African businesses need stronger partnerships and access to succeed globally – Landmark CEO

CHIEF Executive Officer of Landmark Africa Group, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, has urged African entrepreneurs to embrace collaboration, broaden their networks and seek greater access to opportunities if they are to compete effectively in international markets.

Speaking on Thursday at a fireside discussion hosted by the Imperial Black Alumni Network themed ‘Against the Odds: Lessons in Building, Funding & Scaling Business in Africa and Beyond,’ Onwuanibe said business leaders should focus more on collective growth than rivalry.

According to him, many Black-owned businesses limit their potential by competing against one another instead of forming strategic alliances that can strengthen their market position and expand opportunities.

“The upcoming generation of Black entrepreneurs does not need handouts,” he said. “What they require is access, visibility and candid insights into the realities of building successful businesses. More importantly, we must find ways to work together.”

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Onwuanibe identified Africa’s fragmented business environment as a major obstacle to growth, pointing to differences in regulations, currencies, languages and operating systems across countries on the continent.

While noting that Africa offers significant opportunities, he said no entrepreneur can tackle all of the continent’s challenges alone, stressing the need for trusted partnerships that can help businesses expand beyond their home markets.

He added that African companies must intentionally build networks of trust and cooperation that make cross-border expansion easier and more sustainable.

Drawing on Landmark Africa Group’s experience operating in 14 African countries, Onwuanibe said conducting business across the continent remains challenging and urged governments to eliminate barriers that hinder trade and investment.

He also called on citizens and business groups to hold leaders accountable for creating an environment that supports enterprise growth, arguing that unnecessary restrictions make an already difficult business landscape even harder.

According to him, organisations such as the Imperial Black Alumni Network can play a role in promoting regional integration by advocating for policies that reduce barriers and encourage trade across African markets.

Onwuanibe warned that future generations could face greater economic challenges if African countries fail to improve connectivity and create pathways for businesses to scale across borders.

He further rejected the notion that Africa is uniquely difficult for business, maintaining that entrepreneurs everywhere face challenges and that success ultimately depends on how those challenges are managed.