Challenge Accepted: A Grassroots Perspective of Entrepreneurship in Africa

Entrepreneurs all over the world struggle to grow successful businesses. African entrepreneurs are not an exception. However, entrepreneurs contribute significantly to their economies all over the world. With a lack of literature available to guide them from a first hand perspective, Challenge Accepted, a book written by Maclean Mbepula fills a significant gap. It is written from research and personal experience of the author. It also acts both as reference material for entrepreneurs and stakeholders of entrepreneurship from the perspective of entrepreneurs. In Africa this genre of literature by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs is almost non-existent. From that perspective, this book finds its niche and uniqueness. Though uncelebrated, the economic contribution entrepreneurs make elude to the need of strengthening their efforts.

Therefore Challenge Accepted attempts to provide information that is not only helpful but relevant to our present times. It is worth noting that though the book looks at entrepreneurship for Africa's entrepreneurs, it does have a strong slant towards micro and small enterprises, Malawi, development and Malawian entrepreneurs in particular. With the author's 11 years of entrepreneurship and 8 month long writing and research process, she has attempted to condense in approximately 300 pages a variety of topics that are important to entrepreneurs or for them.

The book beginnings with introducing the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa and immediately goes on to present several business opportunities worth investing in in Africa.Thereafter, the book attempts to discuss an array of practical matters for entrepreneurs personally and their businesses. This ranges from crucial skills required for successful entrepreneurship to suggestions on self-care of that of the business person.Before reaching a conclusion, the book winds down with some predictions related to doing small business in Malawi. In particular to that of technology and international investors like Mark Zuckerburg and others.

*** Reviews ****

"This is a 'ready reckoner' for entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs. It is the link entrepreneurs in Africa, especially Malawi, were missing to connect them to the entrepreneurial world. Every aspiring entrepreneur should read this book."
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"Challenge Accepted" is a book for entrepreneurs and those working in the sphere of African entrepreneurship. As an educator, leader and writer, this book presents a perspective rarely written from: the SME first-hand perspective. Maclean attempts to share with research and first hand experience the lessons she's learnt over the years. As a published author myself of half a dozen books, I can confidently say this is an outstanding first book!"
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"A valuable addition to the entrepreneurship landscape in Malawi. Maclean has a particular drive to grow, and in so doing help others grow too, a rare but cherished finding in Malawi's poor and undiversified economy"
- José María Medinna Navarro, Team Leader for Economics, Trade and Governance at the European Union Delegation to Malawi.