Bank Zero founder Michael Jordaan shared some insight into the potential growth opportunities in Africa for entrepreneurs at this year’s Leader Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre on 3 September.
Kicking off discussions at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange stage, Jordaan outlined a road of challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Africa.
“We all have an idea but the idea is only a small part of entrepreneurship, execution is everything,” he said.
According to Jordaan, there are a number of problems facing entrepreneurs but three challenges remain a constant – not saving enough money, a ‘severe’ education crisis and the presence of corruption. “A lack of capital means that we need to get foreign investment.”
While identifying one’s challenges, finding solutions is just as important. In the words of Jordaan, no challenge is too big. “To do anything right, start with a smaller version of a larger problem and solve it.”
With decades of corporate experience, Jordaan motivates and supports entrepreneurs and start-ups to become problem-solvers as ‘the biggest problems are also the biggest opportunities’.
He added, however, that we all need to start somewhere. “We set out our own path, I wasn’t clear on what I wanted to do but I knew that entrepreneurs and start-ups can challenge the world.”
“Want to become a millionaire? Help a million people.”
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