From Dreams to Reality: Why African Youth Must Take Action Instead of Waiting,

From Dreams to Reality: Why African Youth Must Take Action Instead of Waiting, Wishing, or Seeking Opportunities Abroad

By Desalegn Terecha

"Stop Waiting, Start Building: Why African Youth Must Take Action Now"

Africa is a continent rich in resources, talent, and opportunities. Yet, many of its young people remain trapped in endless planning, daydreaming about success, or seeking a better life in the West rather than taking action to build businesses at home. While challenges such as corruption, poor governance, and economic instability are real, they should not be excuses for inaction.

Dreaming and planning have their place, but action is the key to success. A business plan is merely a guide—real transformation happens when an idea is put into practice. History has shown that those who take action, even in tough conditions, are the ones who succeed.

1. Action Creates Momentum

Taking even the smallest step towards a business goal builds confidence and motivation. In Rwanda, Fred Swaniker, the founder of the African Leadership Academy, started with a small vision of educating young African leaders. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, he launched his academy with just a few students. Today, it has trained thousands of young African entrepreneurs and leaders (Swaniker, 2015).

A young entrepreneur in Accra who starts selling handmade shoes online may not have all the resources at first. But the act of selling—even to just a few customers—creates momentum and motivation to keep going. Without action, dreams remain just that: dreams.

2. Action Unveils Opportunities and Challenges

Planning from behind a desk is different from real-world experience. Entrepreneurs who engage with the market discover opportunities and obstacles that they never anticipated.

For example, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, did not build his empire through over-planning. He started small by trading commodities like sugar and cement. His involvement in the market helped him identify opportunities to expand into manufacturing (Forbes, 2023).

Similarly, a young Kenyan looking to start an agribusiness might think she needs massive capital. But by taking action—perhaps by growing and selling a small batch of vegetables—she learns about market demand, pricing, and scaling her operations.

3. Action Encourages Learning and Adaptation

Many African youth hesitate to start businesses due to fear of failure. However, every successful entrepreneur has faced setbacks. The difference? They learned, adapted, and kept going.

Take Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless. When he first launched his telecom business in Zimbabwe, he faced legal battles and government opposition. Instead of giving up, he fought through, adapted, and today, Econet is one of Africa’s leading telecom companies (Masiyiwa, 2020).

Waiting for the “perfect moment” to start a business is an illusion. Action exposes flaws in a plan, but it also provides insights that help refine and improve the business over time.

4. Action Transforms Vision into Reality

Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Many young Africans have brilliant ideas but never act on them. Why? Because they feel overwhelmed or believe they need perfect conditions.

However, Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, started with a simple yet urgent mission—to provide emergency medical services in Africa. She took action despite financial and regulatory challenges. Today, her company saves lives across Nigeria and beyond (Orekunrin, 2018).

The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is simple: one group takes action, while the other waits.

5. Action Attracts Investors and Partners

Many African youth believe they need massive funding before starting a business. However, investors are more likely to support those who have already started something—no matter how small.

Imagine two entrepreneurs:

• The first has a detailed business plan but hasn’t tested the idea.
• The second has already sold 500 units of a product, collected customer feedback, and identified areas for improvement.

Who is more likely to receive funding? The one who has taken action. Investors don’t fund ideas—they fund execution.

Tony Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasizes this in his entrepreneurship program. He has funded over 15,000 African entrepreneurs, but only those who have shown initiative in taking action (Elumelu, 2022).

6. Action is the Key to Wealth and Independence

Some African youth believe success lies in migrating to the West. While migration can provide opportunities, it is not the only path to success. Many successful entrepreneurs chose to build businesses in Africa rather than seeking jobs abroad.

For example, Ashish Thakkar, founder of Mara Group, could have moved abroad but decided to stay in Africa. Today, his company operates across multiple industries and countries (Thakkar, 2016).

Instead of risking dangerous migration routes or struggling in low-paying jobs abroad, young Africans can create businesses that generate wealth at home. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) alone presents a $3.4 trillion market for those willing to take action (AfCFTA Report, 2023).

7. Action Overcomes the Fear of Failure

Fear of failure paralyzes many aspiring entrepreneurs. But failure is not the end—it is part of the process.

Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, was rejected from jobs, faced multiple failures, yet he persisted. Today, he is one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs (Ma, 2018).

African youth must embrace failure as a learning tool. Every mistake is a lesson that brings them closer to success.

Conclusion: Stop Waiting, Start Acting

Africa’s youth have the talent, resources, and potential to create thriving businesses. But success won’t come from waiting, planning endlessly, or seeking opportunities abroad. The key is taking action—starting small, learning, adapting, and growing.

Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” ask, “What if I succeed?”

The journey to success starts with one step. What action will you take today?

References

• Swaniker, F. (2015). The Power of African Leadership: A Vision for the Future.
• Forbes (2023). Aliko Dangote: The Business Empire of Africa’s Richest Man.
• Masiyiwa, S. (2020). The Journey of Econet: Lessons in Persistence.
• Orekunrin, O. (2018). Flying Doctors Nigeria: A Case Study in Medical Innovation.
• Elumelu, T. (2022). Empowering African Entrepreneurs: The Tony Elumelu Way.
• Thakkar, A. (2016). Mara Group: Building Africa’s Future.
• AfCFTA Report (2023). Africa’s $3.4 Trillion Trade Opportunity.
• Ma, J. (2018). Never Give Up: The Alibaba Story.