Unlocking Africa

Episode 183 with Brian Bosire, CEO and Co-Founder of UjuziKilimo, a leading agri-tech company empowering Africa’s smallholder farmers through data science, IoT, and predictive analytics.Brian Bosire is on a mission to digitise Africa’s agricultural value chains by putting powerful, real-time insights in the hands of smallholder farmers. In this episode, he shares the story behind UjuziKilimo, which is Swahili for “knowledge farming,” and how the company is using cutting-edge technologies like the SoilPal IoT sensor and the FarmSuite analytics platform to transform decision-making on millions of farms across the continent.Brian unpacks the innovation behind UjuziKilimo’s tools, which deliver field-specific data on soil health, fertiliser recommendations, and crop suitability within minutes. He explains how data-driven agronomy can increase yields, unlock financing and insurance, and build resilience in the face of climate change.What We Discuss With BrianThe personal journey from growing up in a small farming village in Kisii, Kenya, to founding a company that empowers thousands of smallholder farmers through technology.How UjuziKilimo is replacing guesswork with data-driven decision-making through innovations like the SoilPal IoT device and FarmSuite analytics platform.The real-world impact of providing instant, field-specific agronomic recommendations on crop performance, soil health, and input usage.The business model and scaling challenges of reaching over 26,000 farmers, and the ambition to impact millions more.The role of machine learning and predictive analytics in enabling smarter, faster, and more localized farming practices.Verto CornerIn this week’s Verto Corner, Conor O’Kane, Compliance Operations Manager at Verto, tackles one of the most important challenges for businesses operating across African markets: getting compliance right without slowing growth. As cross-border trade increases, so do regulatory expectations, and companies that don’t keep up risk delays, penalties, or missed opportunities. Conor explains the key compliance hurdles businesses face when transacting in and out of emerging markets and offers clear, actionable advice on how to stay compliant while still moving quickly.Did you miss my previous episode where I discus A Billion-Tonne Vision: The Company Using Rocks to Remove Carbon and Boost African Agriculture? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Brian:LinkedIn - Brian BosireTwitter - @BosireOnyiDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 182 with Sam Davies, CEO and Co-Founder of Flux, a pioneering climate-tech company based in Nairobi that’s scaling Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) to remove carbon from the atmosphere and restore Africa’s soils. A former British Army reconnaissance officer, Sam transitioned from military leadership to climate entrepreneurship, driven by a personal vision to contribute meaningfully during the climate crisis.After discovering carbon removal while producing the documentary Legion 44 in Kenya, Sam founded Flux to unlock Africa’s immense potential for ERW, a natural process that sequesters CO₂ while improving crop yields and regenerating farmland. Under his leadership, Flux has formed key partnerships with governments like Nigeria’s, launched pilot projects across multiple countries, and committed to removing one billion tonnes of CO₂ from the atmosphere.In this episode, Sam explores the science behind ERW, the social impact of regenerative agriculture on smallholder farmers, and how Flux is building one of the most promising carbon removal platforms on the continent. He also unpacks the urgent need for credible carbon credits and policy innovation and why Africa is the next frontier for scalable climate solutions.What We Discuss With SamWhy Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is one of the most promising, and underutilised pathways for permanent CO₂ removal at scale.How Flux’s ERW model not only captures carbon but also regenerates depleted soils, improves crop yields, and enhances farmer livelihoods across AfricaFlux’s strategic partnerships with governments, including Nigeria’s, and the role of policy and public-sector collaboration in unlocking climate solutions.The structure behind Flux’s carbon credits, including measurement protocols and global certification standards for permanence and integrity.The long-term vision to capture one billion tonnes of CO₂Verto CornerIn this week’s Verto Corner, George Antoniades, Product Manager at Verto, explores the future of cross-border payments through the lens of stablecoins. Are they just another fintech fad or a transformative tool for global commerce? George breaks down what stablecoins are, how businesses are already using them to streamline transactions, and why they could play a pivotal role in bridging traditional finance with decentralised innovation. George also shares practical guidance for companies curious about adopting stablecoins while flagging the regulatory considerations that come with this emerging technology.Also, access Verto’s comprehensive compliance guide for businesses navigating African markets.Access the Comprehensive GuideDid you miss my previous episode where I discus From Concept to Capital: Designing Smarter and Simpler Blended Finance Funds for Africa? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Sam:LinkedIn - Sam DaviesDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 181 with Aly-Khan Jamal, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Lagos, and co-author of the landmark report Scaling Blended Finance: Practical Tools for Blended Finance Fund Design.Aly-Khan Jamal brings deep expertise in development finance, capital mobilisation, and impact investing to this conversation on how blended finance can be a game-changer for Africa’s sustainable development and climate resilience. In this episode, he breaks down the practical tools outlined in the new joint report by BCG and British International Investment (BII), including a typology of five fund archetypes and a scorecard for fund design.Aly-Khan shares why scaling blended finance is not just a technical exercise but a systemic challenge, and opportunity. He explains how smart fund structuring can unlock commercial capital for high-impact sectors like clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and infrastructure, particularly in emerging and underserved African markets.What We Discuss With Aly-KhanWhy blended finance is a critical tool for unlocking private capital to meet Africa’s development and climate goals, and why it remains underutilised.The systemic challenges that prevent blended finance from scaling and how to overcome them through more strategic fund design.How the new BII–BCG toolkit provides a shared language for fund managers, investors, and donors through five archetypes and a structured scorecard.How to design blended finance funds that are simpler, more replicable, and better aligned with investor expectations.Real-world examples from Africa and beyond that show how blended finance can mobilise billions for development when deployed effectively.New Segment - Verto CornerIn this episode’s Verto Corner, Jack Stanton, a trader at Verto, unpacks the rising volatility in global FX markets and its implications for African businesses engaged in cross-border trade. With central banks diverging on policy and geopolitical uncertainty heightening exchange rate swings, Jack explains why managing foreign exchange risk is more critical than ever. He offers actionable insights on how businesses in markets like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa can hedge against FX exposure, protect their margins, and make smarter currency decisions. Don’t miss his top advice and access to Verto’s FX Strategy Handbook for businesses navigating global payments in a turbulent economic climate. Access the Strategy HandbookDid you miss my previous episode where I discus Bridging Finance and Sustainability: How International Finance Can Support Sustainable Infrastructure in Africa? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Aly-Khan:LinkedIn - Aly-Khan JamalTwitter - @BCGDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 180 with Dr Nyakatawa who is a multifaceted business consultant with more than 20 years’ experience working in financial services, specifically wealth management in large financial services companies in South Africa and across Africa. She joined Jersey Finance in 2021 and is responsible for market development in Africa, currently with a primary focus on South Africa.An international speaker and thought leader, Dr Nyakatawa has been interviewed on various platforms including the BBC, CNBC, ENCA and various publications. She champions women’s issues as an Advisory Board Member of Women in Tech (SA Chapter) and an International Campaign Advisor for the Cherie Blair Foundation’s 100,000 Women Campaign Board, among others. She was recently elected by members to the Board of Directors of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa(FPI), she is a Non-Executive Director at Masthead and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), CFA member and SAVCA member. She holds an MBA and PhD from the University of Cape Town.In this episode, Dr Rufaro discusses the future of sustainability in Africa, focusing on the critical sectors of energy, transport, and water. She unpacks the challenges facing African nations as they strive to modernise ageing infrastructure amidst rising urbanisation and climate risks, and shares real-world examples of green and resilient projects that are beginning to deliver tangible impact.She also reflects on the vital role of International Finance Centres like Jersey in supporting Africa’s ambitions by connecting global capital with local development priorities.What We Discuss With Dr RufaroHow Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa’s diverse background in environmental science, development finance, and international policy informs her approach to sustainable finance in Africa.Why sustainable infrastructure in energy, transport, and water is essential to Africa’s long-term development.The major roadblocks African countries face in transitioning to green, inclusive, and climate-resilient infrastructure models.How African governments and private sector actors can work together to mobilise capital and drive innovation in sustainable infrastructure.The role International Finance Centres like Jersey play in supporting Africa’s infrastructure goals by connecting global capital with local development priorities.Did you miss my previous episode where I discus How a South African Startup Is Giving Underserved Communities Access To Instant Emergency-Response Services? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Dr Rufaro:LinkedIn - Dr Rufaro NyakatawaTwitter - @jerseyfinanceDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 179 with Warren Myers, CEO and co-founder of AURA, a life-saving technology platform revolutionising emergency response in Africa and globally. Warren is on a mission to make safety accessible to all by building the world’s first global emergency response “clearing house” that instantly connects people in distress to the nearest vetted security or medical responders, anywhere in the world.Founded in South Africa, AURA is now the continent’s largest network of private emergency responders and has expanded to the UK, Kenya, and recently, the United States. Backed by a €13.5M Series B round co-led by Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund and Partech, AURA is scaling rapidly and embedding its smart response technology into mobile apps, wearables, insurance products, and IoT platforms, reaching over 1.2 million users and securing 200,000+ properties.Warren shares the challenges of building a tech-driven safety net in Africa, why the U.S. market presents both urgency and opportunity, and how AURA is helping under-resourced public systems by filling the gap with faster, smarter, and more affordable private response.What We Discuss With WarrenThe personal and systemic challenges that inspired Warren Myers to launch AURA and reimagine emergency response in South Africa.How AURA’s smart auto-dispatch platform is making security and medical assistance instantly accessible via mobile, APIs, and IoT devices. The importance of democratising access to safety in Africa, and how AURA’s low-cost subscription model reaches underserved populations.AURA’s B2B2C partnerships with companies like Uber, Samsung, and FNB to integrate life-saving services into everyday platforms.The strategy and significance of AURA’s $14.6M Series B raise to expand into the U.S. and launch a global emergency “clearing house.”Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Africa’s Untapped Health Data: Inside the Mission to Transform Africa’s Health Data Economy? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Warren:LinkedIn - Warren Myers and AURADo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 178 with Estelle Dogbo, systems strategist, healthcare executive, and founder of BioVana Research. Estelle has spent her career at the intersection of biotechnology, digital health, and pharmaceutical development building adaptive health systems across African markets and beyond. From commercial leadership roles at Sanofi and Roche to co-founding 54gene and Syndicate Bio, Estelle has been a quiet force behind Africa’s genomics and health data infrastructure.Now, as CEO and Founding Partner of BioVana Research, Estelle is reimagining how African health data is valued, governed, and transformed into powerful R&D assets. BioVana partners with hospitals, universities, and research institutions to bring structure, visibility, and trust to African biobanking ensuring local data is ethically sourced, verifiable, and globally competitive. Their model turns fragmented sample collections into strategic platforms for precision medicine, AI diagnostics, and responsible global collaboration.In this episode, Estelle shares her bold vision for African data sovereignty, why health systems must be built from the inside out, and how BioVana is helping African institutions shift from being invisible custodians to confident stewards of their own scientific future.What We Discuss With EstelleWhy Africa’s vast health datasets have remained invisible in global R&D, and how BioVana is changing that through ethical, locally rooted data governance.The critical role of biobanking infrastructure in unlocking breakthroughs in precision medicine, AI diagnostics, and clinical research across the continent.How BioVana is helping African hospitals and research institutions move from passive data custodians to active stewards in the global health ecosystem.What it means to build health systems “from the inside out” and why imported solutions often fail in high-complexity, low-resource environments.The risks of data extraction and decoupling in African research, and how BioVana ensures that local data remains connected to local value.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Future of Fashion Is African: Building an Ethical Clothing Factory in Rural Kenya? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Estelle:LinkedIn - Estelle Dogbo MSc and BioVana ResearchDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 177 with Jo Maiden, founder and CEO of SOKO Kenya, a trailblazing ethical fashion manufacturer driving social and environmental impact from the heart of rural Kenya. Jo is a visionary entrepreneur transforming the global fashion landscape by proving that high-quality, sustainable production can thrive in Africa and uplift communities in the process.Founded in 2009, SOKO Kenya employs over 150 local workers and partners with global fashion brands to deliver garments made with purpose, not just profit. The company integrates solar power, rainwater harvesting, and waste repurposing into its operations all while providing fair wages, healthcare access, and pension schemes to its workforce. Beyond the factory, Jo’s Stitching Academy and Kujuwa Initiative have created pathways out of poverty through vocational training and menstrual health education for thousands of women and girls across Kenya.In this conversation, Jo shares how she built a values-driven factory from the ground up, why Africa is the future of ethical manufacturing, and what it takes to challenge the norms of fast fashion.What We Discuss With Jo MaidenJo’s decision to launch SOKO Kenya and her vision to use fashion as a vehicle for social and economic change in Africa.How SOKO Kenya is redefining ethical fashion by combining high-quality production with fair wages, community investment, and environmental sustainability.The role of local manufacturing in Kenya’s rural economy and how SOKO Kenya is creating dignified employment opportunities for women and youth.How sustainability is embedded into every layer of SOKO Kenya’s operationsSOKO Kenya’s collaborations with international fashion brands and what it takes to build trust, transparency, and long-term partnershipsDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Education for Economic Resilience: What It Takes to Build Lasting Education Systems in Africa? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Jo Maiden:LinkedIn - Joanna MaidenTwitter - @SOKOKenya_joDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 176 with Dr Samuel Kembou, Global Co-Lead for Learning and Evidence at the Jacobs Foundation, a Swiss-based philanthropy advancing the learning and development of children worldwide. With a presence in Africa for over 35 years, the Foundation is known for its long-term commitment to strengthening education systems through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed policymaking.Dr Kembou plays a central role in ensuring that data, learning, and research translate into practical, scalable solutions for education reform. He is a passionate advocate for placing evidence at the heart of decision-making, so that education systems not only deliver better outcomes for learners today but are built to adapt and thrive for generations to come.A respected leader in global education and development, Dr. Kembou brings sharp insight into how African countries can harness the power of learning systems to drive economic resilience and sustainable growth. His work at the Jacobs Foundation reflects a bold vision: that by investing in what works, we can transform the future of education across the continent.What We Discuss With Dr KembouWhy Dr. Samuel Kembou believes education is one of the most powerful tools for driving long-term economic growth and social resilience.The role of rigorous research and data in shaping effective education policies and improving classroom outcomes across African countries.The vision and impact behind the new $80 million co-funding mechanism in Ghana, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, World Bank, and other key actors.How African countries can lead the global conversation on education innovation and help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.The importance of multi-sector collaboration—including governments, philanthropies, and civil society in transforming education ecosystems.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Future of Farming: Using Tech, Finance, and Human Networks To Connect African Farmers to Global Markets? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Dr Kembou:LinkedIn - Samuel Kembou, PhDTwitter - @Foundation_JFDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 175 with Desmond Koney, CEO and Founder of Complete Farmer, a Ghanaian agritech company which empowers African farmers to conduct their work in a much more sustainable and profitable way. Complete Farmer provides farmers with AI and data-driven technology to allow for "precision agriculture" so farmers can optimise their resources. The platform connects farmers with global markets, creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.Desmond shares his insights on how Complete Farmer is bridging the gap between traditional farming and modern technology, tackling the challenges of soil degradation, over-reliance on chemicals, and food insecurity. He discusses the company's mission to improve farming efficiency, promote sustainability, and support rural communities across the continent. Desmond also highlights the impact of Complete Farmer’s platform on both smallholder farmers and food companies, driving economic transformation and creating a more transparent and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.What We Discuss With DesmondThe role of data-driven insights in optimising farming operations, increasing yields, and improving resource management for smallholder farmers across Africa.The impact of Complete Farmer’s platform in connecting farmers to global markets, creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.How Complete Farmer’s AI and precision agriculture models help farmers make informed decisions.The role of agritech companies like Complete Farmer in reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape and ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.How Complete Farmer is addressing critical challenges like soil degradation, over-reliance on chemicals, and food insecurity through technology and sustainable farming practices.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Generational Wealth: How African Families Are Navigating Wealth, Succession and Investment Across Africa? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Desmond:LinkedIn - Desmond KoneyTwitter - @CompleteFarmerDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode 174 with Faizal Bhana and Claire Machin, who are recognised voices in global finance and private wealth, working at the forefront of family governance, cross-border investment, and wealth structuring. Faizal serves as the director for the Middle East, Africa, and India at Jersey Finance, while Claire is the group director and head of private wealth at Suntera Global. Together, they bring extensive experience advising families, corporates and institutions on how to build, manage and preserve wealth across generations.In this episode, Faizal and Claire discuss how African family businesses are evolving in their approach to investment and succession. They explore the growing interest in establishing formal family office structures, the increasing influence of the next generation, and the rise of alternative financing methods, including Sharia-compliant finance, green finance and tokenisation.Drawing on their deep understanding of markets across East and West Africa, they examine how improved governance, enhanced regulatory frameworks and international financial centres such as Jersey and Kigali are supporting the ambitions of African families.Faizal and Claire’s shared vision is to help African families navigate complexity with confidence and unlock economic opportunity that creates value not just for themselves but for communities and economies across the continent.What We Discuss With Faizal and ClaireWhy Africa's next generation is reshaping how family wealth is structured, governed and invested globally.How African families are building their own family offices to take control of investment strategy and succession planning.The growing appeal of Sharia compliant and green finance as mainstream investment tools for African family businesses.How international financial centres like Jersey and Kigali are helping African families unlock global markets and manage cross border wealth. Why corporate governance is becoming essential for African families seeking to grow and professionalise their businesses. Did you miss my previous episode where I discus Africa’s Biodiversity Economy: Transforming Conservation Into Economic Growth and Sustainable Development? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Faizal:LinkedIn - Faizal BhanaTwitter - @jerseyfinanceConnect with Claire:LinkedIn - Claire MachinTwitter - @sunteraglobalDo 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 info@etkgroup.co.uk