by Margaret Hirsch
In retail, we all know that challenges are part of the journey—whether it’s an economic downturn, shifting consumer habits, or global disruptions. But what sets successful retailers apart isn’t avoiding tough times—it’s how we respond to them. I’ve always believed that the challenges we face are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, innovation, and comebacks.
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“We are meaning makers who generate wealth for all through inspiration, innovation and unwavering resolve.”
Kerryne Krause, founder and CEO, I-Slices Innovations (South Africa)
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Keep innovating!…
“Encourage staff to be innovative, do things innovatively.”
Kofo Akinkugbe, founder, Secure ID, (Nigeria)
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by Mandisa Makubalo, Unlimited Experiences
Every business leader agrees that INNOVATION is important, yet they cannot agree on what it means? It has become a rather confusing buzzword which has been positioned in a very complex way as it comes in many flavours.
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“Our aspiration is to use new food and agriculture technology as a catalyst to solve some of Africa’s most pressing social issues.”
Michelle Adelman, founder of Accite Holdings (Botswana)
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Stay ahead of the business game…
“Try and turn every challenge into an opportunity to innovate and stay ahead of your business game.”
Nontobeko Mbuyane, CEO & Founder of Bee’s Beauty Haven & Glutaspa Group, (Eswatini)
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Stay calm and innovate…
“This is a very unique moment in history where no-one has certain answers, as it is new to everyone. It is time to stay calm and think how to innovate in our businesses to stay relevant and to serve society. Now more than ever we have to join forces and support each other.”
Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)
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Start innovating....
"I encourage women, especially the young women, to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."
- Helen Njoroge, is the founder of Tenders Kenya, Kenya’s Number 1 Tender Site, where she is in charge of overseeing the strategic growth, profitability and development of the business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Moi University and a Masters degree in Population Studies from the University of Nairobi. She has extensive experience in the NGO sector and in particular, women economic empowerment, policy advocacy and lobbying.
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"There’s a lot of innovation happening in Africa. But it’s not necessarily sexy in sort of the globally expected way. Much of the innovation is around solving problems and meeting real human needs."
- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.
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Be innovative....
"I encourage women, especially the young women to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."
- Helen Njoroge is co-founder of Tenders Kenya, a digital platform that provides information on the latest procurement opportunities in Kenya for women and young entrepreneurs. The government of Kenya in 2013 reserved 30% of all government tenders for women, youth and persons with disabilities. With many procurement systems online, Tenders Kenya offers a digital and cost effective and efficient channel where all entrepreneurs, and more so the youth in Kenya, can access all procurement opportunities, and not only government but also private sector opportunities.
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Calling all women entrepreneurs in South Africa. Here’s your chance to collaborate with GE as they Innovate, Imagine and Invent – In Africa; For Africa.
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Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youthful population. But, while the region’s start-up businesses are gaining confidence and scale with a growing number of innovations achieving recognition beyond the region’s borders, much more must be done to create an enabling environment that allows entrepreneurs to flourish. This is especially the case for women entrepreneurs, whose potential is far from being optimized. This was the reason for a World Economic Forum challenge to find Africa’s top women Innovators. The criteria for the challenge required entrants’ companies to be less than three years old, be earning revenue for at least a year, and have proven innovation and positive social impact.
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Focus on innovation....
"... not necessarily in terms of technology but in terms of how you can make your company, service or product stand out above the rest. It doesn’t have to be the best, the least expensive, or have the greatest packaging to be the preferred brand. It simply needs to be unique in a way that brings more value than the competitors to your target market."
- Sarah Lambie is a freelance writer and communications consultant to numerous NGOs in Africa, including Work For Life, an NGO focused on providing essential entrepreneurial training and support to African entrepreneurs, many of whom are women. Based in Uganda, Sarah has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
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LoA had the opportunity to speak with Rowan on a recent trip to South Africa. He shared his thoughts on the importance of business innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Rowan Gibson is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost thought leaders on business innovation. The media have labeled him “Mr. Innovation”
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Njeri Riong addresses the 2013 MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference
Source: MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference
The MIT Africa Innovate Conference is an intimate showcase of the latest ideas and innovations in entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare, energy and education. In addition to our panels, our esteemed Keynotes reflect on how they have made their contribution to the continents development.
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