The just concluded World Economic Forum, was not just a milestone as it was the first time it was held on the African continent, it also opened new doors to local entrepreneurs. Over 500 deals worth close to Rwf 4 Billion were struck. But the most important part of the whole show was it also opened the door to over 1200 delegates from over 70 countries. It is this kind of exposure that is needed in the business world. Remaining confined within one’s borders only serves to entrench a conservative culture, a dangerous element in the business world. To succeed in business calls for innovative means to beat the competition, and what better way of doing that than mingling with more experienced people from all corners of the world. Perhaps the most important piece of news is that the above deals that were sealed involved women vendors. In most African cultures, a woman occupies an important place in the social structure, she is the heart of the household, empower her and you empower a whole generation. Women entrepreneurs should not let the experiences they gained go to waste, but should hold on it firmly to build a firmer business base. The will of the authorities is there, if they fail to take advantage of the incentives, they will only have themselves to blame.
