Regional integration, evolving leadership, increased participation of women in politics and vibrant young people are just some of the reasons why a leading businessman is optimistic about East Africa.

Ashish J Thakkar, founder of Mara Group, believes that despite numerous challenges, the region is, in his words, “on the right track.”

Mr Thakkar, who is in his 30s, began his first business as a teenager.  Today, he oversees operations in 22 African countries employing more than 10,000 people in sectors such as technology, manufacturing and financial services.

He urges young East Africans to “start small” but “dream big.”

Priscilla Lecomte caught up with the Ugandan-Rwandan serial entrepreneur when he stopped at the UN this week to present his book ‘The Lion Wakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle.’

Duration: 2’03”