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Upskilling middle-managers is serious business for Africa’s energy access and climate solutions
Sylvia Achando of Kenya was just out of college when she began her career in Africa’s emerging off-grid energy sector. Now 31 years old, she leads the collections department at Solar Panda, which provides innovative home solar systems to remote villages in rural Kenya.
We can all help create and preserve jobs
People in the informal sector need mentors to guide them through basic business concepts to be able to thrive.
Are some governments killing small businesses by not paying?
Everyone says we need thriving SMEs to reduce unemployment, but not everyone puts their intentions into practice. As part of a series on creating a supportive ecosystem for SMEs, this column looks at the role of government.
Why sharing might not always be caring in a small business
There are several reasons why entrepreneurs avoid giving away equity – unless they are in a fast-growth business and need investors.
Like warthogs need aardvarks, small firms need conducive conditions
Entrepreneurship flourishes in conditions conducive to creating businesses. For SMEs to thrive we need a holistic vision and collaborative action.
The super seed for improving Africa’s food systems; ambitious (and skilled) agribusinesses and entrepreneurs
Addressing the challenges facing the world’s food system requires ambitious, bold action. Specifically, the social impact ecosystem must set out to equip Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools and training to improve their businesses, so these essential frontline actors can bear the weight that ultimately rests on their shoulders.
Business is like climbing a mountain
Like climbing a mountain, business is tough, requires preparation, resilience and learning new skills but brings a huge sense of achievement.
Happiness at Work
As champions of happiness at work, not only do we add to the happiness of others, but we also strengthen our own sense of purpose and add another reason to approach each day with enthusiasm and anticipation.
Universal basic income could save the small business sector
Apart from the obvious moral imperative to treat extreme poverty, a basic income grant would be just the thing to help devastated small businesses recover from the pandemic.
The heroism of keeping on keeping on
All entrepreneurs need in their inner toolbox a sense of being invincible. Survivors act as if they are invincible, regardless of what happens around them. This is where the art of resilience resides.
Can entrepreneurship be taught?
For decades some have argued that entrepreneurs are born, not made, and others have argued that even the most talented person won’t succeed without the knowledge and skills required for business. As with most nature/nurture debates, there is truth on both sides.
Just laws serve the interests of both the big and the small
One family’s housing disaster turns out to be another’s joy.