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 When Money Moves, So Do the Rules: Lessons for African Entrepreneurs. By: Chidike Edmond Ojuyenum In today’s Africa, business success is as much about navigating the financial ecosystem as it is about selling a great product. Recent reports, from the IFC’s work on MSME finance to Transparency International’s survey on corruption, paint a clear picture: access to funding, trust, and regulation are deeply intertwined. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), financing remains a major hurdle. Banks and financial institutions often see MSMEs as high-risk, while entrepreneurs face complex requirements that stifle growth. The gap isn’t just about money—it’s about trust, credit history, and navigating bureaucracies. At the same time, transparency—or the lack of it—can make or break business environments. Corruption still bleeds billions from African economies, creating hidden costs for honest businesses and deterring both local and foreign investment. Policy shifts can also chang...

"Why African Entrepreneurs Struggle to Access Loans and Grants"  By  Chidike Edmond Chidike Edmond Ojuyenum Founder & CEO, Nova Gate Limited  When people ask me why entrepreneurs in Africa struggle to access loans and grants, I don't just hear a question — I relive a story. My story. Our story. In 2022, I stood before a panel of investors at a business reality show. I was hopeful, dressed for success, and armed with a vision I believed in. But what met me was not applause or critique — it was silence. Cold, confusing silence. Not because my idea lacked potential. But because I didn't know their language — the language of pitch decks, business models, and scalable metrics. I hadn't been taught. And they didn't bother to translate. Later, I applied for a ₦3 million SME loan. Again, I believed I was ready. But I had no guide. No mentor. No knowledge of the paperwork maze ahead of me. I failed — not for lack of vision, but for lack of access. And that's th...