Date Published: 01/24/10

Africa is a good place for business -Sawyerr

Ethleen Sawyerr , President, Howard University African Business Club granted an exclusive interview to Afrotrang.net.

Ethleen Sawyerr, President, Howard University African Business Club

Afrotrading.net: Ms. Sawyerr where did you get the idea of a business club on a campus?

Etheen Sawyerr : The idea for the club came after the success of the 1 st annual Howard University African Business Conference in the spring of 2008. The club co-founders all came together and decided that the conference required more planning and manpower, so it would be even more efficient to have an organization of students working throughout the school year to execute an excellent conference. Since that time, the African Business Club (ABC) has hosted events such as the Speakers Series which has featured H.E. David Mohlomi Rantekoa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho in the United States. The purpose of the Speakers Series is to highlight business strides on the continent, while leading up to the conference.

Africa and the global economy: moving from crisis to opportunities is the main theme of your conference. Why did you choose this theme?

This theme was chosen to reflect the current status of the global economy. The fact is that the amount of monies sent to Africa have greatly changed within the past five years, and with the change in US economy, those funds have become even scarcer. Despite all of this, we want to reassure the public that African nations should not be counted out of any economic equation, because the one thing Africa will always have in her favor is her natural resources—resources that will always be in demand. Now that the world is in the midst of economic crisis, we want people to know how African nations and businesses intend to work around the crises to create opportunities for new markets, or ways to better improve current markets.

Is there any other activities on the sideline of this conference? 

The first day of the conference will feature the Business Plan Competition which is open to undergraduates and graduates in schools in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area who have feasible business ideas that can be implemented in an African country. The final plans approved to the final round will be presented to a panel of judges for a monetary prize. For more information about the competition please visit www.howardabc.com. Along with the competition, there are corporations who, within their company’s discretion, may conduct recruiting or setup booths to attract those who seek to find out more information about career prospects in Africa.

Who are providing your organization with the necessary resources to do this?

We have two members on our Advisory Committee, Mr. Kola Karim of Shoreline Energy International, and Ms. Sola Solako of Purrples Consult, Nigeria, who work with us in the planning of the conference, as well as contacting speakers. Further, we have partnerships with the Howard University Graduate School of Business Student Council, Leeds Bryan International Consulting, the Howard University African Law Students’ Association, and a few other individuals who are aiding us in reaching speakers and sponsors.

Why Africa is a good place for business in global economy?

Africa is a good place for business in the global economy because, once again, she is bursting with insurmountable natural resources. Naturally, this is not all Africa has in her favor. She is also a continent filled with brilliant minds, and bursting with opportunities for progress. Holistically speaking, African countries have the ability to compete against leading competitors in world markets. For example, the textile industry is one that will always be in demand because quite frankly, people will always need clothes. Lesotho is a country that is capable of producing as good a quality of textiles as China or the US. However, because of a lack of development in the factories the level of mass production does not compete with its competitors. However, if more investments can go into the country to develop the textile factories, the production levels would rise, therefore causing an increase in the monies coming into the country and a better way of life for the people.

Skeptics often use political instability on the continent to justify why investors should not invest there. What’s your answer?

Skeptics use political instability to deter people from investing, but I think that if people who want to invest are constantly being cautioned, the change and progress we seek will never come. The truth is that there are problems with governments all over the world, but if an investor does their research and finds specific corporations or organizations they wish to work with, then that could ease some of the skepticism. The people and economies that those investments would go to help should not be penalized because of skepticism. The fact is that an investment is a risk because nothing is ever guaranteed; investors should know that.

What should be done to address corruption and misuse of public funds in Africa?

In regards to business, I think that the only way corruption can change is if policy is followed up with practice. It is not enough to enact policy that creates sanctions and penalties for the misappropriation of funds. I think that the policy should be there, but that same policy must be taken into action and there should be individuals who regulate where these funds are going on a regular basis. There must be some sort of accountability required for governments to ensure that monies designated to help the companies and people do just that—help. Further, like I said before, I think that it is also the responsibility of those providing the funds to do their research to invest in corporations that meet government regulations, who have their credentials, and who can give account for where the funds will be used.

What do you expect from this conference?

My sole expectation from this conference is that those who walk into the panel sessions will leave with a new knowledge and outlook about Africa and all she has to offer. I want conference attendees to learn of the great potential of Africa, and ponder upon ways they can help her further development. Whether this aid is through investment in an African nation, or by one physically going to a country and applying their skills in a company, all forms of assistance will help the continent. We must work to create the change we want to see.  

You are originally from Sierra Leone, a country once plagued by war and mayhem. How are things there now?

Sierra Leone is progressing daily. The war caused much displacement with the citizens of the country. I think what is most important right now is for individuals to look at the country and see the resources she has, and find ways to help take those resources and market it in a way that the country will further advance.

What’s the future holds for you?

After finishing undergrad, I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in Education. Then, I plan to teach for a few years, and finally attain a Doctorate in Curriculum and Education. Once I have finished all those years of education, the ultimate goal is to one day go back to Sierra Leone to open a primary school for the children who have no access to formal education.

Ben Bangoura, Editor of Afrotrading.net conducted this interview