Entrepreneur and socialite Obi Iyiebu, better known as Obi Cubana, has challenged African business owners to rethink how they scale ventures, arguing that collaboration trumps solitary control.
In a clip that circulated widely online over the weekend, Cubana contrasts the continent’s approach with that of Western markets. He says many African founders cling to full ownership, whereas international peers frequently form alliances that multiply impact and ease execution of large-scale initiatives.
Cubana asserts that the insistence on “I must own everything” acts as a barrier to growth, limiting the ability to undertake complex projects that require joint effort. He notes that prioritizing control can undermine progress and long-term resilience.
“Our obstacle isn’t talent or opportunity; it’s a mindset about ownership,” he remarked. “People are reluctant to share equity or responsibilities. In contrast, across borders, you’ll find coalitions of owners who may never meet each other, yet they simplify and deliver on big ambitions.”
He also warned about the dangers of poor succession planning. Using his own lineage as an example, he commented that a family business named after a founder risks collapsing if the next generation isn’t engaged or prepared to lead. The continuity problem, he noted, is a common Achilles’ heel for many private enterprises.
