7 Must-Read Books Recommended by African Tech Leaders
In the fast-evolving world of African technology and innovation, staying inspired and informed is essential for success. We delved into the reading habits of prominent African tech leaders to uncover books that have left a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives. From business strategies to personal growth, these recommendations span fiction and non-fiction and provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, innovators, and curious minds alike.
Here’s a closer look at seven standout books recommended by these trailblazers:
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz
Recommended by: Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, CEO & Founder, Flutterwave
“Building a business like Flutterwave in Africa requires resilience on another level. This book offers practical business wisdom that I found incredibly insightful. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s a ‘doer’ and wants to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.”
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
Recommended by: Radhika Bachu, CEO & Co-founder, Ndovu
“This book helped me reconnect with the core purpose of my business. It emphasizes the importance of leading with a clear mission and values. I highly recommend it to leaders and entrepreneurs as a guide to inspire others and create sustainable success.”
Future Money: Fintech, AI, and Web3 by Ronit Ghose
Recommended by: Zach George, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Launch Africa
“For anyone curious about the evolution of money and where fintech is heading, this book is an essential read. It explores the global progression of financial systems, digital assets, and the role of AI, offering insights into the future of finance.”
Leaving the Tarmac: Buying a Bank in Africa by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Recommended by: Ato Bentsi-Enchill, Investment Principal & Head of SPVs, MicroTraction; Victor Alade, CEO, Raenest
This book resonated deeply with two leaders for its exploration of building a successful business in Africa’s financial sector.
Ato described it as a “refreshing account of building Africa’s largest bank by assets” and a blueprint for success.
Victor found it invaluable for understanding how traditional banks navigate challenges, offering lessons for fintech longevity in a competitive market.
Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson
Recommended by: Bernard Ghartey, Principal, Norrsken22
“This book illustrates how language shapes our thoughts and actions. For someone evaluating numerous pitches and business proposals, understanding how metaphors influence perception is crucial. It’s a tool to refine communication and framing in every line of work.”
Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke
Recommended by: Mark Essien, Founder & CEO, Hotels.ng
“This book challenges the stigma around quitting and highlights its efficiency in some contexts. It taught me that persistence isn’t always the best course of action. Sometimes, letting go is the smartest decision you can make.”
What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry
Recommended by: Douglas Kendyson, Founder & CEO, Selar
“This book opened my eyes to the deep impacts of trauma—not just in others, but in myself. It’s a transformative read that offers valuable insights into resilience and healing, making it essential for anyone looking to better understand human emotions.”
These books, filled with lessons on leadership, resilience, strategy, and self-awareness, have clearly struck a chord with Africa’s tech leaders. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration, these titles are a great place to start.
