Unlocking Africa

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 Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group. Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

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 @GrantThorntonUKDo 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 #78 with Samuel Brooksworth, who is the Founder and CEO of Remoteli, which is a tech-led on-demand staffing organisation with HQ in the UK. Remoteli supports organisations around the world in growing their teams with talented and ambitious graduates based in Africa.Using AI, they match organisations with staff members based on personality matching and organisational culture. Companies see Remoteli as an extension of their core business, as they fully integrate their staff into their clients existing teams.  By working with Remoteli, companies can economically expand and diversify their teams rapidly by simply subscribing online.What We Discuss With SamuelWhat is the mission of Remoteli, and how does it differ from traditional staffing organisations?How does Remoteli specifically address the challenges present in the current African job market?What are the biggest challenges that you’ve faced so far in setting up and scaling Remoteli? Could you elaborate on the cultural and social impact of Remoteli's efforts in connecting African graduates with global job opportunities?Are we witnessing a growing trend of companies selecting Africa as a preferred offshoring destination, similar to historical instances where business functions were strategically relocated to countries like India and China?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss AI Is Here to Stay! How Artificial Intelligence Can Contribute to Economic Growth in Africa with Celina Lee? 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 Brooksworth, and Twitter @SBrooksworthDo 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 #77 with Celina Lee, who is a Co-Founder and CEO of Zindi, which is a professional network for data science, and they are on a mission to make data science and AI accessible to everyone. Celina has a passion for unleashing the power of data for social good. She has a proven track record of thought leadership in the intersection between data and development and has played central roles in the launches of global platforms. What We Discuss With CelinaHow does Zindi help make data science and AI more accessible to everyone?How does Zindi support and nurture the African talent pool in data science and machine learning? Could you share with us some examples of how AI is being effectively utilised in an African context? Could you please provide an overview of the industries or sectors in Africa that are experiencing the greatest impact from AI?In what ways can African businesses or organisations harness the power of AI to enhance their operations and gain a competitive edge? 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 Celina  on LinkedIn at Celina Lee, and Twitter @Celina_LDo 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 #76 with 5 Off The Cuff. Join us as we delve into the inspiring stories of 5 off the Cuff—a remarkable collective comprising five dynamic and accomplished African women who have made significant strides in their respective fields and industries while living in the diaspora. During this engaging episode, we explore the extraordinary achievements, innovative ideas, and influential roles they play within their sectors and businesses. Prepare to be captivated by their journeys and gain valuable insights from these trailblazing individuals who are breaking barriers and making a lasting impact on the world around them, all while proudly preserving their African cultural identity and heritage.What We Discuss With 5 Off The CuffDo you need to be in Africa to unlock Africa’s potential? Could you provide a few notable instances of Africans in the diaspora who have effectively contributed to bolstering Africa's influence beyond its borders? Do you feel pressure or a sense of responsibility as African individuals residing in the UK to serve as positive ambassadors for Africa? How has your African heritage influenced your identity as a woman and a mother?  Are there any cultural practices or values that have had a significant influence on your personal or professional life?  What are some effective ways for Africans in the diaspora to leverage their networks and connections in order to influence and shape global narratives surrounding 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 Creative Awakening: Growing and Investing in Africa’s Creative Industries and Sports Business with Marie Lora-Mungai? 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  5 Off The Cuff  on LinkedIn at: Shalom Lloyd,  Edith Udemezue,  Precious Zumbika-Lwanga,  Dr Elizabeth Shaw,  Elizabeth AnyaegbunaDo 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 #75 with Marie Lora-Mungai, who is an investor, strategic advisor, and entrepreneur specialising in the African Creative Industries and Sports Business, with an 18-year experience spanning 27 countries on the continent. She is the publisher of the popular newsletter HUSTLE & FLOW about investment opportunities in the African entertainment space.Marie is also the founder and CEO of Restless Global, which is a strategic advisory and content development company specialising in the African entertainment space, the cultural and creative industries (CCI), sports business, technology, and media. What We Discuss With Marie Do you think the rest of the world is recognising and embracing the "creative and commercial potential" inherent in African stories, and how is this newfound awareness translating into opportunities? Are African music, film, and culture the biggest exports that the continent currently has, and do you think we fully leverage their soft power to propel Africa forward? How can Africa optimise its creative and knowledge industries and harness its soft power effectively to propel itself forward? You worked on a project with UNESCO to produce the first comprehensive study of the film and audiovisual industries in Africa’s 54 countries. What were the key themes and findings of the report? What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers and content creators who are interested in tapping into the African media and creative industry? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Unleashing Growth: Why African Startups Should Master the Art of Sales and Business Development with Gerald Black? 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 Marie  on LinkedIn at  Marie Lora-Mungai, and Twitter @MarieLoraMungai Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group. Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

Episode #74 with Gerald Black, who is a highly accomplished expert in the realms of entrepreneurship and business development. Renowned as a successful serial entrepreneur, Gerald brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in entrepreneurship, business development, and project management, making him a highly sought-after consultant and mentor within the African startup community.Moreover, Gerald holds the esteemed position of Head of Go To Market at Anchor, a cutting-edge banking-as-a-service platform. Anchor enables seamless integration of essential financial features such as accounts, cards, payments, lending, and more into your product within a matter of minutes. With Gerald's invaluable expertise in this role, he spearheads the strategic initiatives to bring Anchor's innovative solutions to market.What We Discuss With GeraldDoes the sales cycle from pipeline generation, lead qualification, and closing differ when trying to implement it in the African startup space? How important is a strong sales and business development strategy for the success of startups in Africa?  How do you help African startups overcome the challenges they face in terms of growth and scalability?  What are some of the key factors that investors look for in startups when it comes to sales and business development? What do you think sets successful African startup founders apart from those who struggle to make it? 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 Local to Global: Unlocking the Potential of African Restaurant and Retail Brands with Leonard Mudachi? 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  Gerald  on LinkedIn at Gerald Black, and Twitter @_GeraldBlackDo 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 #73 with Leonard Mudachi, who is the Chief Vision & Growth Officer at BRRAL (Branded Restaurants & Retail Africa Ltd), which is a restaurant and retail development & management company that identifies local restaurants and retail brands with high potential for scale. They achieve this through "The BRRAL Play Book," which allows them to unlock business growth potential from acquired brands and further enhance their value proposition to customers, employees, and ultimately investors. What We Discuss With LeonardWhat is BRRAL's unique approach to identifying and scaling local restaurant and retail brands? How does BRRAL balance maintaining the authenticity of the acquired brands with the need to optimise their performance?How do you strike a balance between meeting the needs and desires of restaurants and catering to the expectations and demands of investors in this industry?What do you look for in a business before investing? In East Africa, what are the typical methods of financing for local restaurants and retail brands?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Scaling African SMEs and Fighting Climate Change: The Melanin Kapital Approach with Mélanie Keïta? 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  Leonard  on LinkedIn at Leonard Mudachi, and Twitter @LMudachiDo 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 #72 with Mélanie Keïta, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of Melanin Kapital,  which is a climate fintech platform that provides a last-mile carbon financing solution to finance the green transition of African businesses. Their goal is to finance the clean-energy equipment that SMEs need to scale while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint. They finance electric transportation, renewable energy equipment, waste management facilities, and green cooking equipment. What We Discuss With MélanieWhat are some of the biggest challenges that African SMEs face when it comes to accessing green equipment and financing for sustainable projects?What are some of the biggest challenges that you’ve faced setting up the fund?How does Melanin Kapital leverage carbon credits and climate financing to help these SMEs access the funding they need?Could you provide examples of successful SMEs that have benefited from Melanin Kapital's services? How has the financing they received helped them drive sustainability and foster business growth?What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are looking to drive sustainable innovation and impact in their businesses? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Harness the Investment Potential of Africa’s Middle Class to Drive Economic Growth with Subomi Plumptre? 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  Mélanie  on LinkedIn at Mélanie Keïta, and Twitter @melani_n_keitaDo 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 #71 with Subomi Plumptre, who is the CEO of Volition Cap, which is a game-changing and SEC-licenced asset manager for Africans and Diasporans. Since 2018, they have been at the forefront of investments for individuals and businesses.They created a $30 million fund for agriculture and real estate projects in Africa, pioneering the first structure to leverage traditional cooperatives.  What We Discuss With SubomiWhy do you feel it is important to increase financial prosperity for the African and diasporan middle classes? What challenges do the African and diasporan middle classes encounter when trying to build financial prosperity?Typically, in which sectors and markets do you invest when you've raised money from institutional investors for investment purposes? What challenges do you encounter when attempting to invest funds in African markets? What activities are you involved in to empower the African and diasporan middle class in building financial prosperity and meaningful wealth? And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Fruitful Endeavours. How Reel Fruit is Unleashing the Potential of Nigeria's Fruit Industry with Affiong Williams? 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 Subomi on LinkedIn at Subomi Plumptre, and Twitter @subomiplumptreDo 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