Addressing a recent Master Class in Gaborone, co-founder of Nando’s, Robert Brozin, also urged entrepreneurs to prioritise the broader impact of their businesses. “Doing business in Africa involves unique challenges,” he said. “It requires persistence, a clear vision, and a commitment to the communities we operate in. The potential for African businesses to contribute meaningfully on a global stage is immense,” he said. Brozin, who was the keynote speaker at the event, was sharing his journey of growing the restaurant chain from a single outlet in South Africa to a global brand to the audience. He emphasised the importance of building enterprises that extend beyond short-term objectives, suggesting that businesses should strive to leave a meaningful impact within their industries and communities. Entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Africa recently convened in Gaborone for the Master Class, which was titled ‘Doing Business in Africa: Scaling for Success.’ The Master Class, which was organised by Stanford Seed Southern Africa Network in partnership with De Beers Group, focused on addressing the complexities of scaling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in Africa.
The event also included a panel discussion featuring Tyler Schooley, Chief Operations Officer at De Beers Group, Lerang Selolwane, co-founder of Lucient Engineering, and Justin Schmidt, a member of the Stanford Seed network. The panellists explored strategies for achieving sustainable business growth and shared their experiences on operating in diverse African markets. Schooley spoke about De Beers’ approach to sustainable economic development in Africa, pointing to the value of partnerships and ethical business practices. He stressed the need to align business goals with positive outcomes for employees, communities, and the environment. “Sustainability in business is not just a goal, it’s a responsibility that requires long-term thinking,” he said. For his part, Selolwane reflected on his experience in expanding Lucient Engineering into West African markets, underscoring the significance of understanding regional dynamics and cultivating strong leadership within teams. “Scaling a business is not solely about ambition,” he said. “It also depends on fostering a capable team that can carry the vision forward.” Schmidt addressed the role of innovation in business growth, particularly the use of technology and strategic planning to navigate competitive markets. “Innovation is not only about advancing products or services but also about maintaining relevance in the face of changing market demands,” he noted.
The Master Class forms part of De Beers’ “Building Forever” initiative, which aims to support African entrepreneurs through collaboration with Stanford Seed. The programme has assisted over 90 African businesses, helping generate significant revenue and employment across Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia. Schooley remarked that the initiative focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with tools for sustainable growth and community impact. The discussions provided practical insights for participants, particularly on addressing the challenges of scaling businesses across the continent. The speakers highlighted the importance of understanding local contexts, building strong teams, and leveraging innovation to sustain growth.
