Unlocking Africa

Episode #88 is with Samuel Okwuada, who is the CEO and co-founder of Remedial Health, a ground-breaking company at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare delivery in Africa through the power of data and technology.Remedial Health's mission is clear: to enhance the accessibility and affordability of medicines. They achieve this by establishing a direct supply chain from manufacturers to pharmacies for medical and non-medical essentials, thereby cutting out unnecessary intermediaries.Remedial Health offers innovative  financing and inventory management solutions that empower both pharmacies and patients alike. What We Discuss With SamuelDo you feel that your experience in the UK influenced how you started and expanded Remedial Health?What makes Remedial Health stand out from other pharmaceutical marketplaces, and what unique value do you provide to your customers?How is Remedial Health tackling the issue of a fragmented market and creating greater visibility in the supply chain for manufacturers?One of your core commitments is to provide affordable medicine in Africa. How have you managed to achieve this commitment while facing global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation?What role has technology played in enabling you to manage the solutions that you offer from end to end?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Growing Together. How Collaboration and Partnerships Are Transforming African Agriculture With Jennifer Baarn? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Samuel  on LinkedIn at Samuel Okwuada, and Twitter @remedial_healthDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #87 is with Jennifer Baarn is the head of partnerships at  Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), which is an alliance led by Africans with roots in farming communities across the continent. They understand that African farmers need uniquely African solutions designed to meet their specific environmental and agricultural needs so they can sustainably boost production and gain access to rapidly growing agricultural markets. AGRA is an African-led and African-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into What We Discuss With JenniferWhat strategies or programmes do you believe need to be implemented to promote collaboration and alliances in agriculture across the continent?AGRA emphasises "uniquely African solutions" for farmers. Could you provide some examples of these solutions and how they have positively impacted farming communities?When forming partnerships in African agriculture, how can we ensure that these partnerships are inclusive and considerate of gender and social equity in farming communities?What role do technology and innovation play in advancing partnerships across African agriculture? What role do you believe partnerships between the public and private sectors can play in boosting agriculture in Africa? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Passion to Plate. How to Build an African Food Empire in the UK With Olusegun Akande? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Jennifer  on LinkedIn at Jennifer Baarn, and Twitter @JenniferBaarnDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #86 is with Olusegun Akande, who is the cofounder and director of Samis Online African Foods, which is the UK’s one-stop Afro-Caribbean Online Superstore. They are specialists in African groceries and original products of the highest quality. What sets Samis apart is their commitment to sourcing 90% of their fresh food produce from Nigeria, even though they operate both within and outside the country.Samis Online African Food has not only captured the hearts and palates of Nigerians living in the UK but has also provided employment opportunities, further bolstering the economic landscape of both countries. What We Discuss With OlusegunWhat difficulties have you faced forming relationships with farmers or suppliers in Africa to support and strengthen the quality and quantity of products that you source from Africa?How do recent changes in Nigeria, like the Naira redesign and the removal of fuel subsidies, affect the work you're doing?Outside of Africa, how did events like Brexit affect your operations and how you now run your business?During these challenging times, how do you make sure that your products are both accessible and affordable for consumers?How do you source and select the products that are featured on your platform?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Redefining Banking in Sub-Saharan Africa: Affinity Africa's Journey to Financial Inclusion with Tarek Mouganie? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Olusegun  on LinkedIn at Olusegun Akande, and Twitter @samis_foodsDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #85 is with Tarek Mouganie, who is the founder of Affinity Africa, which is an owner and operator of financial services companies in sub-Saharan Africa. Affinity prides itself on establishing digital-forward and branch-light financial institutions, leveraging fintech and innovative design-led solutions to improve financial access and affordability.Affinity supports the unbanked and underserved by providing every individual and business with accessible and affordable financial services they can trust. The business intends to make digital banking a successful and valuable part of its distribution strategy, showcasing a better standard for banking in Africa.Founded in 2013, Affinity launched in Ghana in 2015 after acquiring PayFlex Microfinance Company Limited (now known as Affinity Ghana Savings and Loans) to focus on financial inclusion and financial literacy in a region that is underserved and under-penetrated.  What We Discuss With TarekWhat type of money-related services does Affinity Africa provide to people in sub-Saharan Africa who don't have bank accounts or aren't getting the help they need?How does Affinity ensure that the financial services that it provides are accessible and affordable for every individual and business?What are the main obstacles or challenges Affinity Africa has faced while operating in the sub-Saharan African market?How does Affinity collaborate with local governments, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to foster financial inclusion and support the growth of MSMEs?In your opinion, what are the key factors necessary for creating a better standard for banking in Africa, particularly in underserved regions?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Passion to Progress: Pioneering Ways for Africa’s Creative Industries to Grow with Yemisi Mokuolu? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Tarek  on LinkedIn at Tarek Mouganie, and Twitter @TMouganieDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #84 with Yemisi Mokuolu, who is an award-winning and highly regarded independent producer and creative industries business consultant. She is the founder and CEO of Hatch Ideas, which develops and promotes African arts and artists. She is also an independent producer and has produced some of London’s largest African arts festivals. HATCH works across the creative, cultural, and social sectors, bringing to life initiatives that have the potential to drive inclusion and diversity, generate greater wealth for communities, and improve social environments. Clients include Arts Council England, BBC London, City University, the Department for Industry & Trade (UK), Historic England, Kings College London, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Social Enterprise London.What We Discuss With YemisiWith two decades of experience under your belt, you started this journey when Africa's creative and cultural industries weren’t really getting much attention. What did you see then that other people were missing?Are you surprised by what Africa's creative and cultural industries have achieved so far?You recently co-authored the book chapter "Finance for Creative and Cultural Industries in Africa". What were some of the key themes and findings of the report?In your opinion, what are some of the key challenges faced by Africa's Creative & Cultural Industries, and how can they be overcome?Can you share examples of how the creative and cultural industries in Africa have positively impacted local communities and economies?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Harvesting Connections: Unveiling Strategies for Boosting Regional Food Trade in Africa with Daniel Njiwa? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Yemisi  on LinkedIn at Yemisi Mokuolu, and Twitter @IdeasHatchDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #83  with Daniel Njiwa, who is Head of Regional Food Trade at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an international NGO established by Kofi Annan to drive the advancement of sustainable agriculture in Africa.AGRA leads interventions in improving the predictability of the policy and regulatory environment while coordinating investments for market activation, allowing for inclusive and sustainable participation of small farmers in national and regional value chains. The organisation is an alliance led by Africans with roots in farming communities across the continent and puts smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy.What We Discuss With DanielWhat are some of the biggest challenges or barriers to regional food trade in Africa?How important is cross-border cooperation and collaboration among African countries in facilitating regional food trade?What role do SMEs play or contribute to food security and agricultural development in Africa?What policy changes or interventions are needed to further promote trade across African borders?In the last couple years, Africa has faced some extreme food security challenges as a consequence of the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine crisis. What have we learned from this?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Championing Change: Advancing African Women in Leadership, Business, Politics, and Advocacy With Francesca Uriri? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Daniel  on LinkedIn at Daniel Njiwa, and Twitter @DNjiwaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #82 with Francesca Uriri who is the Co-Founder and Director of Leading Ladies Africa, a women-focused non-profit whose mission is to promote gender inclusivity and diversity by increasing participation and representation of women of African origin in fields of leadership, business, politics, and advocacy.Their vision is to see an increased participation of African women in these fields by 2030. Leading Ladies Africa’s key target audience is upwardly mobile, internet-savvy women aged between 21 and 50. Its secondary audience is lower-income women and the unbanked, who require access to funding and macroeconomic support. What We Discuss With FrancescaHow would you describe the current state of gender inclusivity and diversity in Africa, particularly in areas such as Leadership, Business, Politics and Advocacy.Which strategies or programs do you believe are essential for empowering the women you work with, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to progress in leadership and business roles?How does Leading Ladies Africa effectively leverage technology and digital platforms to reach and engage with its audience?You have a focus on lower-income women and the unbanked. How does Leading Ladies Africa address these challenges or barriers they face in accessing funding and macro-economic support? How does Leading Ladies Africa measure and track progress towards achieving its goals? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Developing a Networking Platform to Bridge the Gap Between Investors and Game-Changing Entrepreneurs in Africa with Gerrad Olisa-Ashar? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Francesca  on LinkedIn at Francesca Uriri, and Twitter @LeadingLadiesAFDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #81 with Gerrad Olisa-Ashar, the visionary Co-Founder of Diaspora Investment Partners Africa. Join us as we delve into the remarkable story behind this groundbreaking networking platform that is revolutionising the landscape of African entrepreneurship and sustainable development.Gerrad Olisa-Ashar, an inspiring entrepreneur and thought leader, shares his personal journey and the pivotal experiences that led to the inception of Diaspora Investment Partners Africa. Discover how Gerrad's passion for empowering African communities and creating lasting positive impact sparked the idea of a platform that bridges the gap between private investors and innovative entrepreneurs on the continent. What We Discuss With GerrardHow do you plan to facilitate the connection between private investors in the diaspora and entrepreneurs in Africa?What challenges do Africans in the diaspora encounter when attempting to invest back home in Africa?What role does the African diaspora currently play, or have the potential to play, in supporting and investing in African businesses through your platform?Are there any unique challenges specific to Africa that you encounter when attempting to invest the funds raised in African markets?How do you effectively navigate the distinct cultural and regulatory landscapes across various African countries while facilitating investments and partnerships?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Empowering African Markets: The Impactful CrossBoundary Approach to Purposeful Investing with Nneka Chime? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Gerrard  on LinkedIn at Gerrad Olisa-AsharDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #80 with Nneka Chime, who is a Partner at CrossBoundary and has a profound interest in utilising technology, innovation, and investments to foster a more equitable and sustainable world.CrossBoundary is a mission-driven investment firm dedicated to harnessing the potential of capital for sustainable growth and robust returns in underserved markets.With a transaction-centred approach to underserved markets, CrossBoundary offers investment advisory services, boasting specialised expertise in unlocking investment opportunities across all sectors in emerging and underserved markets. Their diverse clientele for advisory services includes governments, development finance institutions, private equity firms, Fortune 100 companies, and research institutions.What We Discuss With NnekaWhat is CrossBoundary's transaction-centered approach to underserved markets, and how does it differ from traditional investment models?Can you provide examples of successful investment projects by CrossBoundary in African markets, and how they have led to sustainable growth and strong returns?What challenges does CrossBoundary encounter while operating in African markets, and how does the company overcome them to achieve its investment objectives?As CrossBoundary is located in Nigeria, how has the series of challenges faced by the Nigerian economy in 2023, such as the Naira redesign and change of government, affected the company's operations?How does CrossBoundary align its investments with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Unlocking Billions of Dollars: Capital Reallocation and Asset Recovery in Africa with Amaechi Nsofor? Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Nneka  on LinkedIn at Nneka Chime, and Twitter @CrossBoundary Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #79 Amaechi Nsofor, who is a partner and Head of Africa, Insolvency, and Asset Recovery at Grant Thornton, and his multi-award-winning and renowned team have pioneered the use of insolvency powers to facilitate litigation and trace and recover misappropriated assets. Grant Thornton is a firm with a global network that employs 58,000 people in 135 countries. They combine global scale with local insight and understanding to give clients the assurance, tax, and advisory services they need to realise their ambitions. What We Discuss With AmaechiCan you explain the concept of capital reallocation and how it can positively impact industries and markets across Africa?What are some of the key challenges currently hindering effective capital reallocation in African economies, and how can these be addressed?How can the unlocking of billions of dollars of cash at the sovereign and state levels contribute to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa? How can governments and policymakers encourage and facilitate capital reallocation in Africa? Are there any specific policy measures that you recommend?What are some of the potential risks and pitfalls associated with capital reallocation, and how can they be mitigated? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Africa to the World: How Five African Women are Shaping Industries in the Diaspora with 5 Off The Cuff Make sure to check it out!Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!Connect with Terser on LinkedIn at TerserAdamu, and Twitter @TerserAdamuConnect with Amaechi  on LinkedIn at Amaechi Nsofor, and Twitter @GrantThorntonUKDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here