Positioning for Global Impact: The Energy of “Africa to the World”

As we approach the second half of 2023, the global business landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and the need for African businesses to position themselves for global impact has never been more crucial. The energy of “Africa to the World” is palpable, and there is a growing recognition of the unique and diverse value that African businesses can offer to the world.

To achieve global impact, African businesses must embrace and leverage their unique cultural and business perspectives, while also adopting a global mindset. This means recognizing and responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by the global market, and actively seeking out collaborations and partnerships with international businesses.

One key aspect of this is the importance of building a diverse and inclusive workforce, which is reflective of the global markets businesses are looking to operate in. This not only brings different perspectives to the table but also ensures that businesses are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to operate successfully in a global context.

Another important aspect of positioning for global impact is the need to embrace technology and digitalization. African businesses must not only keep pace with technological advancements but also actively seek out ways to leverage technology to drive innovation and efficiency in their operations. In order to position for global impact, African businesses must also embrace sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The global community is increasingly focused on environmental and social issues, and businesses that are able to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices will have a competitive advantage in the global market.

The energy of “Africa to the World” presents an unprecedented opportunity for African businesses to position themselves for global impact. By embracing their unique perspectives and strengths, adopting a global mindset, building diverse and inclusive teams, leveraging technology, and embracing sustainability, African businesses can take their place on the global stage and make a significant impact in the years to come.

Since the turn of the millennium, the Serpentine Galleries have embraced a powerful tradition of commissioning an esteemed international architecture practice to craft the awe-inspiring Serpentine Pavilion in the heart of London’s Kensington Gardens. In 2017, they entrusted this grand endeavor to the visionary mind of Francis Kéré.

Drawing inspiration from the sacred tree that graces his hometown of Gando, where the community gathers beneath its embracing branches to contemplate life’s moments, Kéré envisioned a pavilion that fosters a sense of togetherness while nurturing a profound connection to nature.

With a masterful touch, Kéré fashioned an overhanging roof canopy, delicately woven with steel and a transparent skin, which blankets the entire footprint of the Serpentine Pavilion. This ingenious design allows the warm rays of sunlight to caress the interior while providing a protective sanctuary during the gentle showers of rain. Underneath this celestial ceiling, wooden shading elements gracefully dance, casting dynamic shadows that shift with the sun’s journey across the sky.

The walls, a symphony of prefabricated wooden blocks assembled into triangular modules with subtle apertures, bestow an ethereal lightness and transparency upon the enclosure. Four gracefully curved wall fragments extend as welcoming arms, beckoning visitors to embrace the serenity within Kéré’s Serpentine Pavilion. The ingenious detachment from the roof canopy facilitates the unimpeded circulation of both fresh air and lively souls.

At the heart of this architectural marvel lies a profound connection to the heavens—a large opening in the canopy. When the skies weep, this unique feature channels the rainwater into the very core of the structure, serving as a poignant reminder of water’s essence as a fundamental resource for humanity’s sustenance and prosperity.

As the sun sets, the canopy takes on a new role—a radiant source of illumination. Ingenious wall perforations grant glimpses of the vibrant life unfolding inside the pavilion to those outside. The Serpentine Pavilion, under Kéré’s guidance, transforms into a beacon of light—a symbol of storytelling, unity, and the shared experience of being.

Having left a trail of inspiration in London from June to November 2017, Kéré’s Serpentine Pavilion was destined to continue its journey. Its profound narrative found a new home at the Ilham Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where it continues to captivate hearts and minds with its timeless tale of unity, nature, and the boundless power of human creativity.