Before We Digitise Africa’s Small Businesses, Let’s First Build the Foundation

“Geofrey, the world has moved to technology. And you have a technology company. Why are you making a manual book?”

I remember hearing this from some of my friends when I first introduced the Prepared Business Finance Book.

And honestly, they were right.

So I asked them to look around.

“Count all the businesses around us. Now tell me, how many of them can afford to buy a computer and install a computerised accounting system in their shop?”

The answer was almost none.

Then I asked:

“Now, how many can buy and use a simple book?”

That question changed everything.

The issue is not always about where the world has reached. Sometimes, we have to ask where the journey must start.

As a teacher, you cannot take a student straight into secondary school without first giving them a primary foundation. You will struggle to teach them further.

I realised that the same applies to many micro and small businesses.

Technology is powerful. It can automate work, improve efficiency and help businesses grow. But there is a class of businesses that cannot yet afford or effectively use that technology.

Are we going to leave them behind?

I don't think so.

Instead of forcing every small business into technology they are not yet ready for, let's help them build the discipline, systems and understanding that will prepare them to afford and use that technology.

That is why we went back to the drawing board.

We created a simple financial management tool that fits the reality of a small business owner — not the other way around.

Because even when a bank asks a micro business owner for financial records before giving them a loan, we rarely stop to answer the most important question:

“How do I actually keep those records?”

And when we organise MSME workshops, we often assume everyone can leave their business, travel to a hotel and attend.

But can the small shop owner really leave their shop for the whole day?

This is why we chose a different starting point.

Start where they are. Build the foundation. Then help them grow.

Today, over 2,000 businesses are using the Prepared Business Finance Book to record their sales, expenses, stock, debts and business performance.

For me, this is more than a number.

It is proof that sometimes, going back to the basics is not going backwards.

It is building the road that leads to the future.

And now, I believe organisations supporting entrepreneurs — NGOs, SACCOs, financial institutions, government programmes, business associations and development partners — can help us take this foundation to thousands more businesses.

Let’s not leave the smallest businesses behind in the journey to digital transformation.

Let’s help them become ready for it.

Prepared Finance — Start simple. Build discipline. Grow.

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