Africa's Accelerated Growth

The remarkable growth and transformation underway in many regions of Africa are nothing short of unprecedented. Africa's vibrant growth often remains hidden from our view in the West, due in part to historical narratives that shaped our perception of the continent.

We can change that. By actively engaging with Africa's innovative business communities, we unlock a world of potential for equitable trade, investment, and cross cultural exchange.

From the pulsating beats of popular music to the cutting-edge innovations in fashion and technology, there is boundless opportunity to invest in new talent.

Big tech companies are heavily investing in Africa but the most persistent challenge facing Big Tech firms in Africa is their ignorance of and disregard for Africans’ preferences and needs. Our ignorance of Africa's needs and varied cultural dynamics is resulting in loss of opportunity, it is no wonder that African governments have begun to explore alternatives. (project Syndicate)

Big Tech could learn from the success of Coca Cola in Africa who relied on micro distribution via local community stores and stalls already in place. Coca Cola learned about consumer habits in Africa and in turn supported the growth of local markets.

With over 600 active tech hubs accounted for in 2018, across the continent, the potential for collaboration and innovation is boundless. The growth of Tech Hubs in Africa since 2019 has surpassed the tipping point.

Forbes recently published an article reporting astounding stats from Nigeria, where the number of startups surpassed 3,360 in 2022.

If you are wondering how to connect with reputable African Influencers and business leaders, LinkedIn serves as an invaluable platform to connect with industry professionals worldwide. Join industry-specific meet ups on linkedIn like the Kenyan Excel Group, managed by Microsoft MVP Crispo Mwangi. These on line gatherings offer a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and be an active part of Africa's growth. Excel MVP Tom Hinkle from the USA recently presented at the Kenyan Meet Up.

One of the challenges in Africa is that many of these growth hubs are centralized in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt along with a handful of other countries. There are a number of Excel certified MVP's in West Africa, yet Crispo Mwangi is the only Excel MVP in East Africa serving half the Sub Saharan continent from East Africa to Southern Africa. I have connected with the many African experts in Excel, Data and Financial Analyses on LinkedIn and at events such as the Global Excel Summit : Matthew Bernath Victor Momoh (MOS,R.Eng) , Michael Olafusi , Kaase Gbakon PhD, N-nyiimock Bitanyanmi, Ismael Kourouma, Quadri Olayinka Atharu, Shehab El-Saghier, Bernard Obeng Boateng and N'rele Ferdinand Attobra.

We can contribute to Africa's growth and support learning programs with donations to help bring technology to youth in rural areas, such as the byteAfrica Technology Innovation Program in Ghana. I discovered this program via Richard Nero one of my LinkedIn connections in the Excel community.

Learning about history from an Africanist perspective can help broaden our understanding of Africa today, resulting in better business practices and outcomes. There are groups on LinkedIn that can help us relearn Africa and understand how the colonial past shaped the challenges of the present.

We can rewrite and change the colonial narratives we have been conditioned to believe by learning and sharing knowledge to forge more equitable partnerships between the West and Africa.