ABSTRACT
Africa needs everything, and success in Africa comes from filling that need. That seems a straightforward equation, but it has eluded
many companies that have operated in Africa, including many Afri-
can companies. James Mworia recalls an experience that captures
the phenomenon well. When this story took place, James had already
been to university, become a CPA, and was working full time at
Centum:
I remember when I was an employee of Centum in 2001, I got
a letter from my bank, Standard Chartered Bank. They said,
“Based on your balance and the activity in your account, you’re
not qualified to be an account holder in this bank. You have so
many days to collect your money,” and they closed my account.
