The ever-evolving 21st-century global competitive economy demands that Africa must rise up to the challenge by developing its resources both natural and human in order to remain competitive and relevant among its peers. Indeed, it would be highly irresponsible on the continent to largely rely on other economies for its survival and the growth of its citizens. There is a need to re-think and critically look at our development and economic models so we can put our destiny on the trajectory of prosperity. In order to achieve this, leadership, significantly, political leadership becomes key and critical.
Support for emerging entrepreneurs is key
There must be a deliberate policy to support our emerging entrepreneurs and businesses to grow so they can create sustainable jobs and significantly contribute towards the growth of the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Young People must be encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship in areas of agro-processing and packaging, agribusiness, manufacturing, and small-scale mining among others. Existing businesses must be supported financially or technically or both in order to increase productive capacity.
Capacity building
Capacity building is very important in sharpening the skills and know-how of young entrepreneurs on the continent. We at PIED Africa believe that one of the ways to build the capacity of entrepreneurs and to equally encourage potential entrepreneurs to go into entrepreneurship is by creating a strategic platform where experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders can share their perspectives, and experiences, and offer practical guidelines to the upcoming ones hence the “Africa’s Game Changers Series” created by PIED Africa. The maiden edition kick starts on Thursday, October 26 via Zoom discussion featuring two entrepreneurs, Professor Emmanuel Osei Asiamah from Ghana and Priscilla Sani-Chimwele from Malawi
Speakers
- Priscilla Sani-Chimwele is the Founder and Chief Executive of Wala Ltd, a social enterprise that specializes in the productive use of solar for agriculture. She is a recipient of the 2020 EEP Africa “Rising Energy Leaders Award”– an award created to shine a spotlight on young professionals leading the clean energy transition in Africa.
- She is the Circular Economy Country Chair for Malawi for G100: Mission Million and is the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lilongwe Lotus. She is an Advisor to the National Planning Commission of Malawi and is a trainer and mentor in various programs and platforms. She was recently recognized as one of 100 inspiring women in Malawi by Wealth Magazine Malawi. Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, she spent over a decade successfully delivering projects for international development organizations like the UN at the global, continental, and national levels.
- Emmanuel Osei Asiamah has been in business, Tax, Finance, and Organizational Development Consulting since 2007. Emmanuel has used his rich experience to serve many Organizations to help them achieve their reasoning of existence. He holds Two Master’s Degrees, A PhD in International Business Management and a Doctor of Business Administration. Prof. Asiamah is a Business Analyst, Accredited Management Consultant, Accredited Financial Analyst, Motivator, Business Analyst guru, philanthropist, Educationist, and achiever who has his Motto “The Sky is a step, not the Limit”. Prof. is a master when it comes to corporate and business Strategy and Corporate Governance, he always wants to help his clients to be on top to beat their competitors. Currently, he is the Executive Chairman of the Standard Pensions
About PIED Africa
The Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED), also known as PIED Africa, is an economic and policy Think Tank dedicated to providing strategic and competitive insights, as well as constructive alternative policy direction, to governments on the African continent in order to ensure that holistic and pragmatic solutions to improve people’s living standards are implemented. In view of this, PIED will ensure that the policy direction of governments is in congruence with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PIED shall review the performance of the government in respect of the SDGs periodically.
It equally addresses macroeconomic issues critical in propelling economic growth and development. PIED serves as a credible and reliable platform where critical issues affecting industry, businesses, and the overall performance of the economy shall be discussed. As a research-based, non-profit advocacy organization, PIED provides an independent, fact-based, and critical analysis of public policy issues pertaining to trade, finance, investment, business, education, politics, leadership, economy, and technology among others.
