Stakeholders urge entrepreneurs to exploit opportunities for Africa’s growth

Business stakeholders from various industries have urged entrepreneurs to leverage business opportunities across Africa to foster the continent’s development.

They spoke in Abuja during the Marketplace Stakeholders Africa conference and encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt a global perspective and actively contribute to the continent’s success.

The conference host, Mr. Manasseh Dogon, noted that the gathering aimed to unite industry leaders to discuss strategies for harnessing Africa’s untapped potential.

The Marketplace Stakeholders Africa conference, organized by the Maime Innovation Foundation in collaboration with The Metropolitan Church, brings together industry leaders, creatives, market experts, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

Dogon said: “The primary purpose of Marketplace Stakeholders Africa is to be able to bring captains of industries together under one atmosphere to be able to educate them on the next blueprint that is about to happen in Africa.

“Through production intelligence, we discovered that so many things have been left uncoordinated in Africa. This conference is an avenue for captains of industry to see the perspectives, the opportunities that are within African soil and how to maximize them.

“Overcoming barriers in business has to do with self-management. We always try to throw expectations to leaders. Inasmuch as we expect leaders to do the right things, we should also do our part as businessmen and individuals. We must understand and look at the world from a global scale.

“The world is bigger than where you are. We will be holding this conference on a quarterly basis and spread across other African countries like Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa. What we are trying to do here will serve as a blueprint to other African countries as we intend to maximize potentials.”

In his remarks, the CEO of Enived Travels Limited, Mr. Ehiogie Osaigbovo, stressed the importance of self-management for overcoming business barriers and advised Nigerians to focus on acquiring skills that enhance employability rather than lamenting unemployment.

He said: “There are challenges to consider. One major issue is the lack of a conducive environment and capital. Many people believe that capital only refers to money, but there’s also location dynamics to consider.

“In Nigeria, relationships are often the first capital. Having connections can get you into the industry, even if you don’t have the financial resources.”

The event aims to facilitate open dialogues on industry challenges and develop innovative solutions through “production intelligence” a concept involving the use of knowledge and skills to create impactful solutions and improve the African economy.