TribesAndHistory: What is your name, or how would you like to be addressed?

Sawadogo: You can call me Mr. Sawadogo.

TribesAndHistory: Great! And how can readers connect with you? Maybe your LinkedIn, Instagram, or personal website?

Sawadogo: Sure, I’ll share those details later.

TribesAndHistory: So, where are you originally from?

Sawadogo: I’m originally from Burkina Faso. My parents migrated to Ghana before independence, and I was born here.

TribesAndHistory: Interesting! So, do you consider yourself Ghanaian now?

Sawadogo: Yes, absolutely.

TribesAndHistory: As the founder of Let’s Lead Africa, what inspired you to start this organization?

Sawadogo: Many factors inspired me. I have a political background and noticed many youths graduated from universities without practical skills or entrepreneurial training. They aren’t prepared for the changing world and often rely on government jobs, which are scarce. I wanted to create an NGO to empower youth, help them develop their skills, and prepare them for entrepreneurship. I also received entrepreneurial training in India, where I saw how small and medium enterprises drive employment. That’s something we lack in Africa, especially Ghana. So, these were key reasons behind starting Let’s Lead Africa.

TribesAndHistory: When exactly was the organization founded?

Sawadogo: We officially registered it in 2022, but I had been working behind the scenes with youth programs before that in political circles.

TribesAndHistory: Can you tell us more about what Let’s Lead Africa does? How do you empower young people?

Sawadogo: I’ve been passionate about self-development since I was 11, even though my parents didn’t always support it. I started by doing small jobs, selling water, shining shoes—just to earn some money. Later, I moved to Tamale, where I had more educational opportunities. I worked in different fields, started side businesses, and eventually moved to Accra to start new ventures, including exporting handicrafts.

Through politics and business, I realized I could help more people by influencing policies and providing access to opportunities. My constituency has several universities, including the University of Ghana and other universities, and through Let’s Lead Africa, we’ve helped youth access education and entrepreneurship training, including international programs like the Dream Builders Program with Arizona State University. This is how my journey with Let’s Lead Africa began and continues today.

TribesAndHistory: That’s incredible. I love how you talked about your passion as a child and how you stayed focused despite challenges. Can you share a pivotal moment that shaped you as a leader?

Sawadogo: The education system was a big challenge for me. Technical education wasn’t valued as much, and to advance, you needed secondary education and degrees. I earned my degree at 44 and a master’s at 46, which opened doors for me. In Africa, people often judge you by your qualifications, not just your skills or knowledge. Although I believe skills matter most, having those certificates helped me gain respect and leadership opportunities. That was a turning point for me.

TribesAndHistory: Thank you for sharing that. How has your African heritage shaped your business journey?

Sawadogo: Being African has been both a challenge and an advantage. We have unique opportunities that many don’t recognize. There’s less competition in some areas because many people don’t seize these opportunities. However, that lack of competition can also be a weakness because competition drives innovation and growth. Overall, my heritage has given me a unique space to operate in, and I try to use that to benefit others.

TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you want to leave for the next generation of Africans?

Sawadogo: I want African entrepreneurs to adopt a disciplined, long-term mindset rooted in our traditional values. Too often, businesses in Africa don’t survive beyond their founders. We don’t have enough multi-generational businesses like you see in the West. I hope we can build businesses that last, creating systems that future generations can inherit and grow. This mindset is crucial for building lasting wealth and sustainable development.

TribesAndHistory: I completely agree. Businesses that last for generations build true wealth and stability. Any final words of wisdom?

Sawadogo: Thank you for this opportunity. I want to say that progress is often seen as a threat by communities, and people sometimes resist those who succeed. Recognition often comes with money or publicity, but many of us build our success quietly over decades. I urge everyone to build strong foundations for their businesses because history and those relationships are what make businesses sustainable.

Also, I encourage Africans to support one another and build empires together instead of trying to succeed alone. Unity is key.

TribesAndHistory: That’s powerful. We’re launching a community for African founders soon, where members can support and connect with each other across the continent. Would you be interested in joining?

Sawadogo: Absolutely! I would love to be part of it.