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Derrick Waiswa: Driving Entrepreneurial Growth Across Africa with TBN

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Derrick Waiswa, the Chief Operations Officer at Transformational Business Network (TBN) Africa, is at the forefront of a movement aimed at empowering entrepreneurs across the continent. His leadership has been instrumental in driving TBN’s mission to help businesses not only thrive but also create sustainable employment opportunities.

A Vision for Growth
Since joining TBN Africa in December 2021, Derrick has led a team of 10 dedicated professionals, all united by a passion for assisting entrepreneurs in overcoming the myriad challenges they face. TBN’s approach involves equipping small and medium-sized business owners with the knowledge, networks, and resources necessary to unlock funding, secure markets, and foster collaborations.

The Genesis of TBN
Founded in 2003 by Kim Tan and Stuart McGreevy, TBN was born out of a desire to shift the development paradigm from aid to enterprise. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, TBN Africa has grown into an international network with over 2,000 members across seven countries. This expansive network has facilitated the creation of over 9,910 jobs, trained more than 758 entrepreneurs, and supported over 2,758 businesses in scaling up, unlocking more than US$20.7 million in investment.

TBN’s strategy involves identifying businesses with strong core values and growth potential. By providing these businesses with the necessary structures and practices, TBN makes them attractive to investors and other stakeholders. This approach has been pivotal in supporting award-winning social enterprises like Agape (Singapore), Sanergy (Kenya), Silulo Technologies (South Africa), and Bridge International Academies (Kenya).

Derrick’s Journey
Born in 1989, Derrick’s educational journey began at Namalemba Primary School in Uganda, followed by MM College Wairaka. His academic prowess led him to Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Tourism Management. His current role at TBN has brought him face-to-face with the real-world challenges African entrepreneurs encounter, fueling his determination to change the narrative.

Addressing Key Challenges
Derrick highlights the critical issues of access to affordable capital and market linkages and how these challenges affect African entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses. Banks and other major financial institutions often require collateral for entrepreneurs to access loans, which has presented numerous challenges for startups.

Those few who manage to access loans often find themselves grappling with high interest rates, which become a barrier to the development or sustainability of their businesses.

“Capital is very expensive for many entrepreneurs, making business growth and expansion on the continent unfeasible.”

TBN is actively seeking partnerships to address this capital gap. Additionally, the organization is hopeful about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which—when operational—could significantly expand market opportunities for African businesses.

Derrick notes that all African entrepreneurs face similar challenges that could have adverse effects on their businesses if not addressed.

“We solve business failure in Africa. For every business that shuts down, jobs are lost. We are here to change this narrative.”

TBN’s Impact
TBN’s efforts have not only helped businesses survive but thrive. Through its accelerator program and meticulous selection process, TBN develops a pipeline of investment-ready businesses. This initiative has led to a compounded annual revenue growth rate of over 21.1 percent for supported businesses and the creation of over 9,910 new jobs. The organization’s impact extends beyond financial metrics, focusing on fostering human flourishing and lifting people out of poverty through job creation.

Looking Ahead
As TBN Africa looks to the future, expansion is on the horizon. Waiswa envisions a presence in more African countries, with a growing team to support an even broader network of entrepreneurs.

“Within the coming year, our goal is to expand and reach more entrepreneurs in all parts of Africa to achieve a greater impact. We are aiming to transform not just businesses, but entire communities.”

This expansion will also see an increase in TBN’s workforce to about 15, further amplifying their capacity to support entrepreneurs.

Under Derrick’s leadership, TBN Africa is not just solving business failures but is actively contributing to reducing unemployment across the continent. By providing tailored support, fostering collaborations, and unlocking investments, TBN is setting a new standard for entrepreneurial support in Africa, ensuring that businesses not only survive but also thrive, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and job creation.

In a continent where small businesses often struggle to see their first anniversary, TBN Africa stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, networking, and strategic support. As Derrick and his team continue to write the next chapter of Africa’s entrepreneurial story, one thing is clear: the future of business in Africa is not just bright—it is transformational.

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