Before I provide insights into some very exciting avenues how you can start building your African business without relocating there, I want to share some news I am really excited about:
It’s done! The first destination of my Africa Business BootCamp Tour was London and we just completed a very successful training seminar there. Next stop is Washington DC and then Silicon Valley California in March 2016.
The level of commitment and engagement among our London boot camp participants exceeded my expectations, some even attended from as far as Switzerland, Sweden, The Netherlands, and France. We also indulged in some great discussions and delicious food and my only regret would be: so many more – in particular from the Diaspora – should be part of the journey and should have filled the room with excitement about the opportunities that are lying ahead of them.
Is the African Diaspora stuck on the track?
So I thought, today I share an article to motivate you. To tell you that you do not necessarily need to relocate to Africa if for any reason you can’t. However that should not stop you to build an African business. It should not stop you to become part of Africa’s renaissance, to build a grand, prosperous, and exciting lifestyle for yourself beyond your wildest dreams while at the same time positively impacting on the lives of others. The power combination of which I speak so often. The one that ticks almost all boxes in life.
I remember an article I read a few years ago titled: Why the Nigerian Diaspora won’t return home. It was so popular it featured at the top of most read articles of venturesafrica.com for a couple of years.
So yes, we do want to know why Nigerians won’t return home and we still want to read about the young Tanzanian who built a million Dollar solar businesses in Tanzania with a small loan from mum.
When I wanted to start doing business in Africa, it looked like a huge mountain to me (and the fact that I had two small children did not help). I was standing right at the foot of that mountain wondering if this is not simply too much of a climb…Besides, where do I fit in? Do I go with the Diaspora who doesn’t seem to move or the young Tanzanian entrepreneur who built a solar empire from scratch and now exchanges climate change ideas with former US Vice President Al Gore?
The article about the Nigerian Diaspora mentions politics, lack of infrastructure, being out of touch with Nigeria, and feeling comfortable with the easy life in the West as the reasons for a lack in Diaspora engagement in Africa…
I am not sure I fully agree. Sure, all of these can be serious worries if you entertain them long enough, but frankly, I think they only grow into this elephant because people still do not get enough inspiration and actionable information in form of instructions or support how to start an Africa business. You need both to be empowered to move forward. And luckily, slowly but surely, things are changing. More and more in the Diaspora are building successful African businesses.
Here are 4 ideas, how you can get there despite some obstacles or worries that may not allow you to simply relocate to Africa.
#1 Start facilitating imports from Africa or sell your own African brand abroad
This is one of the easier business concepts. Think of products that Africa is able to produce and which are in demand in the country where you live right now. African governments are very keen to cut down on imports and increase African exports instead, especially for manufactured goods branded in Africa. It’s a clear priority for sustainable economic growth in Africa. And if you can assist in opening new markets, linking African exporters up with foreign buyers, or exporting your own branded product, you will find a lot of good will and support for your efforts in Africa, because you are directly contributing to a – what we can call – Pan-African development agenda.
#2 Organize African business or industry events
Interest in Africa is now rising fast and you can use precisely that to get your own venture off the ground. Bring for example African entrepreneurs or investors in the Diaspora together, or people who are interested in African tech, real estate, tourism, or general business match making events. The ideas around African event management are many and you do not need to hire fancy hotels or major exhibition halls to get started. A catchy intriguing concept thatdelivers clear value to event participants and a strong marketing strategy are much more important. Identify a gap in a certain niche, bring your unique talents in, and see if you would be able to create an event around it in the country you reside. This way you will also build your network and partnerships for the future and new opportunities will come your way.
# 3 Use ICT to build your African business
Just recently I wrote about an African in California who has built an online business with a very simple approach: MyAfricsuprise.com allows Ethiopians in the Diaspora to surprise loved ones back home in Ethiopia with a beautiful experience, such as a luxurious dinner, a weekend get-away, or a spa treatment. He does not require any warehouses, logistics, nor capital affront to make it all happen and continues to reside in California – and yet he is providing direct value to people and businesses in Ethiopia and is planning to expand to other African countries.
But there are many more options: Online businesses and the use of mobile apps are expected to increase even faster in the coming years. Online marketing services specializing on the African market, serving African companies with your solutions, setting up an online platform for investors, or building mobile apps for the millions of phone users and businesses in Africa are just some of the ideas that do not require major logistics on the ground. You can work on your ICT business from anywhere in the world and with minimum financial capital. There are so many opportunities, and if your idea fills a clear gap or need and you use the right business strategies and a bit of creativity, you can build a lucrative African business abroad.
# 4 Get people hired
African firms and multinational companies in Africa are hiring talents! Why? Because despite the large pool of human resources in Africa the continent seriously lacks skilled people at all levels. You will be amazed to find out that wages are very competitive, in some sectors – banking for example – you can even end up with a better salary in Africa than in the West. Companies are seriously looking for skilled people and you can bring them in getting healthy commissions for each placement. Hint: Focus on recruiting the Diaspora who won’t need special work permits and on high paying industry jobs so you get paid several thousand Dollars for a single placement (often around 10% of the annual salary).
These are just four ideas how you can start your Africa business where ever you are and even get started while you are still in employment. Knowing however exactly why you are doing it is important to keep you focused despite the obstacles you may run into along your way. Maybe you are finally realizing your life passion or you are using your initial business concept as a stepping-stone-strategy that you will grow into a bigger plan. Once you make progress and you have met people in your niche your start-up will lead to so many more opportunities. You can grow your business and head straight for your dreams.
What is holding you back to start an Africa business? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below!
GET STARTED! Register now and participate at the Africa Business Bootcamp 2016 in #WashingtonDC, and #SiliconValley to equip you for your new journey!
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Good day
How best can you help to start up a business.l am young lady in Zimbabwe and l am very passionate about business.Please assist
Thank you for a favourable response
Chanazi Washaya
Zimbabwe