Afsar Azize Abdulla Ebrahim (Director of Kick Advisory Services)

Afsar Azize Abdulla Ebrahim (Director of Kick Advisory Services) "A turnaround exercise gives the company a chance of survival"

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Afsar Azize Abdulla Ebrahim "A turnaround exercise gives the company a chance of survival"

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Immunization campaigns around the world play a huge role in restoring confidence in the global economy, observes the Director and Founding Partner of Kick Advisory Services. For Afsar Ebrahim, given its small size which limits its growth, the Mauritian economy is in dire need of foreign capital and investment. Likewise, we need to expand our market by refocusing on Africa. He also insists on the need to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors.

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After contracting 15.2% in 2020, the Mauritian economy will begin a slow recovery. The latest estimates from MCB Focus show growth of 6.3% this year. Do you fall into the category of optimists or pessimists?

What shapes should the stimulus curve take: U, L or saw-shaped?

It is difficult to give a definitive answer because there are so many things and variables that need to be considered at the same time. I call with all my vow for hockey stick curve growth over the next five years, but right now our small economy seems to be blocking growth. For real growth, we need capital, foreign investment and foreign investors to settle in Mauritius. We should also expand our market by refocusing on Africa and see how to get the most out of a new strategy. Covid-19 caused all savings to hit the reset button. There are many advantages that we must take full advantage of. One of them is the fact that the private and public sectors have traditionally worked together to move the country forward. We must continue to build on it. As we move forward towards our future, we cannot do things like in the past. I believe that a clear vision with a well executed strategy should get the economy back on track.

After ten extremely tense months, have you noticed a return of confidence within the business community?

There were indeed problems, but we must realize that the general global context is unprecedented. As I said, since our independence we have seen the country overcome incredible challenges when the public and private sectors worked in tandem. This time around, I believe it is again the key factor in Mauritius' success. It is a competitive advantage that we must not allow to erode. Since Independence, we have had so many new entrepreneurs, so many new businesses, so many high value-added jobs created and today we have a growing middle class. In addition, we can rely on a pool of entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals who work hard; they are fully committed Mauritians. Covid-19 has had a negative impact on everyone, but we need to refocus, realign our common interest and put our efforts at the service of a common goal. All we need is “A few good men,” like in the Tom Cruise movie from the early 1990s (I mean men and women).

At Kick Advisory Services, what methodology do you use to help struggling businesses get back on track?

We bring an entrepreneurial approach to our solution; which in itself is very practical. Our methodology begins with ensuring that, above all, we receive relevant, timely and reliable data. We test the assumptions of any forecast. We identify potential partners and prepare a business case to negotiate with banks for restructuring. We also provide strategic advice when needed. Business valuation is an essential part of our advice.

How are your SWOT analyzes carried out in this very special period?

The SWOT is not the solution but only a business assessment tool. The key these days is to apply an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit to find ways to address weaknesses in restructuring, and to do the same to capitalize on strengths. These are short-term, quick-impact measures, while containing immediate threats. If the business survives, we'll look at the opportunities.

Thank You Afsar Azize Abdulla Ebrahim Visit: http://afsarebrahim.com/