Terser: Africa's Business Expert You Need

My travels across Africa have ignited a deep passion for the continent's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over the years, I've been consistently impressed by the relentless hustle and innovative spirit of the entrepreneurs I've encountered. What truly captivates me is their ability to tackle complex challenges by developing solutions that are deeply rooted in local contexts.

One of the most valuable resources that I discovered during this journey was Terser's Unlocking Africa podcast . This curated collection of inspiring stories offers a unique window into the world of African entrepreneurship. Each episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of individuals who are actively shaping Africa's economic landscape through their ventures. As a relative newcomer to the African business scene, I found this podcast to be an invaluable tool for gaining insights and understanding the nuances of the business landscape. So naturally, it made sense to reach out and try to share Tersers story as it is just as inspiring as the ones he so beautifully curates for his podcast.

Terser’s journey into entrepreneurship was not a straightforward path but rather a series of experiences that shaped his worldview and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up between the UK and Nigeria, he was exposed to a wide range of cultures and perspectives. His father's work with the Nigerian government and international organisations like the UN and WHO, including HIV infrastructure initiatives in South Africa, broadened his understanding of global health challenges and economic development.

A significant influence on Terser was his grandfather, a pioneer in Nigerian literature. As one of the first to write books on Nigerian culture and history, his grandfather's work was a testament to the importance of storytelling and documentation. His Grandfather came to the UK in the 1950s to study journalism and publishing and subsequently ran the first independent publishing company in Northern Nigeria. This legacy instilled in Terser a deep appreciation for content creation and seems to drive his desire to make a lasting impact through his work.

Terser's unique upbringing has undoubtedly shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and worldview. His grandfather's legacy has inspired him to use his platform to tell meaningful stories and contribute to the development of African entrepreneurship.

The Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

From a young age, Terser demonstrated a keen interest in both business and creativity. His initial adventure into the entrepreneurial world began in the music industry as a DJ. At just 14 years old, Terser embarked on his journey, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and passion. His career took off, allowing him to travel around the world and perform at various venues, including clubs and festivals. This early exposure to the music scene and his creative side naturally transitioned into entrepreneurship.

Recognising the potential to expand his influence beyond just DJing, Terser started his first business. It was an event and production company, which organised club nights, mini festivals, and eventually larger festivals. This venture allowed him to leverage his industry connections and understanding of the music scene to create a highly successful venture. His company also specialised in events marketing, management, promotion, and production, providing a comprehensive suite of services to ensure the success of every event.

Given his young age, I am not quite sure if it was vibes or an unpolished entrepreneurial spirit, but it seemed to shine bright as he navigated the complexities of the music industry. Throughout our conversation, it became apparent that Terser has always been in a battle with trying to balance his creative pursuits with the demands and realities of societal expectations. Undeterred by this balancing act, his ability to juggle both aspects led to the creation of several signature events that became annual highlights in the music calendar. These events not only showcased his DJing skills but also his knack for business, as he successfully marketed and managed them to attract large audiences.

Despite the success, Terser faced challenges typical of a young entrepreneur. Lacking extensive real-world business experience, he encountered difficulties in sustaining things long-term. This period of trial and error provided valuable lessons. Helping Terser to realise that he lacked in certain areas like financial management and strategic planning. The eventual failure of his first business venture served as a pivotal learning experience, prompting Terser to seek a more structured approach to business education. He realised that a solid understanding of fundamental business principles was essential for building sustainable and enduring enterprises. This saw him transition into the corporate world to try and fill these gaps.

This realisation led him to seek stability and further knowledge by working in procurement and supply chain roles for various organisations, including aerospace engineering firms and major retail companies. He spent nearly a decade working for major companies like the Co-op, Asda, and Tesco. This period provided him with a solid understanding of how successful businesses operate. Giving him a deeper understanding of corporate structures, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. It was during this period that Terser honed his skills in managing complex projects and navigating the intricacies of large-scale business environments.

Despite the stability of his corporate career, Terser's entrepreneurial spirit remained undimmed. His early experiences in the music industry instilled in him a deep appreciation for the intersection of creativity and business, as well as the importance of a solid operational foundation. Continue reading...