GIVING BUSINESS BUSINESS

by Admin (Posted on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024)

 By Salim Abila Asuman

‘’Imagine this: smooth roads and railway lines weaved through our landscapes, not just connecting places, but stitching dreams to reality. They are not just routes; they are the veins of commerce, making business not just easy, but irresistible. ‘’

Now end that imagination, and let us embark on a journey into reality, the African continent is now the host of the Chinese funded Trans-African Highway network which includes the Caira-Cape Town Highway.

Additionally, the African continent is also a home to the following China funded railway lines.

The Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya, covering roughly 480 kilometers, its construction began in 2013 and was finished in 2017.

The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti, is approximately 76 kilometers long and was built between 2011 to 2016.

Abuja-Kaduna Railway in Nigeria was completed in 2016, covering roughly 186 kilometers. Construction began in 2011, was completed in 2014 and officially inaugurated for commercial services in 2016.

The Lagos-Ibadan Railway in Nigeria commissioned in 2021 has three major train stations running from Lagos through Abeokuta to Ibadan.

Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), Tanzania and Zambia: established with Chinese assistance in the 1970s, approximately 1,860 kilometers, the railway has been operational since the 1970s, with ongoing maintenance and improvements.

Another reality is that Uganda will be home to the Kenya-Uganda Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): the projected length is approximately 273 kilometers, and it is intended to facilitate the transportation of goods from the port of Mombasa to Kampala, then to Kigali, Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and finally to Nimule and Juba.

Akin to veins these roads and railways lines play a crucial role in the circulatory system of our economy, serving as tubes they pump business into the heart of the economy bringing in and taking out various businesses.

As these roads stretch and railways weave through the vast landscapes, the ripple effects are profound, especially for entrepreneurs daring to dream big, at this point, it is only proper that I delve with you how these investments are not just installing tracks and asphalt, but also paving the way for innovation and expansion.

The arteries of commerce, once clogged by inadequate infrastructure, are now flowing with vigor. Improved roads and railways are facilitating the movement of goods and services, enabling entrepreneurs to tap into previously inaccessible markets and expand their reach.

In today’s interconnected world, connectivity is key and Infrastructure is not just about physical roads and railways; its about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities. Entrepreneurs are leveraging this connectivity to access information, recourses, and markets, empowering them to turn their business ideas into reality.

The journey from idea to reality is often fraught with challenges, but Chinese-funded infrastructure projects are paving the way for innovation and collaboration. By fostering an ecosystem of connectivity and collaboration, entrepreneurs are finding new ways to innovate, collaborate, and succeed in rapidly evolving marketplace.

At the heart of Africa’s development is the prospect of economic growth and progress. These infrastructure investments not only lay the foundations for commercial success, but also for long-term economic growth that benefits every aspect of society.

Homegrown brands that drive industrial growth benefit from enhanced infrastructure, from agricultural products to renewable energy solutions, these brands are pivotal in fostering economic development and connectivity across the continent, including Uganda.

In the agricultural sector, Brands like Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana and Ethiopian Coffee Export Corporation rely on efficient transportation networks for cocoa beans and coffee production, while Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Agrisol Africa Limited and Pearl Dairy Farms Limited expand their market reach.

The textile and apparel industries represented by brands like Dupies African Clothing, ShweShwekini and Nytil Uganda are leveraging improved transport infrastructure to access raw materials and distribute finished products.

In the realm of minerals and resources, African brands like Anglo Gold Ashanti, De Beers, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and Uganda’s Tullow Oil rely on well-maintained roads and railways for efficient mineral and resource transportation.

Telkom, Safaricom, MTN Uganda, and Airtel Uganda are leading providers of telecommunications services, leveraging improved infrastructure to expand networks and reach underserved communities across Africa.

Renewable energy brands like M-KOPA Solar, and GreenPower Overseas Limited capitalize on improved infrastructure to deploy solar panels and home systems in off-grid communities, driving electrification and socio-economic development. Uganda’s renewable energy sector, represented by the brands like SolarNow and Fenix international, are rapidly expanding, benefiting from upgraded infrastructure to expand access to clean energy.

A concise way to say ‘’one gives business business‘’ is that ‘’one supports businesses’’ and China giving business business is a fact that resonates with a profound truth.

China gives businesses business because through Chinese investment and skills focused at developing transportation infrastructure in Africa, one’s company idea can be transformed into a reality, therefore giving their business ideas the business.

Transforming your business idea into a thriving reality is a riveting journey, complete with unexpected twists, exhilarating highs, and yes, even a few hilarious mishaps along the way. From the initial spark of inspiration to the triumphant launch of your brainchild, each step is a chance to unleash your inner visionary and craft into a legacy that echoes far and wide.

And let’s not forget the unsung heroes in this saga – the roads and railways that crisscross the landscape, tirelessly ferrying your goods to eager markets. With these vital arteries in existence, your dreams aren’t just dreams anymore; they’re tangible possibilities waiting to be embraced.

So, as you navigate the exhilarating maze of entrepreneurship, remember to savor every moment, relish every challenge, and above all, keep your sense of humor intact. After all, in the unpredictable world of business, a hearty laugh might just be your most valuable asset. Here’s to chasing dreams, blazing trails, and turning aspirations into epic adventures!

There has never a better time to turn your business ideas into reality and ride the wave of Africa’s transformation, your business will surely get business.

The writer is a lawyer and research fellow at the Development Watch Centre.

 

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