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Money and Value in Business: Inspiring Quotes from Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs


Today, I aim to share confidence-building ideas about money and value from some of the continent’s most successful female entrepreneurs. I hope these quotes will inspire women who are just starting out in business in Africa.

Whatever your situation regarding money, remember that it is possible to be successful, even if you start with very little. You and your skills are tremendously valuable. It is vital to not overlook this.

“Sometimes the lack of money helps you come up with innovative strategies and different solutions. For most small businesses, the lack of money should not be a barrier to starting, although it might be a barrier to growing. The most important thing is to start. If we had waited for the perfect financial conditions, we would probably still be at the drawing board stage.”
–Rapelang Rabana, Founder and CEO of Yeigo Communications and ReKindle Learning (Quote source: AWP Network)

“Look within. I always believe you have enough to start from where you are.”
–Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder & CEO of House of Tara International (Quote source: SMESouthAfrica)

“Be creative! Start the business in steps and stages. Also, look for investors, even if it’s … friends or family. (However, make sure you get agreements in place before borrowing any money.) Look for grants and funding opportunities in your local area.”  —Ronke Lawal, Ariatu PR (Quote source: AWP Network)

“A challenge is like a pearl [that] grows in an oyster, and it is an irritant to the oyster, but when they come out, they are precious. So you, as an entrepreneur, must find out what your pearls are. I use challenges as a basis to springboard to a better standard.” –Jennifer Riria, Kenya Women Holdings (Quote Source: How We Made it in Africa)

“Research funding schemes, bursary options, and plan an exit strategy if you are involved in a business already. There are many opportunities … available for women. Grab them while you can. --Shana Kassiem co-founder Maxxor Business Solutions (Quote Source: South Africa SME Toolkit)

“The next generation of entrepreneurs needs to have a deep and innate focus on people, the environment and the communities we operate in, over profits. However, right now women already have this gene, so allow us the space to turn things around. I'm not asking for permission, simply stating fact.” Antoinette Prophy, founder of Afrofusion Advertising. (Quote Source: SME South Africa)

For further inspiration and support, check out the stories of Jennifer Riria and Anna Phosa. Also take a look at my post entitled, “Helpful Networks for WomenEntrepreneurs Doing Business in Africa.”


--Chimuka Moore
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