K@W: The Entrepreneurs Spurring Africa’s Rise

Many African nations face grave challenges, including widespread poverty and unemployment. But the continent is also home to many of the fastest-growing economies in the world and entrepreneurs who are spurring Africa’s growth in unique and dynamic ways. Knowledge@Wharton recently joined Katherine Klein, Wharton management professor and vice dean for the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, and Nick Ashburn, the Initiative’s director of emerging markets, at the African Leadership Network’s 2015 annual gathering where they interviewed 18 entrepreneurs and executives who are leading, launching, scaling and supporting businesses across the continent.

Contents

Addis Alemayehou — Ethiopia’s Opportunities: Double-digit Growth with Cultural Awareness Required

Richard Arlove — Before Investing in Africa, Investors Need to Shed Two Major Misconceptions

Neku Atawoodi — ‘We’re Making It Safer to Invest in Africa’

Hakeem Belo-Osagie — The ‘Citizens of the World’ Tackling Africa’s Next-generation Business Challenges

Ismail Douiri — Morocco’s Leading Financial Institution Is Banking on a Pan-African Strategy

Tabitha Karanja — Breaking the Multinational Monopoly on Kenyan Beer Sales

Acha Leke — Why Inclusive Growth Is Key to Africa’s Rise

Wendy Luhabe — How Economic Activism Can Empower the African Woman

Serge Nawej — Why the Diaspora Has an Important Role to Play in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Soga Oni — Making Medical Devices More Accessible, Affordable and Reliable

Alpesh Patel — Creating an African Brand That Appeals to African Youth

Cherae Robinson — Creating a Connected, Curated — and Mobile — Travel Experience in Africa

Ralph Simon — ‘We Are Living in the Era of the Screenager’

Shose Sinare — ‘Thinking Big’ About Investments in Africa

Othman Tazi — No Place Like Home: Pulling out of Europe, Expanding to Neighboring Countries in Africa

Hema Vallabh — Women Engineers in Africa: Pushing Past Old Roles

Jocelyn Wyatt — Finding a Creative Solution to Poverty-related Challenges

Willy Yav — How a DRC Firm Is Tapping Local Knowledge and Global Standards