Across Africa, small businesses remain the backbone of economic transformation, yet thousands of aspiring founders struggle to turn their ideas into reality. Limited funding, inadequate support systems, and the burden of running multiple business functions often stall dreams before they can flourish.
For Gambian entrepreneur and international business consultant David Jeng, these challenges are not reasons for despair—they are a call to action. Over the past decade, Jeng has emerged as one of the continent’s most influential entrepreneurship advocates, guiding more than 10,000 entrepreneurs in over 20 countries, from Nigeria and Rwanda to Ethiopia, Kenya, and beyond.
Building Bridges for Startups
Jeng, who leads Bliss Executives, a consultancy firm focused on strengthening Africa’s small businesses, is widely recognised for his ability to design solutions that address the continent’s unique business hurdles. His expertise spans training, business development, investment facilitation, policy formulation, digital economy integration, and business incubation.
His reach extends far beyond his home country, having worked with entrepreneurs in Zambia, Uganda, Malawi, Namibia, South Sudan, Mauritius, Lesotho, Cameroon, and the DRC, among others.
“Entrepreneurs are the unsung heroes of Africa’s growth story,” Jeng has often said, emphasizing their role as job creators and innovators in an economy that increasingly depends on youthful creativity.
Filling the Gaps
A recurring obstacle for African startups, according to Jeng, is limited access to finance. Despite brilliant ideas, many entrepreneurs are unable to secure the capital necessary to scale. This, he argues, has long slowed down Africa’s entrepreneurial progress.
During his time as Business Support Coordinator at Startup Incubator Gambia, he pushed for programs that equipped entrepreneurs with practical, hands-on skills to build sustainable enterprises. His approach blends mentorship with strategy, helping businesses move from survival mode to growth and competitiveness.
A Footprint in Innovation and Policy
Jeng’s influence also extends to the global stage. He has worked with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), serving as Lead Consultant for the IP+ Accelerator Program in The Gambia and mentoring women entrepreneurs under the IP Agribusiness Program. These efforts have not only enhanced intellectual property awareness but also empowered African startups to safeguard and scale their innovations.
The entrepreneurs he has mentored are now at the forefront of change—leveraging technology, creativity, and community-focused solutions to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges. From agribusiness to digital services, they are shaping industries and rewriting narratives.
Vision for the Future
Jeng believes entrepreneurship is a nation-building tool and insists that with the right support, Africa’s startups can transform the continent’s economy.
To young innovators, his message is clear: “Build with a long-term vision, not just for quick wins. Leverage technology and data to grow, and surround yourself with networks and partners who elevate your brand.”
He also calls on governments to create enabling environments where startups can thrive, stressing that entrepreneurs are not only problem solvers but also critical drivers of growth and employment.
The Bigger Picture
From Gambia to Ghana, from Nigeria to Namibia, David Jeng has proven that entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business—it’s about solving problems, creating opportunities, and building the future of Africa. His work underscores a simple truth: when entrepreneurs are empowered, economies are strengthened, and societies are transformed.
