ARED Solar Kiosk is more than a one stop shop destination for mobile users in rural and semi urban area of Africa. As an organization, ARED also provides entrepreneurship opportunities through its franchise model. ARED was founded in January 2013 by Henri Nyakarundi, an entrepreneur at heart. Since its inception, Henri has experienced first hand the opportunities and challenges entrepreneurs face on the continent. He joined us on our bi-monthly #Elle101 twitter chats to discuss entrepreneurship in Africa.
On obstacles faced as an Entrepreneur in Africa
Amongst the many obstacles faced as an entrepreneur in Africa, access to capital, lack of product development and fragmented marketplaces are top on the list.
A2 Access to capital, lack of product development & fragmented marketplace makes it difficult, lack of grants for R&D. #Elle101
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On how effective and sustainable is crowfunding as an alternative funding method
it depends on how well your networking is, raising money is about who you know first and how good ur biz is #Elle101 https://t.co/qUeHPhUtVr
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
its not a long term solution but a starting solution #Elle101 https://t.co/HGVCI6x2L3
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On how African government can support entrepreneurs to grow
Governments are critical to fostering a friendly environment for entrepreneurs, from enacting laws that makes a business registration process easy to providing subsidies and grants.
grants to promote innovation and technology so we can level the plain field with the rest of the world #Elle101 https://t.co/wK5syX3o9L
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On how to stay ahead of the competition
Competition is fierce and new ideas/concepts/products are flooding the African markets everyday, how does one stay competitive?
A6 Constantly innovate and surround yourself with smart people that have the skill set and drive to execute #Elle101 https://t.co/QCWuMQhCMu
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On empowering women
As a blogzine committed to women empowerment, we had to ask Henri to tell us how his company is playing a role in empowering women in Africa.
A7 We have 30% women micro franchisee, our goal is at least 70% #Elle101 https://t.co/5hWfPy8FGa
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On how can women overcome obstacles when becoming entrepreneurs
As a growing number of women are choose entrepreneurship instead of more traditional roles, they are sure to face obstacles and have to become creative and smart in overcoming them.
A8 Access to funding is the biggest, more training & financial support should be focus on women #Elle101 https://t.co/MaziXvL8Wz
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On success
We asked Henri how he defines success for ARED.
Q10 Success to me is link on how many people we impact directly or indirectly with our solar kiosk. #Elle101 https://t.co/sBDQf9JwvQ
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
On Failure
There is no success without failure and they are both equally important, one would argue!
u cant succeed if you haven't failed. There is lesson to be learn in failure that ll prepare you 4 success. #Elle101 https://t.co/6rOkLCSSB1
— ARED GROUP (@AREDRwanda) June 3, 2016
For more information on Henri and his company ARED, follow them on twitter or visit ARED website
#ELLE101 is our Twitter chat which takes place every first Friday of the month at 3pm (London Time). The chat which is hosted from our twitter account (@elleafrique), typically lasts for an hour and discusses different topics with a special guest. #ELLE101 provides you with the chance to network and grow your circle (and knowledge!) through shared interests.