Nigerian women present an interesting contrast: they are strong and powerful but at the same time their social status is that of their husband. Gender inequality remains a big issue in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) – as in so many other countries, for that matter. One step at a time, the situation may improve. Organizations like […]
Youth: The key to optimism about the future
Did you come across Bill Gates’ post on LinkedIn of last Monday? If not, you may want to read it: “My message to the next generation of Africans.” The essence of his message resonated quite well with me: a message of optimism about Africa’s future that is based on a young population, and a youthful […]
“Africa Rising” – Under Question?
“Do you really think Africa is going to take off?” This is a question I often get both from Africans and from people in the West. My answer: “It’s not going to happen tomorrow but I’m convinced it will happen.” At any typical introductory talk about the continent chances are that the speaker will show […]
Alliances: The Key to New Markets
Last week was a high-energy one for me. A group of top-level executives from Kenya and Nigeria came to IESE. This week is part of their programs back at Strathmore Business School and Lagos Business School. I say the week was high-energy for me because I get re-energized whenever I am with Africans, as one […]
Indian-African Relations
These days I’m working on a new case for class teaching. It’s about an Indian start-up in the telecom service sector. It’s one of these “born-global” companies that expand to other countries early in their life. Created in 2010, this start-up operates in seven countries other than India. Out of the seven, five are sub-Saharan […]
