People & Culture
Trust In The Journey Of Entrepreneurship
Founders Battlefield: The High Cost of Low Trust in African Entrepreneurship
In the heart of Africa, a new kind of battle is being fought—not with weapons, but with ideas, resilience, and the relentless ambition of entrepreneurs. The Founders Battlefield initiative, spearheaded by seasoned entrepreneur Michael Macharia, brings together founders to share unfiltered stories of struggle, survival, and the systemic challenges they face. In its inaugural episode, the focus was on low trust and questionable business ethics—a pervasive issue that stifles innovation, discourages investment, and erodes the foundation of African entrepreneurship.
The panel—comprising founders from healthcare, fintech, and the creative industries—highlighted how trust deficits manifest across sectors. René Ngamau, co-founder of Checkups Medical, spoke about the healthcare industry’s crisis of credibility, where patients delay treatment due to financial distrust, and counterfeit medications undermine care. Kevin Mutiso, CEO of Oye, shared how Kenya’s informal sector, particularly boda boda riders, operates in an environment where they are stigmatized, making access to financial services nearly impossible. Meanwhile, Roy Gitahi of Art at Work Limited revealed how creatives face systemic bias, often dismissed as unserious despite driving cultural and economic value.
Macharia’s own story underscored the fragility of trust in institutional dealings. Despite signing an 800-page government contract, his project was abruptly canceled—a stark reminder that legal safeguards mean little when trust is absent. This experience, he noted, is emblematic of a broader African challenge: contracts are only as strong as the integrity of those enforcing them. The fallout? Entrepreneurs bear the brunt—employees lose jobs, investors lose capital, and future founders are deterred from taking risks.
The conversation took a deeper turn when the panel explored the societal roots of distrust. Kevin Mutiso pointed to Kenya’s short-termist culture, where immediate gains overshadow long-term collective prosperity. Drawing inspiration from the Iroquois’ seventh-generation principle, he argued that businesses must adopt a legacy mindset—prioritizing sustainability over quick wins. René Ngamau added that Africa’s reliance on foreign capital exacerbates the problem, as external investors lack the contextual patience needed for long-term growth.
Yet, amid the challenges, the founders shared solutions. Mutiso’s Digital Lenders Association demonstrated how collective action can reform industries—lobbying for fair regulations and consumer protections. Roy Gitahi emphasized the role of technology in reducing human bias, while Macharia stressed the need for political risk insurance in high-stakes ventures. The consensus was clear: rebuilding trust requires local solutions—homegrown capital, ethical leadership, and a cultural shift toward accountability.
The discussion closed on a note of legacy. For Macharia, this initiative is about documenting the raw truths of entrepreneurship to inspire the next generation. For Mutiso, it’s about creating a million middle-class jobs. Gitahi spoke of leaving a “good name,” while Ngamau framed her mission as empowering marginalized women through healthcare access. Their stories revealed a shared conviction: Africa’s entrepreneurial future hinges on trust—not just in systems, but in each other.
As Founders Battlefield continues, it aims to amplify these voices, turning pain points into policy, and isolation into solidarity. For entrepreneurs navigating Africa’s complex terrain, the message is clear: the battlefield is brutal, but the fight for trust is worth waging.