Africa Open for Business

The common view of Africa's economic situation pictures a backward region still mired in war, famine, and tribalism. Carol Pineau's PBS-aired documentary Africa Open for Business offers a different perspective, focusing on examples of entrepreneurship across the continent that point to the nascent development of a thriving capitalist system (as well as opportunities for outside investment). The 10 “case studies” presented here vary widely, including a coffeehouse in Uganda, a children's clothing operation in Nigeria, a tourist-oriented “adventure tour” in Zambia, an animation studio in Senegal, a bank in Ghana, a flower-exportation firm in Kenya, an airline in Somalia, and a wireless communications operation in Congo. Most of the enterprises are completely homegrown, but some involve foreign ownership. Combining interviews and on location footage, the film takes an honest look at systemic problems as well as potential benefits. But the emphasis, by and large, is on the positive side—a relative rarity in documentaries addressing the continent's economic realities. Africa Open for Business will be especially useful in business school curricula, although it should also spur discussion in general audiences. DVD extras include filmed statements from producer-director Pineau and cinematographer Mark Thalman. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)