Unlocking Africa

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_joDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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_JFDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 - @CompleteFarmerDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 - @sunteraglobalDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 173 with Edwin Tambara, Director of Global Leadership at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). Edwin shares AWF’s groundbreaking approach to the biodiversity economy, an innovative model that integrates conservation and economic development, driving both environmental preservation and community prosperity.AWF has played a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe’s biodiversity economy, from nature-based tourism and wildlife conservation to the commercialisation of non-timber forest products. Through its work, AWF demonstrates that conservation can be a powerful driver of economic development, creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, and attracting private investment. Edwin takes us through the challenges and successes of aligning conservation goals with economic agendas and how the African Wildlife Foundation is empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural resources.This episode offers a fascinating look at how biodiversity is becoming a key asset for Africa's future, showcasing how conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand to create a thriving, green economy.What We Discuss With EdwinThe vision behind AWF’s Biodiversity Economies initiative and its role in driving sustainable economic growth in Africa.How AWF is working with the Zimbabwean government to integrate biodiversity into national economic planning and development.The impact of nature-based tourism and non-timber forest products on Zimbabwe’s economy and rural livelihoods.How AWF is overcoming challenges of aligning conservation with economic agendas, particularly in Zimbabwe’s remote regions.AWF’s approach to promoting private investment in biodiversity economies and attracting sustainable financing for conservation projects.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Expanding Financial Access: Building a Marketplace for Agrocommodity Trade and Export in Nigeria? 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 Edwin:LinkedIn - Edwin TambaraTwitter - @EdwinTambaraDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 172 with Abiola Jimoh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of XchangeBox, the company behind PayRep, a platform supporting payments, collections, and access to financial products for SMEs, farmers, and traders across Nigeria.XchangeBox focuses on improving access to financial services for underserved communities through its PayRep platform. By offering services such as health insurance, pension savings, microcredit, and digital payments, the company supports the growth and stability of local economies. With a Super Agent licence, a PSSP, and a Microfinance Bank, XchangeBox works to complement government efforts to promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural and northern regions of Nigeria.In this episode, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in building financial services for underserved markets, the role of regulation in shaping the fintech sector, and the potential for a more coordinated e-commerce framework across Africa.What We Discuss With AbiolaThe operational strategies that have enabled XchangeBox to scale transaction volumes and build trust at agent locations across rural Nigeria.Navigating regulatory frameworks in Nigeria’s fintech sector and securing multiple licences.The importance of localising services while maintaining a unified product experience across different Nigerian regions.Why Africa needs a more intentional and synergised e-commerce framework to unlock the continent’s full potential.Future expansion opportunities across African markets and the need for greater cross-border fintech collaboration.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss AI and Solar: Why Financing Is the Missing Piece in Africa’s Clean Energy Puzzle? 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 Abiola:LinkedIn - Abiola JimohTwitter - @rajabiolaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #171 with Dami Olawoye, CEO of Rivy (formerly Payhippo) and leader in renewable energy financing across Africa.Dami Olawoye is at the forefront of making clean energy accessible across Africa through Rivy, an AI-powered lender focused on enabling homes and businesses to switch to solar power. With Rivy’s recent rebrand and a $4M pre-Series A funding round, the company is expanding its efforts to provide affordable financing solutions that help Nigerians move away from unreliable grid power and embrace renewable energy. Rivy’s mission is to address one of Africa’s biggest challenges by making solar power more accessible to those who need it most.In this episode, we explore how Rivy is helping to scale clean energy adoption, the role financing plays in supporting this transition, and how Nigerians can benefit from affordable solar energy. Dami shares his thoughts on the future of clean energy in Africa and the importance of financial solutions in making renewable energy a reality for everyone.What We Discuss With DamiThe inspiration behind Rivy’s pivot from SME lending to focusing on renewable energy financing in Africa.The role of affordable financing in making solar power accessible to homes and businesses in Nigeria.How Rivy is using AI to scale the adoption of clean energy and ensure successful loan repayments.The significant impact Rivy is having on reducing CO2 emissions and improving energy access across underserved communities.Africa’s clean energy future and the importance of building the financial infrastructure to support widespread solar adoption.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Dakar to Abidjan: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs in Francophone 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 Dami:LinkedIn - Dami OlawoyeTwitter - @RivyHQDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #170 with Stephanie Sarr Dioh, Tech and Finance Business Leader, Gender Lens Investor and Board Executive at Women’s Investment Club (WIC).Stephanie SARR is driving inclusive economic transformation in West Africa through her pioneering work with WIC Capital, the first investment fund in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire dedicated exclusively to supporting businesses led by women. As a prominent figure in gender lens investing, Stephanie draws on her extensive background in both finance and technology to help reshape the entrepreneurial landscape for African women.In this episode, we explore how WIC Capital is unlocking the full potential of women-owned and women-run micro, small and medium enterprises across the region. Stephanie takes us inside the fund’s unique investment approach, which blends capital provision with tailored technical support and hands-on mentoring.What We Discuss With StephanieThe inspiration behind pursuing impact investingThe reasons behind selecting Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire as the starting points for WIC Capital’s investment focus.Notable milestones and success stories from WIC Capital that highlight the impact and progress made.The methods used to evaluate both financial performance and social impact when investing in women-led businesses.The key factors and evaluation strategies used to identify high-potential businesses for investment.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency in Africa Through Product Digital Identity Management? 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 Stephanie:LinkedIn - Stephanie Sarr DIOHDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Dare Odumade, CEO of Chekkit Technologies and a contributor to Thrive: Mastering E-commerce the African Way, dives deep into revolutionizing supply chains in Africa. He discusses the urgent need for transparency and how digital product identity management combats counterfeiting. With Chekkit, consumers can verify products in real-time, enhancing trust. Dare also highlights the significance of partnerships and technology, like USSD, to empower local manufacturers and streamline logistics for a more efficient e-commerce landscape.

Episode #168 with Dr Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President at Roche Diagnostics. Dr Allan Pamba is a global health leader and seasoned executive at the forefront of transforming healthcare systems through innovation, access, and sustainability. As Executive Vice President at Roche Diagnostics, the world’s largest biotech company and a global pioneer in personalised healthcare, he brings decades of experience bridging the worlds of science, policy, and development to improve lives across Africa and beyond.In this episode, we dive into the urgent call for Africa to rethink its healthcare financing strategy, particularly around diagnostics amid shifting global policies and the threat of reduced foreign aid. With just five years left to meet the Abuja Declaration’s 15% health budget commitment, Dr Pamba offers sharp insight into what it will take for African nations to move from dependency to self-reliance.What We Discuss With Dr AllanWhy do diagnostics, despite influencing 70% of clinical decisions, receive only 2% of healthcare funding in Africa?The potential impact of U.S. foreign policy shifts, including a possible return of the Global Gag Rule.How Africa can leverage economies of scale, pooled procurement, and regional collaboration to lower the cost of diagnostics.Ways African governments can create more attractive environments for private sector investment in diagnostics and healthcare infrastructure.Innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and redefining government’s role in health delivery.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why the West Isn’t Always Best: How Afro-Optimism Can Redefine African Success? 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. Allan:LinkedIn - Dr Allan PambaTwitter (X) - @RocheDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here