We live in a global society. The passing of information and goods and services throughout the world has never been more important. From a business standpoint, it is more important than ever to maintain an international presence.
I see the continent of Africa as an emerging economy — the last frontier, so to speak — an important location with strong potential for companies looking to invest.
China has beaten us (the United States, at least) to the punch. The country is heavily invested all over Africa — you can see it when you go to visit.
It’s been eye-opening to visit the continent on numerous occasions. I went to Ghana as a faculty member with IU numerous times; the study abroad trip retraced the slave route, and we also toured the country to see businesses and schoolhouses and to get a flavor for the country today. I also was asked to teach week-long courses at the University of Ghana twice: an international business class and a class on adult education.
Each time I went I thought, “Wow.” If the infrastructure we have was there, they could move their goods and services a lot easier than they do now, with so many dirt roads. I had a tour bus break down two or three times when we were there because the roads were poor.
The Kelley School of Business in both Bloomington and Indianapolis has a number of ventures and programs focused on Africa. This month, many of our evening MBA students, led by professor of international strategic management Marjorie Lyles, will head to South Africa to provide unpaid consulting services to small-business owners in Johannesburg and the nearby Diepsloot Township. Students will help these businesses identify strategies for future sustainability, needing to think outside the box to address each aspect of business in another country. It challenges students to think about business problems differently and to develop an innovation mindset. This is part of an existing collaboration between the Kelley School of Business and the Gordon Institute of Business Science in South Africa.
This summer, a number of students will head to Swaziland with professor Peggy Daniels-Lee, where students will work on social enterprises for not-for-profits; for example, one is a small business that supports female farmers. IUPUI has an ongoing collaboration with the small country in southern Africa.
There is an appreciation for entrepreneurship in Africa, as people sell commodities to make a living and survive day to day. I believe companies should look at investing in Africa in the future, as the continent is rich in resources. Consider pursuing joint ventures and partnerships with businesses already there or others looking to invest.
Darrell Brown, Ph.D., is a clinical associate professor of management and director of diversity at Indiana University Kelley School of Business Indianapolis.
