Explore every episode of the podcast Unlocking Africa
Dive into the complete episode list for Unlocking Africa. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 177
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Connecting the Continent: Challenges, Solutions, and Innovations to Increasing Internet Connectivity in Africa with Diseye Isoun
30 Sep 2024
00:38:54
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.
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Investing in Our Own: Why Angel Investing Is the Key to Africans Funding Africa With Sola Osinoiki
23 Sep 2024
01:07:17
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.
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Boosting Revenue and Solving Payment Failures in Africa: Payment Orchestration Explained with Nader Abdelrazik
22 Jul 2024
00:56:04
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why It Is Essential to Have the Right Legal Structure in Place When Doing Business in Africa with Amne Suedi
31 Oct 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Sustainable Circular Economies are transforming African Communities with Olivier Vanden Eynde
24 Oct 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why Investing in “Boring” Companies Can Boost Employment and Economic Growth in Africa with Brendan Mullen
17 Oct 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Tourism in Africa Is Being Reinvented. A Bright Future for African Tourism with Yaa Ofori-Ansah
10 Oct 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Creating a Tech Talent Pool in Africa for the Real Economy. Powering Digital Transformation With Eric Annan
04 Oct 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
The Significance of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Development in Driving Africa’s New Era with Prof. Tal Edgars
26 Sep 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why Africa Needs to Improve Cybersecurity to Boost Investment and Economic Development with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon
19 Sep 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How to Accurately Forecast Africa’s Long-Term Development Potential. African Futures & Innovation with Jakkie Cilliers
12 Sep 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How to Successfully Structure and Start an Africa Focused Venture Capital Fund with Samantha Lee
05 Sep 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
The Power of Media: How a Ghanaian Radio Station Transformed a Community with Phillip Nyakpo
30 Aug 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Resilience, Creativity and Building Tech for Real Sectors: The Story of a Serial Entrepreneur Building in Africa with Onyeka Akumah
15 Jul 2024
01:19:20
Episode 131 is with Onyeka Akumah who is a serial entrepreneur. He is the Founder and CEO of Treepz, Africa’s leading corporate mobility solutions startup, with more than 5 million customer journeys completed across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Uganda.
As a seasoned executive with a background in agriculture, real estate, mobility, and e-commerce, Onyeka has founded four startups and exited two. His work includes founding Farmcrowdy - the largest agriculture crowdfunding platform that came from Nigeria; SmallSmall Technologies - Nigeria's number one proptech platform; and exited QwikGist - a social news aggregator that grew to 300,000 users in 2013 within 6 weeks after launch.
Beyond building Treepz, Onyeka currently mentors entrepreneurs through Techstars, teaches entrepreneurship at Rome Business School, and invests in early-stage startups with more than 15 portfolio companies under his belt.
What We Discuss With Onyeka
Onyeka's transition from a tech career to become Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Jumia Nigeria, Africa's first unicorn and largest e-commerce store.
What are the key learnings from his experiences at Jumia and Konga that he has applied to the startups he's launched?
What was the inspiration behind Farmcrowdy, and what were the challenges that he faced at Farmcrowdy?
What lessons did he take away from his experience at Farmcrowdy that he has implemented in Treepz?
Given his notable successes in Africa's tech space, what advice would he give to young entrepreneurs beginning their journey on the continent?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
What Is the Future of the Creator Economy in Africa? Creating Value Through Community with Patrick Palmi
22 Aug 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Impact Investing in Africa. Promoting Positive Capital for Development in Africa with Gert van Veldhuisen
15 Aug 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Entrepreneurship Can Play a Critical Role in Africa’s Transformation and Future Development with York Zucchi
08 Aug 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Telling the African Story Can Empower and Contribute to the Economic Development of Africa with Lanre Aina
01 Aug 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Changing the Financial Landscape of Africa by Creating a New Microfinance Model for the Continent with Viola Llewellyn
25 Jul 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Africa Can Leverage the Diaspora's Untapped Wealth and Power for Future Development. MoveMeBack with Charles Sekwalor
18 Jul 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why Africa Is the Future of the Fashion Industry. Now Is the Time to Trade and Invest with Jacqueline Shaw
11 Jul 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How to Win Customers in Africa’s Unstructured Market. Africa’s Goldmine with Uchenna Uzo
04 Jul 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Using Blockchain for Social Impact in Africa: The Good, Bad, and in Between with Pretty Kubyane
27 Jun 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why the Informal Business Sector Is the Next Great Frontier of Africa. Africa’s Economic Revolution with GG Alcock
20 Jun 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Fashion With a Purpose: How a Ghanaian Entrepreneur Is Thriving in a Male Dominated Shoemaking Industry with Edna Frimpong
08 Jul 2024
00:45:59
Episode 130 with Edna Frimpong who is an award-winning entrepreneur who is making remarkable strides in the shoemaking business. Affectionately called the "shoemaker girl," Edna is breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of societal norms.
Edna's journey as an entrepreneur began while she was a student at Adonten Senior High School. She had always been interested in fashion and started making slippers as a hobby. However, as she began to receive positive feedback from her peers and family, Edna realised that she could turn her passion into a viable business.
With this realisation, Edna co-founded Ahofade, a popular classic fashion brand in West Africa that specialises in creating unique and affordable made in Ghana designs from Ghanian fashion designers. What started as a small-scale operation has since grown into a successful enterprise, with Edna gaining global recognition as a talented and innovative shoemaker, fashion designer, and entrepreneur.
What We Discuss With Edna
Edna's inspiration to pursue a career in the shoemaking industry, especially being a woman in a male-dominated field.
How has Edna used her background in public relations and communications to craft her unique story and build her brand?
What motivated Edna to write her recently released book, "The Shoemaker's Girl?"
How does Ahofade support local entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and help them grow their businesses?
What is the importance of mentorship and coaching in empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How the Gig Economy Is Creating Jobs and Changing Work Culture in Africa with Nicolas Goldstein
13 Jun 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
An Expert Interview About Africa’s Tech Startup Ecosystem in the Midst of an Economic Downturn with Satoshi Shinada
06 Jun 2022
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?"
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
What Must Be Done to Ensure That Africa’s Youth Can Contribute to the Continent’s Economic Prosperity with Dr. Faith Nwaobia
30 May 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How to Develop a Disruption-Proof Supply Chain in Africa and Globally with Brian Aoaeh
23 May 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
The Truth and Facts About How Africans Consume Brands with Feyi Olubodun
16 May 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Is a Global Game Changer with Louis Afful
09 May 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Using Technology to Unlock Africa’s Multibillion-Dollar Property Market with Daniel Bloch
03 May 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Data Is Increasing Funding in Africa’s Startup Ecosystem with Dario Giuliani
25 Apr 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Developing an Effective Data Infrastructure to Drive Business Growth in Africa with Rob Withagen
19 Apr 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Why You Should Invest in African Startups. Africa Is the Future with Gbite Oduneye
11 Apr 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Trust, Metrics, and Impact: A Blueprint for Success in Africa’s 2024 Startup Economy With Efayomi Carr
01 Jul 2024
00:40:38
Episode 129 with Efayomi Carr, who is Principal at Flourish Ventures, leads Africa investments for Flourish Ventures, and has worked with founders in the startup ecosystem for the last five years.
As of November this year, fundraising declined to nearly pre-Covid levels, with startup founders raising only $3.2 billion in a difficult macroeconomic climate that negatively impacted many global companies and regional scaleups and startups. In this period, Flourish Ventures, a global venture capital firm, has continued to support startup companies across the world, especially fintech founders in emerging markets, with patient capital and expert advisory.
Flourish has also recently announced additional funding of $350 million to double down on their investments in fintech entrepreneurs, a good percentage of which is earmarked for African markets.
What We Discuss With Efayomi
What role does mission-driven entrepreneurship have in determining the future of the financial system, especially in emerging areas such as Africa?
How do you strike a balance between giving companies time to innovate without quick profit and ensuring they are on track for long-term success?
Beyond providing capital, how does Flourish Ventures help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory frameworks and policy landscapes?
Common pitfalls that startup founders encounter in their journey towards scaling their businesses for success, and how can they be avoided?
What distinguishes successful founders from those that struggle to achieve long-term growth?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
The Facts and Emerging Trends of Retail in Africa with Mac Mabidilala
04 Apr 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How an Innovative Startup Is Driving Financial Inclusion for Women in Africa with Ifeoma Uddoh
28 Mar 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
How Technology Is Being Used to Facilitate Trade and Reduce Fraud in Africa’s Agriculture with Victoria Madedor
21 Mar 2022
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?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Discover Africa’s Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future. Renewables in Africa with Tony Tiyou
31 Jan 2022
00:58:01
Episode #3 with Tony Tiyou who is the Founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of Renewables in Africa.
What We Discuss With Tony Tiyou:
How to enter the renewables industry in Africa
What are the current or most common renewable energy sources in Africa?
Can Africa make the transition from energy generated through fossil fuels to energy generated through renewable sources without impacting its economic growth?
Do regulatory regimes in Africa make it easy or difficult to invest in renewables in Africa?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Building Borderless Banking: Transforming Global Financial Access for Individuals and Businesses with Ibrahim Toyeeb Ibitade
24 Jun 2024
00:36:41
Episode 128 with Ibrahim Toyeeb Ibitade, co-founder and CEO of Leatherback, on his remarkable journey as a fintech founder and entrepreneur and the driving force behind his mission to transform global financial access for individuals and businesses.
Driven by the need to enable global financial access, payments, commerce, and lifestyle opportunities through more equitable financial solutions, Ibrahim started Leatherback in 2019 with an ambition to democratise banking by providing a single access point that empowers individuals and businesses to think and act globally.
Leatherback is a global banking service provider for individuals and businesses, with innovative technology solutions that unlock equal opportunity for borderless global trade and commerce. Users can access more than 15 currencies from 21 countries, including NGN, GBP, INR, EUR, USD, and many other currencies.
What We Discuss With Ibrahim
How does Leatherback's technology contribute to democratising banking for borderless global trade and commerce?
What was the process of meeting the regulatory requirements so you could offer a multi-currency wallet in 13+ currencies without a local presence?
What are some of the unique opportunities you've encountered while expanding to new markets in and outside of Africa?
What does Leatherback's recent expansion into India through a collaboration with YES BANK mean for users in the India-Africa corridor?
Is the India-Africa or Asia-Africa corridor an opportunity that is often overlooked when looking at financial transactions to and from Africa?
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter
Welcome to the Unlocking Africa Podcast
04 Jan 2022
00:05:14
Intro Episode with Terser Adamu who is an International Trade Adviser, Africa Business Strategist, and also the Founder and Host of the Unlocking Africa Podcast.
Terser Adamu brings you his own take on how to unlock Africa’s economic potential in the 21st century. This is delivered through thought provoking discussions with innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and business leaders who are unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
What we discuss during this intro episode:
The concept of the show
Who I am
Why you should listen to the Unlocking Africa podcast