Book: Business in Africa. Corporate Insights, Dianna Games

"Africa is not really 'poor' as many portray it: it is poorly managed, and yet-to-be developed."

A good friend of mine who knows about my vision of wanting to expand to Africa, and who herself is incredibly passionate about Africa, recommended that I read this book. 

During the first couple of chapters I did wonder what I got myself into because it was very economics focused. But it was very interesting as it highlighted the history of Africa's economic development and the huge potential that exists. 

Each chapter focuses on a different sector and the opportunities and challenges that exist in different countries. 

With each chapter, I gained better insight into developments within Africa; for example, I did not know that the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the largest bank in the world had acquired 20% of Standard Bank in 2007 for $5.5 billion.

There is also a chapter on the making of the African Brand by Doug de Villiers, who is one of Africa's leading brand and reputational experts. I really liked what he said ~ "A government's primary responsibility is to enable citizens and the private sector (through the provision of applicable systems, resources and skills) to perform optimally; and from optimal performance comes a positive reputation. In the BE>DO>SAY formula is the BE. It is a fact that reputation is built on what is done (BE) not what is said (SAY). In talking about African brand issues, we need to look at how to change the reputation building approach from SAY>DO>BE to BE>DO>SAY. 

One of the key lessons which confirmed the route I would consider when the time is right to expand to Africa, is not to try and start something from scratch but to strategically align with local companies. 

There is also a chapter on Making a Noise: Africa's women in business. The chapter ends off with:

"Finding a place in the sun begins with finding the confidence to believe in it, the courage to insist on it and, crucially, the voice to claim it. It is time for the women of Africa to make a noise."

I am ready and looking forward to making a noise!