“You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. In this case, it comes from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future. It took the madmen of yesterday for us to be able to act with extreme clarity today. I want to be one of those madmen. We must dare to invent the future…” – Thomas Sankara (1949-1987), Burkina Faso
Thomas Sankara’s words, “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness”, are more than just a call to courage; they are a blueprint for how we must approach entrepreneurship across Africa. His quote captures the urgency of this era, an era where Africa’s young, resourceful population is confronting a legacy of dependency and inequality. For real transformation, we must be ready to reject the stifling “old formulas” that have stymied progress and adopt new paradigms that center African creativity, resilience, and agency.
This “madness” Sankara refers to isn’t recklessness; it’s the audacity to think differently, to resist what has been normalised. In entrepreneurship, this translates to creating businesses that don’t simply mimic Western models but are deeply rooted in African realities, designed to solve African problems. Consider the continent’s vibrant tech startups. In places like Nairobi and Lagos, tech entrepreneurs are developing apps and platforms that meet real needs – making banking accessible to unbanked populations, transforming agriculture with precision tech, or digitising healthcare. These innovations might look “mad” when viewed from traditional frameworks, yet they address profound needs in ways that previous methods could not.
This entrepreneurial energy, however, requires more than just individual effort; it demands an ecosystem that supports bold ideas. Africa needs spaces where innovation isn’t hamstrung by bureaucracy, where access to capital doesn’t require a conformist track record, and where visionary ideas are given a chance to succeed. We see emerging hubs of entrepreneurship across Africa – Yaba in Lagos, the Silicon Savannah in Nairobi, or the MEST incubator in Accra – that provide a glimpse into the future Sankara envisioned. But to truly unleash Africa’s potential, these ecosystems need robust support from government, investment communities, and educational institutions.
And as Sankara’s words remind us, entrepreneurs don’t exist in a vacuum – they are the descendants of yesterday’s “madmen” who dared to envision a free, independent Africa. These historical figures disrupted oppressive systems and established self-sufficiency as an ideal, showing today’s entrepreneurs that radical, transformative ideas are possible. Entrepreneurship, in this sense, is both a continuation of their legacy and a bridge to a self-reliant future. It is about taking ownership of Africa’s resources, innovating within its unique contexts, and rejecting the notion that the continent must be a consumer, rather than a creator, on the global stage.
However, “inventing the future” also calls for a shift in mindset across society. The entrepreneurship Sankara describes is not only a career path but a collective attitude – an understanding that each challenge faced in Africa represents an opportunity for a homegrown solution. This mindset is already taking root in young Africans who are leading a cultural revolution by embracing technology, valuing local resources, and rejecting outdated narratives. Their businesses are not just about profit but about reshaping perceptions and showing the world an Africa that is proactive, capable, and innovative.
Yet, there are hurdles to overcome. Entrepreneurs face significant barriers, from a lack of infrastructure to restrictive regulatory environments. Funding, too, remains a critical challenge. The “madness” Sankara speaks of is perhaps most needed here, where daring investors must step in and support these innovators with a long-term vision, valuing impact over quick returns. Similarly, governments must shift from being gatekeepers to facilitators, fostering an environment where young entrepreneurs are empowered rather than restricted.
For Africa’s development, entrepreneurship is essential, and it must be guided by the courage to create and a vision that transcends short-term gains. Sankara’s wisdom teaches us that transformation requires not only an unconventional approach but a relentless belief in the value of new ideas and the potential of a continent ready to define its own future. Today’s entrepreneurs are agents of this vision, and as we support their journey, we are investing not just in individual success stories, but in a new narrative for Africa – one that is authored, shaped, and driven from within.
So, to the “madmen” of today who are forging paths in agriculture, energy, health, and technology, we say: keep inventing, keep challenging, and keep daring. In their bravery, they embody the spirit of Sankara and pave the way for a future where Africa stands tall, not as a follower, but as a leader on the global stage. Let us embrace this radical spirit, for in it lies the key to sustainable, inclusive growth, and the promise of a self-sufficient Africa. Sankara’s call to “dare to invent the future” is more relevant than ever, echoing in the hands of every entrepreneur who, through resilience and ingenuity, is redefining the possibilities of tomorrow.
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together!
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
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