Entrepreneurship is gaining momentum across the African continent. The combination of technology and robust economic growth is creating opportunities for SMEs and big enterprises to tackle major problems, creatively and profitably. With limited resources, funding and supporting infrastructure, a great deal of entrepreneurial energy is rising against the odds. This February (a month popularly referred to as the “month of love”) Esaja.com is counting on you to show your love and appreciation for the businesses that are quietly working to move Africa forward. Such businesses range from the small tuckshops/Spaza shops dotted around neighborhoods, right up to the titans of African business.
Under the #ShowSomeLoveFAB hashtag, Esaja.com will not only be featuring businesses and entrepreneurs from its 17 000 listings, but will more importantly be celebrating all African businesses. According to Clinton Mutambo, founder and Chief Esajan at Esaja.com; “The idea to fuse a month dominated by roses, affection and chocolate with entrepreneurship came about after we met a small business in Harare. We found a determined family business who are leading a team that’s manufacturing fridges which can be powered with 3 different types of energy. We fell in love with them as they’re creatively tackling Africa’s cooling and power problems. Having grown our footprint , we’ve experienced similar moments of love so many times in different places on this magical continent. ”
On a continent with the highest unemployment rate in the world, there is a need for a leap in entrepreneurship, especially youth entrepreneurship. Recognising & celebrating entrepreneurial efforts, no matter how large or small, is a critical step to increased prosperity in Africa. With challenges such as inadequate power threatening to slow down economic growth and development, acknowledging the efforts of small businesses could very well serve as the motivation they need to keep going.
Launched on Africa day in 2013, Esaja.com is a business to business marketplace for cross border trade in Africa. The startup is one of the Kairos 50 Global Ventures of 2014-2015 and counts Africa Angels Network amongst its backers. Esaja recently crossed the 17 000 listings mark, across its current footprint of 9 core markets and is working to accelerate this in 2015.