Working in Africa

One of the overriding reasons for returning to South Africa was the opportunity to make a real difference, not just in South Africa but Sub-Saharan Africa. Lofty ideals I know but if we don't believe that we can make a difference as individuals then we should do the proverbial "pack your bags and go home".

There is so much to do in Africa and not enough people to do it. This gives us the platform to drive real change as individuals and organisations, which makes Africa a very attractive place to work.

... and change is happening! I was amazed to see how much the country had changed in the three years that I was away. Everywhere you look there is development - roads, telecommunications and social. The roll-out of telecommunications networks across Africa will change the continent forever. Large multi-nationals will follow the telco and cellco companies and competition like we are seeing in South Africa will make it so much more affordable.

But remember, don't expect a developed country/continent (infrastructure included). This country and continent are developing by definition; which is both positive (there are opportunities) and negative (it takes longer to get some things done).

Technologically speaking, much of Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog the developed world. Unencumbered by decades of legacy infrastructure and technology, African organisations can rapidly low cost and smart solutions. Contrast this with my experience abroad where a lot of my time was spent adapting architectures and technologies for brownfield* environments. Africa must surely have many of the remaining greenfield sites to be found anywhere.

Lastly I would like to add that we have a responsibility as individuals and organisations to ensure that this change happens in a professionally positive way.

* The redevelopment of existing urban, suburban and rural properties already served by infrastructure including "brownfields" sites, that are or may be contaminated, stimulates growth and improves a community's economic vitality. Development in existing neighborhoods is an approach to growth that can be cost-effective while providing residents with a closer proximity to jobs, public services and amenities.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
http://www.realtor.org/sg3.nsf/pages/brownredev?OpenDocument