AAI President Amini Kajunju opens the Speaker Series panel discussion on building a business in Africa.
Photo Credit: Dominique Sindayiganza

AAI President & CEO Amini Kajunju opened The Africa-America Institute’s Speaker Series panel discussion, “Everything you need to know about building a business in Africa”, on February 12 by outlining five top reasons why entrepreneurs are important to African economies.

More than 100 participants attended the panel discussion exploring all facets of building a business in Africa. The evening panel discussion was held at the TKP New York Conference Center in New York City.

Moderated by Kajunju, panelists Shaka Kariuki, Partner & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Kuramo Capital Management; Aubrey Hruby, Visiting Fellow, Africa Center, Atlantic Council; and Mahesh K. Kotecha, President and founder of Structured Credit International Corp. (SCIC), offered practical insight into the nuts and bolts of launching a business in Africa to promote sustainable economic growth and drive greater investment in Africa.

Kajunju presented her top five reasons why entrepreneurs are the pulse of African economies.

Entrepreneurs:

1) Create Businesses and Hire People.

2) Pay Taxes. “The best case scenario is that entrepreneurs pay their taxes, so local, state, and federal governments have the money to provide basic services like health care, transportation, education, etc…,” said Kajunju.

3) Create Demand for Products and Services that Create Jobs and Businesses.

4) Introduce New Technologies to the Market.

5) Stimulate the Economy by Instilling Confidence in People.

Panelists explored all facets of building a business in Africa. Photo Credit: Dominique Sindayiganza

The panelists  — who each have years of experience in navigating the African business landscape — shared expertise on the best investment and small business opportunities, attracting top talent, and how to access capital to foster entrepreneurship.

Stay tuned for full coverage on the Speaker Series panel discussion!

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