Canadian and African Business Women's Alliance’s Post

Entrepreneurial Spirit or Economic Necessity? According to the African Youth Survey, 71% of young Africans plan to start a business. Leaders often highlight this entrepreneurial spirit, noting that over 25% of adult women in Africa are entrepreneurs—the highest share globally, according to the AfDB. But is this entrepreneurial boom truly about ambition, or is it a reflection of limited opportunities? A thriving informal economy might hide the harsh reality: without enough formal jobs, many are left with no choice but to create their own. In an insightful analysis,The Economist explores why job creation across the continent remains so low. Structural barriers—such as lack of access to capital and electricity—hinder businesses from growing, leaving Africa’s enormous potential untapped. #Africa #Entrepreneurship #TheEconomist #YouthEmpowerment #Development

Who Bewitched Us(Africa)? Supporting Our Own Should Be Our Default There’s something deeply concerning about the way we, as Africans—and particularly as Nigerians—approach our own. For years, we’ve watched incredible ideas, initiatives, and innovations emerge from our soil, yet many of us seem hesitant to rally behind them until the world validates them or someone whispers, “It’s owned by a foreigner.” Why is it that we only start paying attention when success is overwhelming, or when we hear the project was birthed by someone "like us"? Shouldn't the pride of ownership and collective growth inspire us from the beginning? Let’s take a hard look in the mirror. Are we so conditioned to distrust or devalue our own that we overlook what’s remarkable and worth celebrating? The milestones we achieve—often against unimaginable odds—should be more than enough reason to believe, yet skepticism prevails. If we want to build an Africa that thrives, we must break this cycle. Support local innovation. Cheer for the visionaries among us. Buy the products. Invest in the dreams. Spread the word. Remember, when we uplift one of us, we uplift all of us. Let’s stop waiting for the rest of the world to co-sign what’s ours before we give it the recognition it deserves. What’s your take? Why do you think this mindset persists? Let’s discuss. #AfricanInnovation #SupportLocal #BuyNigerian #CollaborationOverCompetition #ProudlyAfrican #BuildingTogether #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #AfricaRising #MadeInNigeria #SupportOurOwn

Hard Work, Innovation, Leadership and Support over Excuses and Prejudice: A Business Reality Check for South Africans Ethnicity has nothing to do with business ability or success! So , Blackness and entitlement or white elitism/ privilege guilt and ignorance will never replace the fundamentals of business: hard work, grit, and persistence. Don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise. South Africa is deeply racially polarized, and this often clouds what it truly takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and the value of embracing diversity. Too many hide behind excuses, stereotypes, guilt, or self-hate, rather than focusing on the basics: identifying opportunities and consistently delivering value. For some, even mentioning BEE feels controversial, intimidating or reversing discrimination, but what other solution exists when institutional racism persists in certain spaces? If you find yourself saying, “I’m not racist” , “I have black friends” or seeking special acknowledgment for having a 100% Black-owned or white-owned business, you may be missing the bigger picture: it’s called a business, not Blackness or whiteness. To truly unlock South Africa’s economic potential, we must shift this narrative. Imagine where there’s collaboration and innovation thrives, where opportunities are shared across race and class agnostic to location. Picture townships welcoming everyone as regular patrons, not tourists, or rugby fans celebrating unity not just in the stadium but in their homes. Africa is a continent of untapped possibilities, more so South Africa as a stepping stone into the continent. For every challenge, there’s a potential solution. So, why not shift our energy? Let’s tour townships and suburbs, brainstorm innovative ideas, and engage in solution-driven dialogues that not only solve real problems but also build sustainable businesses. We can’t eliminate all problems—only God can do that—but we can reduce the harshness of life by being realistic about our limitations while determined to do our part. Remember, the blood that flows through us is the same, and our diverse pigmentations are simply a reflection of beauty. Hate, however, is taught—and it’s time we unlearn it. Let’s focus on building, collaborating, and growing together. I am looking for brave leaders on this continent who will support this narrative and put time and resources (not just money). The future of South African entrepreneurship starts with action. Are you in? #Entrepreneurship #SouthAfrica #BusinessGrowth #Collaboration #Innovation #BEE #Inclusion #HardWork #EntrepreneurMindset #DiversityAndInclusion #SMEDevelopment #EconomicEmpowerment #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact

#Effortsdomatter. (In July 2023), My efforts in Congo are gaining momentum through collaboration with the YALI RLC East Africa chapter in the DRC, aiming to empower Congolese entrepreneurs and university students in Kinshasa. My objective is to turn societal challenges into business opportunities, building business model improving social impact. Additionally, I highlighted the resilience of Congolese women entrepreneurs who, despite owning small businesses, face marginalization in the local market, hindering their growth. Furthermore, investors seeking opportunities in Congo can partner with my trusted liaison, businesswomen, to either establish their own stores or invest in existing businesses. This collaboration allows investors to leverage the expertise and resilience of these women and tap into the vibrant market of Bisous Bisous. I have conducted training workshops focusing on practical techniques and tools for social entrepreneurs, and we have facilitated the establishment of business relationships or partnerships in the United States. My efforts are rooted in cultural intelligence, business acumen derived from ancestral cultures and traditions, and an understanding of the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship. I anticipate my return to Congo around the corner. #businessopportunity #trustliaison#culturalintelligence #globalmarket#Congogotalents# #businessstrategyiseverything #marketresearech#entrepreneurship #leadership #socialimpact #DrCongo

#Effortsdomatter. (In July 2023), My efforts in Congo are gaining momentum through collaboration with the YALI RLC East Africa chapter in the DRC, aiming to empower Congolese entrepreneurs and university students in Kinshasa. My objective is to turn societal challenges into business opportunities, building business model improving social impact. Additionally, I highlighted the resilience of Congolese women entrepreneurs who, despite owning small businesses, face marginalization in the local market, hindering their growth. Furthermore, investors seeking opportunities in Congo can partner with my trusted liaison, businesswomen, to either establish their own stores or invest in existing businesses. This collaboration allows investors to leverage the expertise and resilience of these women and tap into the vibrant market of Bisous Bisous. I have conducted training workshops focusing on practical techniques and tools for social entrepreneurs, and we have facilitated the establishment of business relationships or partnerships in the United States. My efforts are rooted in cultural intelligence, business acumen derived from ancestral cultures and traditions, and an understanding of the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship. I anticipate my return to Congo around the corner. #businessopportunity #trustliaison#culturalintelligence #globalmarket #Congogotalents# #businessstrategyiseverything #marketresearech #entrepreneurship #leadership #socialimpact #DrCongo

The Power of Service “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Muhammad Ali This quote is more than just words to me; it’s a philosophy that guides everything I do, whether I’m working with an NGO to uplift communities or helping someone find the perfect car for their next chapter. In humanitarian work, service takes the form of meeting urgent needs providing food, shelter, or hope to people facing the unimaginable. Every time I’ve been part of such efforts, I’ve seen firsthand how even small acts of kindness can ripple through a community, creating a lasting impact. In my car business, service means listening deeply to my clients’ stories, understanding their unique needs, and helping them make informed decisions. To me, every car I sell isn’t just a transaction it’s a connection. It’s about ensuring people feel valued and supported in one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Service is what ties my worlds together. It’s not about where I work or what I sell it’s about who I can help along the way. And every time I get the opportunity to serve, I’m reminded of this simple truth: success isn’t just about what you gain; it’s about what you give. As we wrap up the week, I’d like to ask: What does service mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your daily life? Let’s inspire each other! #ServiceAboveSelf #HumanitarianWork #Entrepreneurship #Motivation YALI Regional Leadership Center West Africa, Accra YALI Network GlobalHumanity International Global Entrepreneurship Network UNICEF

Precious Eniayekan is a visionary leader and founder of The Stellar Initiative dedicated to equipping young Africans with globally competitive skills. Her work in youth empowerment and community development has earned her various recognition. Through innovation and education, Precious is transforming lives and shaping a brighter future for the continent. In this exclusive interview with Alaba Ayinuola 🌍 of Business Africa Online (BAO), Precious shares her journey into social entrepreneurship and how her initiative is addressing social issues across the continent. Excerpts. Read full interview here https://lnkd.in/d7bV-RkM #impact #innovation #Africa

Unlocking Africa's Potential: A New Era of Prosperity Africa stands on the threshold of a new era with a youthful population, rich natural resources and a growing spirit of entrepreneurship. The continent holds immense potential for economic prosperity, however, unlocking this potential requires a reset approach driven by Africans for Africa. Join us at the Africa Future Leadership Conference and Awards 2024 themed: AFRICANS FOR AFRICA; RESETTING AFRICA'S ECONOMY FOR PROSPERITY, as we spark conversations that drive ideas and innovation towards a future of shared prosperity for Africans. It's a gathering of thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Register now via www.aflca.org To secure your slot before the seats get filled up. Registration is FREE. #aflca #AfricaFirst #africafutureleadership #aflca2024 #AfricansForAfrica #EconomicProsperity #innovations #entrepreneurship #youthempowerment #naturalresources #leadership #Changemakers #RegisterNow #FREEREGISTRATION

It's the biggest problem of all on some parts of the continent. Our perception of our own capabilities and limitations. From products, to education, business partnerships , and many more. There's this conundrum that for it to be good, it has to be foreign. I think the only thing we truly hold on to and respect is our food 😂, music and Fashion (50/50) Yes there are many faults in our existing systems and structures, the problem is not that we can create quality stuff but that we do not create an environment that encourages the promotion of quality stuff. That's why people have to take resources out and import it back refined for it to be taken seriously, as can be seen in (Talent, Fashion, Entrepreneurship, raw materials, and many more ). Even in the Music and Football industry, if you don't close our 02 arena, win a global globe or Play for a foreign club, you're not really there yet in the eyes of many 😂 It's the kind of small thinking that's holding us back from the greatness.

learn from this..