"By their very nature, young Africans are some of the most entrepreneurial people in the world. Up until now, they just lacked opportunity, access to capital or even the courage to believe in themselves," Ivor Ichikowitz said in a recent Zoom interview with me. The South African industrialist, social entrepreneur and philanthropist's family foundation sponsors and funds the Africa Youth Survey, which tracks the attitudes, aspirations and opportunities of African youth in 14 countries.
"Whether or not U.S. policy makers have been paying attention to Africa, young Africans are paying attention to America. I don't even think most American legislators understand the positive impact that American culture and technology have had on the continent," Ichikowitz lamented. "Despite the Chinese penetration into many African countries, all that needs to happen is for the Americans to turn up – to fill the vacuum they created."
