Billionaire Advice: 5 Lesson in Taking Action in Africa

Africa’s billionaires over the years have amassed their wealth through various means such as investment, ecommerce, banking, real-estate and so on. Many of these billionaires have shared their success stories, give valuable insights and advice to anyone looking to take action and attain success in Africa’s business space.

These billionaires are not just successful because of their wealth, but also because of their ability to take actions when and where necessary which is one of their key components. Many of these billionaires attribute their success to their ability to make and implement decisions.

 In this article, we will explore the importance of taking action in the pursuit of success and examine the advice that some of Africa’s most successful billionaires have shared.

Be Proactive   -Aliko Dangote

In many African countries, the infrastructure and regulatory environment can be challenging. However, successful billionaires like Aliko Dangote were able to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential obstacles.

Aliko Dangote who is the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group emphasizes the  importance of taking bold risks and moving quickly to capitalize on opportunities. He also stresses the need for hard work and perseverance, saying “success is not overnight, it requires hard work and discipline.”

According to Africa’s richest man for the 12th time in a row, “When opportunities come your way, grab them with both hands and take action.” He sees this as having an entrepreneurial mindset, as well as the ability to identify opportunities and act quickly to capitalize on them.

Take Small Steps – Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful and influential women in the world who is known for her inspirational speeches and life-changing advice.  Oprah has always emphasized the importance of taking action in order to achieve success in life.

Oprah believes you to take small steps towards your goals every day. You do not have to make huge strides every day, but you do need to make progress. In her journey as a successful American talk show host, she has been able to understand that it is best to focus on the actions you can take today that will bring you closer to your goals, and most importantly, doing it now.

According to the television producer, Small actions build momentum, and momentum is what will carry you forward. Oprah advises that you should focus on the things you can control, and not worry about the things you cannot control

Stay Motivated – Tyler Perry

One of the most important pieces of advice that Tyler Perry offers is to take action, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. He understands that many people often feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by fear and doubt, which can prevent them from taking the necessary steps towards their goals, but the ability to stay motivated is a drive to success.

In one of his motivational speeches, the renowned American actor, writer, director, and producer said,  “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.” This statement emphasizes the importance of taking action, regardless of the challenges around.

The African-American also stresses the importance of persistence and resilience when it comes to taking action. He acknowledges that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the journey towards success, but it is important to keep moving forward and never give up. 

Focus on Your Strength –  Nassef Sawiris

Taking action is an important part of achieving success and reaching one’s goals. It requires both mental and physical strength, as well as the willingness to push through obstacles and challenges. 

Nassef Sawiris is an Egyptian billionaire businessman who is the CEO of Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) and a board member of LafargeHolcim is known for his pragmatic approach to business and his advice on taking action is highly valued by many.

One of the key pieces of advice that Nassef shares is to focus on one’s strengths and build on them. He believes that success is not just about having talent or skill but also about knowing how to apply them effectively and on time. According to the Nassef, when you focus on your strength, it will help you take uniformed actions based on them.

Having a Clear Plan – Mike Adenuga

Regardless of how much you want to take action, it is important to do your research and gather as much information as possible to help make informed decisions and reduce the risk of making mistakes.

Mike Adenuga is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business magnate who has achieved great success in the telecommunications and oil industries has been able to achieve his success through a combination of hard work, strategic planning, and taking action. Over the years, he has provided valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on the importance of taking action in order to achieve their goals.

Also, he stresses that entrepreneurs do not have to wait for the perfect moment to take action. He believes that many people often wait for the perfect opportunity to present themselves before taking action, and this can lead to missed opportunities. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, entrepreneurs should take action and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them. This can mean taking calculated risks and being willing to step outside of their comfort zone.

Adenuga said there is a need for entrepreneurs to have a clear plan and a well-defined strategy. He believes that taking action without a clear plan can lead to wasted time and resources.