Obi Cubana Reveals Why African Entrepreneurs Fail To Grow Globally Despite Having Great Talent And Vision

 

Nigerian business magnate Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, has shared an eye-opening perspective on why many African entrepreneurs struggle to achieve global dominance despite their intelligence, creativity, and resilience. The hospitality and entertainment tycoon believes the root of the continent’s business stagnation lies not in a lack of innovation, but in a deep-seated reluctance to collaborate and share ownership.

Speaking in a recently trending video, Obi Cubana expressed concern over the mindset of many African business owners who believe they must maintain total control of their enterprises to succeed. According to him, this obsession with personal ownership has become one of the biggest obstacles to long-term business growth and sustainability on the continent.

He explained that in contrast to this African business culture, Western entrepreneurs understand and embrace the power of partnerships. Many successful global corporations, he noted, are built on collective ownership models that allow multiple investors to collaborate, share ideas, and combine resources for greater impact.

Obi Cubana pointed out that many of the most successful companies in the world are not owned by single individuals, but by groups of stakeholders who often do not even know one another personally. What unites them, he said, is a common goal and a willingness to prioritize the growth of the business over personal recognition or control.

According to him, this collaborative culture is what enables Western nations to undertake large-scale projects with efficiency and ease. He contrasted this with the African approach, where entrepreneurs frequently insist on keeping everything under their names, often registering companies like “Obi Cubana and Sons Limited” even when their children may have no interest or ability to manage such businesses.

He lamented that this attitude has dire consequences for business continuity. Many African enterprises, he noted, collapse immediately after the death or incapacitation of their founders because the businesses were built around individuals rather than systems or structures. Without a second or third generation to carry on the vision, such ventures simply fade away.

The entrepreneur emphasized that true success in business goes beyond personal pride or ownership titles. It involves creating a legacy that can outlive its founder, grow through collaboration, and generate value for generations to come. He encouraged young African business leaders to begin thinking beyond self-centered models and start forming partnerships that can elevate their ideas to the global stage.

Obi Cubana’s statement resonates strongly with a growing number of economic analysts who argue that Africa’s entrepreneurial potential remains largely untapped due to structural and cultural barriers. They believe that while the continent is rich in creativity and innovation, many enterprises remain small and localized because their owners refuse to share control or bring in strategic partners.

His comments also draw attention to the importance of mentorship and corporate governance in Africa’s private sector. By building transparent systems that can function independently of their founders, businesses are more likely to attract investors, expand across borders, and remain relevant in changing markets.

Obi Cubana, who rose to fame through his success in hospitality, entertainment, and real estate, has built a multi-million-naira empire through a combination of strategic partnerships and community-based collaboration. His own network, famously referred to as the “Cubana Group,” operates through multiple partners and associates who each play vital roles in its growth.

He urged African entrepreneurs to emulate this approach, reminding them that shared ownership does not mean losing control, but rather gaining strength through unity. He stressed that the dream of global recognition for African brands will only be realized when business owners start trusting others with responsibility and move away from the mindset of “I must own it all.”

By shifting towards inclusive models and valuing teamwork over personal credit, Obi Cubana believes Africa can create businesses that rival global giants and stand the test of time. His message calls for a new generation of entrepreneurs who understand that collective progress is the true measure of success, not just individual power or control.

Ultimately, Obi Cubana’s remarks challenge the prevailing notion of business success across the continent. He presents a compelling argument for change, urging Africans to replace ego with enterprise, competition with cooperation, and isolation with shared ambition. If this cultural shift occurs, he believes Africa will finally begin to produce companies that not only thrive locally but also compete confidently on the global stage.