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14 Feb 2022
Expert Advice on How to Enter African Markets Successfully. Africa Market Entry and Expansion with Bolaji Sofoluwe
00:39:52
Episode #5 with Bolaji Sofoluwewho is the Managing Director and Founder of ETK Group
What We Discuss With Bolaji Sofoluwe
How have people's perceptions of doing business in Africa changed over the last decade?
What are the most common obstacles that international businesses face when doing business in Africa?
Has the pandemic altered the way African markets are entered and expanded?
How can African countries increase the attractiveness of investment opportunities?
How Technology Is Being Used to Facilitate Trade and Reduce Fraud in Africa’s Agriculture with Victoria Madedor
01:07:01
Episode #10 with Victoria Madedor who is a Co-Founder of Agroverified, and Head of Business Development (Agribusiness & FMCG) at the Bank of Industry Nigeria.
What We Discuss With Victoria Madedor
How can technology be used to help Africa's agriculture industry overcome obstacles?
Are commodity platforms giving Africa's agriculture structure and stability?
What type of investors are investing in African agriculture?
How can AfCFTA help shape the future of Agriculture in Nigeria and Africa?
How an Innovative Startup Is Driving Financial Inclusion for Women in Africa with Ifeoma Uddoh
00:35:50
Episode #11 with Ifeoma Uddoh who is the Founder of Shecluded, a fintech company that provides growth loans, business support, Asset building tools, and financial education for African women..
What We Discuss With Ifeoma Uddoh
How does Shecluded assist African women in pursuing economic opportunities?
How are fintechs in Africa successfully tapping into the female economy?
What are some of the obstacles, social and cultural nuances that African women face?
What role does technology play in promoting financial independence among African women?
The Facts and Emerging Trends of Retail in Africa with Mac Mabidilala
00:58:08
Episode #12 with Mac Mabidilala who is Head Of Research at Trade Intelligence, a leading provider of retail business research, insight and capability building solutions in and across Africa.
What We Discuss With Mac Mabidilala
What are some of the nuances unique to African retail?
What is the significance of informal retail in Africa?
How should we integrate offline and online retail channels in Africa?
Which retailers are succeeding in Africa, and what have they done differently to achieve success?
Why You Should Invest in African Startups. Africa Is the Future with Gbite Oduneye
01:22:35
Episode #13 with Gbite Oduneye who is Founder and General Partner at ODBA, an early-stage venture capital firm that believes that real founders who have started, run, and scaled businesses are the best people to invest in them.
What We Discuss With Gbite Oduneye
Why is it critical that African founders become funders?
What value do venture capitalists add to the startups they fund?
What is the most effective way to find investable statups in Africa?
Will African startup funding continue to rise in 2022?
Developing an Effective Data Infrastructure to Drive Business Growth in Africa with Rob Withagen
00:51:00
Episode #14 with Rob Withagen who is Co-Founder and CEO at Asoko Insight, which is Africa’s leading corporate data and engagement platform, providing global investors, multinationals and development institutions the most effective route to discover, shortlist and engage their target universe of African companies.
What We Discuss With Rob Withagen
Why has it been so difficult to collect data in Africa in the past?
What role does increased data availability play in Africa's current startup funding boom?
How has Africa's data landscape evolved over the last seven years?
What advice would you give to African startup entrepreneurs looking to position themselves for future investment?
How Data Is Increasing Funding in Africa’s Startup Ecosystem with Dario Giuliani
00:43:15
Episode #15 with Dario Giuliani who is Founder and Director at Briter Bridges, which is is a think tank and data-driven research company focused on the role of innovation and technology, as well as private sector development across underserved markets.
What We Discuss With Dario Giuliani
When gathering data in Africa, what actions should you be looking to drive?
How important is partnership when it comes to growing a business in Africa?
What are some of the social goods that can be achieved through data use?
What data-driven African trends should we be excited about?
Using Technology to Unlock Africa’s Multibillion-Dollar Property Market with Daniel Bloch
00:58:40
Episode #16 with Daniel Bloch who is CEO at SESO Global, which is a Digital Lands Transactions platform that facilitates secure, trusted and risk-free Blockchain Land Transactions between, Property Owners, Land Service Agencies and Financial Institutions in Africa.
What We Discuss With Daniel Bloch
How can blockchain technology be effectively used in Africa's real estate market?
What obstacles do buyers face in the African property market?
Why is Africa’s current mortgage value chain so systematically weak?
What trends should we be excited about in the African real estate market?
Why the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Is a Global Game Changer with Louis Afful
00:49:00
Episode #17 with Louis Yaw Afful who is Executive Director at AfCFTA Policy Network Group, which is a burgeoning international NGO focused on highlighting free trade and upholding the implementation of AfCFTA and Intra-Africa trade with its pillars of trade partnerships, economies of scale, linkages, food security, accelerated economic activity and infrastructural development.
Louis is an international trade practitioner and serves on several international boards such as the GLOBAL Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Ghana Chamber of SMEs.
What We Discuss With Louis Yaw Afful
What has AfCFTA achieved so far?
How does AfCFTA interact with existing Regional Economic Communities like ECOWAS?
What are the impacts of AfCFTA for African businesses?
What are the impacts of AfCFTA for international businesses outside of Africa?
The Truth and Facts About How Africans Consume Brands with Feyi Olubodun
01:08:33
Episode #18 with Feyi Olubodun who is the Founder and Managing Partner of Open Squares Africa, a marketing strategy consulting firm with the mission to “interpret Africa for businesses with an Africa focus, thereby helping them navigate businesses successfully there.” He currently consults for multi-nationals and indigenous businesses on how to win in the African marketplace, with assignments across multiple regions on the continent.
Feyi is one of the leading authorities on understanding the African marketplace, and the author of the seminal book ‘The Villager: How Africans Consume Brands’ which articulates the only proprietary framework for understanding African consumer.
What We Discuss With Feyi Olubodun
What should business owners know about the African consumer?
What are some of the facts and truths about the African middleclass that most people are unaware of?
Why do so many brands, both global and local, fail to connect with African consumers?
What impact has technology had in the evolution and change of African consumer behaviour?
How to Develop a Disruption-Proof Supply Chain in Africa and Globally with Brian Aoaeh
01:12:06
Episode #19 with Brian Aoaeh who is a Cofounder and General Partner of REFASHIOND Ventures, an emerging venture capital fund manager that invests in early stage supply chain technology. He co-founded The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation, and is an Adjunct Professor of Supply Chain & Operations Management in the Department Technology Management & Innovation at the Tandon School of Engineering at New York University.
What We Discuss With Brian Aoaeh
What is the importance of optimising our supply chains?
What are some of the strategies for reviving Africa's supply chains post pandemic?
In the face of increased expenses, how can people change their supply chain strategies?
When it comes to supply chain startups, what do investors look for?
What Must Be Done to Ensure That Africa’s Youth Can Contribute to the Continent’s Economic Prosperity with Dr. Faith Nwaobia
01:07:55
Episode #20 with Dr. Faith Nwaobia who is President & Founder of YouthUp Global which is a fast-growing social enterprise focused on the extrapolation and utilization of human capital deeply embedded in the world youth population toward the creation of competitive businesses connected under a universal umbrella.
He also co-founded Telemigrants, a platform that connects people in emerging markets with jobs in developed countries.
What We Discuss With Dr. Faith Nwaobia
What are the prospects for Africa's youth in the short and long term?
How do we address Africa's youth unemployment?
What role can an interconnected Africa play in maximising the potential of Africa's youth?
What role has technology had in increasing the inclusion of African youth in the local and global economies?
An Expert Interview About Africa’s Tech Startup Ecosystem in the Midst of an Economic Downturn with Satoshi Shinada
00:54:52
Episode #21 with Satoshi Shinada who is a Partner at Verod Kepple Africa Ventures which is an early stage VC fund that backs exceptional founders in and from Africa who are addressing deep gaps between the status quo and the ideal.
Prior to founding Kepple, Satoshi worked at Sojitz Corporation as an Investment Manager, where he was in charge of infrastructure and energy projects. From 2010 to 2014, he was the Director of Sojitz Corporation Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.
What We Discuss With Satoshi Shinada
What has changed in the Nigerian or African startup investment ecosystem in the last eight years?
Globally, venture capital funding is slowing. Should African startups be concerned?
How can African early-stage startups adapt to this new VC landscape?
Previously, there was a strong emphasis on African startups developing local solutions. "Is anything local anymore?"
How the Gig Economy Is Creating Jobs and Changing Work Culture in Africa with Nicolas Goldstein
00:41:22
Episode #22 with Nicolas Goldstein who is Co-founder of Talenteum, which is an impactful and Pan-African web platform designed to help companies recruit and employ teams working remotely or locally in Africa. Talenteum provides an easy way to find remote talent in Africa. You can gain access to the largest pool of African talent in only a few clicks. The platform handles local employment compliance, recruiting, payroll, and human resource management.
What We Discuss With Nicolas Goldstein
African countries are experiencing talent booms. What are some of the fascinating trends in this area, and how do they relate to the gig economy?
Africa is the world's youngest continent, and will have a workforce larger than China or India by 2035. How can we invest in Africa's human capital?
What is driving the increase in the number of young Africans embracing remote work and the gig economy?
What are the most exciting current trends in Africa's online recruitment landscape?
Why the Informal Business Sector Is the Next Great Frontier of Africa. Africa’s Economic Revolution with GG Alcock
01:17:53
Episode #23 with GG Alcock. GG has been at times a shebeen owner, anti-apartheid activist, community worker and African adventurer, and more recently the founder of Minanawe Marketing, a leading marketing agency in the mass market. Having realised from an early age that there is no glamour in poverty GG uses his unique skills and experience to highlight and grow informal low income mass markets in Africa.
GG’s latest book KasiNomic Revolution explores the revolution taking place in the great marketplaces of the informal sector. The informal business sector is the next great frontier of Africa and it is undergoing an economic revolution – a new world of small people doing big things, transforming the continent.
What We Discuss With GG Alcock
What information do you need to know about the African informal sector as a business owner?
What are some of the most popular myths and misconceptions about Africa's informal sector?
How did you collaborate with Tolaram Group to launch Indomie noodles in South Africa?
What recent or current trends in Africa's informal sector should we be excited about?
Using Blockchain for Social Impact in Africa: The Good, Bad, and in Between with Pretty Kubyane
00:50:19
Episode #24 with Pretty Kubyane who is Co-Founder of Coronet Blockchain, a company that provides blockchain vetted products to African markets throughout the Beauty, Fashion, and Food supply chains. Leveraging blockchain for social good. They also provide advisory insights to organisations and governments embarking on their own blockchain initiatives.
Pretty's decade-long expertise in management consulting led to her co-founding of Coronet Blockchain, an innovative technological solution aimed at changing how hair swaps hands across Africa's ZAR 100 billion per year market.
What We Discuss With Pretty Kubyane
What are some of the blockchain misconceptions you'd like to dispel?
Could you please explain what it means to use technology for social good?
How can we use blockchain to assess and quantify social good?
Can you explain to us how your work relates to projects like Agenda 2063 and the SDGs 2030, and what role blockchain can play in accomplishing such goals?
How to Win Customers in Africa’s Unstructured Market. Africa’s Goldmine with Uchenna Uzo
00:41:48
Episode #25 with Dr. Uchenna Uzo who is the current Faculty Director at Lagos Business School, and teaches marketing management, personal selling, sales, and channel management courses. His research and consulting projects span several industries focusing mainly on indigenous sales and marketing strategies, retailing and consumer behaviour trends in Africa.
He currently serves on the board of a retail marketing firm and is the author of several business case studies, blogs via Afritail, and books, the most recent of which is Africa's Goldmine: A Guide to Winning Customers in an Unstructured Market. His academic articles have been published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal and the Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management.
What We Discuss With Uchenna Uzo
What are your top tips for business owners looking to win African customers?
The informal market in Africa is frequently described as chaotic and unstructured. How would you describe Africa’s informal market and why?
How would you describe the interaction of economics, supply chain, consumer preferences, and local culture that drives Africa's informal market?
What are some of the most notable changes in the behaviours of African customers?
Why Africa Is the Future of the Fashion Industry. Now Is the Time to Trade and Invest with Jacqueline Shaw
00:43:49
Episode #26 with Jacqueline Shaw who is an African fashion sourcing consultant, Director at Africa Fashion Guide which is an information based platform with the focus to promote the African fashion and textile industry and create an awareness campaign that promotes the full supply chain of the African fashion and textile industry with an ethical perspective to the greater global textile industry.
It is a one stop shop for fashion professionals, students, retailers, magazines, bloggers and all those interested in African fashion and textiles as a way to promote this industry and bring links between African designers, craftspeople, manufacturers and textile designers with UK and EU fashion design companies and consumer markets, as well as with retailers worldwide.
What We Discuss With Jacqueline Shaw
How would you describe Africa’s fashion industry?
Can you tell us about the current opportunities and challenges in Africa's fashion industry?
What role do the creative industries play in the African economy?
What role does the fashion industry play in promoting African regional integration and identity for a more resilient continent?
How Africa Can Leverage the Diaspora's Untapped Wealth and Power for Future Development. MoveMeBack with Charles Sekwalor
01:14:48
Episode #27 with Charles Sekwalor who is a serial entrepreneur, advisor, and investor who focuses on developing startups and private equity transactions that drive change and positively influence people's lives. Dedicated to projects that span the African continent.
Charles is the CEO and Founder of Movemeback, a members community connecting talented professionals, entrepreneurs, students and influencers with exciting job and entrepreneurial opportunities in Africa. Movemeback aspires to drive positive economic and social growth in Africa by providing an international platform through which individuals, organisations and institutions across the world interact and partner with Africa.
What We Discuss With Charles Sekwalor
How have people's perceptions of doing business in Africa changed in the last eight years, in your opinion?
What opportunities does Africa currently provide to people in the diaspora, and why should they consider returning to Africa or contributing to Africa's future?
Moving back is much easier said than done, so what advice would you give to people thinking about returning or moving to Africa?
How do you believe AfCFTA will affect how you do business in Africa or how people access opportunities on the continent?
Changing the Financial Landscape of Africa by Creating a New Microfinance Model for the Continent with Viola Llewellyn
01:06:55
Episode #28 with Viola Llewellyn who is president and co-founder of Ovamba Solutions, which is an award winning African “TradeTech” company that creates culturally attuned technologies for Banks and Central Banks so that they can serve emerging market SMEs with innovative Sharia compliant trade finance products.
Ovamba's "BankPartner Innovations" combine ERP & CRM with, eCommerce, logistics services, and proprietary algorithms and short term capital to drive financial inclusion and promote growth.
What We Discuss With Viola Llewellyn
What is the importance of the TradeTech industry in Africa? What role can it play in the development of African economies?
Despite a clear need, not enough businesses in Africa use banks to gain access to capital, particularly SMEs. What is the reasoning behind this?
How can we remove systemic barriers for African SMEs and contribute to the creation of a wealth-creating ecosystem?
How is Ovamba bridging Africa's trade finance gap?
How Telling the African Story Can Empower and Contribute to the Economic Development of Africa with Lanre Aina
01:15:20
Episode #29 with Lanre Aina who is Co-founder and CEO of ATHLST, a digital sports news and content studio. AHLST works closely with African athletes to transform their personal stories into immersive and impactful content that resonate with sports fans worldwide.
In an era where there’s a convergence of entertainment, sports, and culture, the African athlete is 62-65% less likely than his/her American or European counterpart to have their stories told by way of op-ed, documentary or film. ATHLST intends to change that, and in the process meet the news and branding needs of African athletes ensuring that they take control of their own narrative, and by extension, expand their presence and deepen their relevance in sports.
What We Discuss With Lanre Aina
What are the risks of allowing others to tell Africa's story, and why is it important for Africa to tell its own?
What is driving the rise in the number of Africans wanting to tell the African story?
What are some of the challenges in licencing an African documentary to streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon?
How did you go about creating a value chain and ecosystem that allows you to create high-quality African content?
How Entrepreneurship Can Play a Critical Role in Africa’s Transformation and Future Development with York Zucchi
00:50:15
Episode #30 with York Zucchi who is a serial entrepreneur and Founder of The StartUp Tribe, an initiative to support Municipalities, Governments and Corporates in helping people to start and grow their businesses. As of Feb 2022 they are active in 27 countries assisting over 312 cities & municipalities.
In a career spanning 28 years across over 11 countries, York has created projects & businesses that have impacted people's lives in over 83 countries. Starting businesses across various sectors such as healthcare, IT, tourism, academia, and so on. Some succeeded, while others failed. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, MIT, Harvard and even the space agency NASA.
What We Discuss With York Zucchi
What are some of the things you've noticed about African entrepreneurship that you won't find anywhere else?
What are some of the real challenges that African businesses experience in scaling?
What works and what doesn't in encouraging entrepreneurship on the continent?
Can entrepreneurship create the jobs that are required to absorb the 20m people entering Africa's labour force each year?
Impact Investing in Africa. Promoting Positive Capital for Development in Africa with Gert van Veldhuisen
00:50:45
Episode #31 with Gert van Veldhuisen who is Co-Founder of BiD Capital Partners and Director Africa of Unknown Group, which is an early-stage Venture Capital and business development firm with operations in 110+ countries. Unknown believe that founders turn the world’s problems into opportunities by developing solutions that go beyond what is known. Together with industry leaders, they tap in to this potential by giving them the opportunity to bring their solution to scale.
As the Director Africa, Gert is responsible for the companies activities on the African Continent. He brings together entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, public institutions, development organisations, investors, and ecosystem builders to explore opportunities, form partnerships, and transform them into scalable, impactful solutions.
What We Discuss With Gert van Veldhuisen
What does impact investing mean to you, and how does it impact the African continent?
What is your process and thesis for identifying startups with investment potential in Africa?
How can startups properly position themselves for investor due diligence?
How would someone go about getting into the African impact investment industry?
What Is the Future of the Creator Economy in Africa? Creating Value Through Community with Patrick Palmi
00:49:34
Episode #32 with Patrick Palmi who is CEO and Founder of Palm TV, which is Africa's first ecommerce marketplace platform for affiliate creators. If you run an online community, Palm TV Store makes it incredibly simple to open an online store with exciting affiliate products to sell to your community at the best retail price.
In the last three years, the Palm TV marketplace has generated over US$15 million in GMV for young African creators and affiliate merchandise partners.
What We Discuss With Patrick Palmi
Can you describe the infrastructure required for a platform to ship products and process payments anywhere in Africa, as well as how you built it?
What are some of the nuances unique to African e-commerce?
How can African content creators effectively leverage their network and community to create commercial value?
Can you describe the process you use to find and integrate reputable suppliers into your platform?
The Power of Media: How a Ghanaian Radio Station Transformed a Community with Phillip Nyakpo
01:02:49
Episode #33 with Phillip Nyakpo who is an author and former journalist. His most recent book, Absolute Radio, is a spellbinding true story of entrepreneurship, media, culture and tradition, all tastefully rolled into one!
Absolute Radio is an authentic story of girls and boys who became women and men – and heroes – on the wings of a radio station. Running the course of 25 years, the story comes from the culturally stylish twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana, with global footprints.
What We Discuss With Phillip Nyakpo
In the context of African media, how significant is private ownership?
Prior to 1990, only a few African countries permitted commercial or non-state radio. What significance did the launch of SKYY POWER FM have?
Were there any economic benefits to the local community as a result of privatised radio, either directly or indirectly?
What is your opinion of the current state of African media?
How to Successfully Structure and Start an Africa Focused Venture Capital Fund with Samantha Lee
01:06:59
Episode #34 with Samantha Lee who is an angel investor, venture capitalist and the founder of StoneSoup Partners, a firm that invests in African startups.
StoneSoup Partners believe that it is possible and better to build companies that do well by doing good. They believe that financial value should be derived from social value. In the long run, they hope to reshape entrepreneurship so that it is no longer solely focused on profit maximisation but also addresses broader societal challenges.
What We Discuss With Samantha Lee
How did you go about gaining local knowledge and expanding your network in order to invest in African startups?
In terms of your recent and current investments, what type of startups do you prefer to invest in?
Is your strategy for investing in African startups different from that of Southeast Asia?
What are the challenges of establishing a fund dedicated to investing in African startups?
How to Accurately Forecast Africa’s Long-Term Development Potential. African Futures & Innovation with Jakkie Cilliers
00:51:48
Episode #35 with Jakkie Cilliers who is the author of Africa First!: Igniting a Growth Revolution, and Head of African Futures and Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies. An institute that builds knowledge and skills that secure Africa’s future.
What We Discuss With Jakkie Cilliers
What are Africa's development prospects and potential based on the data you've gathered?
Is Africa on track to meet the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063?
Do you believe the term "leapfrogging" is misused or misunderstood in the context of Africa?
What will future trade relations between Africa and the rest of the world look like. What shifts or changes are you forecasting?
Why Africa Needs to Improve Cybersecurity to Boost Investment and Economic Development with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon
01:11:55
Episode #36 with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon who are Co-Founders of CyberAlliance, which is a global technology solutions firm, with a Pan-African focus, creating strategies that advance digital transformation and accelerate cyber security. CyberAlliance focuses on helping sub-saharan African countries implement technology and cyber security in a way that drives job creation, profitability, and economic development.
What We Discuss With Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon
What are some of the challenges you face when developing and implementing strategies to improve cyber security in Africa?
In Africa, effective cybersecurity remains a challenge, with many organisations unprepared for cyber attacks. Why is this the case?
What efforts can be made to increase cybersecurity awareness in Africa?
What is the significance of countries like Kenya enacting new anti-piracy legislation to combat piracy and protect content, networks, and intellectual property?
What is the relationship between cyber security and economic development in Africa?
The Significance of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Development in Driving Africa’s New Era with Prof. Tal Edgars
00:56:56
Episode #37 with Prof. Tal Edgars is Group Executive Chairman at GBSH Consult Group. Also, a multi-award winner, globally renowned business authority, seasoned diplomat and a cutting edge thinker and author with an outstanding record in planning, managing and executing highly successful private and public sector initiatives in Africa, Europe, America & Asia.
He has a background in academia, diplomacy, and international civil service. Is one of Africa's foremost authorities and informed voices on foreign policy, contract theory, Growth and Competitiveness Practice, complex negotiations, strategic foresight, government affairs, and how countries and businesses can participate actively in their own development.
What We Discuss With Prof. Tal Edgars
What, in your opinion, is required to successfully implement private and public sector initiatives in Africa?
What is the role of ethical leadership in Africa, and do you believe it is widely practised and understood?
Why is entrepreneurship and innovation important in Africa, and what role does it play in creating the Africa We Want?
What economic, social, and cultural value do you believe social entrepreneurs and innovation can bring to African economies?
What positive impact may AfCFTA have on social entrepreneurship and social development?
Creating a Tech Talent Pool in Africa for the Real Economy. Powering Digital Transformation With Eric Annan
01:06:51
Episode #38 with Eric Annan who is Founder and CEO of AYA, a curated marketplace for early-stage startups and high growth businesses to access vetted African Web3 digital skilled talents.
AYA helps early-stage startups and medium-sized companies find the right fit talents to supercharge their business. Eric is passionate about ensuring that there are as few barriers as possible for Africans to access additional employment opportunities and to share their talents with the world.
What We Discuss With Eric Annan
AYA stands for resilience. Is there a specific type of resilience that differentiates African tech talent from those from other parts of the world?
Why are so many African startups registering their companies outside of Africa, in places like Delaware?
These days, there are numerous talent/employment platforms available. What is the value proposition of AYA?
How can we stop the brain drain of Africa´s brightest tech talent?
How can we invest in developing more African tech talent?
How Tourism in Africa Is Being Reinvented. A Bright Future for African Tourism with Yaa Ofori-Ansah
00:40:42
Episode #39 with Yaa Ofori-Ansah, who is an expert in African development, trade, sustainability & ESG, finance & policy, and founder of Talking Drums, a travel and tourism marketplace with a specialisation in Africa that prioritises sustainable tourism & culture & seeks to connect people with Africa.
What We Discuss With Yaa Ofori-Ansah
Can you tell us why it is critical to develop tourism in Africa?
What are the challenges and opportunities in African tourism?
Do you believe Africa has done enough to harness tourism for economic development and growth?
The Year of Return popularised Ghana as a tourist destination with global appeal. What lessons can other African countries take from this?
All across the world, tourism is a key driver of economic development and employment creation. However, why does there seem to be widespread scepticism regarding the economic and social advantages of tourism in many African nations?
Why Investing in “Boring” Companies Can Boost Employment and Economic Growth in Africa with Brendan Mullen
00:52:01
Episode #40 with Brendan Mullen, who is Co-founder and Managing Director at Secha Capital, a lower-market impact private equity fund in Southern Africa employing an Operator-Investor model and investing in traditional industries making the green economy, tech-enabled, and/or post-COVID transition.
Secha was founded in 2017. Its first fund invested in ten South African companies, creating 300+ jobs with an average revenue growth of 12x. Its $50M second fund scales its Operator-Investor model into Southern Africa.
What We Discuss With Brendan Mullen
What differentiates Secha Capital from other private equity firms operating in Africa?
You look for sectors in which South Africa can make use of local resources. Why is that?
You concentrate on established Southern African companies in large, underserved, "boring" sectors rather than technology companies. What exactly do you mean by "boring" sectors?
What is the significance of these boring sectors? What value do you think they add to the African economy?
What are some of the challenges you've encountered in establishing funds dedicated to investing in African SMEs?
How Sustainable Circular Economies are transforming African Communities with Olivier Vanden Eynde
00:51:29
Episode #41 with Olivier Vanden Eynde, who is Founding Partner and Executive Director at Close the Gap Kenya, which is a Circular Economy HUB In Mombasa.
Close the Gap Kenya focuses on refurbishing and recycling laptops, computers, and a variety of electronic devices through a one-stop shop where they not only innovate, incubate, and manufacture, but also have an inspiring co-work space, makerspace, computer (repair) shop, mini gym, and, soon, the Close the Gap Café.
Through an incubation program called "BOOST" Close the Gap Kenya supports young local entrepreneurs.
What We Discuss With Olivier Vanden Eynde
You live in Mombasa, Kenya. Why did you decide to base yourself in Mombasa rather than Nairobi?
Can you explain what a circular economy hub is and why you believe they are needed in Africa?
You focus on refurbishing and recycling laptops and computers through the hub. What inspired this concept or idea, and how successful has it been thus far?
Close the Gap Kenya assists young local entrepreneurs through its incubation programme. Could you walk us through some of the activities and on-the-job training that take place?
How many entrepreneurs or startups have you support so far, and what is your target?
Why It Is Essential to Have the Right Legal Structure in Place When Doing Business in Africa with Amne Suedi
00:52:56
Episode #42 with Amne Suedi who is an Investment Adviser, International Lawyer, and Director of Shikana Group, a leading legal and investment advisory firm specialising in East African foreign investments.
What We Discuss With Amne Suedi
Do you believe Africa is as risky as it is sometimes portrayed?
What are some of the nuances or challenges in East Africa's legal system that you won't find anywhere else?
Which type of legal structure would you recommend to international businesses looking to invest in Africa in order to give them the best protection?
What are the dangers of not having adequate legal protection when doing business?
What advice would you give to people looking to invest in Africa from a legal perspective?
Creating a Tech-Enabled Marketplace That Helps Africa’s Most Promising Startups Find Funding and Grow with Debo Omololu
00:58:02
Episode #43 with Debo Omololu who is an Intrapreneur & Entrepreneur with two decades of experience in business development, market research & venture capital. He is also the CEO & Co-Founder at GetFundedAfrica.
GetFundedAfrica's mission is to help Africa’s most promising startups find funding, grow & solve society’s greatest challenges. They do this through a media portal - GetFundedAfrica News; a learning portal - REMSANA; and an investment arm - GFA Ventures
What We Discuss With Debo Omololu
GetFundedAfrica connects African startups with investors, corporate partners, and mentors. How did you determine that such a platform or service was required?
You've spent more than 17 years working in the African startup scene. Since you got involved, how have things changed?
More founders are becoming funders in Africa's startup scene. What is the significance of this transition, and why is it so important?
The success of your platform depends on the strength of your network. Could you please explain how you went about creating your network and how you use it to enhance the platform?
Which international markets, in your opinion, are showing the most interest in the African startup space?
The Tech Accelerator That Is Successfully Investing in Early-Stage Startups in Africa with Arthur Chupeau
01:00:20
Episode #44 with Arthur Chupeau who provides strategy, growth, product, technology, funding and business advisory to the best start-ups operating from Africa with African founders. Arthur is also Head of Ventures at the Baobab Network.
The Baobab Network is an accelerator that backs early-stage technology start-ups in Africa, providing entrepreneurs with funding, support and a global platform to scale their business.
What We Discuss With Arthur Chupeau
In Africa, there appears to be a greater emphasis on commercial flows and trade rather than the old aid/development model. What is the significance of this, and what effect has it had thus far?
Is Africa the future?
What are the real pragmatic opportunities for venture capital in Africa?
You have access to a wealth of information and realities about true opportunities as a result of your work. What does it mean to work in Africa's VC space, particularly at the pre-seed stage?
There are numerous opportunities in Africa's startup ecosystem, but it is clear that four major markets attract the vast majority of deals. What distinguishes these four markets from others, such as sector differences, consumer behaviour, and so on.
How Podcasting Is Taking Africa by Storm. The Future of Podcasting in Africa with Melissa Mbugua
00:51:01
Episode #46 with Melissa Mbugua who is on a mission to build the new African media. Melissa is also the Co-Director of Africa Podfest.
Africa Podfest is an organisation that inspires and elevates African podcasters by showcasing developments in African podcasting, convening community in the new media ecosystem, and increasing the production of high-quality podcasts on the continent and in the diaspora. They also conduct original research on the African podcasting ecosystem in addition to this.
What We Discuss With Melissa Mbugua
What do you see as the future of African media?
What role, if any, does podcasting play in the development of African new media?
Why has podcasting grown rapidly in Africa in recent years?
What are the challenges that African podcasters face that you would not face outside of Africa?
What do you believe the true power of podcasting is in Africa?
Innovative Ways Africa Is Reimagining Remittance Flows. Migration, Remittances and Resilience in Africa with Michael Lawal
00:55:41
Episode #45 with Michael Lawal who is Founder of sendit.money. A platform that is providing an intuitive, secure, and inexpensive way to send & receive money.
Sendit.money is a reverse remittance platform that specialises in transfers to and from immigrant communities in developed countries to emerging markets, and it is growing exponentially year on year.
What We Discuss With Michael Lawal
What are the challenges of running an African market-focused business while living in the diaspora?
Over the last 5 to 10 years, we've witnessed a mobile money revolution, as well as an increase in companies providing solutions to Africa's financial services challenges. What sets you apart from the other players in the space?
Is remittance a genuine problem in Africa, or is it a symptom of something bigger?
What are some of the ways people are reimagining financial services in Africa using decentralised finance?
You've had a long career in the financial services industry in Africa. How has the industry changed since you got started in it?
Using Intelligence and Analysis to Identify True Risks, Trends, and Business Opportunities in Africa with Robert Besseling
00:50:12
Episode #47 with Robert Besseling, Founder and CEO of Pangea-Risk, which is a specialist intelligence firm providing analysis and forecasts on political, security, and economic risk in Africa and the Middle East.
Pangea-Risk has become a leading risk advisory and consultancy with a broad network of clients ranging from DFIs, banks, traders, corporates, and insurers, to governments, counter-terrorism, and military forces worldwide.
What We Discuss With Robert Besseling
Is Africa as risky as it is frequently portrayed to be based on the work you do?
What will Africa's risk profile look like in the near future?
What risks does the continent face as a result of the global economic downturn, which is causing rising inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and depreciation of many African currencies?
What countries or regions do you currently see as having the most positive future outlook, and what is driving that?
How does Africa fare in terms of risk in comparison to other emerging markets?
The Boom in African Art. African Artists and Innovative Platforms Shaking up the Global Art Scene with Onyinye Anyaegbu
00:54:41
Episode #48 with Onyinye Anyaegbu, Executive Director of ARTSPLIT, which is an art trading technology company driven by one common goal; enhancing the investment status of African art by allowing users to co-own rare and valuable artworks on a platform that guarantees price discovery and market liquidity.
Their mission is to position African art & artists as the preferred alternative investment choice by developing the African art ecosystem through technology and co-ownership.
What We Discuss With Onyinye Anyaegbu
What would you say about the current state of African art?
What are the key distinctions between the new and old African art worlds?
Do you think African art is fairly valued?
How do you value art in general—and African art in particular—from your point of view?
What, in your opinion, has sparked or driven the recent huge surge in interest in African art?
African Arts, Sports and Culture. Africa's Soft Power: The New Driver of Change on the Continent with Obi Asika
00:45:24
Episode #49 with Obi Asika, who is well-known throughout the world for his contributions to Africa's creative industries, entertainment, events, social media, music, and sports. As a result, he has showcased his unique skills as an executive producer on several television shows, including but not limited to Big Brother Nigeria, Doctor's Quarters, Dragons Den Nigeria, The Apprentice Africa, Calabar Rocks, Etisalat One Million Dollar Show, 100% Naija, and Naija Sings.
Among other things, Obi is a convener at the Africa Soft Power Project, a member of the board of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and the co-founder of Social Media Week Lagos
What We Discuss With Obi Asika
Are you surprised by the success of Nigerian music so far?
Is it safe to say that Nigerian music, film, and culture are the continents most important exports right now, and do you believe we are fully leveraging their power to propel Africa forward?
What does the term "soft power" mean to you?
How can Africa strategically use the soft power of its creative, cultural, and knowledge industries?
You are also a member of the Nigerian Olympic Committee's Board of Trustees. How did this happen, and what are the board's priorities in terms of supporting Nigerian competitors?
Why Africa’s Animation Scene Is Booming and Positioning the Continent as the Next Animation Hotspot with Ferdy Adimefe
00:42:43
Episode #50 with Ferdy Adimefe, who is the Founder and CEO of Magic Carpet Studio. an innovation storytelling company committed to transforming the human consciousness by putting authentic African stories on the map.
The studio is one of Africa's leading animation, game development, and metaverse studios, and it has played an important role in the development of the continent's animation industry. The studio has contributed to capacity expansion by developing a training and fellowship programme for people interested in animation and game development.
What We Discuss With Ferdy Adimefe
How has the Nigerian and African animation industries evolved since your involvement?
What were the difficulties in establishing a creative ecosystem for African storytelling?
How do you go about finding and nurturing the talent needed to run and grow an animation company like yours?
Is there enough opportunity for animation companies to scale and become extremely profitable in Africa?
What are some of the difficulties in licencing African animations to companies like Disney and Netflix?
How a South African Investment Firm Is Using Innovative Ways to Unlock Capital for Women-Led Businesses with Maya Burney
00:36:19
Episode #51 with Maya Burney, who is Associate Partner at Caleo Capital, and Founder of Womvest, which is a network of women professionals, investors and entrepreneurs that create value for one another through connections, collaborations, mentorships and investment.
At a time when the world needs women change makers, women remain underrepresented in the investment ecosystem and underinvested in as entrepreneurs. Womvest is a platform for ambitious women to connect, collaborate and share experiences. Womvest seeks to encourage the next generation of women to invest in themselves and in one another.
What We Discuss With Maya Burney
How much work remains to be done to address women's underrepresentation in Africa's investment ecosystem and underfunding of women-led businesses?
What kinds of business requirements are usually satisfied when businesses turn to you for these loans? What are their main concerns?
Can you explain what working capital is and what an affordable rate looks like in South Africa?
Why do South African women-led businesses come to you rather than more traditional or established financial institutions?
Has the global economic downturn altered your approach or how you conduct business?
Empowering Cameroonian Athletes through the Sport of Rugby League. Opportunities and Challenges with Khalil Njoya
00:51:33
Episode #52 with Khalil Njoya, who is a former professional rugby player, and Head Coach of the Cameroon Rugby League National Team.
As a passionate advocate for the sport of Rugby League, his mission is to promote its growth in Cameroon through targeted efforts in grassroots development and youth engagement. This includes establishing partnerships with local schools and community organizations, investing in programs for young players, and providing training for coaches and referees to uphold the highest standards of safety, fairness and professionalism.
What We Discuss With Khalil Njoya
Why have you made it your mission to bring Rugby League to Cameroon and increase its presence in Africa?
Talk us through what you had to do to build the infrastructure that you now have in order to grow the sport.
How has the success of rugby, or sports in general, benefited local communities, and to what extent?
What initiatives are being implemented at the grassroots level to nurture and support the growth of aspiring Rugby players in Cameroon?
In the future, what are your priorities for supporting and developing rugby in Cameroon and Africa?
How UK and African Nations Can Strengthen Economic Ties in a Post-Brexit World. UK-Africa Trade with Daniel Kawczynski
01:15:33
Episode #53 with Daniel Kawczynski, who is a British MP, and has served as a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and as Special Advisor to former Prime Minister David Cameron, and who is currently one of the Prime Minister's Trade Envoys.
What We Discuss With Daniel Kawczynski
Which African countries has the UK government identified as having significant trade and investment potential?
In early 2020, the UK government was positioning the UK to be the preferred investment partner for African businesses and governments. Is this still the case for the current government?
What steps is the government taking to increase British representation and engagement with Africa?
Do you believe that trade relations between the United Kingdom and Africa are equitable, and can more be done?
How can the UK leverage the African Diaspora to strengthen bilateral trade ties between the UK and Africa?
Can Nigeria Become a Global Superpower in the Next 20 Years? Nation Building in Nigeria with Andrew Nevin
01:12:19
Episode #54 with Andrew Nevin, who has vast experience as an entrepreneur, private equity investor, economist, and strategy consultant.
Andrew Nevin is widely recognised and regarded as a nation builder and public intellectual in Nigeria, playing a number of key roles to advance Nigeria’s economy and society, including:
- Advisory Partner and Chief Economist at PwC Nigeria; as Chief Economist, he is one of Nigeria's leading voices in unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria's young people - Co-creator of the Self-Organising Naija concept (www.selforganisingnaija.org) - Founding Governor of the Financial Centre for Sustainability (FC4S) Lagos - Advisory Board Member of the Aig Imoukhuede Foundation - Trustee of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II SDG Challenge
What We Discuss With Andrew Nevin
I've seen it mentioned that you're 'Nation building in Nigeria'. What has nation building in Nigeria entailed during your ten years in the country?
How will the upcoming election affect Nigeria's economic outlook or growth in 2023?
What steps must be taken to ensure that the Nigeria's enormous potential is realised in the near future?
Despite the numerous challenges that Nigeria and Nigerians face. Based on your research so far, why is Nigeria not a failed state?
How can we grow the Nigerian economy by utilising "Nigerian Brain Exports"?
Bridging the Gap: Formal Retail Sector in Kenya and its Impact on Economic Development with Wambui Mbarire
00:46:04
Episode #55 with Wambui Mbarire, CEO of the Retail Trade Association of Kenya and Vice-Chair of the KEPSA Devolution Sector Board, and is passionate about the future of retail in Africa and positioning the continent as a major hub for international retail.
The Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) is the retail industry's voice, with the primary goal of providing retailers with a centralised representative body to communicate their agenda and retail trade concerns to government agencies.
What We Discuss With Wambui Mbarire
What do we need to know about the formal retail sector in Africa?
How has Kenya's formal retail industry evolved over the past few years?
Informal retail continues to account for a large portion of retail in Africa. What impact has the growth of formal retail had on informal retail in Africa?
What are some of the challenges that formal retailers face in Africa?
Can you tell us about some of the work you're doing to lobby and influence government policy in order to create an enabling environment for formal retail to thrive in Kenya?
Powering Prosperity. The Transformative Power of Industrial Policy in Africa with Jonathan Said
01:03:34
Episode #56 with Jonathan Said, who is an economist and has vast experience supporting African governments and their partners to implement modern industrial policies for job creation and inclusive and sustainable growth.
What We Discuss With Jonathan Said
You published an intriguing article detailing how many African countries have neglected to implement the most crucial economic strategy of all: an industrial policy that is export-oriented. What do you mean by that?
What steps should African governments take to implement export-led industrial policies?
A component of export-led industrial policies is value addition. What is the significance of value addition for African economies?
Value addition leads to the creation of jobs, which expands the tax base. Could you elaborate on the significance of expanding the tax base in Africa?
What are some of the positive trends you've noticed in your work with African governments and how they operate?
How to Make It in Africa’s Business Media Industry with Jaco Maritz
00:43:33
Episode #57 with Jaco Maritz, who is the Founder of How We Made It in Africa, which is an online publication that talks to Africa’s most interesting entrepreneurs and businesspeople to reveal:
- How they built their companies – from the initial idea to commercial success - The business lessons they’ve learnt on their journeys so far - The latest business trends and untapped opportunities in their respective sectors and countries
What We Discuss With Jaco Maritz
What were the challenges in creating an infrastructure that allowed you to effectively tell the stories of African entrepreneurs and businesspeople?
What are some of the nuances of African online publications?
Your platform enables entrepreneurs to clearly detail their journey, lessons learned, and business trends. What is the significance of Africans telling their own stories?
You also published your book, How We Made It in Africa, in 2022, which details the inspiring stories of 25 African entrepreneurs. What was the motivation for publishing the book in addition to the online platform?
Can you tell us about some of the most important lessons you've learned about doing business in Africa since launching How We Made It in Africa and meeting hundreds of entrepreneurs?
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From Idea to Impact. Investing in Africa's Most Promising Mission-Driven Startups with Emmanuel Adegboye
00:41:14
Episode #58 with Emmanuel Adegboye, who is the Head of Madica, which is an Africa-focused pre-seed investment program empowering underrepresented and underfunded mission-driven founders on the continent. The sector-agnostic platform, affiliated with Flourish Ventures, aims to empower entrepreneurs with the provision of funding and also democratizing access to world-class company building support.
The new sector-agnostic program will deploy investment capital, as well as provide tailored mentorship and intense programmatic support, to tech-enabled startups, democratizing access to world-class company-building support.
What We Discuss With Emmanuel Adegboye
You want to democratise access to world-class company-building support, such as funding, in Africa. Why do you believe this is needed?
Why do you believe that funding in Africa's startup space appears to be centred on the big four markets (Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa), as well as key players in the space?
What are the challenges of decentralising funding in Africa's startup ecosystem?
Do you think we're missing out on some great talent and untapped entrepreneurs by not looking outside of the big four markets?
Can you tell us about some of the untapped entrepreneurs you've recently discovered?
The Importance of Training the Next Generation of Africa Focused Startup Investors with Mark Kleyner
00:59:57
Episode #59 with Mark Kleyner, who is Co-Founder & Program Director of Dream VC, which is an investor accelerator for Africa. Through their community-driven educational platform, they run highly selective remote training programs on Venture Capital & the Innovation Ecosystem across Africa's Startup Ecosystems.
What We Discuss With Mark Kleyner
You and your team have big plans to accelerate the next generation of ecosystem-building African investors. Can you tell us how you intend to achieve this?
What do you think the importance of having Africans with the right skills and training to invest in African startups is?
What is the current state of education and training for African-focused startup investors?
In terms of skills and knowledge, how do African venture capitalists compare to their global counterparts?
What advice would you give to someone who has no VC experience but wants to pursue a career in VC in Africa?
Register your interest now in Dream VC's programs and join a community of driven professionals who are making a difference in Africa's startup ecosystem: https://forms.gle/N6r7vjRfDgdUPHEZ6
Don't just dream about breaking into or advancing your career in the African venture capital industry, make it a reality! Check out Dream VC's website now to learn more about their remote training programs and unlock your potential today: www.dream-vc.com
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Revolutionising Retirement. Awabah's Vision for a More Inclusive Pension System in Nigeria with Tunji Andrews
00:49:02
Episode #60 with Tunji Andrews, who is CEO at Awabah, which is digital platform that helps millions of Nigerians get on the Micro Pension Scheme, which is the first step to a financially secure future. They make planning for retirement easier for many Nigerians .
What We Discuss With Tunji Andrews
What is the importance of having access to pensions, health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance for people in Africa's informal sector?
What measures or guarantees have been put in place to protect your customers' pensions?
What challenges have you encountered in launching a solution like this, which is disrupting a large and well-established market and institutions?
Awabah currently only operates in Nigeria. What African markets do you intend to enter next and why?
Expansion into new markets requires a significant investment. Where is this money coming from, and do you have investors backing your ambitious plans?
Maximizing Returns, Minimizing Risk. The Importance of Mitigating Political and Credit Risk in Africa with Amir Hussain
00:43:48
Episode #61 with Amir Hussain, who is a Senior Underwriter of Political & Credit Risk at Africa Specialty Risks.
With an African-focused and experienced team of underwriters, Africa Specialty Risks provides coverage aimed at facilitating trade and investments for financial institutions, traders, and exporters, to name a few, transacting in Africa. Their mission is to provide the protection and confidence required to grow, develop, and increase business with African counterparties.
What We Discuss With Amir Hussain
The company uses the tagline ‘Protecting Africa’. Can you explain how Africa Specialty Risks protects Africa? What is it protecting Africa from?
What would you say to those who claim you are selling risk rather than highlighting the opportunities that Africa offers?
What type of person or company is your service aimed at, and what are the benefits of the services you offer?
What does Africa's risk outlook look like in the near future based on the data you've gathered?
What political risks does the continent face as a result of the global economic downturn, which is causing rising inflation, depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and depreciation of many African currencies?
Connecting Talent to Opportunities. Overcoming Challenges in African Workforce Development with Noam Kan
00:45:30
Episode #62 with Noam Kan, who is Director of International Business Development at XML International, a company that provides unique workforce solutions by partnering with local entities to recruit, onboard, oversee, and pay teams around the world. This approach allows the company to have a deep understanding of the local culture, language, and employment laws, making it easier to provide tailored solutions to its clients.
XML International has a large network of partners around the world and in Africa, allowing them to access a large pool of talented professionals. They provide a range of services, including recruitment, payroll, compliance, and legal support. By taking care of these tasks, XML International frees up their clients to focus on their core business activities.
What We Discuss With Noam Kan
XML International is a company that works with local entities to recruit, onboard, manage, and pay teams all over the world, including Africa. How do you go about accomplishing this?
How do you go about finding local entities and partners on the ground in order to operate successfully in Africa?
What significant changes in African recruitment have you witnessed during your time on the continent?
What is your process for locating qualified candidates in the African market?
How do you invest in developing and nurturing African talent?
How a Boutique PR Company Is Changing the Conversation About Africa’s Tech and Start-up Sectors with Jessica Hope
00:31:37
Episode #63 with Jessica Hope, who is Founder and CEO at Wimbart, which is a boutique public relations company with a heavy emphasis on Africa & emerging markets. They produce hyper-targeted, relevant & meaningful media campaigns for a range of international clients.
They work across technology, start-ups, entertainment, social enterprises, entrepreneurs and consumer products, to deliver memorable press campaigns.
What We Discuss With Jessica Hope
How have PR and communications evolved in Africa during your time working on the continent?
What is the current state of PR and communications in Africa?
Do you believe African businesses truly understand the power of PR and communications, both internally and externally?
Do you believe there is a link between positive PR and communications and investment flows into Africa or specific companies?
Is it still difficult to pitch stories on Africa to journalists outside of Africa, or has this changed?
Insights into the Complexities of Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa with Pritish Behuria
00:46:23
Episode #64 with Pritish Behuria who is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester. The university boasts Europe's largest department dedicated to studying global and international development issues, making Pritish an ideal guest to speak on the topic.
Additionally, he is a renowned expert in the fields of industrial policy and comparative developmental trajectories, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. His extensive experience and knowledge allowed him to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing this region in terms of economic development and industrialisation.
What We Discuss With Pritish
The majority of your research focuses on African development strategies and trajectories, particularly Rwanda. Why Rwanda?
What are some of the present-day challenges that Africa faces in terms of development in the 21st century?
What are the typical vulnerabilities present in African economies that hinder the attainment of sustainable economic growth?
I came across an intriguing article that you published not long ago, titled "The Political Economy of a Tax Haven: The Case of Mauritius". Would you mind highlighting some of the central themes explored in this piece?
What advantages could an African economy potentially gain from implementing a tax haven strategy?
From Paper to Practice. Achieving Lasting Change through Land Reform in Africa with Thierry Ngoga
00:57:18
Episode #65 with Thierry Ngoga who has 16 years of experience providing strategic and operational solutions to governments and development partners in relation to land management, agriculture, and urban development.
His deep experience, which spans at least 17 countries across both Anglophone and Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, has often focused on designing low-cost, locally grown solutions to issues related to natural resource management, agricultural systems, and governance.
What We Discuss With Thierry
What do we need to know about land management in Africa?
You published a book in 2018 with the title Rwanda’s Land Tenure Reform: Non-existent to Best Practice’. Can you give us a snapshot of some of the key themes from that book?
What obstacles must African governments overcome in order to successfully implement land tenure reform?
What impact does effective land reform have on African agricultural output and food security?
How have you gone about increasing governments' capacity and capability so that they can appropriately prioritise issues like land reform and agriculture?
Success Against the Odds: Building a Booming Property Business in Soweto with Nthabiseng Sejake
00:42:23
Episode #66 with Nthabiseng Sejake, who is a rising star in the world of property investment. Nthabiseng is the founder of B Evolution, a rapidly expanding rental business based in Soweto. Despite having a portfolio with dozens of quality apartments on three sites in Soweto, Nthabiseng's business has been unable to secure funding from South Africa's formal banking sector.
Nonetheless, her company has thrived in a market often overlooked by traditional investors. During this episode, she shares her insights on the challenges facing entrepreneurs in the property sector and how she has navigated these obstacles to build a successful business.
What We Discuss With Nthabiseng
What is the current state of South Africa’s property industry?
How do individuals operating independently, like yourself, succeed in accessing and establishing a foothold in the highly competitive real estate industry?
Soweto is an iconic place with a rich history and culture, but the western media has always depicted it as a low-income and high-crime area. What is the reality of living and building a business in Soweto?
What tips would you give to other budding property entrepreneurs in Africa?
What do you think the importance of people from Soweto playing a big role in the development and regeneration of the area is?
The Journey of Medsaf. Revolutionising the Way Hospitals and Pharmacies Access Medication in Africa with Vivian Lawal
00:37:08
Episode #67 with Vivian Lawal, who is Founder of Medsaf, which is a curated medication marketplace for African hospitals and pharmacies.
Medsaf is a global organisation with headquarters in the United States and a presence in Nigeria. They believe that quality medication is a fundamental human right. They focus on bringing high-quality medication manufacturers directly to pharmacies and hospitals, using our Medsaf platform. Their platform provides hospitals and pharmacies with access to credit, inventory management, and logistics. It’s a one-stop procurement service.
What We Discuss With Vivian
How does Medsaf differ from other medication marketplaces, and what unique value do you provide to your customers?
What is the current state of the Nigerian pharmaceutical sector at the moment?
Low-quality and counterfeit medicines are an issue throughout Africa. How do you keep counterfeit drugs out of your supply chain?
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare industry in Africa, and how is Medsaf helping to address these challenges?
How have you managed to scale up your business in Nigeria while navigating numerous regulatory hurdles and compliance requirements?
Breaking Down Barriers. Making Investment Opportunities Accessible to All Africans with Kola Oyeneyin
00:55:29
Episode #68 with Kola Oyeneyin, who is CEO of Opportunik Global Fund (OGF), which is a private wealth fund designed by Africans for Africans.
At Opportunik Global Fund, the belief is that everyone should have access to opportunities regardless of their location. To that end, OGF offers USD investments to middle-class and mass-affluent Africans and Diasporans with a starting capital of $5,000. Their rigorous asset selection process and dedicated team ensure that investors receive healthy returns.
OGF is licensed by the Cayman Islands and managed by Accuvise, a registered fund administrator overseeing over $216 million in Assets Under Administration. This means that their investors face minimal currency or political risks.
What We Discuss With Kola
The Opportunik Global Fund aims to break down barriers faced by Africans and the Diaspora. What barriers are you trying to break down, and why?
You've created a private wealth fund run by Africans for Africans. What do you think the significance of this is, and what additional value does it provide?
What challenges have you had to overcome in order to create this fund?
What is your forecast for the size of the fund in the next one to three years?
How does OGF differ from other investment options available to Africans and Diasporans, and what advantages does it offer?
Paving the Way for Women in Corporate Africa. TheBoardroom Africa's Impact with Marcia Ashong
00:37:41
Episode #69 with Marcia Ashong, who is CEO of TheBoardroom Africa, which is an organisation that promotes exceptional female talent to boards across the continent.
TheBoardroom Africa breaks down barriers to help organisations realise the benefits of increased diversity on boards. They’re accelerating the placement of female leaders by connecting peer-endorsed, board-ready women with CEOs and board executives across Africa and beyond.
What We Discuss With Marcia
What is the current state of women in boardroom positions in Africa?
What are the biggest challenges that women face when it comes to securing board positions, and how does The Boardroom Africa help to address these challenges?
What is the importance of having women or a diverse representation of people at boardroom level?
How do you work with companies to help them understand the importance of gender diversity on boards, and what strategies do you use to encourage them to take action?
What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to break into board positions, and what steps can they take to position themselves for success?
Fruitful Endeavors. How Reel Fruit is Unleashing the Potential of Nigeria's Fruit Industry with Affiong Williams
00:45:42
Episode #70 with Affiong Williams, who is the founder and CEO of Reel Fruit, whose vision is to be Nigeria's largest end-to-end fruit processing company. The company is unlocking the value in Nigeria's fruit value chain by building an end-to-end fruit processing company.
We all know that fruit should be a staple in our daily diet, but it’s not always easy or convenient to eat fresh fruit. ReelFruit® is 100% (preservative-free) fruit, dried to lock in all the nutrients and goodness of fresh fruits, packaged in snack sizes for snacking on-the-go: at work, at school, in traffic, anywhere!
What We Discuss With Affiong
What are some of the challenges in Nigeria’s fruit value chain?
What difficulties have you encountered in building connections with farmers and making investments in farms to bolster and reinforce Nigeria's fruit value chain?
How does ReelFruit ensure that the fruits it sources are of high quality and meet the company's standards for processing?
What were some of the challenges you faced building your factory in terms of financing, finding the right machinery, quality standards and control, etc.?
You’ve been able to successfully export your products to the US and Europe. How much opportunity is there to sell made in Nigeria products globally?
How to Harness the Investment Potential of Africa’s Middle Class to Drive Economic Growth with Subomi Plumptre
00:35:42
Episode #71 with Subomi Plumptre, who is the CEO of Volition Cap, which is a game-changing and SEC-licenced asset manager for Africans and Diasporans. Since 2018, they have been at the forefront of investments for individuals and businesses.
They created a $30 million fund for agriculture and real estate projects in Africa, pioneering the first structure to leverage traditional cooperatives.
What We Discuss With Subomi
Why do you feel it is important to increase financial prosperity for the African and diasporan middle classes?
What challenges do the African and diasporan middle classes encounter when trying to build financial prosperity?
Typically, in which sectors and markets do you invest when you've raised money from institutional investors for investment purposes?
What challenges do you encounter when attempting to invest funds in African markets?
What activities are you involved in to empower the African and diasporan middle class in building financial prosperity and meaningful wealth?
Scaling African SMEs and Fighting Climate Change: The Melanin Kapital Approach with Mélanie Keïta
00:43:07
Episode #72 with Mélanie Keïta, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of Melanin Kapital, which is a climate fintech platform that provides a last-mile carbon financing solution to finance the green transition of African businesses.
Their goal is to finance the clean-energy equipment that SMEs need to scale while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. They finance electric transportation, renewable energy equipment, waste management facilities, and green cooking equipment.
What We Discuss With Mélanie
What are some of the biggest challenges that African SMEs face when it comes to accessing green equipment and financing for sustainable projects?
What are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced setting up the fund?
How does Melanin Kapital leverage carbon credits and climate financing to help these SMEs access the funding they need?
Could you provide examples of successful SMEs that have benefited from Melanin Kapital's services? How has the financing they received helped them drive sustainability and foster business growth?
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are looking to drive sustainable innovation and impact in their businesses?
From Local to Global: Unlocking the Potential of African Restaurant and Retail Brands with Leonard Mudachi
00:49:38
Episode #73 with Leonard Mudachi, who is the Chief Vision & Growth Officer at BRRAL (Branded Restaurants & Retail Africa Ltd), which is a restaurant and retail development & management company that identifies local restaurants and retail brands with high potential for scale.
They achieve this through "The BRRAL Play Book," which allows them to unlock business growth potential from acquired brands and further enhance their value proposition to customers, employees, and ultimately investors.
What We Discuss With Leonard
What is BRRAL's unique approach to identifying and scaling local restaurant and retail brands?
How does BRRAL balance maintaining the authenticity of the acquired brands with the need to optimise their performance?
How do you strike a balance between meeting the needs and desires of restaurants and catering to the expectations and demands of investors in this industry?
What do you look for in a business before investing?
In East Africa, what are the typical methods of financing for local restaurants and retail brands?
Unleashing Growth: Why African Startups Should Master the Art of Sales and Business Development with Gerald Black
00:50:26
Episode #74 with Gerald Black, who is a highly accomplished expert in the realms of entrepreneurship and business development. Renowned as a successful serial entrepreneur, Gerald brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in entrepreneurship, business development, and project management, making him a highly sought-after consultant and mentor within the African startup community.
Moreover, Gerald holds the esteemed position of Head of Go To Market at Anchor, a cutting-edge banking-as-a-service platform. Anchor enables seamless integration of essential financial features such as accounts, cards, payments, lending, and more into your product within a matter of minutes. With Gerald's invaluable expertise in this role, he spearheads the strategic initiatives to bring Anchor's innovative solutions to market.
What We Discuss With Gerald
Does the sales cycle from pipeline generation, lead qualification, and closing differ when trying to implement it in the African startup space?
How important is a strong sales and business development strategy for the success of startups in Africa?
How do you help African startups overcome the challenges they face in terms of growth and scalability?
What are some of the key factors that investors look for in startups when it comes to sales and business development?
What do you think sets successful African startup founders apart from those who struggle to make it?
Creative Awakening: Growing and Investing in Africa’s Creative Industries and Sports Business with Marie Lora-Mungai
00:59:50
Episode #75 with Marie Lora-Mungai, who is an investor, strategic advisor, and entrepreneur specialising in the African Creative Industries and Sports Business, with an 18-year experience spanning 27 countries on the continent. She is the publisher of the popular newsletter HUSTLE & FLOW about investment opportunities in the African entertainment space.
Marie is also the founder and CEO of Restless Global, which is a strategic advisory and content development company specialising in the African entertainment space, the cultural and creative industries (CCI), sports business, technology, and media.
What We Discuss With Marie
Do you think the rest of the world is recognising and embracing the "creative and commercial potential" inherent in African stories, and how is this newfound awareness translating into opportunities?
Are African music, film, and culture the biggest exports that the continent currently has, and do you think we fully leverage their soft power to propel Africa forward?
How can Africa optimise its creative and knowledge industries and harness its soft power effectively to propel itself forward?
You worked on a project with UNESCO to produce the first comprehensive study of the film and audiovisual industries in Africa’s 54 countries. What were the key themes and findings of the report?
What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and content creators who are interested in tapping into the African media and creative industry?
From Africa to the World: How Five African Women are Shaping Industries in the Diaspora with 5 Off The Cuff
01:11:25
Episode #76 with 5 Off The Cuff. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of 5 off the Cuff—a remarkable collective comprising five dynamic and accomplished African women who have made significant strides in their respective fields and industries while living in the diaspora.
During this engaging episode, we explore the extraordinary achievements, innovative ideas, and influential roles they play within their sectors and businesses. Prepare to be captivated by their journeys and gain valuable insights from these trailblazing individuals who are breaking barriers and making a lasting impact on the world around them, all while proudly preserving their African cultural identity and heritage.
What We Discuss With 5 Off The Cuff
Do you need to be in Africa to unlock Africa’s potential?
Could you provide a few notable instances of Africans in the diaspora who have effectively contributed to bolstering Africa's influence beyond its borders?
Do you feel pressure or a sense of responsibility as African individuals residing in the UK to serve as positive ambassadors for Africa?
How has your African heritage influenced your identity as a woman and a mother? Are there any cultural practices or values that have had a significant influence on your personal or professional life?
What are some effective ways for Africans in the diaspora to leverage their networks and connections in order to influence and shape global narratives surrounding Africa?
Unlocking Billions of Dollars: Capital Reallocation and Asset Recovery in Africa with Amaechi Nsofor
00:34:55
Episode #79 Amaechi Nsofor, who is a partner and Head of Africa, Insolvency, and Asset Recovery at Grant Thornton, and his multi-award-winning and renowned team have pioneered the use of insolvency powers to facilitate litigation and trace and recover misappropriated assets.
Grant Thornton is a firm with a global network that employs 58,000 people in 135 countries. They combine global scale with local insight and understanding to give clients the assurance, tax, and advisory services they need to realise their ambitions.
What We Discuss With Amaechi
Can you explain the concept of capital reallocation and how it can positively impact industries and markets across Africa?
What are some of the key challenges currently hindering effective capital reallocation in African economies, and how can these be addressed?
How can the unlocking of billions of dollars of cash at the sovereign and state levels contribute to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa?
How can governments and policymakers encourage and facilitate capital reallocation in Africa? Are there any specific policy measures that you recommend?
What are some of the potential risks and pitfalls associated with capital reallocation, and how can they be mitigated?
AI Is Here to Stay! How Artificial Intelligence Can Contribute to Economic Growth in Africa with Celina Lee
00:49:56
Episode #77 with Celina Lee, who is a Co-Founder and CEO of Zindi, which is a professional network for data science, and they are on a mission to make data science and AI accessible to everyone.
Celina has a passion for unleashing the power of data for social good. She has a proven track record of thought leadership in the intersection between data and development and has played central roles in the launches of global platforms.
What We Discuss With Celina
How does Zindi help make data science and AI more accessible to everyone?
How does Zindi support and nurture the African talent pool in data science and machine learning?
Could you share with us some examples of how AI is being effectively utilised in an African context?
Could you please provide an overview of the industries or sectors in Africa that are experiencing the greatest impact from AI?
In what ways can African businesses or organisations harness the power of AI to enhance their operations and gain a competitive edge?
Revolutionising Workforce Expansion: Connecting African Graduates With Global Job Opportunities With Samuel Brooksworth
00:44:58
Episode #78 with Samuel Brooksworth, who is the Founder and CEO of Remoteli, which is a tech-led on-demand staffing organisation with HQ in the UK. Remoteli supports organisations around the world in growing their teams with talented and ambitious graduates based in Africa.
Using AI, they match organisations with staff members based on personality matching and organisational culture. Companies see Remoteli as an extension of their core business, as they fully integrate their staff into their clients existing teams.
By working with Remoteli, companies can economically expand and diversify their teams rapidly by simply subscribing online.
What We Discuss With Samuel
What is the mission of Remoteli, and how does it differ from traditional staffing organisations?
How does Remoteli specifically address the challenges present in the current African job market?
What are the biggest challenges that you’ve faced so far in setting up and scaling Remoteli?
Could you elaborate on the cultural and social impact of Remoteli's efforts in connecting African graduates with global job opportunities?
Are we witnessing a growing trend of companies selecting Africa as a preferred offshoring destination, similar to historical instances where business functions were strategically relocated to countries like India and China?
Empowering African Markets: The Impactful CrossBoundary Approach to Purposeful Investing with Nneka Chime
00:41:29
Episode #80 with Nneka Chime, who is a Partner at CrossBoundary and has a profound interest in utilising technology, innovation, and investments to foster a more equitable and sustainable world.
CrossBoundary is a mission-driven investment firm dedicated to harnessing the potential of capital for sustainable growth and robust returns in underserved markets.
With a transaction-centred approach to underserved markets, CrossBoundary offers investment advisory services, boasting specialised expertise in unlocking investment opportunities across all sectors in emerging and underserved markets. Their diverse clientele for advisory services includes governments, development finance institutions, private equity firms, Fortune 100 companies, and research institutions.
What We Discuss With Nneka
What is CrossBoundary's transaction-centered approach to underserved markets, and how does it differ from traditional investment models?
Can you provide examples of successful investment projects by CrossBoundary in African markets, and how they have led to sustainable growth and strong returns?
What challenges does CrossBoundary encounter while operating in African markets, and how does the company overcome them to achieve its investment objectives?
As CrossBoundary is located in Nigeria, how has the series of challenges faced by the Nigerian economy in 2023, such as the Naira redesign and change of government, affected the company's operations?
How does CrossBoundary align its investments with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles?
Developing a Networking Platform to Bridge the Gap Between Investors and Game-Changing Entrepreneurs in Africa with Gerrad Olisa-Ashar
00:49:19
Episode #81 with Gerrad Olisa-Ashar, the visionary Co-Founder of Diaspora Investment Partners Africa. Join us as we delve into the remarkable story behind this groundbreaking networking platform that is revolutionising the landscape of African entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Gerrad Olisa-Ashar, an inspiring entrepreneur and thought leader, shares his personal journey and the pivotal experiences that led to the inception of Diaspora Investment Partners Africa. Discover how Gerrad's passion for empowering African communities and creating lasting positive impact sparked the idea of a platform that bridges the gap between private investors and innovative entrepreneurs on the continent.
What We Discuss With Gerrard
How do you plan to facilitate the connection between private investors in the diaspora and entrepreneurs in Africa?
What challenges do Africans in the diaspora encounter when attempting to invest back home in Africa?
What role does the African diaspora currently play, or have the potential to play, in supporting and investing in African businesses through your platform?
Are there any unique challenges specific to Africa that you encounter when attempting to invest the funds raised in African markets?
How do you effectively navigate the distinct cultural and regulatory landscapes across various African countries while facilitating investments and partnerships?
Championing Change: Advancing African Women in Leadership, Business, Politics, and Advocacy With Francesca Uriri
00:47:32
Episode #82 with Francesca Uriri who is the Co-Founder and Director of Leading Ladies Africa, a women-focused non-profit whose mission is to promote gender inclusivity and diversity by increasing participation and representation of women of African origin in fields of leadership, business, politics, and advocacy.
Their vision is to see an increased participation of African women in these fields by 2030. Leading Ladies Africa’s key target audience is upwardly mobile, internet-savvy women aged between 21 and 50. Its secondary audience is lower-income women and the unbanked, who require access to funding and macroeconomic support.
What We Discuss With Francesca
How would you describe the current state of gender inclusivity and diversity in Africa, particularly in areas such as Leadership, Business, Politics and Advocacy.
Which strategies or programs do you believe are essential for empowering the women you work with, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to progress in leadership and business roles?
How does Leading Ladies Africa effectively leverage technology and digital platforms to reach and engage with its audience?
You have a focus on lower-income women and the unbanked. How does Leading Ladies Africa address these challenges or barriers they face in accessing funding and macro-economic support?
How does Leading Ladies Africa measure and track progress towards achieving its goals?
Harvesting Connections: Unveiling Strategies for Boosting Regional Food Trade in Africa with Daniel Njiwa
00:52:43
Episode #83 with Daniel Njiwa, who is Head of Regional Food Trade at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international NGO established by Kofi Annan to drive the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Africa.
AGRA leads interventions in improving the predictability of the policy and regulatory environment while coordinating investments for market activation, allowing for inclusive and sustainable participation of small farmers in national and regional value chains. The organisation is an alliance led by Africans with roots in farming communities across the continent and puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy.
What We Discuss With Daniel
What are some of the biggest challenges or barriers to regional food trade in Africa?
How important is cross-border cooperation and collaboration among African countries in facilitating regional food trade?
What role do SMEs play or contribute to food security and agricultural development in Africa?
What policy changes or interventions are needed to further promote trade across African borders?
In the last couple years, Africa has faced some extreme food security challenges as a consequence of the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. What have we learned from this?
From Passion to Progress: Pioneering Ways for Africa’s Creative Industries to Grow with Yemisi Mokuolu
00:54:07
Episode #84 with Yemisi Mokuolu, who is an award-winning and highly regarded independent producer and creative industries business consultant. She is the founder and CEO of Hatch Ideas, which develops and promotes African arts and artists. She is also an independent producer and has produced some of London’s largest African arts festivals.
HATCH works across the creative, cultural, and social sectors, bringing to life initiatives that have the potential to drive inclusion and diversity, generate greater wealth for communities, and improve social environments. Clients include Arts Council England, BBC London, City University, the Department for Industry & Trade (UK), Historic England, Kings College London, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Social Enterprise London.
What We Discuss With Yemisi
With two decades of experience under your belt, you started this journey when Africa's creative and cultural industries weren’t really getting much attention. What did you see then that other people were missing?
Are you surprised by what Africa's creative and cultural industries have achieved so far?
You recently co-authored the book chapter "Finance for Creative and Cultural Industries in Africa". What were some of the key themes and findings of the report?
In your opinion, what are some of the key challenges faced by Africa's Creative & Cultural Industries, and how can they be overcome?
Can you share examples of how the creative and cultural industries in Africa have positively impacted local communities and economies?
Redefining Banking in Sub-Saharan Africa: Affinity Africa's Journey to Financial Inclusion with Tarek Mouganie
00:39:25
Episode #85 is with Tarek Mouganie, who is the founder of Affinity Africa, which is an owner and operator of financial services companies in sub-Saharan Africa. Affinity prides itself on establishing digital-forward and branch-light financial institutions, leveraging fintech and innovative design-led solutions to improve financial access and affordability.
Affinity supports the unbanked and underserved by providing every individual and business with accessible and affordable financial services they can trust. The business intends to make digital banking a successful and valuable part of its distribution strategy, showcasing a better standard for banking in Africa.
Founded in 2013, Affinity launched in Ghana in 2015 after acquiring PayFlex Microfinance Company Limited (now known as Affinity Ghana Savings and Loans) to focus on financial inclusion and financial literacy in a region that is underserved and under-penetrated.
What We Discuss With Tarek
What type of money-related services does Affinity Africa provide to people in sub-Saharan Africa who don't have bank accounts or aren't getting the help they need?
How does Affinity ensure that the financial services that it provides are accessible and affordable for every individual and business?
What are the main obstacles or challenges Affinity Africa has faced while operating in the sub-Saharan African market?
How does Affinity collaborate with local governments, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to foster financial inclusion and support the growth of MSMEs?
In your opinion, what are the key factors necessary for creating a better standard for banking in Africa, particularly in underserved regions?
From Passion to Plate. How to Build an African Food Empire in the UK With Olusegun Akande
01:02:10
Episode #86 is with Olusegun Akande, who is the cofounder and director of Samis Online African Foods, which is the UK’s one-stop Afro-Caribbean Online Superstore. They are specialists in African groceries and original products of the highest quality.
What sets Samis apart is their commitment to sourcing 90% of their fresh food produce from Nigeria, even though they operate both within and outside the country.
Samis Online African Food has not only captured the hearts and palates of Nigerians living in the UK but has also provided employment opportunities, further bolstering the economic landscape of both countries.
What We Discuss With Olusegun
What difficulties have you faced forming relationships with farmers or suppliers in Africa to support and strengthen the quality and quantity of products that you source from Africa?
How do recent changes in Nigeria, like the Naira redesign and the removal of fuel subsidies, affect the work you're doing?
Outside of Africa, how did events like Brexit affect your operations and how you now run your business?
During these challenging times, how do you make sure that your products are both accessible and affordable for consumers?
How do you source and select the products that are featured on your platform?
Growing Together. How Collaboration and Partnerships Are Transforming African Agriculture With Jennifer Baarn
00:49:39
Episode #87 is with Jennifer Baarn is the head of partnerships at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), which is an alliance led by Africans with roots in farming communities across the continent. They understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions designed to meet their specific environmental and agricultural needs so they can sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agricultural markets.
AGRA is an African-led and African-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into
What We Discuss With Jennifer
What strategies or programmes do you believe need to be implemented to promote collaboration and alliances in agriculture across the continent?
AGRA emphasises "uniquely African solutions" for farmers. Could you provide some examples of these solutions and how they have positively impacted farming communities?
When forming partnerships in African agriculture, how can we ensure that these partnerships are inclusive and considerate of gender and social equity in farming communities?
What role do technology and innovation play in advancing partnerships across African agriculture?
What role do you believe partnerships between the public and private sectors can play in boosting agriculture in Africa?
The Future of Medicine in Africa. Data, Tech, and Remedial Health with Samuel Okwuada
00:48:29
Episode #88 is with Samuel Okwuada, who is the CEO and co-founder of Remedial Health, a ground-breaking company at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare delivery in Africa through the power of data and technology.
Remedial Health's mission is clear: to enhance the accessibility and affordability of medicines. They achieve this by establishing a direct supply chain from manufacturers to pharmacies for medical and non-medical essentials, thereby cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.
Remedial Health offers innovative financing and inventory management solutions that empower both pharmacies and patients alike.
What We Discuss With Samuel
Do you feel that your experience in the UK influenced how you started and expanded Remedial Health?
What makes Remedial Health stand out from other pharmaceutical marketplaces, and what unique value do you provide to your customers?
How is Remedial Health tackling the issue of a fragmented market and creating greater visibility in the supply chain for manufacturers?
One of your core commitments is to provide affordable medicine in Africa. How have you managed to achieve this commitment while facing global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation?
What role has technology played in enabling you to manage the solutions that you offer from end to end?
How Effective PR Can Transform African Companies and Nations: PR, Perception, and Progress with Bemi Idowu
00:48:13
Episode #89 is with Bemi Idowu, who is a PR and communications specialist with vast experience in leading and delivering successful media campaigns for a wide range of companies, from established global players to Africa-focused start-ups.
Bemi is also the founder and managing director of Talking Drum Communications, which is a public relations and communications consultancy that supports companies innovating in Africa to shape perceptions and get more effective publicity for the work they are doing.
They work with technology companies, manufacturers, and other innovators that are enabling new opportunities to drive economic growth on the continent, delivering successful media campaigns that align with their business goals.
What We Discuss With Bemi
What inspired you to start a public relations and communications consultancy focusing on Africa's innovators?
How important are effective publicity and perception-shaping for companies innovating in Africa?
How can PR and communications be utilised as tools to leverage economic growth in Africa?
Is there a correlation between positive PR and communications and investment flows into Africa or into specific companies?
What are some common misconceptions or stereotypes about doing PR and communications in Africa, and how do you address them?
Investing Beyond Borders: Bamboo's Journey to Revolutionise Investment for Africans in the Face of Economic Challenges with Richmond Bassey
00:38:56
Episode #90 is with Richmond Bassey, who is the CEO and founder of Bamboo, which is an investment platform that gives Africans the tools to build wealth from the ground up through real-time access to global markets.
In countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, individuals often witness their hard-earned savings dwindle away due to weakening currencies and soaring inflation rates. In fact, the Naira and Cedi were among the worst-performing currencies globally last year. Bamboo, however, stands as a beacon of hope in these challenging financial times.
Bamboo has raised a total of $18.3 million in investment and is backed by prominent US investors Tiger Global and Greycroft. Bamboo has 633k users, is present in Nigeria and Ghana, and is looking to launch in South Africa and Kenya this year.
What We Discuss With Richmond
How does Bamboo aim to help Africans build long-term wealth through investing in US stocks?
Could you elaborate on how wealthtech has opened US capital markets to Africans?
What challenges did you face in the early stages of establishing the platform and opening US capital markets to Africans?
What learnings and insights did you gain from the experience of the Central Bank of Nigeria freezing Bamboo's bank accounts in 2021?
Can you elaborate on Bamboo's approach to building a B2B and B2C sales channel strategy and how this approach benefits the company, considering the complexity involved in this approach?
How Africa’s Biggest Mini-Grid Owner is Creating Economic Growth by Providing Electricity to Rural Communities with William Brent
00:46:01
Episode #91 is with William Brent, the Chief Marketing Officer of Husk Power Systems, a global leader in distributed utilities. Since its establishment in 2008, Husk Power Systems has been at the forefront of providing dependable electricity to rural communities and businesses, all powered by renewable energy sources. Their commitment is unwavering—delivering uninterrupted power, 24/7, at a price they can afford.
What sets Husk Power Systems apart is its innovative approach. Through a user-friendly, mobile-enabled smart metering system, they offer a flexible “pay-as-you-go” energy service using a mobile-enabled smart metering system. It provides low-cost energy that matches the growing needs of our customers, for households, community services, and productive uses. Its grid-compatible solution can be rolled out quickly and cost-effectively to support national electrification plans.
What We Discuss With William
How does Husk Power Systems help provide steady electricity to rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Are mini-grids a more suitable option for connecting unelectrified rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, considering factors like cost-effectiveness and scalability?
How does Husk Power Systems maintain a balance between offering low-cost energy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its operations?
What challenges has Husk faced in finding suitable places for deploying mini-grids, and how do they solve these challenges?
In Nigeria, where Husk operates, do the policy and regulatory frameworks support or stop the expansion of mini-grids and renewable energy projects?
Savings, Simplicity, Success: Transforming African Businesses Through Spend Management with Yemi Olulana
00:33:10
Episode 92 with Yemi Olulana, the CEO of Flex Finance, the leading spend management and corporate card platform for African businesses. Flex Finance empowers businesses across Africa to gain control over their expenses through their user-friendly web and mobile platforms, as well as corporate cards. They have successfully assisted thousands of businesses, liberating business owners and finance teams from the stress of spend management.
Flex Finance simplifies this critical aspect of business, making it not only manageable but delightful. By offering streamlined processes, they help businesses save significant amounts of money and time, ultimately contributing to their growth and success.
Yemi Olulana, with over a decade of experience, has a proven track record in building startups within various sectors including e-commerce, web3, and fintech. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving Flex Finance's success in empowering businesses across Africa.
What We Discuss With Yemi
Can you explain how the spending processes in many African businesses are restricting their potential for growth and efficiency?
What challenges did you face when introducing a technology-based solution, given the widespread use of traditional methods such as email and paper for spending requests in Africa?
Having worked with over 2,500 businesses, can you share any trends or insights you've gathered regarding spending behaviours in African businesses?
How does Flex Finance support the larger objectives of financial inclusion and economic empowerment in Africa?
In a continent as diverse as Africa, what factors did you consider to ensure that Flex Finance is adaptable and effective across various business contexts?
Nurturing Innovation: Building and Scaling African Startups with Expert Support with Thabiso Foto
00:47:34
Episode 93 with Thabiso Foto, the Chief Financial Officer at Founders Factory Africa. Thabiso currently leads the finance and operations departments at Founders Factory Africa, providing invaluable strategic, technical, and operational guidance to their vibrant community of start-ups.
Founders Factory Africa is a tailored, corporate-backed accelerator and incubator that builds and scales 100+ tech businesses across the African continent. FFA is based on a unique model of combining leading corporate investors and partners with a fully-fledged operational team to design, build, and grow African tech start-ups. FFA are venture builders dedicated to solving some of Africa’s biggest challenges and capitalising on its incredible potential by leveraging market and tech opportunities.
At the core of Founders Factory Africa's mission is the creation of an ecosystem that fosters genuine innovation. Their objective is clear: to be the best growth engine for founders across Africa and beyond.
What We Discuss With Thabiso
How do you manage the diversification of investments and navigate the various challenges and opportunities presented by different African markets?
How does Founders Factory Africa promote collaboration among corporates, investors, and startup talent to foster innovation and drive growth within the African tech industry?
What insights have you gained from your experiences with early-stage African entrepreneurs, and how have these insights influenced the development of your investment strategies?
What are the main challenges faced by early-stage African startups, and how does Founders Factory Africa tackle these challenges through its investment and support initiatives?
How does Founders Factory Africa measure the social impact of its investments?
The Power of Information: Revolutionising Market Intelligence in African Economies With Joseph Rutakangwa
00:53:51
Episode 94 with Joseph Rutakangwa, who is the founder and CEO of Rwazi, which is a market intelligence platform that provides multinational consumer goods companies with actionable data from developing markets on who is buying what, for how much, from where, when, and why, to help them drive revenue and expand.
Rwazi combines technology and a network of 20,000+ qualified data collectors (called "mappers") spread across urban and rural areas in 40+ countries in Africa, Asia, and South America to collect data from their localities, allowing them to collect data from thousands of locations and consumers on a daily basis.
What We Discuss With Joseph
Could you explain how Rwazi's platform gathers actionable data from emerging markets? What's the process like?
Could you elaborate on how Rwazi's data helps multinational consumer goods companies drive revenue and expand in these markets?
Can you discuss the challenges you've faced in building and maintaining a network of mappers in remote areas? How have you overcome these challenges?
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected by your network of mappers?
Given the diverse cultures and markets you cover, how does Rwazi navigate cultural sensitivities while collecting data?
Investing in Financial Inclusion by Unlocking the Potential of Fintech Startups in Egypt and Beyond with Rana Abdel Latif
00:42:59
Episode 95 with Rana Abdel Latif, who is an investment professional with cross-transactional expertise in M&A, financing, and restructuring deals across various industries and also a senior principal at Nclude.
Nclude is an investment platform for fintech innovation. Founder-centric in design, it supports early and growth-stage entrepreneurs who are tackling financial inclusion and enables their success by offering a full-stack support ecosystem for fintech and fintech-enabled start-ups in Egypt and beyond.
What We Discuss With Rana
Is there a particular reason why you focus on fintech and fintech-enabled startups, particularly those addressing financial inclusion?
What challenges and opportunities do you see in the fintech landscape in the regions Nclude operates in?
Do you think the investment environment in Egypt and the North African region is favourable for startups, or do you believe there's room for further improvement?
With your experience across different geographical regions, what insights can you share about the unique characteristics of the fintech scenes in the North Africa region?
What are some key factors that you believe contribute to the success of fintech startups in today's competitive landscape?
Africa to the World: Mobilising Capital, Fostering Collaboration, and Driving Change in African Tech with Anthony William Catt
00:58:58
Episode 96 with Anthony William Catt, who is the founder and director of Ventures 54. A company on a mission to build and strengthen the international investment corridors between Africa’s tech, startup, and investor ecosystems and the rest of the world by mobilising capital and facilitating investment
Working with governments, DFIs, and other international funding agencies to provide technical assistance to founders and investors by establishing key networks, unlocking human and commercial resources, and creating access to global markets and investment opportunities.
What We Discuss With Anthony
How did your personal interest in building connections between the UK and Africa, specifically in the fields of technology and startups, develop?
Could you elaborate on the role of technical assistance funding in the African startup ecosystem and how Ventures 54 facilitates its deployment?
Could you highlight the common trends and preferences you've observed among investors seeking to invest in the African tech scene?
In your experience, how can the UK act as a springboard for African entrepreneurs seeking global exposure and growth?
What advice would you offer to UK companies looking to explore opportunities and tap into talent within African markets?
Diving Into Search Funds: An Emerging Investment Vehicle That Could Deliver Higher Returns in Africa with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim
00:49:36
Episode 97 with Ibrahim Abdel Rahim, who is a managing partner at Moonbase Capital. Moonbase Capital invests in SMEs through Search Funds, an innovative new asset class that combines the stability of private equity with the agility of venture capital in order to yield more consistent returns to our investors at lower risk.
Their main focus is on providing entrepreneurs with hands-on support throughout the search, acquisition, and growth phases of their journey, leveraging 40 years of combined experience as operators, consultants, CEOs, and CFOs, building and selling businesses globally.
What We Discuss With Ibrahim
In your consulting experience, what specific insights or skills did you gain that now contribute to your effectiveness as a managing partner at Moonbase Capital?
Could you explain what search funds are and how you first came across this innovative asset class?
How does Moonbase Capital's focus on investing in SMEs through Search Funds provide distinct advantages in comparison to conventional private equity or venture capital investment strategies?
What role does Moonbase Capital play in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa and beyond?
How does Moonbase Capital implement strategies and practices to achieve its goal of delivering consistent returns with lower risk?
Data-Driven Success: How Chari is Transforming Traditional Retail in French-Speaking Africa with Ismael Belkhayat
00:41:10
Episode 98 with Ismael Belkhayat, who is the founder and CEO of Chari, an e-commerce app that has recently been valued at $100 million. Chari helps small retailers in French-speaking Africa procure inventory for their stores and get it delivered for free while benefiting from payment facilities.
It is a one-stop shop for traditional proximity stores, allowing them to order any consumer goods they sell and get them delivered for free while benefiting from financial services.
Ismael is an experienced startup founder with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry. A data-driven, strong business development professional who graduated from Cornell University and was a former BCG consultant.
What We Discuss With Ismael
How does Chari specifically benefit small retailers in French-speaking Africa?
What are the main challenges you've faced in scaling Chari in the African market, and how have you addressed them?
Chari recently secured $1.5 million in funding. Can you share how this funding will be utilised to further Chari's mission and growth?
What strategies does Chari employ to ensure efficient and reliable delivery services, especially in regions with challenging logistics infrastructure?
With your experience as a startup founder and two successful exits, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in the African tech ecosystem?
Smart Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Figorr's IoT Approach to Reduce Food and Vaccine Wastage in Africa with Tega Iortim
00:37:44
Episode 99 with Tega Iortim, who is an impact-driven entrepreneur with a passion for using technology to solve major supply chain related challenges across developing countries.
Tega is the CEO and founder of Figorr, which is an IoT company that offers real-time monitoring and tracking for temperature-sensitive items.
Figorr aims to play a part in bridging the gaps in the healthcare cold chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. To this effect, Figorr was setup with primarily two (2) objectives:
1. To build innovative, affordable cold chain solutions for storage and transportation by embedding technology with already available social science solutions to enhance the efficiency of the solution. 2. To educate individuals in the relevant industries about modern and standardised cold chain practices.
What We Discuss With Tega
Could you share some statistics or examples that highlight the scale of food and vaccine waste in sub-Saharan Africa?
How does Figorr's IoT technology work to monitor and prevent losses during the transportation and storage of perishable goods?
What challenges do businesses typically face in the transportation and storage of perishable goods in Africa?
Have you encountered specific cultural or social nuances that you had to take into account when implementing your solutions in different African regions?
How can the use of IoT technology in Africa to reduce food and vaccine waste effect environmental and sustainability concerns?
Bridging the Gap Between East and West: Tech, Investments, and Global Impact with Sherif Nessim
00:48:45
EPISODE 100 with Sherif Nessim who is a technology specialist with over 24 years of experience in offering solutions and products to corporations, mobile carriers, and service providers (B2B) as well as consumer services (B2C) in Egypt and the Middle East and Africa area.
Sherif is the visionary founder of Jedar Capital, a rising venture capital firm. Jedar Capital, which specialises in assisting early-stage entrepreneurs from pre-seed to Series A, focuses its efforts on promoting innovation throughout Africa and the Middle East. The firm is crucial in establishing relationships between corporations in the United States and Europe looking to develop their presence in Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa, and vice versa.
What We Discuss With Sherif
What has been your experiences in establishing a venture capital firm that focuses specifically on supporting African startups?
What are some crucial considerations for businesses aiming to successfully enter the African market?
What are some common misconceptions or challenges you've observed when Western companies try to expand into Africa?
How does Jedar Capital differ from other Africa-focused VCs, and what advantages does it offer?
What advice would you give to African startups that are looking to raise capital or investment?
Building Trust and Seamless Transactions: A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Payments in Africa with Omoniyi Kolade
00:39:18
Episode 101 with Omoniyi Kolade is the founder and CEO of Seerbit, a pan-African enterprise payment platform that enables fast, seamless, inclusive, and secure payments for leading local and global companies present on the African continent.
SeerBit is a platform that enables all types of businesses to process payments from their customers with the digital tools they need. In Africa, customers are often limited by circumstances or location, such as the unavailability of the internet or a lack of access to financial services. SeerBit’s mission is to help businesses circumvent these barriers that prevent them from optimally serving their customers.
What We Discuss With Omoniyi
How does SeerBit contribute to financial inclusion in Africa, particularly for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked?
What role does technology play in SeerBit's approach to making payments fast and seamless?
Africa is a diverse continent with varying levels of technological infrastructure. How does SeerBit address the challenges of operating in such a dynamic environment?
Security is a crucial concern in online payments. How does SeerBit ensure the security of transactions on its platform?
As you operate in multiple African countries, how do you manage the cultural and regulatory differences across these markets?
Beyond Charity and Changing Narratives: Understanding the Layers of African Philanthropy with Dr Keratiloe Mogotsi
00:43:28
Episode 102 with, Dr. Keratiloe Mogotsi, who is the former Program Director at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), which works to bridge the gap in the study, research, and practice of philanthropy and social investment in Africa.
Global interest in the field of philanthropy and social investment in Africa and continents outside of Euro-America is growing exponentially. Recent years have seen a considerable increase in research and writings related to these topics. Despite this, the study of these fields is in a nascent stage, with very little formal academic research, teaching, and publication available in Africa.
What We Discuss With Dr. Keratiloe
What do you believe needs to happen to bridge the gap in the study and practice of philanthropy in Africa?
What are some of the challenges faced by African philanthropies when cooperating with international initiatives?
It could be said that philanthropy is ingrained in African culture. Why do you think this is not recognised, and philanthropy is now associated with western organisations?
What steps can individuals and organisations take to rewrite the narrative of African philanthropy and challenge any existing stereotypes or misconceptions?
How should philanthropies engage with local communities to ensure that philanthropic efforts are culturally sensitive and impactful?
African Art on the Global Stage: The Growth and Evolution of African Art with Touria El Glaoui
00:43:56
Episode 103 with Touria El Glaoui, who is the Founding Director of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which is the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, has annual editions in London, New York, and Marrakech.
Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1-54 is the first and only international fair dedicated to contemporary African art. With three editions per year—in London, New York, and Marrakech—as well as a pop-up fair in Paris, 1-54 is the leading global art fair committed to providing visibility to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
Striving to promote a community of diverse perspectives, including evolving interpretations of the diasporic experience, 1-54 features leading international galleries specialising in contemporary African art alongside artist talks, panel discussions, and a Special Projects programme.
What We Discuss With Touria El Glaoui
How does 1-54 bridge the gap between African artists and the global art market?
What are some of the challenges faced by artists from Africa and its diaspora in the contemporary art world?
How has the perception of African art evolved in the Western world during the ten years 1-54 has been active?
What does the growing global demand for African art currently look like?
Does the growing global demand for African art stem from a passion for African art or the perception of it as an investable asset class?
Redefining African Travel Experiences Beyond Wildlife: ZaNiheza's Mission to Showcase the True Africa with Charles Shima
00:44:22
Episode 104 with Charles Shima, who is the founder and CEO of ZaNiheza, a booking software and afrocentric travel marketplace for immersive experiences that connect travelers with local curators.
ZaNiheza provides immersive tours and activities that enhance travelers' experiences when they visit African destinations. Their proprietary booking software makes it possible for travel suppliers to create, manage, and offer tours and activities online.
What We Discuss With Charles Shima
What specific gap in the African travel market were you aiming to address, especially in the context of African travel experiences?
Can you give us reasons why it is important to develop tourism in Africa?
Africa is experiencing increased interest globally in areas such as tourism. What more can be done to sustain this tourism growth?
Could you elaborate on how empowering local travel curators and promoting unique cultural experiences contribute to economic growth in the regions you operate?
How is the increasing presence of young African travel bloggers and content creators, including individuals like yourself, influencing the African travel and tourism industry?
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