Dreaming big for Africa!

 “Am fired up, ready to go!!”

Well even though that was Obama’s sentiments in the 2008 elections, it has been mine ever since I witnessed the shift in the socio-economic well being of Africa in the past 5years, as well as
its gradual shedding of its negative image, to one of self sufficiency away from Aid, and the emergency of a new generation of reliable, innovative and visionary African leaders. These leaders including those that have encouraged me to come back to Africa, have made it their mission to invest their time, resource and finance to impact positively Africa and all that she has to offer. What further fueled my shift to the African continent was living in the heart of Ethiopia, in Addis Abeba (The Headquarters of the UN, AU and other international organizations), I was fortunate to have meet movers and shakers from all over Africa, who are either working in government bodies, international organizations leaders, economists, climate change experts, researches, CEO’s in the private sector, all tackling issues such as Innovation and Technology, Financial Structure, Sustaining a green economy in Africa as well as resolution to create much needed jobs in the continent. As well as having attended a few interesting conferences such as World Economic Conference, African Leadership Network (ALN) forum, and a number of conferences at UNECA concerned with agendas such as Finance and Banking, Environment, Inter-African country trade, conflict management, empowerment of woman, and the like, which left me energized & inspired. Also traveling to Northern, Eastern and Southern Africa to not only expose myself to the continents uniqueness but to also materialize how I can merge the vast knowledge and experience I had been fortunate to get living, working and being educated both in the US and Africa.

As an up and coming leader, I recommend attending conferences such as the African Leadership Networking (ALN) forum, where rooms was packed with presidents of bankers i.e. African Development Bank, Equity Bank; CEO of major corporations in Africa i.e. MTN; managing partners of the top consulting firms in the world i.e. Mckenzie, Boston Consulting group, Acis; As well as top surgeons, social entrepreneurs, Agents of corporations, start-ups, who graced the panel discussions, presentations and after hours events. ALN is the brainchild of two African visionaries Fred Swaniker (Ghana) and Acha Leke (Cameroon) who were inspired to launch a Network of next-generation African Leaders. This experience at ALN leaves everyone inspired, committed, well Networked with fellow Africans, and reenergized to do more and dream the possibilities that can be crystallized in Africa.

Also having attending the World Economic Forum Africa (WEFA), which brought presidents & Prime Ministers of Countries in Africa (including the late prime minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi), networking opportunities with executives of major corporations in Africa, as well as finding friends amongst the organizers & participants within WEFA. This will further reiterated not just that it is finally time for Africa, but also those of us wanting to make changes, need to step up and take the challenges that would provide new opportunities, partner strategically with friends of Africa, and be the bridge that fills the gap between the misconceptions of Africa and its potential. So as the next generation can be proud to say they are from the continent of Africa and dream further to greater possibilities.

 Like any emerging continent trying to shed its past, make peace with its history and refocus for a better empowering future, we as Africans whether in the continent, or living outside have to be the ambassadors that while standing firm and confident with our diversity need to work even harder, focused and diligently for the well-being of Africa in consideration of how the world has constantly taken advantage of its people, land and resources. It has become apparent that healing is much needed, as well as a clearer understanding of the uniqueness of each country within Africa. So let us all make an extra effort to travel, work with and get to engaged in a dialogue with Africans and Africa itself.

Understanding that we all matter, and that the whole is greater than the simple sum of its parts is a necessity, and making ethical and conscious decisions when doing business in Africa should always be a priority. As well as a comprehensive and non-judgmental approach to seeing Africa and its citizens as is, in our own eyes.

By Dutchess @Deldeyoch