By Denzel Sibanda
Mindset is key in any business arena and we are currently living in an entrepreneur era mainly because a lot of businessmen and businesswomen felt inadequate after a rejection from their dream jobs. It drove them to create platforms for themselves but, the void of financial freedom has led to tossing and turning at night for some of them. In my writing, I hereby debunk why we African youths are facing challenges in reaching their destinies.
I spoke to an aspiring musician who has resolved to open a Music Academy following a failure to reach the requirements of an academic carrier she wanted to pursue. The musician’s past limitations drove her not only to create a better tomorrow but also to create a platform for tomorrow’s musicians.
She concluded the interview by mentioning her will to also work with like-minded people in her field to create a legacy that will live beyond her own lifetime.
Financial constrictions have put a lot of young entrepreneurs in complicated positions. Some businesses have had to shut down due to the lack of capital and demand for their products. A few people blame the educational system for not equipping them with enough knowledge to be able to create and sustain themselves over time.
Tomorrow’s Future leaders are kindly asking for a more in-depth yet simple curriculum that will allow them to understand the ins and outs of businesses from a practical level as well. Because understanding that each person has his or her own learning style has been overlooked leaving a lot of people in situations they don’t belong in.
A young entrepreneur, Skyler (not her real name) explained the importance of Emotional support for young entrepreneurs subtly deal with a lot on a mental and emotional level which in turn could lower productivity and weakens the end product quality. Also emphasizing the importance of a user-friendly environment that promotes kindness respect and patience because he has been affected by the negative aspects of a negative environment.
Poor customer services is another factor that is not emphasized as much as supposed to and it leaves a dented perception in other fields of operations or professions. Aspiring Nurse, Onyeanusi Jessica Ifeoma explained that as much as she wants to enter that field, she doesn’t look forward to the prejudice that the nurses in her area are given. Aside from saving lives, she plans on changing the status quo for herself and anyone that wants to follow her path.
She says, “There are a lot of people out there who need love and support. It is our duty as young people to assist each other through thick and thin.”
A 21-year-old entrepreneur from Zimbabwe, Divine who won the Africa Arise competition, currently supplies chickens to food outlets and households. Diving deeper into the conversation with the young man, he spoke about how the demand for his services increased since the Lockdown is not as intense as it used to be.
“People need to spend more time focusing on themselves and ignore what others say because congratulations are always louder than support “.
Another factor he added to his success is keeping his family involved and they guide him through the highs and lows.
Lack of exposure and resources are the other factors that have handicapped young people mainly artists. A lot of them have been discouraged and been told it’s impossible. It is very important that there is an emphasis on tribes to aspiring business-minded people and people in the field because the power is within the people to create a greater business and life for themselves. Once you associate yourself with like-minded people there will be a tremendous change. Because the problem is people forget the business world is an industry built on human relationships they make it too logical but forgetting the emotional and human aspects. Concluding this aspect everyone has a tribe that can truly resonate with their core values as a business and there are people who are willing to reach out. Your job as an individual is to figure out where you belong and figure out how you can serve the world with your gifts and talents.
A South African youth, Honey Tovela says, “As the youth, we need financial freedom to bring our vision to life. It’s not that we are lazy we are just discouraged. We just want to be helped .”
Jeanett Ntsoaki Molemoh also conveyed her hopes, ”As an artist, I lack exposure and my prayer every night is that the right people can help me find the platforms that will help me become successful.“
At the end of the day, we may all be in different countries and experience life differently but it is always important to remember the common thread that holds us together which is our humanity. Young entrepreneurs, it’s important for you to gusto collaboration with minded people to create the magic!
