I love it when a book with a subject matter I’m not well versed in, is an easy yet informative read. This was the case with “Africa is open for business” the insightful read by Victor Kgomoeswana, a business specialist who does a lot of work with multinationals, interpreting the African landscape for foreign investment.
It is a collection of 50 essays from Victor’s learnings over the years of doing work as a business show host for radio stations such 702, Kaya FM; doing interviews with news powerhouses like CNBC & CNN. As well as information gained from his Business developer position at PPC a local cement company which has expanded to several countries across the continent. The book breaks down the elephantine task of understanding the Pan African business market, & breaks it down into into bite-sized chunks.
It is a must-read for both leisure readers with a keen interest in the direction the continent is taking in terms of development. As well business information seekers who wish to equip themselves with knowledge such as entrepreneurs and corporation directors who want to expand their operations throughout the continent and take advantage of the boom.
In the book, Victor touches on and elaborates on every story you’ve heard about doing business in Africa. Controversial topics such as the ‘2nd colonization’ by the wave of Chinese forging relationships with African countries in exchange for minerals. To Nigeria’s reputation reincarnation – from being known as Africa’s fraud capital to its new status as the continent’s biggest economy and everything in between. The anecdotal style the book is written in made it a pleasure to read, which is unlike my usual experience with business writing. It still packs stats and facts as any business book but thanks to his intimate knowledge & his passion for the subject matter Victor has made this book a gem definitely work having.