101 African Dream Business Idea - Joseph Kwame Duku
101 African Dream Business Idea - Joseph Kwame Duku
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Do you have a dream? Do you have a passion to pursue? Do you feel like something big is missing from your life?
Do you want to start your dream business? Are you ready to take on the world of entrepreneurship?
That’s what this book is all about. Now's the time to do it. This year is a great time to start a business. Just Dream,
Believe, Dare, and Do.
We live in a period of unprecedented levels of unemployment. Governments alone cannot provide jobs.
In 101 African Dream Business Ideas, Joseph Kwame Duku has put together a comprehensive list of ideas that will
open business and career opportunities for students, the unemployed, and entrepreneurial youth in Africa.
Whether you want to start a campus business, home-based business, launch a part-time business or a full-time
business, this list can help you seize not just your career, but your entrepreneurial and African Dreams as well.
Dedication
Many years ago, Rudyard Kipling gave an address at McGill University, in Montreal. He said one striking thing which deserves to be remembered.
Warning the students against an over-concern for money, or position, or glory, he said: “Some day you will meet a man who cares for none of these
things. Then you will know how poor you are.”
-Halford E. Luccok
To my Father in Heaven
and His Son Jesus Christ
In Them, I find my hope
and the purpose to my existence.
I testify
HE LIVES
Acknowledgment
No road is long with good company.
-Turkish Proverb
This book, like everything else I have created in my life, resulted from the support of wonderful people. I extend
my deepest gratitude and thanks to:
First and foremost, my dear wife, Priscilla, for her unflinching support, committed love, unlimited patience. My
kind parents, Mr. and Mrs. Duku, and siblings Gifty Duku, Priscilla Duku, Nicholas Pobee, and Emmanuel Baah
for their support, encouragement, and prayers.
Felicia Mensah, without whose phenomenal efforts this book would never have been completed. Thank you for
your professionalism.
Karin Alfaro, I appreciate your editing and professionalism. Your eagle eye and attention to detail are remarkable.
Thanks for a wonderful job.
Elisha T. Joseph, more than a friend, you were there every step of the way with your emotional support,
enthusiastic encouragement, and authentic friendship. I admire your integrity and your sincere desire to make a
difference.
Otchere Awo, thanks for your time and dedication to educating and uplifting humanity with your books.
David Kwame Dapaah Mensah, I am very grateful for the privileges to share my self-reliance story and your
commitment to excellence. Alexander Tandoh, thank you for your incredible support and encouragement.
John Attah Koranteng, my mentor and friend, I will forever be grateful for the privilege you gave me as a
coordinator during the “For the Strength of Youth” (FSY) program. It was a great learning opportunity for me and
my wife.
Marietta Grant DeGrant and Mbansi Emmanuel Chidiebere, I appreciate your tireless efforts on behalf of the book
and its message. John Davis, for the great cover design.
Justice Odro-Mensah and Rebecca Ansah, your mentorship and hard work will inspire me forever.
And finally, thanks to all the participants in my seminars and workshops these past few years and for living the
African Dream.
Contents
If a man writes a book, let him set down only what he knows.
I have guesses enough of my own.
-Johnann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Read Me First
Calling All African Warriors (Could This Mean You?) x
The Hero’s Path
Chapter 1: The African Dream and
Self-Reliance Living 2
The First Step
Chapter 2: Self-Assessment 28
Ideas
Chapter 3: Business Ideas 35
Opportunities
Chapter 4: Career Opportunities 59
Plan
Chapter 5: Business Plan 70
Identity
Chapter 6: Business Registration 86
Seed
Chapter 7: Funding 90
Greatness and Success
Chapter 8: Success Start Now 95
Empowerment
Chapter 9: Empowering Others 102
Additional Resources
Afterword 105
UGA Programs 106
Best Entrepreneur Books 107
The Author 110
Work Cited 112
Journal Notes 113
Read Me First
Calling All African Warriors
(Could This Mean You?)
If a man for whatever reason has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.
-Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Our Desire
Throughout the 10 years of my active career as an entrepreneur and self-reliance consultant, I have come to learn
we all have dreams, plans, or an idea of who we want to be.
Whether you want to start a business that is on campus, home-based, part-time, or full-time, this book can help you
seize your career, as well as your entrepreneurial and African Dreams.
As you plan your African dream journey, read my stories. Read the tales I have chosen to illustrate, and relate them
to yourself and to your African dream. Then move from thinking to acting, by implementing the practical steps and
the work plan. These steps are simple, if you’re committed to living your African dream. They will guide you to
the right path.
The time has come for Africans to live the long awaited dream: The dream of change, the dream of hope, and the
dream of joy. It is now time to walk the talk and believe in ourselves.
Everyone looks down on us because we have not truly lived our dream. We live in a period of unprecedented
levels of unemployment. Many can’t think of anything positive for this continent of ours. We have long depended
on others: government, politicians, and foreign aid to survive. Governments alone cannot provide jobs.
When will Africa become self-reliant? When will she stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world and find
her place? Africa must live its dream.
I desire for all Africans to excel beyond our confinement. It is time to change the way we think as a people and
believe in each other, help each other, encourage each other, and above all, support each other. Stop the blame
game, and take proactive responsibility. We have to be an agent to act—not to be acted upon like objects of no
importance.
Many of us have stopped dreaming. When we were children, and even growing up, we all had a vision of the
quality of life we wanted to live. Today, many of us have lost that hope, dream, and vision. As some are optimistic,
many are pessimistic. Nevertheless, those dreams are seeds still inside that can change the world and make a
difference. And I believe the optimist can grow in faith and that the pessimist can find hope.
If you want to live the true African dream, not dependent on government, foreign aid, etc., you must decide to be a
person who acts. Take simple and small steps, be focused, be disciplined, work hard, and act consistently. It is time
to define our path and commit ourselves—body and soul—and live the African dream. Just start, and start now.
The Hero’s Path
Chapter 1
The African Dream
and
Self-Reliance Living
Everyone should carefully observe which way his heart draws him, and then choose that way with all his strength.
-Hasidic Saying
My Dream
When I was young, about the age of eight, I often went to my father's workshop in Takoradi and assisted him with
his business. He was a carpenter and loved his work. I always loved to gather the pieces of wood and would stand
on his bench pretending to be in charge of a big company—even though it was a small workshop and just him
alone. Sometimes, he assisted me in manufacturing “Money Boxes”, which I would sell to the local women. That
was when my desire for business and entrepreneurship started.
My parents have been working full-time on their own business for over 38 years to provide the family with as
much as they can. Wanting the best for me, they had me go to a mission school. We were not rich, but we never
went without food or basic needs. Nevertheless, I always yearned for more. I wanted to do the best I could,
knowing that one day, I would be a change-maker. How I was going to do it, I didn't know, but I always felt I could
contribute something meaningful to society in the future.
Starting and growing my own business has been very rewarding but also challenging. Today, looking back, with
all the disappointments, lack of money, and rejections (just to name few obstacles), it has all been worth it.
It has always been my desire to train and share what I have learned over the years so that I can help people start
and grow their own business. As Jacques-Yves Cousteau put it, "If a man for whatever reason has the opportunity
to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.
My question to you now is, What is your dream?
Our Privileges
We are blessed as a continent with great privileges, but are we living below or above them? The answer is obvious:
Below them. The rest of the world is stunned as they watch us take many things for granted: our people, our
culture, our music, our food, our wildlife, our freedom, and our natural resources, just to name few. With all these
blessings in contrast to our current state, it is obvious that we live far beneath our privileges.
I would like to retell a story that Dieter F. Uchtdorf related in his talk entitled, “Your Potential, Your Privilege”.
The story goes like this:
“There once was a man whose lifelong dream was to board a cruise ship and sail the Mediterranean Sea. He
dreamed of walking the streets of Rome, Athens, and Istanbul. He saved every penny until he had enough for his
passage. Since money was tight, he brought an extra suitcase filled with cans of beans, boxes of crackers, and bags
of powdered lemonade, and that is what he lived on every day.
He would have loved to take part in the many activities offered on the ship—working out in the gym, playing
miniature golf, and swimming in the pool. He envied those who went to movies, shows, and cultural presentations.
And, oh, how he yearned for only a taste of the amazing food he saw on the ship—every meal appeared to be a
feast! But the man wanted to spend so very little money that he didn’t participate in any of these. He was able to
see the cities he had longed to visit, but for the most part of the journey, he stayed in his cabin and ate only his
humble food.
On the last day of the cruise, a crew member asked him which of the farewell parties he would be attending. It was
then that the man learned that not only the farewell party but almost everything on board the cruise ship—the
food, the entertainment, all the activities—had been included in the price of his ticket. Too late the man realized
that he had been living far beneath his privileges.”
Sometimes in life, they say you don’t know what you have until you lose it. I don’t think Africans would like to
get to that point. We, like the man going on a cruise ship, live far beneath our privileges. Are we using our
privileges to improve our lives?
Our Identity
Do we really know who we are?
Hans Christian Andersen was one of the best storytellers of all time. He wrote "The Ugly Duckling". Dieter F.
Uchtdorf again retold the story in his talk entitled “Our True Identity”.
“A mother duck discovers that one of her newly hatched chicks is unusually large and very ugly. The other
ducklings cannot leave the ugly child alone. They punish him mercilessly.
The ugly duckling decides it would be better for everyone if he left his family and so he ran away. Then one day he
sees flying overhead a flock of majestic birds. He takes flight and follows them to a beautiful lake. The ugly
duckling looks into the water and sees a reflection of a magnificent swan. The ugly duckling realizes that the
reflection is his own. He has discovered who he really is.”
As a Christian, I have learned and come to know that we are sons and daughters of the greatest, most glorious
being in the Universe. He loves us and has deposited in all of us, not just in some, what we need to become who
we were born to be.
We are blessed as a continent with so many resources and human potentials. This knowledge should be enough to
change everything about us—the way we think and do things as Africans. It should change our present. It should
change our future. It should change the continent.
Let us not see ourselves as ugly ducklings with self-doubt and imperfections but as swans able to live the African
dream.
Sustainable Living
What does it mean to be self-reliant?
Self-reliance (also called self-sufficiency or self-containment) is the conscious effort and ability to provide for the
necessities of life for ourselves and others. It goes beyond relying on oneself and satisfying basic needs such as
food, clothing, and shelter without public assistance or aid. It is to consciously own your life. It is to be responsible
and accountable for developing your skills and providing for yourself while supporting others.
Self-reliance prepares us for the future. Learning and taking responsibility today will open doors for us tomorrow.
My goal is to promote self-reliance as a way of life in Africa. As you will learn in my story with my mentor, self-
reliance involves several facets of a balanced life. As you live your African dream of becoming reliant and in a
position to help others, remember to make it a way of life.
Becoming self-reliant starts now. A simple desire or wish to become self-reliant is not enough. Self-reliance must
be central in our life. We must learn and develop the skills and attitude that will prepare us for the future. We must
make a conscious effort, work hard and discipline ourselves consistently to provide for the necessities of life for
ourselves and others.
Most often people ask me, does self-reliance mean doing things alone? This is a myth most people associate with
self-reliance because of the “self”. This book you are reading was made possible by many wonderful people like
you. Self-reliance does not mean you should do all things by yourself. It is about asking for help or assistance
when you need it. The truth is that you can’t achieve any worthwhile success in this life all by yourself. You will
need support from others. It could be emotional, psychological, financial, and so on. To be truly self-reliant or
achieve any meaningful success in any endeavor, you must learn how to work with others and turn to God for His
help. As Saint Augustine put it, "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything
depended on you."
People will even be more grateful to you over the years for helping them become self-reliant. They will be most
grateful for showing them how to be self-reliant and help others. Although there may be few who may not be in
the position to help themselves, such as the aged and the sick, let us reach out to take care of them. They will be
grateful for our help in meeting their needs. It is not all about ourselves. It is about us, a United Africa.
Everyone must work. Work is honorable. It comes with a sense of self-worth. When you work hard to earn a
living, you become happier and feel more self-respect than if you depended on others. Set goals and be willing to
work hard to achieve them. I recommend you develop the following core values if you want to achieve any
worthwhile goal in life: Focus, Hard work, Self-Discipline, Consistency, Dependability and Learning
Continuously.
Notwithstanding, our number one mentor should be God. We should consistently seek to strengthen our
relationship with Him.
Mentors can play important roles in our lives as we embark on our African dream and hope to become self-reliant.
They can bless our lives through their life lessons, examples and directions. They can add balance and insight to
your vision that will help you succeed on your African dream journey.
As a mentee or a protégé (one who is guided and supported by a more experienced or influential person), ask
yourself the following questions:
What is my goal as a protégé or mentee?
What are my action steps?
What support do I need from a mentor?
What is my target date to achieve my goal?
Since mentors are unique people, seek out and adopt good mentors. Find mentors who can fill your life with
advice, support, and have time for you. Consider the following when selecting a mentor:
❖ A mentor will help and challenge you to reach your goals.
❖ A mentor believes in you and is willing to uplift you, not to bring you down or demean you.
❖ A mentor has a selfless desire to help you, not for any personal gain. He or she should have your
best interest at heart and rejoice with you in your success.
❖ Don’t be disappointed if you put in a request for someone to mentor you and he or she turns you
down. Move on and ask others for help.
❖ Be honest and willing to share your goals, ideas, questions, and concerns with them.
❖ Generally, most mentors are very busy individuals. Respect their time, and always express
gratitude for their support.
Remember, start and grow your dream by adopting mentors and ultimately becoming a mentor to others.
JKD: Mentor, how did you achieve the dream? It looks nice. I'd like to be there too, but I don't know how to
achieve my African dream.
Mentor: JKD, I made a path of stepping-stones. What I call the African dream principles, or in other words, what
most of you will call the self-reliance principles.
JKD: Where is the path?
Mentor: Well... my path worked for me because I built it. If you want to become self-reliant like me, you'll have to
build your own path.
JKD: It would be easier if I could use yours...
Mentor: Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. But I can tell you how to build a path.
Do you remember the old saying by Maimonides, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to
fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”? This saying seems to have little or no meaning in our society today.
Self-Reliance is an essential building block of society. Why is it so important to learn how to live providently? Let
the Gullible Gulls tell you. In the Reader's Digest, October 1950 edition, the Fable of the Gullible Gull is shared as
a warning against dependency.
“In our friendly neighbor city of St. Augustine, great flocks of seagulls are starving amid plenty. Fishing is still
good, but the gulls don’t know how to fish. For generations, they have depended on the shrimp fleet to toss them
scraps from the nets. Now the fleet has moved. …
"The shrimpers had created a Welfare State for the … seagulls. The big birds never bothered to learn how to fish
for themselves and they never taught their children to fish. Instead, they led their little ones to the shrimp nets.
“Now the sea gulls, the fine free birds that almost symbolize liberty itself, are starving to death because they gave
in to the ‘something for nothing’ lure! They sacrificed their independence for a hand-out.
“A lot of people are like that, too… What about our children of generations to come?
“Let’s not be gullible gulls. We … must preserve our talents of self-sufficiency, our genius for creating things for
ourselves, our sense of thrift and our true love of independence.”
You already have the tools!
JKD: Tools? Mentor I don't have any tools!
Mentor: Don't worry. All you need is your imagination, faith, hard work, believing in yourself, and the ability to
make and keep a commitment.
JKD: Well, in that case, maybe I have what it takes.
Mentor: Certainly, you do have what it takes!
JKD: So, how do I build my path?
Mentor: First, where are you starting?
JKD: Over here. Obviously.
Mentor: Remember what Lewis Carroll said: "If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”
So, where do you want to end up?
JKD: Over there. Obviously! Now, wait. What does that quote mean, Mentor?
Mentor: That is a good question. This line is not in the Alice in Wonderland books, if you know the story. The
proper exchange is this: “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
"That depends on a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “–so long as I get Somewhere,” Alice added as an
explanation.
“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”
JKD: I still don’t understand. What does that mean?
Mentor: Well, the paraphrasing that is so often quoted is a pretty good summary of the exchange of words between
Alice and the Cheshire Cat. How can you pick a road to somewhere when you don’t know where you are going?
How do you get “there” when you don’t know or don’t care where “there” is?
Let me ask you: What would be different if you were over here?
JKD: I think I'd have more opportunities, maybe a little more stability. I think I would have economic freedom and
fulfillment. I think my kids would have better lives. And, I could help others.
Mentor: That is fulfilling. Would that motivate you to try a few things?
JKD: Yes! Is it wrong for me to want to be somewhere besides where I already am?
Mentor: No, it's what you should want for yourself, as long as your destination is worthwhile. That's what the
African dream wants for you—but we often forget to ask, or we're afraid to ask.
JKD: Okay.
Mentor: Self-reliance involves several stepping-stones of a balanced life that you can use to make your path.
Everyone's path is different, but the materials are mostly the same. Makes sense?
One other thing: We've been talking about paths to the African dream, but what we're really talking about is
changing lives.
JKD: Changing lives?!
Mentor: Yes, changing lives. People who live the African dream change their actions, habits, ideas and goals, by
letting the vision of the African dream change their hearts.
“J”, listen, people who live the African dream usually see improvements in their lives and believe in themselves
and in their abilities to provide the necessities of life for their families.
And when they do this, they are better equipped to serve Africans and help other people. It's not about getting rich.
It's about sufficiency, fulfillment, and happiness.
And, learning to achieve the African dream will also help you overcome other challenges you may face in the
future.
JKD: Okay. That makes sense, but where do I start?
Mentor: Everyone starts by building a path and exercising the faith and hope to walk it. Those are two different
things.
We'll talk about how to build a path in a minute. Your goal is to learn to believe in yourself and in your abilities in
order to reach your full potential.
If you don't consistently pursue freedom, virtue, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, you'll always be stuck. And if
you're stuck, you'll be less able to help others.
I'm standing here because I am self-reliant by my own measure. That's how you will be too!
JKD: Does self-reliance mean doing things alone?
Mentor: That is a very excellent question. Self-reliance does not mean isolation. Becoming self-reliant and
achieving your African dream does not mean that you must be able to do all things on your own. It does not mean
not asking for help. It means doing everything you can, and then getting the support you need. Since we don’t live
in isolation, all of us must learn how to work with others for a common goal.
JKD: So, I can also pursue freedom, virtue, entrepreneurship and self-reliance, if I believe? But, how do I actually
build my path?
Mentor: As I said, achieving your African dream and becoming self-reliant involves several stepping-stones of a
balanced life, including (1) Taking Proactive Responsibility, (2) Making a Life Plan, (3) Using Time Wisely, (4)
Divine Companions or Supporting Partners, (5) Education, (6) Entrepreneurship, (7) Financial Literacy, (8) Food
Security, (9) Health and Fitness, (10) Sustainable Living, (11) Perseverance, and (12) Gratitude and Giving Back.
These are your stepping-stones or principles to build your path on. You get to choose how to combine them. You
can build your path using:
Path 1: Take Proactive Responsibility: Be a Leader.
Path 2: Make a Life Plan: Who Am I, and Who Do I Want to Become.
Path 3: Use Time Wisely: Create Balance, Prioritize Your Goals and Plans.
Path 4: Build Divine Relationships: Strengthen Spirituality, Mentors, and Family Relations.
Path 5: Education and Training Skills: Seek Learning.
Path 6: Entrepreneurship: Start and Grow Your Business.
Path 7: Financial Literacy: Manage Money.
Path 8: Food Security: Grow, Preserve and Store Food and Water.
Path 9: Health and Fitness: Lifestyle, Diet, and Wellness.
Path 10: Sustainable Living: Shelter, Transportation, and Renewable Energy.
Path 11: Persevere: Be Patient and Don’t Give Up.
Path 12: Gratitude and Giving Back: Help Others and Make Meaningful Contributions.
As I said, you can build your path from the list above. For instance, you can combine the following:
1. Education & Training (Skills)
2. A Job (Someone Else Pays You)
3. Self-Employment (You Pay Yourself)
You also have lessons and resources to help you know what to do with these different stones. Your assignment will
be to better understand each path, how they connect, and to get support, so that you can make better decisions on
your path to the African dream.
JKD: And I have faith too!
Mentor: Good reminder! You start with faith, and your faith must result in action. As the Bible says, "Faith without
works is dead."
JKD: Did you have all of those things?
Mentor: Yes! I needed all of them to live the African dream. So, you start by imagining which of the stepping-
stones, in which order, might be right for you.
For example, your goal is to know how to earn more than you spend. Learning to do this will allow you to be in
the position to support others. If you don’t consistently earn more than you spend, you can’t save. And if you can’t
save, you can’t invest. And if you can’t invest, you will not be able to do anything meaningful. This is Financial
Literacy.
I am standing here because I earn more than I spend. That’s how you will be too, if you follow some of these
principles.
Now, JKD, let's make this more practical. For example, take Rogin, your own friend.
Rogin currently has a job but finds it very hard to afford basic necessities—like food, clothing, and shelter.
Rogin could find a better job or he could get education or training that leads to a better job.
Another option is for him to use his skills and knowledge to start his own business... Or a combination of both!
So, how will you build your path?
JKD: Right now, I earn a little bit of money, but I don’t really know how much. I could start by keeping track of
everything I earn and spend. Wait. I think I need money management skills, that is, Financial Literacy.
Mentor: Great idea! That is one of the lessons you will learn on your path to self-reliance, the African dream.
JKD: I think I could be a good job candidate if I had just a little more education or training.
Mentor: How long will that training take?
JKD: Maybe 6-12 months. I will talk to a bank for ideas, to see if they can possibly give me a student loan.
But you don’t seem to support the idea of job hunting... You prefer I set up my own business.
Mentor: Not really, you know the end justifies the means. That is to say, if only getting a job now can prepare you
for your entrepreneurship journey later on, Why not? I must admit I am not too comfortable with loans either. A
loan can sometimes enslave us and limit our self-reliance and freedom power.
Looks like you’re getting somewhere. What else?
JKD: I think I could increase my income by working with my brother in his business while also receiving training.
I could start that right now, and then, actually do the training later in the year.
Once I get my training, I will... Well, I guess there are a lot of options. I could continue working with my brother,
start my own business, look for a better job, get more training...
If possible, I can submit my application for the training program.
Mentor: That is the mark of a proactive leader. He or she takes on responsibilities.
JKD: Oh, no! There are too many possibilities! How can I possibly imagine the future? This is so overwhelming. I
think I need help.
Mentor: JKD, you don't have to figure everything out before you take the first step.
As I said early in my introduction, taking the first step is what's most important, and it requires faith.
“J”, the truth is that, you can’t do everything by yourself. If you truly want to live the African dream, you will need
what I call a support system or divine companions. Doing hard things gets easier when you have a team of
supportive people on your side, for instance, God, family, a mentor, club members, etc. Your divine companions or
support system will challenge you to make and keep small commitments that will help you build your path. They
will hold you accountable in a friendly but firm and loving way for doing the right things at the right time.
Find out if the African Dream Club (ADC) is available in your local community or the Self-Reliance Club (SRC) if
you are a student in a school. If you don’t find one, you can contact my partner group called Unique Generation
Africa (UGA), and they will train and equip you to start one. If you already belong to such a group, ask yourself
how you could strengthen your ties with them. Remember: We can’t do everything by ourselves. We need a
mastermind group to assist and support us. Together we stand.
Each day, week, and month, when you take action, your faith will grow, and you will increase your understanding
of these principles and how to live them.
Now JKD, let me ask you. Do you want to change your circumstances? Are you willing to turn your faith into
action?
JKD: Yes.
Mentor: Good. You’re ready to take your first step.
JKD: Wait a minute! What if I don’t keep my promise? Or if I decide to change my approach to building my path?
Mentor: Everybody does that at some point. If you fail to keep your commitment, your support system will help
you adjust and move forward. It does not make you a failure.
The important thing is to keep trying in faith day after day, week after week, and to help others do the same. This
way, you will not give up and equally get encouragement from helping others live their African dream as you
mentor them. Thomas S. Monson put it in a much better way, “Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there
is little purpose to our own lives.” What Have I Done for Someone Today? Ensign Nov. 2009.
Have you ever tried to eat an elephant?
JKD: That’s impossible. Why do you ask?
Mentor: Because the only way to eat an elephant or do a challenging task is one bite at a time, one day at a time.
JKD: So what’s my first bite?
Mentor: Start with the work plan. Can you do that?
JKD: I’ll start right now!
(Sometime later… JKD is now a Mentor.)
Rogin (my friend now a mentee): How did you start your African Dream?
JKD (Now the mentor): Long story, but I’ll be happy to help!
Now, I have fully learned how to live the African dream, and I’m in a position to help others.
Ask this
Do you need a complete and detailed plan before you begin your African dream journey? Has this become an
excuse for never taking the first step?
What is the first step in starting your African dream journey?
Are you ready to commit to living heroically and like a warrior?
Try this
1. Set self-reliance goals.
2. Decide how to become self-reliant.
3. Take action.
4. Keep working to become self-reliant.
5. Share with others, serve others, and help them progress.
6. Keep a journal.
As you begin your African dream journey, you might want to keep a journal of your progress and challenges. This
allows you time to reflect on where you have come from and where you are going. Studies show that keeping a
journal has a long-term positive effect on happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
I would recommend you visit https://jrnl.com and http://actonguides.org for additional information.
The First Step
Chapter 2
African Dream
Self-Assessment
Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right.
-Henry Ford
Assessment
Are you ready to live the African dream? Now, take a minute to take the first step on the road to your African
Dream journey.
❖ Remember this is a lifelong journey and will require hard work and patience. Some goals, by
their very nature, will require more time. Believe in yourself and never give up.
❖ Find a partner or mentor who will hold you accountable in these areas of your life, so that you
can reach the goals you have set for yourself.
❖ As you follow these steps, you may figure out what your passion is and what really defines you.
❖ Most of the questions will ask you about your ideal situation, not necessarily your current
experience.
❖ There will be questions where you'll feel drawn to multiple answers … just pick the answer that
Most resonate with you.
❖ Be honest — don’t answer what you think you “should,” just what feels right for you.
❖ Make a commitment and take action. Life and success are all about taking 100% responsibility.
Take the Passion Profile Quiz at www.ClarityonFire.com.
Dream Questions
Here are some questions to help you assess yourself and your African dream potential:
These assessments are important. They help you begin your path with the end in mind. Keep this list where you
can see it.
Congratulations for reading to this point. It is time to consider some business and career opportunities.
Ideas
Chapter 3
African Dream
Business Ideas
If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn’t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.
Ideas are any man’s greatest asset.
-Harvey S. Firestone
Research your idea. See if there’s a demand. A lot of people have great ideas, but they don’t know if there’s a need for it.
You also have to research your competition.
-Magic Johnson
Starting a Business?
Are you thinking about a career in business someday? Starting your own business can be rewarding but also
challenging. Owning a business is a great way to control your financial situation, set your own hours, pursue your
own projects, and choose how much you earn.
You may be considering your own business for a variety of reasons. You have a business idea you are excited
about. You want to work from home. You lost your job, or you are unable to find work. Whatever your motivation
is for starting your own business, you may be wondering if self-employment is the right choice for you.
My Business Ideas
Let’s start with a concept that can be used for financial gain which is usually centered on a product or service—in
other words, a business idea. This will help you determine the best possible small business to kick start your
entrepreneurial journey.
If you're still stuck on startup ideas after the exercises in chapter two, here is some help to get you started.
Consider more than 101 business ideas listed below. You can start many of these with little or no capital. Best of
all, most of them can be operated as a side business while holding down a full-time job.
5. Ambulance Service
Are you interested in starting an Ambulance service business in your locality or town? This is one great business
to try although you must have experience in the business to help you become successful.
6. Alternative Power
Are you interested in starting a business focused on alternative energy? It will be one great idea to consider if you
are living in any part of Africa. Ghana has been battling with a power crisis for some time now, and it is a very
good place to start.
7. Barber/Hairstylist
If you're up on the current styles and can actually cut hair, then you can start your own barber shop or salon from
your home.
8. Beekeeping and Honey Production
Are you interested in starting a bee farming business from home? Did you know that the beekeeping and honey
business in Africa has huge potential? Honey production is one of the easiest businesses you can do, and it doesn't
feel like work. Plus, you can enjoy high profits.
9. Baker
You would be surprised how many people want home baked bread. I know a woman who makes her own bread
and has lines of people to purchase it. And, she can make a living by just working a couple of days a week.
10. Billboards
Starting a billboard advertising business could prove lucrative. Take advertising to the great outdoors by renting
space on highly visible billboards.
64. Manufacturing
A manufacturing business is any business that uses components, parts or raw materials to make a finished good.
These finished goods can be sold directly to consumers or to other manufacturing businesses that use them for
making a different product. A manufacturing business may include toothpick, tissue paper, serviettes (paper
towels), chalk, candles, match sticks, nylon and polythene bags, cartons, paper bags, etc.
65. Mining
Do you live in a region where there is an abundance of mineral resources? You can consider starting a small
business around this idea. Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the
earth. It will require applying for a license to operate the business.
66. Network Marketing
Network Marketing, more commonly known as Multi-Level Marketing (MLM), is the fastest growing businesses
in the world. Network marketing is an opportunity that is very popular with people looking for part-time, flexible
businesses.
67. Online Businesses
If you have an Internet connection, with a minimal amount of time and effort, you can make money online. Your
success is high if you do something you find fun and interesting.
68. Pharmaceutical Distribution
Pharmaceutical business for retailers as well as wholesalers is quite profitable, with a high margin of profit without
so much marketing. You will need to build connections and network for distributions.
I made a promise of 101 Business Ideas, but I feel like adding more, so let’s continue.
My Career
A career choice is an important decision for everyone to make. Besides providing a rewarding and interesting life,
the right career can help create the platform in which to live your African dream and help solve Africans’ most
pressing problems.
Many young people are trying to figure out what to do with their lives. The sad part is that they can’t find any
good advice. For such an important decision, there is little information out there. Most of the career advice all
focuses on things like how to write a CV and prepare for interviews.
Let us consider some basic steps to help you select and plan for a career as well as how to set goals in order to
achieve it. I would also recommend you visit https://80000hours.org for additional advice on choosing a career.
Step-By-Step Career Guide
1. What makes a dream job? (To find a dream job, look for work you’re good at, work that helps others.) Make
your list now.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. What is a fulfilling career? If you had unlimited time and resources, and knew you could not fail, what would
you choose to do?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. Write your reasons for your dream career. If you were going to die in 5 years, what would you do to find
fulfillment?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. What's the most valuable career investment you already have? What has contributed to your past achievements
or accomplishments?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. What world problems do you think are most pressing to solve (explain)? E.g.: child trade and abuse or waste
and poverty.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
6. Do the same ideas and desires keep coming back to you? Yes / No
7. What action steps will you take now? (E.g.: What will you do daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, to achieve your
dream?)
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
8. What skills, experiences and strengths will you need to have the career you need to meet future goals?
If possible ask people to help you identify your top skills, experiences, and strengths above.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Management
1. Accountants or Auditors
2. Administrators or Facility Managers
3. Advertising, Marketing, or Public-Relations Specialists
4. Budget Analysts
5. Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, or Investigators
6. Computer and Information Systems Managers
7. Education Administrators
8. Engineering or Natural-Science Managers
9. Food-Service Managers
10. Funeral Directors
11. Human Resources and Training Managers
12. Industrial Production Managers
13. Loan Counselors or Officers
14. Lodging Managers (Hospitality Managers)
15. Management Analysts
16. Medical and Health-Services Managers
17. Property, Real Estate, or Community Managers
18. Purchasing Managers, Buyers, Or Purchasing Agents
19. Top Executives
Administrative Support
20. Communications Equipment Operators
21. Computer Operators
22. Data Entry or Information Processing Personnel
23. Desktop Publishers
24. Financial Clerks, Collectors, or Billing or Payroll Clerks
25. Information or Records Clerks
26. Office or Administrative Support Supervisors
27. Postal Service Workers
28. Receptionists, Library Assistants, or
Hotel Clerks
29. Secretaries or Administrative Assistants
Service
42. Barbers or Cosmetologists
43. Building and Grounds Maintenance Personnel
44. Chefs, Cooks, Servers, and other Food-Service Personnel
45. Child-Care Workers
46. Correctional Officers
47. Firefighters, Fitness Experts, or Personal Trainers
48. Health Care Support Personnel
49. Park Rangers, Travel Agents, or Other Recreation Industry Personnel
50. Personal and Home Care Aids
51. Police Officers or Detectives
52. Private Detectives or Investigators
53. Security Guards or Gaming Surveillance Officers
Sales
81. Cashiers
82. Counter or Rental Clerks
83. Demonstrators, Product Promoters, or Models
84. Insurance Agents
85. Real Estate Brokers or Sales Agents
86. Retail Salespeople
87. Sales Engineers
88. Sales-Worker Supervisors
89. Securities, Commodities, or Financial Services Sales Agents
90. Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives
Transportation
119. Aircraft Pilots or Flight Engineers
120. Air Traffic Controllers
121. Bus Drivers
122. Material-Moving Personnel
123. Rail Transportation Engineers, Conductors, or Workers
124. Taxi Drivers or Chauffeurs
125. Truck Drivers or Sales Personnel
126. Warehouse or Weigh-Station Personnel
127. Water Transportation Personnel
Information Systems
128. Systems Analyst
129. Chief Information Officer
130. Systems Designer
131. IT Auditor
132. Database Administrator
133. IT Consultant
134. Programmer
Economics
144. Economist
145. Economic Consultant
146. Economic Journalist
147. Economic Researcher
Finance
148. Financial Advisor
149. Financial Director
150. Investment Analyst
151. Merchant Banker
152. Portfolio Manager
153. Stock Broker
154. Finance Journalist
155. Finance Researcher
Marketing
156. Advertiser
157. Brand Manager
158. Marketing Director
159. Marketing Strategist
160. Market Researcher
161. Sports Marketer
Chapter 5
Business Plan
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
-Walt Disney
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
-Zig Ziglar
Small businesses, you can give them capital,
but what they often need as much is mentoring,
advice and help with their business plan.
-Karen Mills.
BUSINESS PLAN
Business Name
__________________________________
Your Name
__________________________________
Registration No.
____________________________
Nature of Business
(Product or Service)
__________________________________
Date
___________________
Part 1: The Business Profile
What is your African Dream Business Idea?
(Part 1.1) Define your African dream business idea.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Business Summary
Description of My Business/Organization
(Part 1.2) Describe your product or service.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Vision
(Part 1:3) The vision of the business may state where the business would be about ten years from now.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Mission
(Part 1:4) Describe convincingly that you are passionately committed to your new business and have the realism
to make inevitable hard choices.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Feature
(Part 2:2) Describe the feature(s) that sets your business apart or is marked by consumer need. May include
competitive pricing, excellent customer service, on time delivery, 24/7 service, durability, or portability.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Value
(Part 2:3) Describe the value to the customer need. It may include fulfilling an emotional attachment. That is
something that would make customers crave for more.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Strengths Weaknesses
(Positive Internal (Negative Internal
Factors) Factors)
Opportunities Threats
(Positive External (Negative External
Factors) Factors)
(Part 3:2) The following table might help you organize the factors in each area:
SWOT Opportunities Threats
(External, (External,
Positive) Negative)
(Part 3.3): List the key success factors that your business must possess if it is to be successful in its market
segments. Write down your remarks.
Key Success Factor How Your Company
Rates
E.g.: Friendly Customer Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
Service
1. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
2. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
3. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
4. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
5. Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High
Remarks:
Skills/Talent
(Part 4.2) Identify your skills and knowledge, which will be required in your business.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Accomplishment/Strengths
(Part 4.3) Identify your strength or accomplishment.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
To create a niche, you segregate the market and select the one that will give you most profit. That becomes the
target market.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Sourcing
(Part 6.2) Identify how your business gets the raw materials and products needed to deliver its finished product to
its customers.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Pricing
(Part 6.3) Explain the unique qualities or circumstances concerning your product or service that will enable you to
maintain profitable pricing.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The Promotion
(Part 6.5) Describe your plans and budget for advertising and promoting your business, including sign or banners,
flyers or advertisements, media channels, and other means of targeting existing and potential customers.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
E-Commerce
(Part 6.6) Describe in detail how you plan to use the Internet in marketing your product or service, e.g.: Social
Media.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Section 7: Financing
Financing Strategy
(Part 7.1) Provide a chart or spreadsheet showing all the sources of your start-up capital. Explain any government
assistance or loan programs you intend to apply for.
Start-Up Costs
(Part 7.2) State the required capital to begin your operation.
Inventory
Advertising
Cash
Other
Monthly Expenses
(Part 7.3) Put together business monthly expenses.
Monthly Expenses
E.g.: Salary
Supplies
Rent
Utilities
Cash (Loan Payment)
Other
Total monthly expenses
Business Financing
(Part 7.4) You need to raise money to invest in the business, e.g.: Personal Saving, Cash from Family and Friends,
Equity Financing, Debt Financing, etc.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Sales Forecast
(Part 7.5) Estimate when and how cash will flow in and out of your business, and make a 3-year average sales
forecast.
Year Unit Average Weekly Annual Annual Annual
Sales Sales Gross Gross Expenses Profits
Per Income Income
Week (Sales (52
Per Weeks)
Week X
Avg.
Sale)
1
Prepare a cash flow projection and pro forma income statement. If applicable, show how funds will be used to
repay lenders. Be conservative in your forecasts. List your referrals for lending institutions (your accountant, etc.).
(Part 8.1) Track business income and expenses daily, weekly and monthly. Without proper records, a business can
fail. Keeping accurate records of money that you take in and spend should be a regular commitment.
Example:
Chapter 6
Business Registration
First, you jump off the cliff and you build your wings on the way down.
-Ray Bradbury
Business registration is the act of incorporating a company under a particular authority. It is an important stage that
is just as crucial as obtaining a business license. It is a necessary legal process and entity that must be conducted
within most countries.
Below is a detailed summary from the International Finance Corporation, which is part of the World Bank. It
provides an entrepreneur a step by step guide of the procedures, time, and cost they have to go through to register a
new business in Ghana. Remember, other countries may have different requirements that you may need to
research.
Steps Procedure Time to Complete and
Associated Costs
1. Acquire a Tax 2 days on average
Identification Number
Agency: Registrar-General
Department or Ghana No charge
Revenue Authority
Chapter 7
Funding
Let me remind you that credit is the lifeblood of business, the lifeblood of prices and jobs.
-Herbert Hoover
A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.
-Bob Hope
Accessing capital to start a business can be a daunting process, especially for entrepreneurs who start out with a great idea
but have no real familiarity with the business world.
-Gavin Newsom
Funding
Funding is the act of providing financial resources, usually in the form of money or capital to be invested in a
business. Funding is one of the important areas in starting and growing every business. It is often said coming up
with a business idea is just half the startup challenge. Getting the capital is another challenge that stops most start-
ups from pursuing their African dream.
Most often when I chat with young people, 80% complain about their job and how much they hate it. When I ask
them why they don’t start their own business, the popular answer is capital.
Although capital is the life blood of every business, it’s not often the most important element for a business to
succeed. The most important thing in my view is innovation, a proven business concept, and execution.
Most of the success stories of entrepreneurs are people who started with little or no capital. These are
entrepreneurs who started their businesses from humble beginnings. Don’t think that you need a lot of capital. Start
with a little and grow with the available resources to you.
Banks are useful institutions for helping and growing businesses, but they tend to show up when you’ve proven
that your business makes a lot of profits. If you really want to live your African dream and start your dream
business, you will find a way to make it happen. If not, you’ll have many excuses to give.
Acquiring Capital
There are multiple ways to raise capital, and the very first option starts with you. Financing a business is very
challenging, and if you're not willing to invest in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to support you? Many
successful entrepreneurs who believed in their ideas put nearly all their savings into their small business before
others come in to support.
Angels
After using your own investments and asking relatives and friends to invest in your business startup, you can also
consider private investors (or angels). They are wealthy individuals, who invest in business start-ups in exchange
for equity in the organization or for nothing in return. Angels can be really difficult to locate.
Crowdfunding
This is a less orthodox approach. It wasn't an option for businesses a decade ago. It is the online "crowd"— that is,
the global population of Internet users. This is another great platform to share your business idea for support. Do
your research and select a reputable company with a great success rate. Example of crowdfunding sites are
Kickstarter, Gofundme, and Indiegogo.
Lending Groups
Loans are given to individual borrowers. Borrowers receive loans based on contributions, past performance, credit
histories, the viability of business propositions, and references. To encourage repayment, borrowers provide
collateral and co-signers.
Banks, Microfinance, and Traditional Lenders
These specialize in providing small loans and other financial services with collateral or sometimes high-interest
rates.
Partnership
Partners are people willing to invest their money, time, and talent for the percentage of the business. Before
entering into any partnership arrangement, you will need to set very clear expectations, especially in the area of
personal control over operations and of sharing profits.
Investors
Investors are people willing to invest their capital in order to own part of the company. Most of these investors are
people who have capital and want to use their wealth to make more money.
The primary challenge of equity financing (investors contribute money to help finance the business) is that the
entrepreneur must give up some or perhaps most of the ownership in the business to others. Most entrepreneurs are
likely to give up more equity in their business in the start-up phase than in any other. As the saying goes “50
percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing”.
Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live.
Before they know it, time runs out.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes
Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were.
-Richard L. Evans
Success Story
One of my favorite TV commercials was ‘Johnnie Walker'. It features self-made Prince Kofi Amoabeng who
traces his journey from humble beginnings and encourages others in Africa to 'Keep Walking'.
This is the transcript of it, “In life, I have learnt that it is important to step forward. My business would not exist
today if I had not. I had nothing but the clothes on my back and one pair of shoes. People said: “He will trip and
fall”, and I replied, I’d rather step forward and fail, than live with the failure of standing still. In the journey of
life, you will be defined by the amount of times you step forward along the way…”
Today we celebrate the success stories of successful entrepreneurs, such as Prince Kofi Amoabeng, founder of UT
Bank, Dr. Alhaji Asoma Banda, renowned entrepreneur, and Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, just to name
few.
I encourage you to read more stories about successful African entrepreneurs who have lived the African dream and
inspire us to do the same.
The 10 D’s of Entrepreneurship were first characterized by William Graves, author of the Portable MBA in
Entrepreneurship.
The 10 D’s are the ten key characteristics that most entrepreneurs tend to possess. If you dream of becoming an
entrepreneur or turning your idea into a business on your own, you might want to consider whether or not you
possess these qualities.
Dream: Entrepreneurs have a vision of what the future could be like for them and their businesses. And, more
importantly, they have the ability to implement their dreams.
Decisiveness: They don’t procrastinate. They make decisions swiftly. Their swiftness provides a key factor in their
success.
Doers: Once they decide on a course of action, they implement it as quickly as possible.
Determination: They implement their ventures with total commitment. They seldom give up, even when
confronted by obstacles that seem insurmountable.
Dedication: They are totally dedicated to their business, sometimes at considerable cost to their relationships with
their friends and families. They work tirelessly. Twelve-hour days and seven-day work weeks are not uncommon
when an entrepreneur is striving to get a business off the ground.
Devotion: Entrepreneurs love what they do. It is that love that sustains them when the going gets tough. And it is
love of their product or service that makes them so effective at selling it.
Details: It is said that the devil resides in the details. That is never more accurate than in starting and growing a
business. The entrepreneur must stay on top of the critical details.
Destiny: They want to be in charge of their own destiny rather than depend on an employer.
Dollars: Getting rich is not the prime motivator of entrepreneurs. Money is more a measure of their success. They
assume that if they succeed they will be rewarded.
Distribute: Entrepreneurs distribute the ownership of their businesses with key employees who are critical to the
success of the business.
How many D’s of Entrepreneurship do you match?
Henceforth, I will repeat these words each hour, each day, every day, until the words become as much a habit as
my breathing, and the action which follows becomes as instinctive as the blinking of my eyelids.
With these words, I can condition my mind to perform every action necessary for my success.
I will act now. I will repeat these words again and again and again.
I will work when failures seek rest. I will act now, for now, is all I have.
Tomorrow is the day reserved for the labor of the lazy. I am not lazy.
Tomorrow is the day when the failure will succeed. I am not a failure. I will act now.
Chapter 9
Empowering Others
If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more,
then, you are an excellent leader.
-John Quincy Adams
I want to encourage you to read this book over and share it. Teach these principles to others. When you lift others
up, they will lift you up. Take note and highlight the things that are most important to you, and revisit what you
have highlighted.
Help Us Start a Movement
I envision an Africa where all people believe in themselves and in their abilities, an Africa where all are
empowered to reach their full potential in the pursuit of freedom, virtue, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
Presently, Unique Generation Africa (UGA) conducts these unique programs to help people help themselves:
Entrepreneurship Training
African Dream Academy
Self-Reliance and African Dream Club
My Commitment
Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
-Muhammad Ali
Are you ready to commit to living your African dream? If your answer is yes, now is the time to move from
thinking to acting. Make a commitment now.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Additional Resources
Afterword
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason
and your own common sense.
-Buddha
Thank you for reading my book. I hope that you have gained insight into how to live your African dream. I would
like to hear from you and how this book has helped you start and grow your dream. I also hope to meet you
someday. If you have the book with you, you can show me how you took notes and highlighted your areas of
interest.
Also, visit our websites, because we will upload examples, templates, and other resources for your use.
www.uniquepath.org
www.theafricandreams.org
To support our cause, you can contact us on
(+233) 0243779468
See you at the top, and together, let’s live the African dream.
Joseph Kwame Duku
[email protected]
1. Ready, Fire, Aim: Zero to $100 Million in No Time Flat, by Michael Masterson.
2. Go Big or Go Home, by Will Hobbs.
3. Street Smarts: All-Purpose Tool Kit for Entrepreneurs, by Norm Brodsky.
4. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5 Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich, by Timothy Ferriss.
5. Startup Nation: America's Leading Entrepreneurial Experts Reveal the Secrets to Building a Blockbuster
Business, by Jeff aid Rich Sloan.
6. The Big Book of Small Business: You Don't Have to Run Your Business, by the Seat of Your Pants by Tom
Gegax.
7. The Art of the Start: The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything, by Guy
Kawasaki.
8. The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur: The Tell-It-Like-It-Is Guide to Cleaning Up In Business, Even If You Are At
The End Of Your Roll, by Mike Michalowicz.
9. Go it Alone! The Secret to Building a Successful Business on Your Own, by Bruce Judson.
10. Flying Solo: How to Go it Alone in Business, by Robert Gerrish and Sam Leader.
11. Purple Cow: Transform your business by Being Remarkable, by Seth Godin.
12. The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book That Will Change the Way You Do Business, by Clayton
M. Christensen.
13. The Start-up of You: Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform your Career, by Reid Hoffman.
14. The Lean Start-up: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful
Businesses, by Eric Ries.
15. Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck-- Why Some Thrive Despite Them All, by Jim Collins.
16. Usually Excellent: The Necessary Nine Skills. Required for the Practice of Great Leadership, by John
Hamm.
17. Do the Work, by Steven Pressfield.
18. Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries, by Peter Sims.
19. Everything is Obvious: Once You Know the Answer, by Duncan J. Watts.
20. The Innovator’s DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators, by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, and
Clayton M. Christensen.
21. Poke the Box, by Seth Godin.
22. Anything You Want, by Derek Sivers.
23. The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business, Josh Kaufman.
24. The Element: Why Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, by Ken Robinson and Lou Aronita
25. Steve Jobs, by Isaacson.
26. Startup Weekend: How to Take a Company From Concept to Creation in 54 Hours, by Marc Nager and
Franck_Nouyrigat.
27. The Ultralight Startup: Launching a Business without Clout or Capital, by Jason Baptiste.
28. The 100 Best Business Books of All Time: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You,
by Jack Covert.
29. Good to Great, by Jim Collins.
30. Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Sharon L. Lechter and Robert T. Kiyosaki.
31. How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie.
32. Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, and
Financial Destiny, by Anthony Robbins.
33. The Magic of Thinking and Big, by David J. Schwartz.
34. Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.
35. The Tipping Point, by Malcom Gladwell.
36. Crush It! Why NOW is the Time to Cash-in on Your Passion, by Gary Vaynerchuk.
37. Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant, by W.
Chan Ki and Renee Mauborgne.
38. All You Can Do Is All You Can Do But All You Can Do Is Enough!, by A. L. Williams. New York: Ivy Books.
39. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It, by Michael
Gerber. New York: Harper Business.
40. E-Myth Mastery: The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World Class Company, by Michael Gerber.
New York: Harper Business.
41. Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, by Verne Harnish. New York: Select Books.
42. 1001 Ways to Reward Employees, by Bob Nelson. New York: Workman Publishing.
43. The One Minute Manager, by Kenneth Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. New York: Berkley Books.
44. Start Small, Finish Big: Fifteen Key Lessons to Start—and Run—Your Own Successful Business, by Fred
DeLuca with John B. Hayes. New York: Warner Books.
45. The Success Principles, How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield.
46. The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.
The Author
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day;
teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
-Maimonides
And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
-Doctrine and Covenants 76:22
Joseph Kwame Duku-JKD is a Social Entrepreneur, Business Startup Coach, Author, a Farmer, Self-Reliance
Consultant, and a Motivational Speaker.
JKD is a former Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who served for two years in Nigeria
and loves the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is humbly married to Priscilla Otemaa Duku, and they currently live in
Accra, Ghana.
JKD is currently majoring in Applied Business Management, at Brigham Young University, Idaho (USA). He
holds a diploma in Business Studies and certificates in “Starting and Growing My Business”, Self-Reliance
Foundation, Academic Start, and Entrepreneurship in different institutions.
JKD also runs two companies: Unique Services, a cutting-edge handmade design, printing and secretarial services,
and AgriNutrition Farms, a sustainable agribusiness that focuses on the environment and organic practices. He has
many years of small business startup experience.
JKD is the founder and CEO of Unique Generation Africa (UGA), a not-for-profit organization aimed at
empowering The African Dream awareness, which is to inspire all Africans to believe in themselves and in their
abilities and to be empowered to reach their full potential in the pursuit of freedom, virtue, entrepreneurship, and
sustainable living.
JKD conducts one-day and weekend seminars and workshops that focus on living the African Dream, Sustainable
Living, and Success and Greatness Principles. His trainings are designed for students, business people, managers,
entrepreneurs, salespeople, sales managers, managers, educators, counselors, coaches, consultants, churches,
ministers, and others who are interested in maximizing their personal and professional success.
To find out more about JKD’s workshops, books, audio and video training, or to inquire about JKD availability as
a speaker or trainer, you can contact his office at:
Unique Generation Africa
Dansoman, Accra, Ghana
Phones: +233 243 779 468 and +233 302 328196
www.uniquepath.org
www.theafricandreams.org
[email protected]
WORKS CITED
Note: Many of these works are available online
https://www.scu.edu/mobi
https://www.entrepreneur.com
http://www.bplans.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
http://www.oprah.com/app/career.html
https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers
http://www.jackcanfield.com/success
https://www.accenture.com/us-en/careers
https://www.800000hrs.org
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/ghana/starting-a-business
http://mdi.com.pk/entrepreneurship
The parable is inspired by “From Here to There: My Path to Self-Reliance," by the church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints and "One Minute Sales Person,” by Spencer Johnson, with Larry Wilson.
Fable of the Gullible Gull,” Reader’s Digest, Oct. 1950, p 32.
Journal Notes
Life is like a combination lock; your job is to find the right numbers, in the right order, so you can have anything you want
-Brian Tracy.
My Journal
As you begin your African dream journey, you might want to keep a journal of your progress and challenges. This
allows you time to reflect on where you have come from and where you are going. Keeping a journal is proven to
have a long-term positive effect on happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
Journal Note
Name____________________________________________________________