Why Africa’s women entrepreneurs need to take up the challenge of human capacity development

The New African Woman in Business awards have recently taken place on the continent and multiple award-winning architect and founder of AD Consulting, Olajumoke Adenowo, took the top honours. The Forum is organised to recognise and celebrate women’s leadership and excellence in Africa. The fact that this inspirational entrepreneur was recognised for her remarkable contribution to both industry and society shows that people are interested not only in individual business success, but also what that person gives back to society, how they inspire others, and how they provide an entrepreneurial roadmap for others to follow. On accepting her award, Olajumoke made some interesting comments, saying: “I believe that African entrepreneurs can’t make the bottom-line profit their only focus. Certainly profit matters because you can’t help the poor by being one of them, but till our governments and leaders realise that the wealth of Africa doesn’t lie in the ‘natural resources’ – crude oil and diamonds – that lie beneath the earth, and for which we have torn apart our communities; until they realize that the true wealth of Africa lies in the potential of its people, African entrepreneurs must be the alternative government and take up the task of human capacity development. This is even more important for an African female entrepreneur because, as females, we are nurturers and it is our responsibility to raise the next generation.” Inspirational words for us all as entrepreneurs this morning.