Look around, and you will notice that these days, everyone wants to have their own business.
But what is stopping people?
Why are there not many successful entrepreneurs in Africa?
There are 3 (hidden) reasons for this.
1. Society Doesn’t Encourage Entrepreneurship
We grew up in a society where nobody expects—or encourages—you to build a business.
When I went fully into the business world after my university education, everyone in my family thought I was crazy.
You know, everyone wants their children to work for “big companies.” That’s the number one reason we don’t have many successful entrepreneurs in Africa.
From a young age, we are not raised to dream of building companies—we are trained to be employees.
But times have changed. The job market is uncertain, and depending on employment alone is a risky bet. If we want financial freedom, we must train ourselves to think like entrepreneurs.
2. We Focus on Problems Instead of Opportunities
We talk about what is wrong with Africa, but we rarely discuss opportunities.
We can’t build successful companies until we stop obsessing over our problems and start searching for solutions.
The natural human reaction to challenges is to complain, blame, curse, and criticize. That’s what most people do.
While these actions enforce your right to free expression, they don’t create solutions.
Entrepreneurs see problems differently. We see opportunities in every challenge.
And here’s a fact: People pay to have their problems solved.
Every time you see a problem in your country, you have two choices:
- Complain about it and stay stuck.
- Solve it and get paid.
Problems are money.
If you keep complaining about problems, it means you have a poor mindset.
Rich-minded people search for problems they can solve. Poor-minded people search for problems they can complain about.
Eunice’s Story – The Power of Taking Action
Eunice was just like most people. She wanted to start a business, but she was afraid of failure.
For years, she had a stable government job, but it barely covered her bills. She watched YouTube videos about business, attended seminars, and read books—but never took action.
Then one day, she decided enough was enough.
She borrowed Ksh 10,000 from her savings and started a small online boutique, selling handbags and accessories.
The first month was tough—she barely made any sales. But instead of giving up, she studied her customers and listened to feedback.
By month three, she was making a profit.
Today, Eunice earns over Ksh 200,000 per month and has expanded her business.
Her secret? She started.
Most people fail because they never begin.
Remember, nobody was born a business genius.
Even Dangote, the richest African, once knew nothing about business. Bill Gates once knew nothing about marketing.
What separates successful entrepreneurs from dreamers? Action.
3. The System Doesn’t Teach Us How to Be Entrepreneurs
No formal (or informal) educational system in Africa trains children to be entrepreneurs.
After 15 years in business, both part-time and full-time, I still wonder: Why do we waste so much time complaining instead of building?
We can build great companies and employ others instead of waiting for jobs.
That’s one reason why Timothy and I started this WhatsApp group (Profitable Business Ideas).
Unfortunately, most Africans struggle to become successful entrepreneurs because of these three reasons:
1. Low Entrepreneurial Awareness
Many young Africans are brainwashed to love jobs. A “good job” is the ultimate goal for most people.
2. Lack of Business Education
Many people think business is just about getting capital, buying products, and selling.
That’s wrong.
Business requires knowledge. If you don’t read business books, magazines, or articles, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Did you know? The average CEO reads 60 books per year, while most people don’t read even one!
3. Our Faulty Education System
Schools force us to learn, making us believe that education has to be given, not acquired.
But here’s the truth: Nobody will force you to become successful.
If you want to be great in business, you must develop a passion for learning.
Read that business magazine. Watch that business video. Download or buy that business book.
Your business success depends on how much you learn and apply.
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