25 Ways To Build and Support African Startups in 2022
William Jackson, M.Ed. My Quest To Teach
Podcaster, Blogger, Educator, Speaker
Zakaria Laajily, @Zakaria_lj
Yousra Mounib, @yousramounib3
“When old people speak it is not because of the sweetness
of words in our mouths; it is because we see something which
you do not see.” Chinua Achebe
These words are many times key to help Africans continue to
grow as businesses leaders. Entrepreneurs are growing in Africa,
creating sustainable small and medium businesses that are
beneficial to their communities, villages, and cities.
Africa is the youngest continent in the global economy and is
gradually influencing global markets where Africans are
benefiting from the successes of Startups, collaborations,
cooperations and partnerships.
“Africa is closely watched as the next big growth market”
Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2019/ , so the potential
is there to continue this growth, but there is a need to increase
mentorship, guidance, and investments.
As professional educators, professors, mentors, business owners
and influencers my wife and I are proud to share gifts of knowledge
for young African Startups that may need guidance, encouragement
and inspiration. The explosion of business ideas, interests, and support
of startups that are spreading across Africa is growing into 2022 and
will enable Africa to turn into a global leader where Africans can determine
their journey to greatness not because of other nations influence, but
by the greatness that is within it. Digital technologies and access
to mobile digital devices are helping Africans to be connected to each
other and on broader digital and global platforms for collaborations and
networking.
Here are 25 suggestions for business success for young Africans.
1. Write as if all of Africa is going to read your content and be inspired
to support you and take hold of your vision for a better Africa.
When people see your passion for Africa they should be inspired to help.
2. When creating business content take the time to read, review, rewrite,
revise, what you have written. Your ability to communicate is key to your
business growth.
3. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you “you are too passionate or too invested
in Africa”. Always invest in yourself and your home first.
4. Don’t try to be famous, don’t try to be rich, be sure to share your life
and ideas across Africa and encourage collaboration and cooperation.
*Read writers like Achebe, Addiche, Soyinka and others for guidance.
5. Embrace the diversity of Africa.
Your business should represent the diversity of Africa not just one segment
or one section. Prepare your business to reach out to diverse audiences.
6. Don’t expect support from your family, friends or even neighbors
sometimes those who are close to you are your biggest critiques.
7. Build your ability to write by reading what other writers have written about
business startups and growth. Write down your ideas so you can see your potential
Chinua Achebe and others were able to blend stories for success and
vision.
8. Build relationships, building is important, building a relationship brings connectivity
and trust. Never burn your bridges, always leave quietly and with pride.
9. Read about other businesses and business owners’ success and failures to learn
from and inspire you.
10. Storytelling even in business paints a picture, so use words that encourage the
imagination and creativity for your employees to inspire them and see your goals.
11. Use music to inspire and excite yourself and your employees.
Different music moves emotions differently, experiment with beats and sounds around
the business environment.
12. When writing your business plans determine if there are challenges and conflicts that
need to be overcome. What challenges your intellect and imagination?
13. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re scared, use that energy to inspire and motivate.
Take the opportunity to spread your wings to fly.
14. Keep your passion and excitement about your startup during good and bad times.
Your passion is an extension of who you are.
15. Write your authentic kinds of stories to motivate other business owners.
There are millions of stories just as there are millions of Africans, share your story with
them to inspire others.
16. Read, Read, Read, and Read more, fall in love with reading.
It will help you develop your comprehension for understanding and applying
to achieve your goals.
17. Encourage your employees to read, write and be creative. You want people to
think, dream, have vision and inspirations in multiple ways that benefit your business.
18. Use technology to make a vision for your Brand. Remember that not all Africans
have high-speed internet access. Adjust to those with slower connections and little
19. Volunteer in your African community if it is safe to do so. Help others to see the
beauty in people of diversity. Never judge those that have less or even more than you do.
20. Running a business is a life-long journey and should be enjoyed to the fullest.
Make sure your business is a part of something bigger than you.
21. Take time to meditate and listen to the African ancestors. What stories are they telling
you to write and how to move. They still inspire and motivate in wonderful ways.
22. As you travel take the time to meet some of your customers. Speak to the elder
business owners to seek the spirit of Africa and future guidance.
23. Mentor someone every day.
24. Use social media to provide resources for growth for your employees. Your business will
only be as strong and resilient as your weakest, youngest, older employees.
25. When someone decides to leave your business, celebrate their growth for the future
and wish them well.
Listening in Clubhouse in rooms like TECH NEWS -TECH AFRICA Horizon & Predictions for African Startups in 2022. African startups need to continue to grow, they need to inspire and excite the young people of Africa to be the best they can be. The need to self-manage,
self-regulate and self-inspire is key to continued growth. Not relying on foreign interests and foreign investments, but local, national and continental investments that are vital and important for Africa.
