6Willard Thrasher Card III, from Cardston, Alberta, Canada is about to lose his new job as a development consultant in Malawi. Although he is confident he could be a great consultant and Africa hand, he decides he would be even more successful as an entrepreneur. A bizarre series of events convinces him to start a business in Zambia as he connects with Anil and Lucky, two local characters who become his partners and friends. His confidence waxes strong and he is so sure of success anytime from now that he brings his wife and children from Canada to join him.

A comedy of failures ensues as he learns to navigate his African environment by churning through several half-baked businesses. Eventually, he comes to trust his wife's instincts and they find success in an unexpected enterprise. Crooks, Chinese investors, government ministers, market boys and villagers all play their part in helping the family learn that in Africa, we all live on a small balance of favors. A fast-moving humorous tale of entrepreneurship and compassion in the developing world.