Helping Africa through business

Africa I recently wrote a blog post asking for information on happy workplaces in Africa.

I got some great tips, showing that even in poor countries it’s still possible to be happy at work.

Now I can finally announce the reason why i ask. A company has been launched that has a simple but breath-taking goal: To eradicate poverty in Africa through business.

The company is called C4, and the idea is based on micro-financing ala Grameen Bank – with a focus on helping African businesses.

The idea is this:

People in rich countries can create an account with C4 and put money into it.
Africans can create accounts asking for investments.
C4 account holders can decide which projects to invest in.

Note that you’re not giving the money as aid – you’re investing in a number of projects and can expect to get your money back with interest.

The advantages are clear:

You get direct influence over which projects you support.
Instead of giving aid, we’re helping people help themselves.

I know the people behind this, and I know their commitment, skill and energy will carry them on to great results. I have also been giving them a hand here and there :o)

Now they’re looking for the first group of people to start test-driving the site. They’re looking for 2,015 people to be specific (why that number? See if you can figure it out :o)

I urge you to sign up for this. It’s a great opportunity to be a part of something fun, that has the potential to make the world a better place.

I will certainly be participating, with a specific focus on spreading happiness at work in African businesses.

Comments

12 responses to “Helping Africa through business”

March 1, 2007

Michael Langford

http://www.kiva.org is well tested in this arena as does a similar thing, however all over the world. They’ve got a slightly better model IMO.

–Michael
March 1, 2007

pedro

Another site has started the same idea, their scope is larger than Africa but it is already running:

http://kiva.org/
minimum investment is 25$
March 1, 2007

Tim Vang

Thank you Alexander for writing about C4 on your blog…. and especially because of the theme of your blog!

Let me use a line to encourage you to sign-up as MyC4-builder….
March 1, 2007

Tim Vang

Pedro, Kiva is absolutely a super initiative who is on the same “poverty eradication train” as us.

We differ from Kiva on many points though:

1) We are building a comprehensive and engaging community that makes it possible for both investor and entrepreneur to communicate with an intensity, frequency and pace desired by the individual.

2) No matter who and where your business partner is, the “same” principals and respect as used anywhere else must govern the business (argued on our blog by Kasper: http://c4-world.com/2007/02/20/a-question-for-you/#comments) – which is why we are building the sustainability upon Return On Investment.

3) We have a lot of additional ideas to be tested during the build-up phase – do you want to know more or even have an impact on how MyC4.com will work, you should definitely sign-up as a MyC4-builder on our site!

We highly appreciate and respect initiatives/businesses that have the same goal as we do (eradicate poverty!) AND we believe that there is room for many here!
March 1, 2007

Best Business Directory » Blog Archive » Business Business Electrical Supply – Business Events Scheduled for Friday (AP via Yahoo! Finance)

[…] Helping Africa through businessA company has been launched that has a simple but breath-taking goal: To eradicate poverty in Africa through business. The company is called C4, and the idea is based on micro-financing ala Grameen Bank – with a focus on helping African … […]
March 3, 2007

Theo Tonca

Alex: Thanks for letting us know about C4 ;)

Tim: Excellent idea! I think it will change the world for the better, keep it up :)
March 4, 2007

C4-world – uitroeien van armoede door zakendoen at Enthousiasmeren

[…] Via Positive Sharing kwam ik op C4-world – een YOUniversal investering platform. C4-world is een commerciele organisatie gefocusseerd op het uitroeien van armoede gebruik maken van zaken doen. Ze hebben MyC4 gebouwd om een platform te realiseren waar micro-investeringen opgegeven kunnen worden. Aan de andere kant worden er investeringsmogelijkheden opgegeven. […]
March 5, 2007

Erno Hannink

Hah, this is great. I am one of the 2015 MyC4-builders. Just received the confirmation this morning. Wow, it is an honor to be involved in this dream.
April 11, 2007

trama

Ich erklare meinen Freunden uber diese Seite. Interessieren!
April 11, 2007

Tim Vang

Trama, I am not so experienced in German… so my “answer” will be in English!

Yes, we would be happy if you explain about our site – thank you!
May 11, 2007

C4 « VillageTalk

[…] C4 May 11, 2007 Posted by timedesk in Uncategorized. trackback A company has been launched that has a simple but breath-taking goal: To eradicate poverty in Africa through business.The company is called C4, and the idea is based on micro-financing ala Grameen Bank – with a focus on helping African businesses.
September 11, 2007

Please join me on C4

[…] previously wrote about my good friends on C4 and how they’re helping Africa by letting people like you and me […]