Africans Lagging Behind, Yet Loving FaceBook

There really isn’t a logical reason for the lack in websites by African businesses, yet they enjoy abundance of Facebook accounts-that are updated daily!

One assumption is that perhaps Facebook is generating income for their non-existent websites or perchance the love for chatting and pontificating that Africans do so well has caused them to fail to recognize the need for their businesses to have an online presence.

Whatever the case may be, Africans can not expect to benefit from globalization and changes in economic relations brought about by globalization if they do not create websites for their business, churches or business. Chatting up others on Facebook is not enough.

Africa more than any other region of the world faces the danger of being left behind by rapid changes brought about by the forces of globalization. During the 1990’s African countries registered average growth of 2.5%, while Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 3.0%

Africa’s share of global trade is declining, Africa’s exports remain limited and much of this is caused by the fact that these companies do not have an online presence AKA a website. How will people in other parts of the world know what products and services these African business offer. The overall economic performance of Africa is being stifled by lack of legitimate business on the internet and online marketing.

Africa has so many emerging markets and many companies are taking advantage of the possibilities of globalization, but for the size of the continent of Africa, the numbers are still negligible.

Debt relief to so many African countries could be reduced if they would announce to the world the resources within their economies. International trade barriers on exports from Africa could begin to be diminished as more businesses are developed.

Rise to the challenge Africa and Glo. It’s time to rule your world!

"It’s Africa’s Time"-Excerpts From CNBC Africa Executive Vision

By: Tim M. Solso, Cummins Inc & N. Justin Chinyanta, Loita Group

'.......Today, Africa is the new frontier, ripe for foreign investment.

Africa is booming – in part because African governments are heeding the call to action, removing barriers to trade, lowering taxes and improving the physical and social infrastructure that had impeded business growth. Africa’s collective GDP, at $1.6 trillion in 2008, is roughly equal to that of Brazil or Russia, and the rate of return on foreign investment in Africa now is higher than in any other developing region.

Despite all of these changes, and a proven ROI, most American investors are still missing out on a major opportunity for growth that would in turn create jobs and opportunity for millions of Africans.  Local knowledge has been critical to Cummins Inc new approach for investing in Africa, allowing the company to expand in a way that supports the communities in which it does business. This is the aim of the Initiative for Global Development’s Frontier 100 group, of which we are both members, which connects CEOs like us from the United States and Africa to learn how best to maximize Africa’s potential.

To be sure, Africa is a continent, not a country, and there are hurdles to overcome in certain countries before sustainable business development and poverty reduction can happen. But the tremendous growth in foreign direct investment and track record of robust economic growth is clear evidence that the continent’s leaders are making progress – and shows investors looking for the next emerging market what could be possible.

What made enterprise growth in China and India work then – the only way to make it work in Africa now – is a long term view, and a plan to nurture not only the business, but the communities in which business is being done. A corporation and its employees are only as healthy as the communities in which they operate. 

 The long-term solution to business growth has often been an emerging market. This time, the emerging markets are in Africa. American businesses should explore this new frontier, or miss out on a chance to do well, and to do good....... '

Based on these article excerpts……………………

If African businesses do not interact with the web via online marketing and promotion, how will they benefit from these clear and present interests of companies wanting to have real staying power in a global marketplace.  How will these companies that are taking the chance to partner, buyout or invest in these “emerging” markets in Africa find your products and services?