By Titilope Temitope

LEAP Africa, has prepared Nigerian entrepreneurs across the country to face the challenges of global competition ahead.
Speaking at the forum with the theme, “Preparing CEOs for the next 50 years – Global lessons for local businesses” , Vice Chairman of Tantalizers Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Folu Ayeni, said: “Our challenges were numerous at the beginning, the banks in the country refuse to give us loan asking us to come back after we have already started, also the government over taxation was one of the challenges, but we overcame them.

If you are going to run a new business you have to be committed. Try to actualise your dream, have a good idea, delay in gratification is the only way to build your business, certificate does not do the job people do the job, work hard and be smart.”

Also speaking at the forum, Ms. Koosum Kalyan, Chairman, Edgomerap Ltd., noted  “you can only succeed in the corporate world if you create a niche for yourself.

Take advantage of opportunities and challenges, source your own capital from where it is cheapest produce where it is most efficient. You need innovative new product design. Create a business that will suit the purse of people.”

According to Ms. Kalyan, “we need to be globally engaged in our business so that we will be opened up to unlimitless business opportunities.”

Chairman, Infotech Investment Group, Tanzania, Mr. Ali Mufuruki said: “We need to reflect as humans whether we want to be significant or just live here on earth, we need to start making plans that will affect the lives of the people around us even after we have gone.”
The speakers advised entrepreneurs to have a fighting spirit as it will help them to face the challenges that will come their way.