Profit-making idea: Opportunity to make processing and packaging equipment Published by Justin Probyn on 5 January 2018 African companies should learn from equipment manufacturers in Asia.
Startup snapshot: Electric bicycles powered by the Namibian sun Published by Justin Probyn on 4 January 2018 SunCycles produces solar-powered electric bicycles and scooters, among other things.
Why growth in electric vehicles could mean good times for mining in the DRC Published by Justin Probyn on 19 December 2017 The DRC has the world’s largest deposits of cobalt – a key element in the batteries of electric cars.
10 African entrepreneurs who’ve lived abroad, but built thriving businesses back home Published by Justin Probyn on 11 December 2017 These entrepreneurs have all experienced life in developed countries like the US and UK, but recognised the business opportunities back home.
The journey so far: Henri Nyakarundi, CEO, ARED Published by Justin Probyn on 11 December 2017 ‘If you can pay your day-to-day life, pay your bills, pay your children’s school fees – you are a successful entrepreneur. You don’t need to make millions to be a success.’
Startup snapshot: South African platform ‘uberising’ photography Published by Justin Probyn on 11 December 2017 Hire a photographer from an online catalogue that meets your needs and budget.
The journey so far: Raphael Afaedor, CEO, Supermart.ng Published by Justin Probyn on 4 December 2017 ‘I’ve learned that companies die when the entrepreneurs give up, not when they are executing. So I wake up and forge on and somehow things sort themselves out.’
‘Pay-as-you-cook’ energy solution hopes to appeal to rural Africa Published by Justin Probyn on 28 November 2017 An innovative pay-as-you-go solution that allows families to purchase liquefied petroleum gas in small quantities.
Startup snapshot: Solar-powered wifi in Lagos, Nigeria Published by Justin Probyn on 28 November 2017 CEO on the ups and downs of running an internet service provider business.
Startup snapshot: Nigeria’s Smaart Health – a doctor in your pocket Published by Justin Probyn on 16 November 2017 ‘Very few Nigerians have heard of artificial intelligence.’
The journey so far: Tumi Phake, founder and CEO, Zenzele Fitness Group Published by Justin Probyn on 13 November 2017 ‘I think typically we entrepreneurs tend to want to do everything ourselves, and I quickly realised that’s not good – you need to find people that have a skill set to assist you.’
Startup snapshot: Slow economic growth the biggest risk for market research firm Published by Justin Probyn on 13 November 2017 ‘We were competing with big names such as Nielsen, Ispos, and Ecobank Research.’
‘You never achieve more than what you aim for,’ says entrepreneur of the year Published by Justin Probyn on 9 November 2017 For South Africa’s top entrepreneur it is all about the ‘thrill of taking risk and converting it into a value-added service’.
The journey so far: Iyinoluwa ‘E’ Aboyeji, co-founder, Flutterwave Published by Justin Probyn on 6 November 2017 ‘There is this whole idea of disruption… and it is really just a big scam, because there is really nothing to disrupt in a continent where not a lot of stuff has actually been built.’