A one-day event offered practical tools and insights into making the move and succeeding in careers and business in Africa

A one-day event, Masterclass: Africa, took place on 9th March in London.  Organised by ReConnect Africa, in collaboration with the Centre for African Studies at SOAS, University of London, the event offered invaluable information and advice for job seekers and business people ready to make the move to Africa for career and business opportunities. 

While the number of Africans living outside their country of origin has more than doubled in a generation, the rapid economic growth in many African countries and the continuing global economic downturn in the West have led to strong opportunities for career and business development within the continent.

With record levels of investment flooding into Africa, an increasing number of Africans in the Diaspora, having built up experience and knowledge overseas, are seeking opportunities for enterprise and career development in their countries of origin.

However, although the African continent today offers exciting opportunities for professionals seeking to enter the African job market or to set up or expand their business into the continent, careful planning is critical to success and there are some key issues to consider before making the move.

The Masterclass: Africa event, which took place at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, was a unique opportunity to bring together three Masterclasses by experienced professionals with proven expertise in careers, enterprise and investment.

Attendees benefited from three Masterclasses: ‘Your Career in Africa’, ‘Planning your Business in Africa’ and ‘Making the Move to Africa’. From planning the move to Africa to positioning one’s business and career, the event gave participants the practical information and advice that they need to know.

The facilitators for the event brought a wealth of experience in their respective areas and included Frances Mensah Williams, CEO of Interims for Development and Editor of ReConnect Africa; Business expert, Consultant and author Griselda Kumordzie Togobo; and recent returnee to Africa and business owner Elvina Quaison.

The event also included insights from guest speakers including Eric-Vincent Guichard, CEO of Diaspora investment platform, Homestrings, who shared his views on the latest trends‚ challenges and opportunities when investing in Africa.  Other speakers included Carol Hondonga, the Principal Advisor for Talent acquisition for Rio Tinto, Olugbenga Ogunbode, CEO of the TIEC Group, and Ibrahim Yusuf, the Chief Communications Officer for the Horn of Africa Business Association.

Explaining the reason for the event, Frances Mensah Williams, who coaches senior executives and has successfully assisted Africans abroad to return to work in their home countries, points to the lack of practical advice available for those contemplating returning to Africa.

“From our work with organisations and individuals, it is increasingly clear that while many African professionals abroad are keen to explore returning home, they do need practical advice and support to help them understand the opportunities available and what it really takes to succeed in making the move,” she said.

“Masterclass: Africa had something for everyone.  For those focused on careers, there was practical advice on identifying career opportunities and how to market your skills and experience in Africa. For people with enterprise in mind as their preferred route to Africa, the second Masterclass gave advice on effective planning for business success within the African context.  The third Masterclass offered participants insights into the real issues encountered when returning to Africa and advice on avoiding the pitfalls.”

Masterclass: Africa was a unique opportunity for highly respected experts in their field to share their strategies for succeeding in careers, business and investment and was packed with information that can shorten participants’ learning curve to success and reduce their risk of doing business on the continent.

Those attending had the opportunity to meet like-minded people interested in pursuing their professional and business goals in Africa.  They also heard first-hand success stories – and cautionary tales – of those who have successfully relocated to Africa and are pursuing their career and business goals.

“This event was intended to support professionals, entrepreneurs and established businesses actively considering working in Africa,” says Ms. Mensah Williams. “If you are setting up or expanding your business into African markets or seeking career opportunities in Africa, this event provided the essential information and advice you need to know before making your move.”

If you are interested in attending a Masterclass: Africa event, please contact organisers at: careers@reconnectafrica.com