Africa, Africa, Africa… So many words and speeches were delivered and articles were published on the continent’s poverty, diseases, and lack of educated human capital. Also, we all know that all the efforts of the global community to provide financial and humanitarian aid to African nations were not that effective in helping local communities break the cycle of poverty.
Chinese wise man Lao Tzu once said: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Very true for Africa! Last issue of World magazine featured a breathtaking article about a new brand of entrepreneurs and economists who say Africa can prosper the old-fashioned way—by earning it!
African nations are experiencing growing populations resulting in increased needs of all sorts from better food to banking. And guess what? Where there is a need, sometimes there is the solution. Kenyans start using their cell phones like cash thanks to a local entrepreneur who identified the solution. His new company creates jobs which will increase local wealth by speeding up purchases and transactions.BUV is a good example of that as well. By having a BUV, an entrepreneur creates jobs by helping local communities deliver produce, construction materials, etc. Do you see what I am driving at? I fully agree with Lao Tzu… Africans can fish and feed their families as well as help their communities thrive for improved quality of life.
