Being an entrepreneur in Africa is tough. I know it. You know it. But sitting around complaining about the government, the economy, or lack of funding won’t move the needle. What does? Proof. Progress. Persistence.

First, stop chasing “big ideas.” Nobody cares how brilliant your idea sounds if you can’t show it works. What people care about, especially investors and customers, is proof that you’re already moving. Show sales. Show people lining up. Show feedback from real users. Get that momentum going, and money follows momentum.

Next, tighten up your pitch. Most people ramble. Don’t. Get straight to the point: Here’s the problem. Here’s how you’re fixing it. Here’s who’s already paying attention. Here’s how big this can get. Make them feel like they’re about to jump on a train that’s already speeding down the tracks.

Then, play smart with resources. Don’t wait for that magical funding round. Start small. Sell something. Use what you have to get what you need. If you can’t raise money, raise trust. Build relationships. Get warm introductions. People invest in people they know, like, and trust, not strangers with pretty pitch decks.

And when you hear “no” (because you will), don’t cry about it. Ask why. Take notes. Tweak your offer. Come back sharper. Most successful entrepreneurs didn’t get one lucky break; they got dozens of rejections and kept showing up better each time.

If you want to win, stop making excuses. Solve real problems. Show proof. Stay sharp. Be relentless. Get those things right, and pretty soon, the right people will be chasing you.