Africa’s network of entrepreneurs continues to grow, and so does the need to support them and empower them to succeed. It is to the benefit of all of society to ensure this success.

One year, to the day, since the first African Entrepreneurship Forum was launched by the Shared Value Africa Initiative (SVAI), we convened once again with SMMEs from across the continent – a virtual platform for them to connect, share challenges and success, and obtain information on disciplines and practices that can enhance their businesses.

According to sources like the World Economic Forum (May ’21), that there are significant numbers of African entrepreneurs, and so too is their dismal failure rate well known. To support more African entrepreneurs to develop growth-oriented mindsets, the role of training, mentorship and access to funding cannot be overemphasized.

By providing impactful, educational and inspirational content for entrepreneurs dialling in from across Africa facing challenging times, the SVAI continues to host these quarterly engagements and growing our offering of entrepreneur support programmes, towards the aim of building this network of purpose driven SMMEs and startups across Africa.

This edition of the webinar was aimed at sharing opportunities the SVAI is offering our Africa-wide network of entrepreneurs in 2022 – supporting them on their journey to success.

• Jamii Trade: A go-to digital hub and community for entrepreneurs to access information on the AfCFTA and to access a network of cross-border traders across the continent.
• Investor Readiness Training: Since 2021, the SVAI has established an Investor Readiness Workshop (in partnership with ThreeArrows Impact Partner) for entrepreneurs on the cusp of growing their businesses, and this year, a more comprehensive second phase of this training will be initiated to focus on the practical aspects of investor readiness.
• Shared Value/Purpose Playbook Training: A tool for the implementation of Shared Value in an organisation – how to align one’s business strategy with creating social impact. Training on the Purpose Playbook to assist African entrepreneurs across different sectors embark on their Shared Value journey. (Training is accredited by the international Continued Professional Development (CPD) Group.)

With business development consultant Andrews Akoto-Addo as the moderator for the webinar, he also had a fireside chat with Enoch Eitu, Co-CEO, Kenoch HG Herbal Clinic, where they discussed, from their perspective how being part of the SVAI community and fellowship of entrepreneurs has contributed to their growth as leaders and, now, as Shared Value advocates.

The growth of this forum was also reflected in the robust discussion and debate that took place throughout the session; and demonstrated not only the need for more support for entrepreneurs, but also areas of frustration that they often experience first-hand as they persevere and build their organisations.

Through the African Entrepreneurship Forum and other support programmes, the SVAI has a grown a fellowship of entrepreneurs from across the continent, and this was an opportunity to provide an overview of SVAI’s offering as we continue to assist African entrepreneurs on their journey towards contributing to and building the African economy.

If you are an entrepreneur and are interested in any of the above opportunities and would like to hear more, please register you interest on this link  and we will keep you updated.