AFRICA’S economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, presenting huge opportunities for businesses to expand and flourish, says Dr James Mworia, the highly respected CEO and Managing Director of Centum Investment Company Group.
Mworia, a keynote speaker at the upcoming BPL Africa Connect’s International Business Conference to be held at the Celebration Centre in Harare tomorrow (May 9, 2024), said it was the crucial to business leaders to understand the unique African market in order to unlock value out of its potential.
“Africa represents the last and largest emerging market with substantial potential for supply chain and consumer opportunities, reminiscent of Southeast Asia two decades ago,” Dr Mworia said.
“However, successfully navigating this landscape necessitates a disciplined approach to capital allocation and a profound understanding of the drivers of long-term value creation.”
The International Business Conference, hosted by BPL Africa Connect, boasts an impressive line-up of distinguished speakers, comprising renowned innovators and business practitioners, such as CEO Coaching International Partner Ahmed Hassan, Dukka CEO and founder Keturah Ovia, First Capital Bank Zimbabwe Managing Director Tapera Mushoriwa and others.
The speakers recognise that in a rapidly changing global environment, businesses that can adapt and innovate are more likely to succeed.
This rings particularly true in the dynamic African market, where companies grapple with unique challenges such as complex regulatory environments, infrastructure deficiencies, and swiftly evolving consumer demands.
Since taking over the reins of Centum in 2008, Mworia has spearheaded a remarkable transformation of the investment firm, increasing its asset base tenfold to Ksh 57 billion (US$535 million). Recognising the vast potential of Africa, Mworia has leveraged Centum’s strategic agility to establish game-changing initiatives, such as the Two Rivers Development and the Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
“Strategic agility refers to a company’s ability to quickly adapt to changing market dynamics, seize opportunities, and navigate challenges,” explains Mworia.
“For African businesses, this means proactive decision-making, innovation, and the flexibility to capitalize on emerging trends.”
Mworia’s leadership and Centum’s strategic agility have not only transformed the company but also contributed to unlocking Africa’s growth potential. By establishing innovative initiatives, such as TRIFIC SEZ, Mworia has demonstrated that local companies can succeed in navigating the African market’s challenges and capitalize on its vast potential.
Under Mworia’s guidance, Centum has carefully curated its investment portfolio, targeting sectors with high growth potential and aligning its capital deployment with the unique needs and opportunities of each market. This has enabled the company to achieve impressive returns, even in the face of economic headwinds.