by Erik Wurster
Interest in E+Co and our work was strong among Harvard students, faculty and students from other schools at the 12th Annual Harvard Business School African Business Conference. I took part in the cleantech panel. Students posed thoughtful questions around serving off grid communities with solar technology, the future potential of biofuels and competition with African food sources, carbon finance and why Africa has been virtually left behind in these transactions.
What impressed me most was the huge number – over 500 students attended – of highly educated, motivated and enthusiastic young Africans who stand ready to return to Africa seeking business opportunities that are aimed at serving their communities with products and services that improve living standards, protect the environment, cure the sick and feed the hungry. Those who remain pessimistic of Africa’s future haven’t witnessed the brain power poised to improve it.”