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Deciding to Stay: A Bold Choice in the Japa Era
In 2022, while many Nigerians sought opportunities abroad, Charles Archibong made a pivotal decision to stay in Lagos despite offers from two esteemed companies in Europe. With a lucrative opportunity from Yukawa Exponential GmbH in Germany and another from Estonia's Yolo Group, the allure of leaving Nigeria was immense, particularly during the height of the Japa wave, when relocating seemed like the path to success.
Understanding the Vision Behind Myaza
As he faced numerous messages congratulating him for his potential move, Charles felt a deeper calling. Instead of retreating to greener pastures, he embarked on a journey to build Myaza, a fintech startup addressing the critical issue of cross-border payments across Africa. “Africa needed what I was building more than I needed to leave,” he recalls, highlighting his commitment to solving a $150 billion problem affecting countless Africans.
Highs and Lows of Staying in Lagos
Charles admits that the road was fraught with uncertainty. Nights filled with anxiety, watching friends succeed abroad, and struggles to pay salaries tested his resolve. Yet, every small victory reaffirmed his decision. The startup gradually gained traction, pulling thousands of users into its growing ecosystem, emphasizing a clear mission to simplify money transfers within Africa.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Charles’ journey offers vital insights for entrepreneurs contemplating similar choices. He emphasizes the importance of introspection in decision-making: “If you’re leaving because of fear, don’t. If you’re leaving for clarity, growth, or divine alignment, GO.” His perspective sheds light on the wealth created when one builds solutions that cater to local challenges, encouraging others to think about the larger impact before making life-altering decisions.
Myaza’s Future: Aims and Aspirations
Today, Myaza envisions making it as easy to send money from Lagos to Nairobi as it is to communicate via WhatsApp. It's a testament to the potential embedded within African startups to disrupt conventional systems and create robust, innovative frameworks. The journey has just begun for Myaza, with aspirations to affect significant change across the continent.
As the future unfolds, the confluence of fintech innovations across Africa coupled with visionary entrepreneurs like Charles Archibong exemplifies a growing trend in the region's digital transformation. This shift aims to redefine the narrative, focusing on growth, possibilities, and the remarkable future of work in Africa.
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