Richard Branson writes about the yes, we can attitude that is spreading across the continent

I visit Africa often, and it is apparent that a “yes, we can” attitude is spreading across the continent, as awareness of its business and investment opportunities reaches around the globe.

Africans have much of which to be proud, including some recent major economic successes.

In September, Walmart made an offer to buy South African retailer Massmart for R4.2 billion.

And this year’s Fifa Soccer World Cup generated more than R3bn in revenue for South Africa, the host country. Still, there is much to be done.

Analysts and business leaders often focus on mineral resources when considering prospects for Africa’s future. But I believe Africa’s most valuable assets are its wonderful people, particularly its entrepreneurs.

Millions of men and women are carefully building small businesses suited to local markets, working off the radar in regions untouched by big business. These entrepreneurs are agents of change, taking risks that may someday generate jobs and build communities.

Yet, many lack the financial resources and support networks required to help them scale up their businesses. Some have such limited access to teachers and mentors that simple training on pricing, marketing and product design can have a huge effect.

With the right support, their entrepreneurial efforts can produce even more opportunities, leading to the prosperous dynamic of progressive capitalism.

That is why Virgin Unite, our non-profit foundation, established the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg to support and celebrate young South Africans as they launch new ventures. We help them expand their businesses by connecting them with entrepreneurs from South Africa and around the world — people who can provide mentorship, help them gain access to markets and raise capital.

We are also investing in African businesses, from small start-ups to larger companies. One of our best investments is Virgin Active in South Africa.

In the meantime, across the border, the people of Zimbabwe require more international investment and expertise to help them revitalise their country, which has been suffering under years of dictatorship and disastrous economic policies.

In September, Virgin Unite, together with Humanity United and The Nduna Foundation, launched Enterprise Zimbabwe to help Zimbabweans attract and foster investments from philanthropic and commercial donors.

This organisation will target small businesses and social initiatives in key areas such as health, small-scale agriculture as well as education.

If Zimbabwe is going to recover, it is critical for the global community of business leaders and philanthropists to come together to support the people who will rebuild its economy.

In 2011, Enterprise Zimbabwe will help to arrange a number of trips to the country, so that entrepreneurs and leaders of charitable foundations can meet Zimbabweans. We hope to help these leaders to understand how they can help, and to match them with emerging businesses and social development opportunities.

Every time I visit the continent, I am impressed by what daring African businessmen and women are accomplishing in the face of tough social and economic challenges. I am certain that Africa will someday occupy a more prominent place on the world stage.

United States President Barack Obama summed it up well last year in his famous speech to the Ghanaian parliament: Africa is not a world apart, it is a “fundamental part of our interconnected world”.

While we often hear what is wrong in Africa, I would like to hear what Africans are doing right.

Inspiration comes from leaders who care about communities. Let us find those entrepreneurs who are having an effect.

Do you believe in Africa? Tell me what you think. If you have African stories to inspire others, or if you are an entrepreneur who wants to make a difference, let me know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . ▲

© 2010 Richard Branson.
Distributed by “The New York Times” Syndicate

Branson blogs on
www.virgin.com/richard- branson/blog
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