Unlocking Africa

Episode #58 with Emmanuel Adegboye, who is the Head of Madica, which is an Africa-focused pre-seed investment program empowering underrepresented and underfunded mission-driven founders on the continent. The sector-agnostic platform, affiliated with Flourish Ventures, aims to empower entrepreneurs with the provision of funding and also democratizing access to world-class company building support.The new sector-agnostic program will deploy investment capital, as well as provide tailored mentorship and intense programmatic support, to tech-enabled startups, democratizing access to world-class company-building support.What We Discuss With  Emmanuel AdegboyeYou want to democratise access to world-class company-building support, such as funding, in Africa. Why do you believe this is needed?Why do you believe that funding in Africa's startup space appears to be centred on the big four markets (Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa), as well as key players in the space?What are the challenges of decentralising funding in Africa's startup ecosystem?Do you think we're missing out on some great talent and untapped entrepreneurs by not looking outside of the big four markets?Can you tell us about some of the untapped entrepreneurs you've recently discovered?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 Make It in Africa’s Business Media Industry with Jaco Maritz? 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 Emmanuel on LinkedIn at EmmanuelAdegboye, and Twitter @eaadegboyeDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #57 with Jaco Maritz, who is the Founder of How We Made It in Africa, which is an online publication that talks to Africa’s most interesting entrepreneurs and businesspeople to reveal:- How they built their companies – from the initial idea to commercial success- The business lessons they’ve learnt on their journeys so far- The latest business trends and untapped opportunities in their respective sectors and countriesWhat We Discuss With  Jaco MaritzWhat were the challenges in creating an infrastructure that allowed you to effectively tell the stories of African entrepreneurs and businesspeople?What are some of the nuances of African online publications?Your platform enables entrepreneurs to clearly detail their journey, lessons learned, and business trends. What is the significance of Africans telling their own stories?You also published your book, How We Made It in Africa, in 2022, which details the inspiring stories of 25 African entrepreneurs. What was the motivation for publishing the book in addition to the online platform?Can you tell us about some of the most important lessons you've learned about doing business in Africa since launching How We Made It in Africa and meeting hundreds of entrepreneurs?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Powering Prosperity. The Transformative Power of Industrial Policy in Africa with Jonathan Said? 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 Jaco on LinkedIn at JacoMaritz, and Twitter @Jaco_MaritzHow we made it in Africa is offering Unlocking Africa listeners a 50% discount on their first subscription payment. Enter the coupon code UNLOCK at checkout to take advantage of this offer.https://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/subscribe/Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #56 with Jonathan Said, who is an economist and has vast experience supporting African governments and their partners to implement modern industrial policies for job creation and inclusive and sustainable growth.What We Discuss With  Jonathan SaidYou published an intriguing article detailing how many African countries have neglected to implement the most crucial economic strategy of all: an industrial policy that is export-oriented. What do you mean by that?What steps should African governments take to implement export-led industrial policies?A component of export-led industrial policies is value addition. What is the significance of value addition for African economies? Value addition leads to the creation of jobs, which expands the tax base. Could you elaborate on the significance of expanding the tax base in Africa?What are some of the positive trends you've noticed in your work with African governments and how they operate?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Bridging the Gap: Formal Retail Sector in Africa and its Impact on Economic Development with Wambui Mbarire? 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 Jonathan on LinkedIn at JonathanSaid, and Twitter  @JonathanSaid1Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #55 with Wambui Mbarire, CEO of the Retail Trade Association of Kenya and Vice-Chair of the KEPSA Devolution Sector Board, and is passionate about the future of retail in Africa and positioning the continent as a major hub for international retail.The Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) is the retail industry's voice, with the primary goal of providing retailers with a centralised representative body to communicate their agenda and retail trade concerns to government agencies.What We Discuss With  Wambui MbarireWhat do we need to know about the formal retail sector in Africa?How has Kenya's formal retail industry evolved over the past few years?Informal retail continues to account for a large portion of retail in Africa. What impact has the growth of formal retail had on informal retail in Africa? What are some of the challenges that formal retailers face in Africa?Can you tell us about some of the work you're doing to lobby and influence government policy in order to create an enabling environment for formal retail to thrive in Kenya?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Can Nigeria Become a Global Superpower in the Next 20 Years? Nation Building in Nigeria with Andrew Nevin? 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 Wambui on LinkedIn at WambuiMbarire, and Twitter  @Wambui_Mbarire Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #54 with Andrew Nevin,  who has vast experience as an entrepreneur, private equity investor, economist, and strategy consultant.Andrew Nevin is widely recognised and regarded as a nation builder and public intellectual in Nigeria, playing a number of key roles to advance Nigeria’s economy and society, including: - Advisory Partner and Chief Economist at PwC Nigeria; as Chief Economist, he is one of Nigeria's leading voices in unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria's young people- Co-creator of the Self-Organising Naija concept (www.selforganisingnaija.org) - Founding Governor of the Financial Centre for Sustainability (FC4S) Lagos- Advisory Board Member of the Aig Imoukhuede Foundation- Trustee of HH Muhammadu Sanusi II SDG Challenge What We Discuss With  Andrew Nevin I've seen it mentioned that you're 'Nation building in Nigeria'. What has nation building in Nigeria entailed during your ten years in the country?How will the upcoming election affect Nigeria's economic outlook or growth in 2023?What steps must be taken to ensure that the Nigeria's enormous potential is realised in the near future?Despite the numerous challenges that Nigeria and Nigerians face. Based on your research so far, why is Nigeria not a failed state?How can we grow the Nigerian economy by utilising "Nigerian Brain Exports"?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 UK and African Nations Can Strengthen Economic Ties in a Post-Brexit World. UK-Africa Trade with Daniel Kawczynski? 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 Andrew on LinkedIn at AndrewNevin, and Twitter @nevinomics Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #53 with Daniel Kawczynski, who is a British MP, and has served as a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and as Special Advisor to former Prime Minister David Cameron, and who is currently one of the Prime Minister's Trade Envoys.What We Discuss With  Daniel KawczynskiWhich African countries has the UK government identified as having significant trade and investment potential?In early 2020, the UK government was positioning the UK to be the preferred investment partner for African businesses and governments. Is this still the case for the current government?What steps is the government taking to increase British representation and engagement with Africa?Do you believe that trade relations between the United Kingdom and Africa are equitable, and can more be done?How can the UK leverage the African Diaspora to strengthen bilateral trade ties between the UK and 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 Empowering Cameroonian Athletes through the Sport of Rugby League. Opportunities and Challenges with Khalil Njoya? 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  DanielKawczynski, and Twitter @OfKawczynskiDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #52 with Khalil Njoya,  who is a former professional rugby player, and Head Coach of the Cameroon Rugby League National Team.As a passionate advocate for the sport of Rugby League, his mission is to promote its growth in Cameroon through targeted efforts in grassroots development and youth engagement. This includes establishing partnerships with local schools and community organizations, investing in programs for young players, and providing training for coaches and referees to uphold the highest standards of safety, fairness and professionalism.What We Discuss With Khalil NjoyaWhy have you made it your mission to bring Rugby League to Cameroon and increase its presence in Africa?Talk us through what you had to do to build the infrastructure that you now have in order to grow the sport.How has the success of rugby, or sports in general, benefited local communities, and to what extent? What initiatives are being implemented at the grassroots level to nurture and support the growth of aspiring Rugby players in Cameroon? In the future, what are your priorities for supporting and developing rugby in Cameroon and 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 How a South African Investment Firm Is Using Innovative Ways to Unlock Capital for Women-Led Businesses with Maya Burney? 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 Khalil on LinkedIn at KhalilNjoya, and Twitter @KhalilNjoyaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #51 with Maya Burney,  who is Associate Partner at Caleo Capital, and Founder of Womvest, which is a network of women professionals, investors and entrepreneurs that create value for one another through connections, collaborations, mentorships and investment.At a time when the world needs women change makers, women remain underrepresented in the investment ecosystem and underinvested in as entrepreneurs. Womvest is a platform for ambitious women to connect, collaborate and share experiences. Womvest seeks to encourage the next generation of women to invest in themselves and in one another. What We Discuss With Maya BurneyHow much work remains to be done to address women's underrepresentation in Africa's investment ecosystem and underfunding of women-led businesses?What kinds of business requirements are usually satisfied when businesses turn to you for these loans? What are their main concerns?Can you explain what working capital is and what an affordable rate looks like in South Africa?Why do South African women-led businesses come to you rather than more traditional or established financial institutions?Has the global economic downturn altered your approach or how you conduct business?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss  Why Africa’s Animation Scene Is Booming and Positioning the Continent as the Next Animation Hotspot with Ferdy Adimefe? 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 Maya on LinkedIn at MayaBurney, and WomvestDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #50 with Ferdy Adimefe, who is the Founder and CEO of Magic Carpet Studio. an innovation storytelling company committed to transforming the human consciousness by putting authentic African stories on the map.The studio is one of Africa's leading animation, game development, and metaverse studios, and it has played an important role in the development of the continent's animation industry. The studio has contributed to capacity expansion by developing a training and fellowship programme for people interested in animation and game development.What We Discuss With Ferdy AdimefeHow has the Nigerian and African animation industries evolved since your involvement?What were the difficulties in establishing a creative ecosystem for African storytelling?How do you go about finding and nurturing the talent needed to run and grow an animation company like yours?Is there enough opportunity for animation companies to scale and become extremely profitable in Africa?What are some of the difficulties in licencing African animations to companies like Disney and Netflix?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss African Arts, Sports and Culture. Africa's Soft Power: The New Driver of Change on the Continent with Obi Asika? 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 Ferdy on LinkedIn at FerdyAdimefe, and Twitter @ferdyadimefeDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #49 with Obi Asika, who is well-known throughout the world for his contributions to Africa's creative industries, entertainment, events, social media, music, and sports. As a result, he has showcased his unique skills as an executive producer on several television shows, including but not limited to Big Brother Nigeria, Doctor's Quarters, Dragons Den Nigeria, The Apprentice Africa, Calabar Rocks, Etisalat One Million Dollar Show, 100% Naija, and Naija Sings.Among other things, Obi is a convener at the Africa Soft Power Project, a member of the board of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and the co-founder of Social Media Week LagosWhat We Discuss With Obi AsikaAre you surprised by the success of Nigerian music so far?Is it safe to say that Nigerian music, film, and culture are the continents most important exports right now, and do you believe we are fully leveraging their power to propel Africa forward?What does the term "soft power" mean to you?How can Africa strategically use the soft power of its creative, cultural, and knowledge industries?You are also a member of the Nigerian Olympic Committee's Board of Trustees. How did this happen, and what are the board's priorities in terms of supporting Nigerian competitors?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Boom in African Art. African Artists and Innovative Platforms Shaking up the Global Art Scene with Onyinye Anyaegbu? 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 Obi on LinkedIn at ObiAsika, and Twitter @obiasikaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here