “Considering the fact that micro, small and medium scale businesses are a catalyst for economic development in Nigeria and across the globe, it’s time we started investing in people/businesses at the base of the pyramid. This will only help strengthen our nation and help the ordinary man understand their basic human rights.”

Tosin Taiwo
Nigeria
Business: Street2school
The street-to-School Initiative focuses on sponsoring child education and developing empowerment programs for women and girls.

Thought: “I believe that every child would learn, if given a chance.”

Advice: “One of the most shocking things I have discovered in my line of work that people generally have misconception about is that you do not need a lot of money to make impact.”

Adekunle Jinadu Kunle
Nigeria
Business: Gingerbox (Gingerbox.com)
Formerly known as Jaramall, Gingerbox is an online fresh fruit and grocery store that delivers fruit and nuts to offices in Nigeria.

Thought: “I have read stories that if you have an idea without money, it dies. I don’t know where they read that from. With a good idea you will get money or fund. With a good idea and good marketing, money will flow in.”

Advice: “If you focus more on (media) hype…you are bound to fail…let your service and product speak for you and then the hype will come. Getting media hype is not the reason why you are in business. The reason why you are in it is to offer good and quality services.”

Christabel Ofori
Ghana
Business: IHav Foundation
IHAV, an acronym for I Have A Vision, is a youth-run organization aimed at instigating change among the youth and ensure a productive younger generation. It provides entrepreneurial-nurturing opportunities that will inspire, challenge and empower the African youth to become smart thinkers who will act to contribute to sustainable development.

Thought: “Great things usually do not come easy.”

Advice: “Go for it. Make it happen. Partner and collaborate with others who share similar goals. There will be lots of challenging situations but by all legal and moral means, keep pushing, don’t give up, and don’t just sit back. Put the vision in action.”

Bayo Omoboriowo
Nigeria
Business: Bayo omoboriowo photography
Bayo Omoboriowo photography uses photography as a means of constructively rebuilding the African society. Bayo Omoboriowo photography showcases the challenges in today’s world and the need to push for a better future.

Thought: “You cannot excel in what you are not passionate about. You will only be frustrated and distracted.”

Advice: “Young people must be careful to know that money does not define who they become but they define what they want to become… Know what you want, define what you want to do and chase it. Chase it till you find fulfilment in it and don’t be carried away with what everybody is doing.”

Florence Kamaitha
Kenya
Business: Pad Heaven
Pad Heaven helps provide health and educational facilities to young girls. it offers not only sanitary towels, but also school fees and mentorship.

Thought: “Change is change, no matter how small.”

Advice: “Change starts with you. If you have a solution to a problem, do not sit back and wait for the government and other institutions to come and solve it.”

Lawrence Alaba Afere
Nigeria
Business: Springboard Entrepreneurship Development Initiative
Springboard is a social enterprise that creates an entrepreneurial and productive community for youths from diverse backgrounds. They work together to enhance their livelihood and community through sustainable agriculture.

Thought: “Presently, some systems are naturally been put in place to make this a reality. For many years, too many farmers have remained cheated and poor.”

Advice: “I see a new wealth coming to Nigeria through the hands of farmers. Farmers will soon become the richest in the country. Those who want to become prosperous in future should start investing in agriculture now.”

Sera Kanyua
Kenya
Business: Closet49
Closet49 is one of the leading online clothing stores in Kenya. It was established to offer affordable clothing with the added luxury of shopping from your bedroom or office.

Thought: “Once you create a good reputation, this opens doors for more customers and referrals.”

Advice: “Always be hungry and innovative to improve your business, if in doubt of a certain strategy, implement a small portion and monitor results.”

Douglas Hoernle
South Africa
Business: Rethink Education
Rethink Education is an online education startup that allows children to learn via the social media chat rooms.

Thought: “The Key thing to any successful business is passionate and driven founders. You have to believe in yourself, your product and your business wholeheartedly. If that is in place, you will make the business work.”

Advice: “Take any and every opportunity that is given to you. The more opportunities you get involved in, the more likely it will be that you will find yourself starting a business. And make sure you have fun doing it.”

Sara Nana Yaboah
Ghana
Business: Sangy Nursing Services
Sangy Nursing Services is a general health organisation that offers Health education programs, health awareness programs and health screening across the country.

Thought: “A social entrepreneur’s job is to identify social problems and solve them. Our government has more in their baskets to carry so let’s search around us and solutions to these problems.”

Advice: “Venturing into any form of enterprise has never been easy, just keep keeping on, and pursue your purpose with passion it is worth it at the end.”

Titus Mawano
Uganda
Business: Ffene
Ffene is a simple tool that allows any SME in Africa to efficiently manage their business data. Since its launch, the app has been quietly replacing the traditional form of accounting.

Thought: “I think the African/Ugandan tech market has a lot of opportunities, but they will only be fully leveraged if both the private and public sector are serious about making it work.”

Advice: Start now. “Even if just doing research. Any time they do not use, is wasted.”

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