11/07/2026
☂️ Why do umbrellas outsell raincoats?
At first glance, it seems like a simple question.
But through the lens of African Market Psychology, it reveals an important lesson about brand positioning.
An umbrella serves more than one purpose.
It protects people from the rain.
It protects people from the sun.
A raincoat, however, is largely associated with one season.
The lesson for African founders is bigger than the products themselves.
Many brands position themselves like raincoats.
Customers remember them only when they have one specific problem.
The brands that become unforgettable position themselves like umbrellas.
They become useful across different moments, needs, and situations.
Business Insight 💡
The brands that win in African markets aren't always those with the widest product range.
They're the brands customers perceive as being useful in more moments of everyday life.
At AfriWrite Hub, we believe this is one of the reasons some African brands become part of community memory while others remain seasonal.
Perhaps the question isn't:
"How can my brand sell more?"
Perhaps it's:
"How can my brand become useful in more moments of my customer's life?"
What do you think?
Can you name an African brand that has successfully positioned itself like an umbrella rather than a raincoat?
👇 We'd love to hear your thoughts.
AfriWrite Hub
African Market Intelligence Institution