Unlocking Africa – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 142 with Diseye Isoun who is a recognised authority in African broadband development, focusing on expanding internet access, connectivity, and stakeholder engagement across the continent. With extensive experience in the sector, he has a deep understanding of how broadband access drives technological innovation, economic development, education, and business growth.

Diseye has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape in Nigeria, playing a key role in the establishment of Galaxy Backbone, NITDA, and Nigcomsat—foundational entities within the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He was responsible for drafting Galaxy Backbone’s mandate, introducing satellite connectivity to the government, and leading the marketing efforts for NigComSat-1.

Currently, through his company Content Oasis, Diseye focuses on extending connectivity solutions to underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities.

What We Discuss With Diseye

• The evolution of the broadband landscape in Africa over the past five years and the impact of major projects such as Google's Equiano.
• Strategies to bridge the broadband access gap between urban cities and rural areas.
• Actionable steps Africa can take to close the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
• Government policies that can promote better broadband penetration in underserved areas.
• The role of local Internet Service Providers in bridging the digital divide.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Investing in Our Own: Why Angel Investing Is the Key to Africans Funding Africa? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamu

Connect with Diseye on LinkedIn at Diseye Isoun, and Twitter (X) @diseye

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 141 with Sola Osinoiki, who is an author, advisory board member, speaker, founder, growth strategist, and most importantly, angel investor in African startups.

Sola Osinoiki is a business executive with over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry. Sola has spent numerous years working on global HR systems implementation and consulting with major international organisations and fast-growing small and medium-sized businesses. Sola's mission is to help businesses understand HR IT solutions, including bespoke developments and off-the-shelf technologies. He has gained extensive experience in the HR technology and data arena as a client, implementer of services, and seasoned advisor.

Outside of his profession, Sola has a passion for empowering nations and people. This passion led him to create the Josh Leadership Academy and a recently published book titled Managing Up for Career Progression. Additionally, Sola frequently travels across the globe to provide guidance and support to churches and their leaders.

What We Discuss With Sola

• The unconventional route to becoming an angel investor in Africa.
• Why taking on investors’ money isn’t always the best route for growth.
• The common mistakes that startup founders make when seeking investment, and how they can avoid them
• How to add value to startups through your skills, experience, and network—beyond just financial backing.
• Balancing the need for financial returns with the goal of creating a positive social impact through your investments.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Seeds of Change: How Access to High-Quality Seeds Can Revolutionise Potato Farming in Africa? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamu

Connect with Sola on LinkedIn at Olusola Osinoiki, and Twitter (X) @Joshpub

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 132 is with Nader Abdelrazik, Co-Founder and CEO of MoneyHash, a company that addresses all payment needs, helping businesses build, optimise, and scale their payment infrastructure at any stage of growth.

MoneyHash recently raised $4.5 million to combat payment failures across the MEA region, despite a significant funding slowdown. They achieved this remarkable feat by tripling their revenue and increasing transaction volume by an astonishing 3,000% post-beta, making them a highly attractive investment.

Unlike many companies in the Middle East and Africa that replicate successful Western models, MoneyHash competes head-to-head with international players, standing on equal footing with their Western counterparts.

Nader is also passionate about the pressing issue of brain drain and the need for more category-defining companies in the region to retain top talent.

What We Discuss With Nader

• Identifying the need for a payment orchestration platform in the MEA region and the challenges initially faced.
• What differentiates MoneyHash's platform from other payment gateways in Africa?
• How does MoneyHash address payment failures, and what impact does this have on businesses in Africa?
• How businesses can expect to see a 10–20% increase in revenue through MoneyHash's solutions.
• What factors contributed to the tripling of revenue and the 3,000% increase in volume post-beta?

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Resilience, Creativity and Building Tech for Real Sectors: The Story of a Serial Entrepreneur Building in Africa? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamu

Connect with Nader  on LinkedIn at Nader Abdelrazik, and Twitter (X) @naderfahim87

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Sustainable Circular Economies are transforming African Communities with Olivier Vanden Eynde? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Amne Suedi on LinkedIn at AmneSuedi, and Twitter @amnesuedi

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why Investing in “Boring” Companies Can Boost Employment and Economic Growth in Africa with Brendan Mullen? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Olivier Vanden Eynde on LinkedIn at OlivierVandenEynde, and @oliviervdeynde

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Tourism in Africa Is Being Reinvented. A Bright Future for African Tourism with Yaa Ofori-Ansah? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Brendan Mullen on LinkedIn at BrendanMullen, and @BrendanJMullen

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Creating a Tech Talent Pool in Africa for the Real Economy. Powering Digital Transformation With Eric Annan? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Yaa Ofori-Ansah on LinkedIn at YaaOforiAnsah, and TalkingDrums

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Significance of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Development in Driving Africa’s New Era with Prof. Tal Edgars? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Eric Annan on LinkedIn at EricAnnan, and Twitter @e_annan24

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why Africa Needs to Improve Cybersecurity to Boost Investment and Economic Development with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Prof. Tal Edgars on LinkedIn at TalEdgars, and Twitter @ProfTalEdgars

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

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?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Accurately Forecast Africa’s Long-Term Development Potential. African Futures & Innovation with Jakkie Cilliers? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamu

Connect with Kendrall and Larry on LinkedIn at Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon, and Twitter @_CyberAlliance

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at [email protected]

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter