At the TEDx PAU (Pan-Atlantic University) event, Ziad Maalouf, Managing Director of Seven-Up Bottling Company and convener of SME Scaleup, delivered a powerful talk on the challenges that Nigerian entrepreneurs face when scaling their businesses. Drawing from his extensive experience leading Seven-Up and his journey as an entrepreneur in e-commerce, Maalouf offered valuable insights to help Nigerian SMEs overcome common obstacles and scale successfully.
One of the central themes of his talk was the Scaleup Deficit Disorder (SDD), a term Maalouf coined to describe the struggles that many small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) face when trying to transition from small, struggling operations to scalable, impactful businesses. According to Maalouf, 98% of Nigerian entrepreneurs suffer from this disorder, which stems from a lack of focus on growth strategies, efficient management, and operational discipline.
Maalouf shared his personal journey, recounting how he learned from his early mistakes and gradually built a successful business. He emphasized that the key to overcoming SDD is taking ownership of growth and creating a structured approach to business operations. He cited a compelling example of a Nigerian SME that, through strategic hiring, cost reduction, and operational efficiency, managed to increase its revenue from N310 million in four months to over a billion Naira in one year.
“The problem is You. The cure for Scaleup Deficit Disorder starts with a clear focus on growth strategies,” Maalouf asserted. He stressed the importance of responsible leadership and the need for entrepreneurs to focus on creating an environment conducive to growth, rather than waiting for external factors to change.
As the convener of SME Scaleup, Maalouf has dedicated himself to helping Nigerian entrepreneurs move from survival mode to thriving, impactful businesses. The SME Scaleup initiative provides SMEs with tools, mentorship, and guidance to scale effectively, creating a network of business owners who can support each other through the challenges of expansion.
Maalouf’s talk resonated with the audience at TEDx PAU, sparking discussions about the future of Nigerian entrepreneurship. The event highlighted the need for collaboration, leadership, and systemic change in Nigeria’s business landscape.
In addition to Maalouf’s insights, the event featured other thought leaders who shared valuable perspectives on various aspects of entrepreneurship. Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President and Chairman of Coscharis Group, discussed entrepreneurial success and the importance of mentoring the next generation. Mr. Michael Olugbemi, Programme Director of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, spoke about how gas can power Nigeria’s future. Mrs. Adesuwa Ifedi, Africa Senior Vice President for Heifer International, focused on leadership, scaling for development, and strategic partnerships. Other speakers, such as Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Dr. Peter Bamkole, and Ms. Temitope Runsewe, also shared valuable insights on education, collaboration, innovation, and family business dynamics.
Through his leadership at Seven-Up Bottling Company and his work with SME Scaleup, Maalouf continues to serve as a catalyst for empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs. His TEDx talk underscored the importance of investing in scalable systems, disciplined decision-making, and a growth-oriented mindset, providing a roadmap for entrepreneurs to scale smarter, innovate effectively, and make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy.
