Dirk Kam

Illuminating Africa Dirk Kam

"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