Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Successes [Hardcover]

David S. Fick (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Scholars and students of African entrepreneurs, particularly those in Africa, owe Fick a considerable debt in identifying and celebrating the achievements of such an impressive and wide-ranging list of successful entrepreneurs. The level of detail is praiseworthy, making the book an invaluable resource.”–International Small Business Journal

“Entrepreneurship in Africa provides a glowing portrayal of some of the entrepreneurs "who have succeeded" in amassing "wealth and fame in business" throughout the length and breadth of Africa....[o]ne cannot help but commend Fick for taking a bold step.”–Administrative Science Quarterly

Product Description

Who are the entrepreneurs who have achieved success, wealth, and recognition in their African homelands and how did they do it? Entrepreneur Dave Fick interviewed several hundred women and men who were to willing to assume risks, often spectacular ones, for personal economic gain--but who did it legally, ethically, and who are now giving back to their nations and societies at least as much as they received. They speak openly and their accounts are remarkable. We gain insights into the way business must be done under harsh political and economic circumstances, but we also learn unusual techniques and strategies that others in more favorable milieus can use to accomplish similar feats. With commentaries from notable scholars and other businesspeople and with Fick's own first-hand onsite observations, the book offers a unique portrait of the extraordinary people who are changing the economic face of Africa, and in doing so, changing the world as well.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 298 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (March 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567205364
• ISBN-13: 978-1567205367
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,272,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful & detailed account of entreprenurial success, January 28, 2003

By	King Sen (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Successes (Hardcover)

Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Successes provides a well documented geo-demographic case study of entrepreneurs, their business strategies and unprecedented success, despite the economic, political and social shortfalls facing contemporary Africa. This book is also about change and provides suggestions as to how Africa might better foster future entrepreneurial pursuits.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Study of Successes, April 24, 2004

By	emeka okafor (new york, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Successes (Hardcover)

".. A study of Successes" grand sweep of the African entrepreneurial scene provides insight to an aspect of the continent that is more or less absent from popular commentary. Dave Fick's study, cataloging entrepreneurs and their enterprises is important for a number of reasons; these include its focus on the atypical African businessperson that lends their success to virtues of resourcefulness, imagination, ingenuity, tenacity and creativity. The latent inherent mercantilism and entrepreneurship that is just beginning to re-flower has lain dormant for reasons that have been tediously discussed, the continents New African's are just starting from were their pre-colonial forbearers left off.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Success, February 14, 2003

By	Smart P. Baitani (Golden Valley, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Successes (Hardcover)

An excellent account on emerging Africa's business environment. The author has objectively revealed to us the other sweet side of the story from Africa.

"Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Success" has opened an entirely new way of thinking about Africa's business culture and the continent's potential as a whole.
My admirations of the book are based on the facts that, the author, not only vindicates the opportunities based on geopolitical, social or economic findings, but also and more so, the cultural creativity and emotional intelligences among individuals in the business/entrepreneurship circles.

"Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Success" is a manual to whoever is considering business ventures in Africa. It provides the wide range of issues, politics, history and culture in a prolific manner to enable investors wether already operating in Africa or planning to explore market to make an updated informed decision.

The holistic approach deployed by the author was particularly an added beam of bright rays in the picture of the continent. I found this even more important: The author reveals the successes behind these entrepreneurs are fundamentally founded on authetic and ethical principles of business strategy. As I read, I found such discipline charged their consistent, vision and focus.

As a young entrepreneur and a student of emerging global market, I have found "Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of Success" an essential reference right next my desk.