Archive for January 2024

Africa is a vast continent brimming with creativity and vibrant style. However, fashion remains an untapped industry for many aspiring Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. With only 3.4% of African MSMEs currently operating in the fashion space, huge potential exists for growth. BY leveraging design talent with business acumen, African entrepreneurs…

If you’re an aspiring African entrepreneur, you may have bought into the myth that starting an online business is easy. After all, how hard could it be to sell products on the internet while working from the comfort of your own home? As a business coach who has both started online businesses myself and guided…

The pace of technological change over the past 20 years has been faster than ever, bringing about what many are calling the “digital revolution.” From mobile phones to mobile money, precision agriculture to online marketplaces, these digital innovations are creating new opportunities and challenges across Africa. As a farmer, it is important you understand how…

The winds of change are blowing strong across Africa. With a young, talented population, growing middle class, and new technological innovations, many countries across the continent present promising opportunities to launch and grow successful small businesses. Whether you want to bring a new product or service to consumers, tap into growing infrastructure needs, or leverage…

It’s a common assumption among small business owners: you must compete aggressively on price or risk losing market share. Cut margins, slash prices, sacrifice profits – do whatever it takes to undercut competitors and attract customers, right? Wrong. Racing to the bottom on pricing trains customers to undervalue your true worth. No business can sustain…

Small farms that are less than 5 hectares provide over 80% of the farmland for sub-Saharan Africa. Yet these smallholder farmers have continued to face monumental challenges from access to markets to impacts of climate change. But there is hope – emerging agritech innovations are cultivating solutions to empower them like never before: Startups like…

Pricing your salon services appropriately is key to establishing a thriving hair business in Africa. With rising costs of living and materials across many countries, determining fair rates for braiding, natural haircare, weaves and more requires careful planning. Price too high and customers get priced out. Too low impacts profitability. So what fees make sense…

As a small business owner, you face no shortage of problems that can seriously jeopardize your survival. Supply chain disruptions, changing consumer demand, cash flow issues, rising costs, the threat of competitors – navigating it all is overwhelming even in the best of times. But one of the most dangerous pitfalls for small business owners…

As we enter a new year, it’s wise for small business owners to step back and reevaluate their business plans. Though day-to-day operations keep us stuck in the weeds, taking a holistic look at your company’s strategy, finances, and direction is crucial for success. The start of 2024 provides the perfect opportunity to review your…