The Modern Black & Brown Recession
How Can Black & Brown Entrepreneurs Survive the Recession
The current economic downturn has been difficult for businesses across the board, but BIPOC entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the recessionary environment.
Thanks to a combination of factors — including the recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area and a growing number of African American consumers with disposable income — African American entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever to start and grow profitable businesses. And with venture capitalists searching for new investment opportunities, now is the time to seize them.
The Economic Landscape for African American Entrepreneurs
In order to understand why African American entrepreneurs are well-positioned to profit from the current economic environment, it’s important to first understand the state of the economy. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic uncertainty, with many businesses shutting down or reducing operations due to falling demand. This has led to a rise in unemployment, with millions of people around the world losing their jobs.
While the current economic situation may seem dire, it actually presents a number of opportunities for entrepreneurs — especially those in Africa. One reason for this is the recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which came into effect on January 1st, 2021. The AfCFTA is a key part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to promote economic integration and growth across Africa. The AfCFTA provides a much-needed boost to intra-African trade, which has been held back in recent years by high tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
Another reason why African American entrepreneurs are well-positioned to take advantage of the current economic environment is the growing number of African American consumers with disposable income. Thanks to factors such as rising educational attainment and increased access to capital, more and more African Americans are becoming middle-class consumers. This expanding consumer base provides a great opportunity for businesses that cater to their needs and preferences.
Why Venture Capitalists Are Interested in Africa
In addition to the favorable economic landscape, another factor that makes now an ideal time for African American entrepreneurs to seek investment is the growing interest from venture capitalists in Africa. In recent years, there has been an influx of VC firms and individual investors looking to tap into Africa’s vast untapped potential. And with good reason — Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
What’s more, VCs are increasingly interested in investing in early-stage businesses. This presents a unique opportunity for African American entrepreneurs, who tend to be at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing capital. According to a report by Merrill Lynch/Capgemini, only 1 percent of VC funding goes to startups led by black founders. But with more VCs searching for investment opportunities in Africa, that number is sure to increase in the coming years.
The current economic downturn may be difficult for businesses around the world — but it presents a unique opportunity for African American entrepreneurs. Thanks to favorable conditions such as the recent establishment of the AfCFTA and a growing number of middle-class African American consumers, now is an ideal time for black entrepreneurs to start and grow profitable businesses. And with VCs searching for new investment opportunities in Africa, there’s never been a better time to seek funding.
