"There is no doubt that over the past four decades, Africa has illuminated my life and thinking in myriad ways." In a series of succinct essays, the author explores the many facets of living and working in sub-Saharan Africa, first fresh from university and, decades later, promoting and marketing solar energy products to the "bottom of the pyramid." By turns entertaining, thought provoking and-indeed-illuminating, this is no mere travelogue. Kam ventures from the mundane (raising chickens, trying to watch a soccer match, and cleaning up his own messes) to the philosophical (the value and impact of religion in Africa), by way of the pragmatic (the role of business in development and how to do good while also doing well), all with a keen eye for the paradoxes and contradictions that make this continent both fascinating and frustrating. A proponent and practitioner of "social" or "impact" investing, Kam offers valuable advice for businesses and investors seeking to participate in the development Africa's economic potential. "Dirk brings to life many of the colorful characters and events experienced over his forty years of interactions with sub-Saharan Africa. His writings, both biographical and philosophical, reflect a man who has a passion for people, business and action." - From the Foreword by Harry Andrews and Stewart Craine, founders of Barefoot Power
About the Author: After completing a degree in business economics at Rotterdam's Erasmus University, Dirk Kam spent a two years in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Disillusioned with the development strategies and track records of governments and established NGOs, in 1998 he established the Netherlands-based Mesics Foundation, focusing on small-scale projects in Kenya, Benin, Togo, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ivory Coast that stimulate self-reliance. Dirk is also a principal of Kam Investment BV, a social investment fund focusing on African small-to-medium enterprises that create valuable products and/or services, while offering local income-generating prospects. From 2011-2015, Dirk lived in Kampala, Uganda with his wife, Pauline, serving as local director of Barefoot Power Uganda. His current main focus is advising Barefoot Power Africa Ltd. He is the father of three grown daughters, a grandfather, and proud to be called "Mzee."