Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, is a significant occasion that honours the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union (AU). This day not only celebrates the continent's rich history and diverse cultures but also showcases Africa's remarkable strides in business, entrepreneurship, and technology.

In recent years, Africa has emerged as a vibrant hub for business and innovation. The continent's young, dynamic population is driving a new wave of entrepreneurship. Cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Gaborone, Accra, Johannesburg and Cape Town are becoming global tech hotspots, often referred to as “Innovation Hub” or "Silicon Savannah." With this emergence of new ways of doing business, those that build businesses that leverage technology to solve local problems and create new opportunities are the ones that will succeed.

With Fintech companies transforming financial inclusion, with mobile money services like M-Pesa leading the way in revolutionising access to banking for millions of Africans, this opens up opportunity to build businesses that are local yet can trade continentally and globally.  Given the efforts to reduce barriers and open up access for intra-trade within Africa and the rest of the world.  We are living at a time where pivoting to build businesses that take advantage of these developments will open up business that can scale with great ease. 

Additionally, Africa's cultural heritage continues to influence and inspire its business environment. Traditional practices and values are often woven into modern entrepreneurial endeavours, promoting a unique blend of innovation and authenticity. The creative industries, including music, fashion, and film, are experiencing a revitalisation.  There’s a recognition of the need to protect intellectual assets while making significant contributions to the economies of their communities, nations, and the continent, while also reaching global audiences. Nigerian cinema, popularly known as Nollywood and music, is now the second-largest film industry in the world, showcasing African stories and talent on an unprecedented scale.

Celebrating Africa Day means recognising these achievements and the impact of culture on business and technology and intentionally building for the 21st Century. It is a reminder of the business potential and the collective efforts needed to overcome challenges and build a future Africa marked by wealth and impact. As we observe Africa Day, let us celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, technological advancements, and rich cultural tapestry that make Africa a beacon of hope and innovation.

In conclusion, Africa Day is not just a commemoration of the past but a celebration of present achievements and future possibilities. Africa's growing business landscape, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, is an invitation for many more Africans to dare to build-a-business bringing new opportunities and inspiring stories of success.

You probably have heard the saying, “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. The idea is that life will throw challenges your way, and when that happens, you should try to make a good situation out of the bad situation. 

What would it look like if instead of making lemonade you traded the lemons for oranges? The concept of trading lemons for oranges has to do with thinking out of the box and doing things differently to get different results. This requires setting aside dedicated time to reflect and explore other options.

You might be putting off setting up your business, and waiting for the right time. The truth is there is no right time. Even if you are in employment, it pays to begin building your business now rather than later. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to business, this is why starting your business as soon as is possible is an advantage as it allows you to learn a lot about you and about the business.

Oranges in this case, also provide you the space to look out for and seize opportunities as they arise, holding a positive perspective, rather than coming from a place of feeling that life has dealt you a bad hand [lemons]. An example of seizing opportunities is starting your business now! There’s no time like the present to build your business. Instead of joining those around you that are talking about how difficult things are, become one of the ones that begins to take control of your life by building an avenue that will ultimately bring in revenue.