In the high-stakes world of startups, African entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including economic turbulence, currency devaluation, and tax hikes. To survive, they must develop a critical trait: resilience. However, resilience is not just about adapting to changing circumstances; it's about doing so with purpose, grounded in a clear vision and solid market understanding.

Take Paystack, for instance, which has centered its growth on enabling SMEs, strategically solving a key pain point on the continent, integrating with global platforms, and focusing on scalable digital onboarding. Paystack's success wasn't just about reacting to market changes; it was about a calculated response to market needs, based on a deep understanding of its core mission.

The prevailing narrative that startups must constantly adapt is only part of the story. Adaptability is critical, yet it risks becoming a crutch if it isn't grounded in a clear vision and solid market understanding. Excessive adaptability can also dilute vision, leading startups to lose their identity, waste time, and ultimately fail. The question, then, isn't simply "adapt or die," but "adapt with purpose or die."

Failure is a stark reality for African startups, which operate with limited resources and in challenging environments. Failure means significant debt, a damaged reputation, and repercussions for future investment in the local ecosystem. Of course, some startups pivot into new ventures or merge with other entities, but this is often the exception. For most, failure is final – a painful chapter that ends a journey.

Resilient startups understand that they can't succeed in isolation. Success isn't just about internal strategies; it's also about tapping into external support. Startups thrive when they connect with entrepreneurial networks – both physical and digital – that provide resources, knowledge, and opportunities otherwise out of reach. These networks offer mentorship, partnerships, and investor access – critical lifelines that allow startups to navigate uncertainty with greater ease.

Innovation is also key to survival. Resilient startups don't just innovate – they integrate innovation into their DNA. Consider M-KOPA, the Kenyan credit startup that identified a critical gap: millions of people lacked electricity but had mobile phones. By offering pay-as-you-go solar systems that could be paid for in small installments via mobile money (M-PESA), M-KOPA provided an innovative solution to an urgent problem.

Innovation, though, doesn't always have to be about creating the next big thing. In fact, the most successful startups often find new ways to solve old problems. The challenge is to innovate adaptively, responding to market shifts before the competition can. For example, during the pandemic, many food delivery startups pivoted to offer grocery delivery services, a trend that continues to grow today.

The world is only becoming less predictable, but uncertainty doesn't have to spell doom for startups. Those that adapt, innovate with purpose, and build strong networks will not only survive economic uncertainty – they'll emerge stronger. The real question isn't whether startups should adapt to survive; it's how they can adapt with purpose, staying true to their mission, and navigating change in a way that's sustainable.

Ultimately, startups rely on wit, but another argument comes into play: whether these firms need to adapt or wither away. Focusing on the same argument may create a false dichotomy. Startups need deep industry knowledge and a sustainable business model. However, a startup constantly pivoting without understanding its market or path to growth risks aimless wandering. By balancing adaptability with a clear vision, African startups can thrive in the face of economic turbulence.