لفترة طويلة جداً، ظلت رائدات الأعمال في أفريقيا غير مرئيات في السرد السائد عن التنمية. فغالباً ما يوصفن بأنهن “متناهي الصغر”، كما لو كان مقدرًا لأعمالهن أن تظل صغيرة أو محلية أو هامشية. والحقيقة هي أكثر إرباكًا بكثير: فالنساء يقمن ببناء مشاريع يمكن أن تعيد تعريف الصناعات وسلاسل القيمة وحتى موقع أفريقيا في العالم.

Aid has kept many nations afloat but rarely transformed them.   Billions of dollars in support have not created self-sustaining economies. Instead, they often foster dependence and weaken the drive for local innovation.  Our Founder, Tony O. Elumelu CFR, captures this truth powerfully:  “Africapitalism means we cannot rely on governments or aid to create prosperity. The …

At the heart of Africa’s economic transformation lies a powerful force: entrepreneurship.   As the continent contends with rising climate vulnerability and deepening economic disparities, homegrown start-ups are emerging as key drivers of sustainable development. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Sahel region, where a new generation of African entrepreneurs is addressing environmental …

It is a common argument in policy circles and corporate boardrooms: for Africa to truly prosper, we need more big firms. Large companies, after all, create jobs at scale, stimulate trade, build infrastructure, and anchor stable economies. And it is true, Africa needs strong institutions and large-scale employers. But that is only part of the …

It is often said that adversity breeds innovation; nowhere is this truer than in Africa. Across the continent, young people refuse to wait for perfect conditions. Instead, they build, create, and scale companies in environments that would stall many founders elsewhere. Africa has the world’s youngest population: by 2030, 42 per cent of global youth …

Across the continent, young Africans are embracing a new narrative, one centred on financial literacy, digital innovation, and purpose-driven work. They are increasingly turning to digital platforms, fintech, and even cryptocurrencies to manage money, save, and invest. Entrepreneurship, for many, is no longer a fallback; it is a first choice, a deliberate path to building …

We know technology is transforming our world – we know that the transformation is getting ever faster. Where is Africa? In the conversation or left outside? Young Africans are digitally native, entrepreneurial, and hungry to build. What we need are more opportunities for partnership, more belief in our potential, and platforms to amplify our voices. …