Africa's digital economy can potentially reach 5.2% of the continent's GDP by the end of this year, contributing nearly $180 billion.

Are you building for this digital era?

Every week, I dedicate time to fortifying my mindset. It’s my personal rewiring session, where I catch up with powerful speakers like Vusi Thembekwayo, Jordan Peterson, and of course, the great Jim Rohn.

During one of these sessions, I revisited a gem from Rohn where he shared what his mentor told him.

That might sound blunt, but there’s a powerful truth in those words that applies to you, too.

You're not struggling because you're not talented.

You're not stuck in a rut because you're not smart enough.

You’re stuck because you haven't found reasons that are powerful enough to compel you to move.

That's the core of it!

Your reasons, not your available resources, are what will ultimately shape your success.

Too many of us are waiting for the perfect plan to appear. But answers follow reasons.

When you have a strong "why," you'll find the "how."

A powerful purpose fuels action, brings clarity, and makes you incredibly resourceful.

Building a business in Africa is tough, kurough. It’s not a simple side project; it's a head-on battle. You'll face chaos, supply chain nightmares, long nights, financial struggles, and countless rejections. Not to mention basic infrastructure, which at times is non-existent.

But with strong enough reasons, you will always find a way to push through. This is not the case with weak reasons, though. With weak reasons, you'll always find an excuse.

People don’t give up because the work is too difficult. They give up because their reasons are too insignificant.

Reflect for a moment! What drives you? Is it your family? The legacy you want to leave behind? The desire for freedom and independence? The impact you want to make? The dignity that comes with building something of your own?

What ignites your ambition? What keeps the embers in your heart burning??? That thing is the reason that will keep you going even when the money isn't flowing.

Here are three simple steps you can take this week to connect with your deeper reasons:

Africa needs more entrepreneurs who are driven by a powerful purpose.

Such entrepreneurs will build businesses, generational businesses.

Let's shift our focus from measuring success by our bank balances to measuring it by our impact and our purpose.

Because when you do that, trust me, the bank balance will follow.

I remember seeing Theo Baloyi in Pretoria long before the media blitz. He was taking shoes from the boot of a car. I didn’t know him or the Bathu brand then, but someone nearby pointed at him, saying, “That’s the guy running a shoe brand.”

For a bit of context, Bathu is an African shoe range originating from South Africa. Bathu has been named Africa's #1 Most Admired Apparel Brand for three consecutive years.

That small moment stuck with me. A reminder that every big dream often starts quietly, humbly, without applause.

Today, Bathu is a lesson for every African entrepreneur.

Believe in your idea, start where you are, and build with conviction. Humble beginnings are powerful beginnings.

Most Africans have taken natural remedies that are not clinically proven but which they swear by! Perhaps you have chewed some root, bark or leaves to cure a toothache, indigestion or some other ailment.

Herbal medicines are right at home in Africa.

The global herbal medicine market is projected to grow from US$105.24 billion in 2025 to about US$580.81 billion by 2034. In Africa and the Middle East, the herbal medicine market was valued at approximately US$8.86 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$34.32 billion by 2035.

The South African herbal medicine market alone generated US$1.44 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to hit US$6.08 billion by 2030.

The rise in chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, health awareness, and preference for chemical-free, natural products are key growth drivers.

The best free CRM for early-stage African startups? Try HubSpot Starter.

Book to read: “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek.

Reason? Clarity of purpose leads to clarity of action. This book will sharpen your thinking around why you do what you do.

In December 2024, South Africa’s digital-only bank, TymeBank, became a unicorn. What does the word "TYME" in TymeBank stand for?

Deadline: August 14 2025

The fellowship seeks to identify, train, and support talented African journalists, bloggers, and content creators. The primary goal is to shift the narrative about Africa away from stereotypes and towards a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of the continent's progress and potential.

Eligibility:

The program is open to citizens of African Union Member States. Applicants are typically required to have a proven track record in journalism or content creation, with a demonstrable passion for telling African stories.

Read more here.

Focus on a Niche Market Initially

Attempting to conquer a large, broad market from the outset can be a recipe for disaster. A more effective strategy is often to target a specific niche market. By catering to the unique needs of a smaller, well-defined group, you can establish a strong foothold and build a loyal customer base before expanding.

Voice note your ideas, then transcribe them using AI. It’s faster than typing. I use Google’s Vertex AI for this.

From Zimbabwean roots to global innovation stages, William Sachiti is proving that Africans can lead in frontier tech. As the founder of Academy of Robotics, he’s building autonomous delivery vehicles and pioneering artificial intelligence in the UK. But what sets Sachiti apart isn’t just his inventions; it’s his audacity to dream big from unlikely places.

His message to African entrepreneurs? Your village, your city, your continent, they’re not limits. They’re launchpads.

Although African startups raised $1 billion between January and May 2025, most are still bootstrapped, especially in South Africa, where 99% rely on self-funding due to limited formal financing options.

🔥🔥🔥Before you take another meeting, grab a journal and write down your top 5 reasons. Let that be the foundation you build upon.

Having a strong foundation, whether in character, values, or knowledge, allows one to withstand life's challenges and difficulties without being easily swayed or broken.

Reasons are your roots. Without them, you’ll fall when storms hit.