We asked a bunch of African businessmen about their commitment to business and global communities. This interview, with an Africa-first perspective, was conducted with Markus Luethke of the Zambian Economist
Daniela Nicolás: Since I graduated in 2000 I’ve been a member of the World Business Forum, an international economic and business consultancy. The Washington-based organisation brings together business executives from around the world to discuss issues of business, and the world. It also focuses on developing and fostering joint strategies to improve global business and competitiveness, which is a good role model for Zambia.
Pina Popova: Of my experience with the Zambian Economist, we have noticed that the publication has been a key platform for business leaders to exchange ideas on the local and international platforms. Also, through initiatives such as a series of weekly columns in the press and partnership projects, the magazine has disseminated innovative and vibrant solutions to challenges in Zambia and beyond. This is an important area of my work and the magazine plays a prominent role in shaping public opinion on the work of the foreign companies here.
Peter Sterp, a Zambian businessman and founder of Seed Capital Partners, a seed investing firm: My participation in the World Business Forum means that I can interact with people from around the world. So I look forward to connecting with many Zambian-based international business groups, such as the Zambian Economist, and enabling them to collaborate with partners who are local in Zambia. And this has also played a critical role in helping my company, Seed Capital Partners, attract investments and advance its business model.
Philipp Boenisch, managing director, International Business, Intel: There is no business model that can operate successfully on every continent; the world is a complex place with many places on the periphery of what is going on on the ground. And in order to do this, it is important to consider where other players are and how they approach their business. There is a chance that we will not be in the same strategic or product alignment and we need to develop different solutions. The Zambian Economist is a great vehicle that allows international companies to make use of local experts and resources.
Piper, a Zambian entrepreneur and beauty consultant: Having come from a small village, I understand how to work with one-on-one relationships, networks and new ideas. Having an opportunity to learn and be challenged by the new generation of entrepreneurs is something that will help me to stay on top of my game.
Dmitry, co-founder of the St Petersburg-based Kobi International Consulting, a marketing and communications consultancy: Like the Zambian Economist, my involvement is due to the passion of the journalist who publishes the paper. The journalist works tirelessly to bring an alternative view of life in Zambia to a market in developed countries. Over the past few years, the Zambian Economist has become an ideal platform for us to seek new opportunities to share the work of Kobi International Consulting and raise awareness among international decision-makers on various topics related to the development of Russia and Africa.
Micky Badu: Micky Badu is a business and marketing strategist whose consultancy works with clients including the Zambian Economist.
