This article is adapted from a presentation delivered by Blessed Jason Mwanza at Google DevFest 2024, Lusaka.
1. No One Will Invest in Your Idea 🤨
Alright, what a weird way to start an article and presentation... 👀 Of course, you might be wondering. 😅 But hear me out, read on, you'll love it I promise.
1.1 Unless Your Side Hustle Starts Making More Money Than Your Day Job (or at least close to it...)
No statement in the startup world rings truer than the heading above. And of course, there's a reason for this: it's imperative to understand why this is the case and how this understanding will help you avoid the pitfalls of building solutions that fail to scale beyond your initial vision. Let's get to it, shall we? 💁🏾♀️💁🏾♂️
1.2 The Two Primary Reasons Why No One Is Investing or Willing to Invest in Your Idea
1.2.1 People Will Always Join When and Where They See Value
It's a well-known fact—by default, humanity behaves like a mosquito. We want to associate with those who have what we need and go where we find benefits, as opposed to helping others build value from inception and foundation. Consider this normal, please. I'll share in the next few paragraphs how you can turn this reality into value to your advantage.
1.2.2 Investors Fund Businesses, Not Assumed Ideas or Imaginations
When it comes to investors, the only naked truth is... well, they do not fund ideas. Investors just don't do that unless it's through a friend or connection (a rare case in the African setup).
Traction proves business viability. Investors do not invest for charity purposes; they are in business, and the first rule of business is to "Generate Revenue"—Money (profits!).
It's that simple! Know this truth, apply it, and you'll be halfway to peace and getting that funding 💸.
2. Solution - Create Value!
This is the starting point in gaining economic power! This is also how you attract people to invest in you. Build for Africa, with global consumption and competition in mind.
Beggars and consumers can never and will never be choosers.
But how do you create value? You might ask... Where do you start? Below are your answers:
Start With What You Have
We need to utilize the tools at our disposal. Let us learn from how China did it—they never complained, going around begging for aid.
Africa faces unique software challenges that present huge opportunities for innovators and problem solvers. From limited access to localized solutions and high reliance on imported technologies in both informal and formal sectors to diverse user needs (business models, currencies, regulations). These are goldmines for every African building platforms that address local challenges while scaling globally. There's just so much untapped market value not yet saturated. 🥇
That constant feeling like people owe you something should be erased.
The world owes you nothing! And it's the case for Africa and every African citizen to realize and act on. Stop expecting miracles where you have not worked! - Deuteronomy 28:12
Get a Little Obsessed - No Shortcuts
A sprinkle of obsession has proved to always get the work done. We must build innovations that will leave a legacy for Africa and the generations to come. We must cultivate an identity and defend it!
The basic, simple, and mediocre idea of going to school, getting a job (many are struggling with this part), getting married, and living a happy life (well, this seems not to be working for most), has proven not to work! You can see this from your parents who barely get by (a reality for the majority of people). What guarantee, then, do we have that if we set these simple goals for our future, our lives and that of our grandchildren will be any different? It calls, then, for anyone wanting to build a disruptive future to start by—"Thinking and Acting Differently."
Passion for the Next Generation
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Without passion, you’ll drift back into an average human being in just a matter of days. Making ends meet isn’t enough for your whole lifetime. It's a waste of resources. Your home problems are too petty to be wasting your entire life's energy on them. We’re in service to humanity’s future, and it's essential that we are not selfish and short-term thinkers who only worry about their bellies. This mindset is paramount to building generational wealth and generational technology solutions for Africa. Therefore, every developer and innovator must, at the very least, grab and apply such thoughts in their daily activities if we are ever to build solutions that will last the test of time.
Summary - My word to you
Creating value is the key to unlocking Africa’s potential and shaping a legacy for future generations. The truth is, no one will invest in just an idea; they invest in businesses that prove they can create meaningful impact and generate revenue. As African innovators, we have a unique opportunity to solve the challenges we live with daily and turn them into global opportunities.
Start where you are, with the tools you have, and don’t wait for a perfect moment or handouts. Get obsessed with your vision and build something that matters—not just for today but for the generations to come. This isn’t about short-term wins; it’s about cultivating an identity for Africa that stands the test of time.
Be passionate about making a difference, not just for yourself but for humanity's future. It’s okay to take the path less traveled—it’s often where the most transformative ideas are born. Stay focused, be relentless, and never settle for mediocrity. The world owes you nothing, but you have everything within you to make a lasting impact.
Your journey starts today. Let’s build solutions that inspire, empower, and uplift. The future of Africa—and the world—is in your hands. 🌍✨
PS - My startup BraveLender Software hired 4 Developers from this event as a way to contribute back to the community and utilize local talent to create viable solutions. Read more about BraveLender Software
DevFest 2024 - Lusaka Zambia Photo Dump
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