AMADOU DIALLO

CEO, DHL GLOBAL FORWARDING, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA ( MENA )

outstanding ideas at the Fast Forward Challenge this year. Every single one of the ideas and pitches at the regional edition was path-breaking, but ARC Ride [he winner] showcased a robust, scalable model that incorporated a fleet of electric vehicles and the infrastructure for battery charging.

“We witnessed a definitive shift and growing commitment among young entrepreneurs to pursue sustainable business ideas. There was also increased collaboration using technology in transformational new ways.”

And Diallo’s commitment to bringing forth new energy in the sector doesn’t stop there, having recently spoken on how organisations can capitalise on new opportunities in Africa. He recently said: “Against the backdrop of rising unemployment and underemployment, and low-paying, unstable and hazardous sources of income, entrepreneurship has become one of the most sustainable job generation tools available to young people.

“Bright young minds that can identify opportunities and deliver solutions are vigorously embracing this opportunity, and for a good reason: high levels of entrepreneurial activity may yield high returns in the future. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that the global population will increase by about two billion over the next three decades, with half of that growth coming from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

“The region’s population is projected to double from nearly one billion to two billion, making it potentially one of the world’s most dynamic economies. It will also have the world's youngest population, so its entrepreneurs must be cushioned against future economic shockwaves.”