Bridging continents : empowering entrepreneurs in Africa and America

Par Veola Green*

Let me tell you about Amina.

Amina’s small farm in rural West Africa is where she transforms cassava into valuable products, including cattle feed. But her vision extends beyond her own fields. She dreams of a women’s cooperative, a source of empowerment for her community, and a pathway to a better life for her family—a life where her children have access to education and healthcare. This dream, however, is threatened by the seemingly insurmountable hurdles of business registration costs and the logistical challenge of preventing spoilage during transport.

As a Black American entrepreneur, the global market is brimming with potential

The ability to start a business is more than just a right; it’s a pathway to a better life.

As a Black American entrepreneur, the global market is brimming with potential. I’m driven by a desire not just to build a successful #business but to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world. My focus is on bridging the African continent with opportunities from #rural and #urban inner-city American entrepreneurs.

Africa is poised to become the world’s largest single market. Just as NAFTA transformed North America, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has the potential to unlock immense economic growth across the continent. With 54 nations, 1.3 billion people, and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, AfCFTA aims to eliminate tariffs, streamline trade, and create a single market. This translates to:

• Easier Trade: Reduced barriers will facilitate faster, more cost-effective #trade within Africa.
• Boosted Industries: African businesses can focus on intra-African trade, fostering local production and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
• Increased Prosperity: AfCFTA is projected to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty and boost Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035, according to the World Bank. Sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and services are expected to see significant growth.

However, navigating the realities on the ground presents significant challenges. Data from the World Bank’s « Doing Business » reports reveals that while some countries, like Mauritius , have made significant strides in reducing barriers to entry, other nations impose exorbitant fees that can be crippling for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As a Diaspora descendant doing business in Africa since 2017,  complex logistical barriers hinder the movement of people and goods,  these situations have caused me to shed many tears and have countless sleepless nights. From my perspective,  these logistical gymnastics represent  a systemic barrier that perpetuates #inequality and undermines self-determination and the  collective liberation in Africa.

This is where a powerful synergy can emerge between rural and urban inner-city American entrepreneurs and their African counterparts

This is where a powerful #synergy can emerge between rural and urban inner-city American #entrepreneurs and their African counterparts. By teaming up, they can develop #partnerships for small group #investment and increase opportunities for #services that enable the #import and #export of products, gaining brand recognition on a #global scale.

For example, #rural American entrepreneurs with expertise in #sustainable #agriculture and #water# management could partner with African farmers like Amina to implement efficient #irrigation systems and improve crop yields. #Urban inner-city entrepreneurs with skills in #digitalmarketing and #ecommerce could help African businesses reach new markets and build online brands. These #collaborations could take the form of joint ventures, technology transfer agreements, or mentorship programs, fostering mutual learning and growth.

African nations streamlining bureaucratic processes through #technology is essential to provide American entrepreneurs with a clear view when developing their investment strategies. This #exchange is necessary to empower women like Amina and American #youth with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the global digital age. Expanding access to affordable credit and #microfinance through digital platforms can help rural and urban inner-city entrepreneurs overcome financial constraints and invest collectively in African businesses, increasing export and import opportunities.

Finally, creating supportive ecosystems that provide #mentorship, #networking, and access to markets through digital networks is vital. As evidenced by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), high registration fees correlate with lower rates of entrepreneurial activity and higher unemployment.

Africa has so much to offer the world. Let’s make it easier for entrepreneurs to contribute to its success

« The Africa We Deserve » WhatsApp business networking group is a platform with  over 200 vetted SMEs to gain marketing exposure and conduct business with each other. Vetting involves a due diligence process conducted by The International Institute of Family Development, which includes verifying business registration, assessing financial stability , and confirming ethical business practices.

These businesses collaborate with The International  Institute, seeking partnerships to scale their efforts, establish investors in #mining production, material and machine #manufacturing, increase #agricultural production, and share their #biotechnological ingenuity with the world.

Amina and her cooperative are active members, seeking #opportunities to expand their reach and access new #markets.

Africa has so much to offer the world. Let’s make it easier for entrepreneurs to contribute to its success.

Let’s build a future where ambition knows no borders. Join « The Africa We Deserve » WhatsApp business networking group—a place for #SMEs to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

While challenges like #infrastructure and regulatory harmonization remain, the potential #rewards are undeniable. For entrepreneurs like Amina and myself, AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity to #connect with a vast and growing market, fostering #economic #empowerment and driving shared #prosperity globally, in America  and  across the African continent .

* »As Executive Managing Director and Principal of The International Institute of Family Development, Veola Green builds bridges between individuals, governments, and organizations to advance child welfare and international women’s development. »