Harvard Business School leverages Africa’s entrepreneurial community, By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

 In a recent interview, Program Director Diane Waters highlighted the
 innovative AfricaLive! online course, meticulously crafted by Harvard
 Business School professors Caroline Elkins, Tarun Khanna, and Karim Lakhani.
 Aimed specifically at nurturing talent within the African market, these
 esteemed educators have tailored a curriculum that addresses the unique
 challenges and opportunities of the continent’s burgeoning business sector
 and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Here are the interview excerpts:

 What are the reasons for starting AfricaLive? How important is this study
 program for the young business leaders in Africa?
 The AfricaLive! online course was created by Harvard Business School
 professors to meet the urgent need for skill and knowledge development in
 Africa’s burgeoning business sector, aiming to equip aspiring entrepreneurs
 with the necessary tools to navigate and lead in a dynamic environment.
 Customized for individuals aiming to innovate and expand in the African
 market, AfricaLive! merges Harvard’s scholarly excellence with the practical
 wisdom of African industry leaders. The course offers a mix of interactive
 virtual sessions, small group activities, and asynchronous learning modules,
 providing a comprehensive and engaging approach to application and learning.
 Designed to encourage innovation, strategic thinking, and ethical
 leadership, AfricaLive! readies participants for impactful careers,
 providing a rich, engaging curriculum and culminating in dual certification
 from HarvardX and AfricaLive!, affirming their expertise and commitment to
 driving sustainable change.

 Do you believe building the entrepreneurial capacity of the participants
 will enhance their understanding of the emerging challenges in the changing
 business landscape?
 Equipping AfricaLive! participants with essential skills and knowledge
 enhances their ability to navigate the dynamic and complex markets of
 Africa. Entrepreneurial capacity extends beyond business management to
 include innovation, critical thinking, and resilience. As they face
 technological advances and shifting economic trends, entrepreneurs must
 adapt and innovate. Training fosters agility and foresight, preparing them
 to anticipate changes, understand global impacts on local markets, and
 address emerging challenges, while promoting continuous learning and
 adaptation in a fast-paced world.

 Entrepreneurship is very challenging. In what ways would you argue that the
 AfricaLive! educational program provides the necessary skills for young
 vibrant leaders?
 AfricaLive! is designed to prepare young leaders for the entrepreneurial
 landscape, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills in
 real-world contexts. The course offers discussions with Harvard faculty and
 African industry leaders, encouraging innovation, creativity, and strategic
 thinking. It emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and ethical leadership,
 equipping participants to navigate business uncertainties and contribute
 positively to society. Networking with peers and industry leaders further
 enriches the experience, creating a robust support system for aspiring
 entrepreneurs.

 Do you agree that there are diversities in business culture in African
 countries? What could be the best way to systematize entrepreneurial
 policies to help Africa’s development?
 Indeed, there is a rich tapestry of diversity in business culture across
 African countries, reflective of the continent’s wide array of languages,
 ethnicities, traditions, and historical backgrounds. Each country, and often
 regions within countries, has its own unique business customs, economic
 environments, and regulatory frameworks. This diversity can present both
 challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs and policymakers.

 To effectively systematize entrepreneurial policies for Africa’s
 development, a multi-faceted, collaborative approach is essential. Tailoring
 policies to local contexts, encouraging pan-African dialogue, and involving
 diverse stakeholders ensures policies are relevant and comprehensive.
 Emphasizing education and skill development, alongside creating robust
 support systems like funding, mentorship, and incubators, will equip
 entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to a unified and progressive business
 environment across the continent.

 What are the future visions for African Entrepreneurs and the single
 continental free market (AfCFTA)?
 The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a future of vast
 opportunities for African entrepreneurs, offering access to a larger market
 and a more integrated continent. It promises reduced trade barriers,
 streamlined customs, and a harmonious regulatory environment, enabling
 entrepreneurs to expand beyond local confines, innovate, and compete more
 effectively. This vision includes increased intra-African trade,
 collaboration, and shared knowledge and resources, leading to economic
 growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Ultimately, AfCFTA
 positions entrepreneurs at the forefront of transforming Africa into a
 thriving, unified, and prosperous economy. The course accessible at the
 website: https://africalive.education/