The historical trade routes in Africa and the collaborative nature of the traditions and cultural ties pre-slavery and colonialism can be leveraged to form a successful model framework for African family businesses in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA). The ACFTA is a landmark agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services in Africa, with the goal of promoting economic integration and development across the continent.
Here are some key factors to consider when developing a model framework for African family businesses in line with the ACFTA:
Historical trade routes: African trade routes have a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient empires of Ghana, Mali, Great Zimbabwe, and Songhai. These trade routes were characterized by the exchange of goods and services across long distances, facilitated by the use of caravans and other forms of transport. To leverage this history, African family businesses can collaborate to form networks that span the continent, leveraging their collective strengths to expand their markets and increase their competitiveness.
Collaborative nature of traditions and cultural ties: African cultures are characterized by a strong sense of community and collaboration. This collaborative spirit can be harnessed by African family businesses, which can work together to build networks that promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources. By working together, African family businesses can leverage their collective strengths to overcome the challenges facing them, such as limited access to capital and technology.
Local talent: Developing local talent is critical to the success of African family businesses. To succeed, African family businesses can work together to develop training and mentorship programs that help to develop local talent. By investing in local talent, African family businesses can build a strong foundation for sustainable growth and development.
Long-term orientation: The success of African family businesses depends on a long-term orientation, with a focus on sustainable growth and development. To succeed, African family businesses can work together to develop strategies that promote long-term growth and development, such as investing in research and development, building strong relationships with customers and suppliers, and developing innovative products and services.
Innovation: Innovation is a key driver of success for African family businesses. To succeed, African family businesses can work together to develop innovative solutions that cater to the needs of local customers. By leveraging their collective strengths and resources, African family businesses can develop new products and services that help to drive growth and development across the continent.
Family businesses can importantly play a significant role in easing tribal tensions and promoting economic growth in Africa by creating a sense of shared identity and common purpose among family members and employees. Here are some ways in which family businesses can contribute to this:
Promoting a shared mission and values: Family businesses can create a strong sense of shared identity by promoting a common mission and values that reflect the family’s heritage and culture. This can help to bridge tribal divides by creating a sense of shared purpose and identity that transcend ethnic differences.
Fostering a culture of collaboration: Family businesses can promote collaboration and teamwork among family members and employees, which can help to reduce conflict and build trust. By creating a culture of collaboration, family businesses can promote a sense of shared purpose and responsibility that can help to overcome tribal tensions.
Investing in education and training: Family businesses can invest in education and training for family members and employees, which can help to build skills and promote economic growth. By investing in education and training, family businesses can help to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to work together and build common goals.
Supporting community development: Family businesses can support community development by investing in local infrastructure, creating jobs, and supporting social programs. By supporting community development, family businesses can help to build bridges between different tribes and promote economic growth that benefits everyone.
As for lessons Africa can learn from China and the East regarding economic policies that enable families to grow and ease generational conflict or conflicts brought about by colonialism, there are several examples. For instance, China has a long tradition of family businesses that have played a key role in the country’s economic growth. These businesses have often been able to bridge ethnic and regional divides by promoting a shared sense of identity and purpose. Additionally, China has implemented policies that promote the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often family-owned businesses. These policies include tax incentives, access to financing, and support for innovation and technology.
Similarly, in Japan, family businesses have played a key role in the country’s economic growth. These businesses have often been able to ease conflicts between generations by promoting a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. Additionally, Japan has implemented policies that support the growth of SMEs, including tax incentives and access to financing.
In summary, African family businesses can play an important role in easing tribal tensions and promoting economic growth in Africa by promoting a shared mission and values, fostering a culture of collaboration, investing in education and training, and supporting community development. Africa can learn from China and the East regarding economic policies that enable families to grow and ease conflicts by promoting the growth of SMEs and supporting innovation and technology. The historical trade routes in Africa and the collaborative nature of traditions and cultural ties pre-slavery and colonialism can be leveraged to form a successful model framework for African family businesses in line with the ACFTA. By working together, African family businesses can leverage their collective strengths and resources to promote economic integration and development across the continent, leading to sustainable growth and development.
Tsitsi Mutendi is a co-founder of African Family Firms, an organization that aims to facilitate the continuity of African family businesses across generations. She is also the lead consultant at Nhaka Legacy Planning and the host of the Enterprising Families Podcast.
