In entrepreneurship, the first lesson often taught is this: “Protect your idea, price your product, and make sure you get paid.” And yes — money matters. A business cannot survive without revenue.
But here’s a truth that is rarely spoken: sometimes the biggest impact, the strongest legacy, and even the greatest financial success come not from what you charge, but from what you give away for free.
Think about it. Some of the most powerful tools we use today didn’t spread because they were the most expensive, but because someone made the brave decision to let the world have them at no cost.
One of the most striking examples of this is the story of the QR code.
The QR Code: A Gift to the World
In 1994, Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara invented the QR code while working at Denso Wave. At the time, it was designed to track car parts in factories. But Hara and his company did something radical: they made the QR code royalty-free.
That single decision changed the world.
- Today, QR codes are used in over 190 countries.
- They power digital payments across Africa, where over 350 million people remain unbanked.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, they became a lifeline for contactless menus, vaccination tracking, and public health safety.
- Businesses of all sizes — from street vendors in Lagos to global corporations — use them at zero cost.
If the QR code had been locked behind patents and licensing fees, adoption would have been slow. Instead, because it was free, it became a universal tool for access and inclusion.
The Lesson for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa
What does this mean for women building businesses across Africa?
It means that not everything of value has to be monetized immediately. Sometimes, by giving away knowledge, access, or tools for free, you create greater impact, visibility, and trust, which eventually opens doors to growth and profit.
- A woman fashion entrepreneur in Accra who shares free styling tips on Instagram can attract a loyal customer base that later buys her clothes.
- A Nigerian agripreneur offering free farming workshops in her community can build a network of farmers who eventually become suppliers, partners, or clients.
- A Kenyan tech founder who gives free mentorship to young coders can build an ecosystem that strengthens her own company’s future.
In each case, giving first creates the foundation for long-term success.
Balancing Profit and Purpose
Of course, businesses must make money to survive — giving everything away isn’t sustainable. But here’s the key: strategic generosity.
- Share knowledge freely, but charge for premium consulting.
- Offer entry-level access to your product at no cost, but monetize advanced features.
- Give mentorship to the next generation, and in return, earn loyalty, referrals, and community goodwill.
The African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Sometimes the best way to go together is to give without expecting immediate returns.
Final Thought
If you want to save the world — or even just change your community — sometimes you have to let go of ownership, control, and price tags.
Masahiro Hara may not have made billions from the QR code, but his gift has touched billions of lives. For African women entrepreneurs, that’s a powerful reminder: the legacy you leave might not be in what you sell, but in what you give away for free.
