In the previous article we looked at possible reasons/causes for why African governments overregulate. But what is the impact of that regulation?
Firstly my experience to date in a number of African countries shows that entrepreneurship fires are yet to be lit among the local populace. Overregulation is like pouring water on the fire before trying to light the fire. What entrepreneurial spirit exists is predominantly as a result of desperation. They are survivalist entrepreneurs. They are unemployable due to a lack of qualifications and/or skills. This is compounded by high unemployment rates. They are simply left with no choice but to start selling products on the side of the road.
The collectivism culture within Africa exacerbates this problem even further. So what is the solution?
Education!! The governments of Africa need to start a massive education programme that covers every age group within the populace. They need to show people that being an individual is not a bad thing. Wanting to succeed and get ahead of your friends, neighbours and family is a good thing. Wanting the better things in life is a good thing. That to achieve this requires an entrepreneurial approach and a whole lot of hard work! Find and highlight the few role models within the different communities. Show varying degrees of success, as it is not always about the super rich. Ensure you address each and every community in the country.
Other countries, developed ones too, have launched similar programmes. It is a slow process, and will require that we re-engineer the mental approach of the whole populace over a period of time. It needs culturally sensitive and relevant marketing and advertising. It requires a genuine partnership between business and government, as it is unlikely that governments will have the understanding to design this campaign.
Rob Smorfitt
To learn more about this author, visit Rob Smorfitt's Website.
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Rob Smorfitt
(Visit Rob's Website)
Based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
Married with 3 children (22, 21 and 14).
Have an MBA and am currently doing a PhD
in entrepreneurial success. I have been
self employed since 1982. I have started
26 and bought 5 businesses since then.
Most were sold again and a few were shut
down because of a lack of profitability.
Many were run by staff or family while I
worked in full time employment in my
bigger businesses. 6 books written in SME
and Project Management educational field.
Written articles for various magazines,
newspapers and websites.
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