Entrepreneur Ladi Delano speaks about opportunities in Nigerian market

Which other markets in Africa seem lucrative to you other than Nigeria?

Bakrie Delano Africa is interested in all of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and west Africa. Each country has its own different appeal, but the next 20 or 30 years could be transformational for the continent.

What should other African countries do to attract such investments from global firms like Indonesia’s Bakrie Group?

We have benefited greatly from Nigeria’s creation of its new Ministry of Trade & Investment headed by Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga. In this we have found a one stop shop for investment in Nigeria.

The Minister has campaigned tirelessly to welcome and create the right conditions for new investment in Nigeria and I’d advise every African country to follow suit with the creation of similar ministries.

Apart from that, I don’t know whether there is a one-size-fits-all solution to attract the Group’s attention. However, any country which is experiencing economic growth, and has opportunities in the mining, oil and agriculture sectors and respects the rule of law and ownership of assets could be attractive to us.

Any advice to African entrepreneurs?

My advice to African entrepreneurs would be the same to any entrepreneur. Success doesn’t come easy so work hard, believe in yourself and learn from your mistakes; all entrepreneurs make them … the big mistake is not learning from them.