I have the opportunity to observe Lagos street vendors in action on my daily ride to school. At one round-about which is particularly jammed, dozens of them offer drivers all and any kind of products: ceiling brushes, soft drinks, clocks, CDs, flip-flops, chewing-gum, underwear, posters, soccer team flags (including that of Barça F.C.), magazines, windshield […]
“In-spite-of” attitude: A necessary attitude for doing business in Africa
Don’t most of us have a perception that African countries are a tough environment for business? Yet, no matter how tough, you can succeed if you have an “in-spite-of” attitude. This is the experience of Nigerian entrepreneur Austin Okere, whose example illustrates this necessary attitude for doing business in Africa. Austin started Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) […]
Nigeria’s post-colonial impoversihment
Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a discussion about Nigeria’s post-colonial impoverishment, and its evolution since it became independent in 1960. I learned many things about the country, and I though it might be interesting to share some of these insights with you. The discussion was led by Professor Catherine Duggan from Harvard Business […]