Unlocking Africa

Episode #41 with Olivier Vanden Eynde, who is Founding Partner and Executive Director at Close the Gap Kenya, which is a Circular Economy HUB In Mombasa.Close the Gap Kenya focuses on refurbishing and recycling laptops, computers, and a variety of electronic devices through a one-stop shop where they not only innovate, incubate, and manufacture, but also have an inspiring co-work space, makerspace, computer (repair) shop, mini gym, and, soon, the Close the Gap Café.Through an incubation program called "BOOST" Close the Gap Kenya supports young local entrepreneurs.What We Discuss With Olivier Vanden EyndeYou live in Mombasa, Kenya. Why did you decide to base yourself in Mombasa rather than Nairobi?Can you explain what a circular economy hub is and why youbelieve they are needed in Africa?You focus on refurbishing and recycling laptops and computers through the hub. What inspired this concept or idea, and how successful has it been thus far?Close the Gap Kenya assists young local entrepreneurs through its incubation programme. Could you walk us through some of the activities and on-the-job training that take place?How many entrepreneurs or startups have you support so far, and what is your target?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 Investing in “Boring” Companies Can Boost Employment and Economic Growth in Africa with Brendan Mullen? 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 Olivier Vanden Eynde on LinkedIn at OlivierVandenEynde, and @oliviervdeyndeDo 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 #40 with Brendan Mullen, who is Co-founder and Managing Director at Secha Capital, a lower-market impact private equity fund in Southern Africa employing an Operator-Investor model and investing in traditional industries making the green economy, tech-enabled, and/or post-COVID transition.Secha was founded in 2017. Its first fund invested in ten South African companies, creating 300+ jobs with an average revenue growth of 12x. Its $50M second fund scales its Operator-Investor model into Southern Africa.What We Discuss With Brendan MullenWhat differentiates Secha Capital from other private equity firms operating in Africa?You look for sectors in which South Africa can make use of local resources. Why is that?You concentrate on established Southern African companies in large, underserved, "boring" sectors rather than technology companies. What exactly do you mean by "boring" sectors?What is the significance of these boring sectors? What value do you think they add to the African economy?What are some of the challenges you've encountered in establishing funds dedicated to investing in African SMEs?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 Tourism in Africa Is Being Reinvented. A Bright Future for African Tourism with Yaa Ofori-Ansah? 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 Brendan Mullen on LinkedIn at BrendanMullen, and @BrendanJMullenDo 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 #39 with Yaa Ofori-Ansah, who is an expert in African development, trade, sustainability & ESG, finance & policy, and founder of Talking Drums, a travel and tourism marketplace with a specialisation in Africa that prioritises sustainable tourism & culture & seeks to connect people with Africa.What We Discuss With Yaa Ofori-AnsahCan you tell us why it is critical to develop tourism in Africa?What are the challenges and opportunities in African tourism?Do you believe Africa has done enough to harness tourism for economic development and growth?The Year of Return popularised Ghana as a tourist destination with global appeal. What lessons can other African countries take from this?All across the world, tourism is a key driver of economic development and employment creation. However, why does there seem to be widespread scepticism regarding the economic and social advantages of tourism in many African nations?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Creating a Tech Talent Pool in Africa for the Real Economy. Powering Digital Transformation With Eric Annan? 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 Yaa Ofori-Ansah on LinkedIn at YaaOforiAnsah, and TalkingDrumsDo 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 #38 with Eric Annan who is Founder and CEO of AYA, a curated marketplace for early-stage startups and high growth businesses to access vetted African Web3 digital skilled talents.AYA helps early-stage startups and medium-sized companies find the right fit talents to supercharge their business. Eric is passionate about ensuring that there are as few barriers as possible for Africans to access additional employment opportunities and to share their talents with the world.What We Discuss With Eric AnnanAYA stands for resilience. Is there a specific type of resilience that differentiates African tech talent from those from other parts of the world?Why are so many African startups registering their companies outside of Africa, in places like Delaware?These days, there are numerous talent/employment platforms available. What is the value proposition of AYA?How can we stop the brain drain of Africa´s brightest tech talent?How can we invest in developing more African tech talent?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 Significance of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Development in Driving Africa’s New Era with Prof. Tal Edgars? 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 Eric Annan on LinkedIn at EricAnnan, and Twitter @e_annan24Do 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 #37 with Prof. Tal Edgars is Group Executive Chairman at GBSH Consult Group. Also, a multi-award winner, globally renowned business authority, seasoned diplomat and a cutting edge thinker and author with an outstanding record in planning, managing and executing highly successful private and public sector initiatives in Africa, Europe, America & Asia. He has a background in academia, diplomacy, and international civil service. Is one of  Africa's foremost authorities and informed voices on foreign policy, contract theory, Growth and Competitiveness Practice, complex negotiations, strategic foresight, government affairs, and how countries and businesses can participate actively in their own development.What We Discuss With Prof. Tal EdgarsWhat, in your opinion, is required to successfully implement private and public sector initiatives in Africa?What is the role of ethical leadership in Africa, and do you believe it is widely practised and understood?Why is entrepreneurship and innovation important in Africa, and what role does it play in creating the Africa We Want?What economic, social, and cultural value do you believe social entrepreneurs and innovation can bring to African economies?What positive impact may AfCFTA have on social entrepreneurship and social development?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 Needs to Improve Cybersecurity to Boost Investment and Economic Development with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon? 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 Prof. Tal Edgars on LinkedIn at TalEdgars, and Twitter @ProfTalEdgarsDo 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 #36 with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon who are Co-Founders of CyberAlliance, which is a global technology solutions firm, with a Pan-African focus, creating strategies that advance digital transformation and accelerate cyber security.  CyberAlliance focuses on helping sub-saharan African countries implement technology and cyber security in a way that drives job creation, profitability, and economic development. What We Discuss With Kendrall Felder and Larry YonWhat are some of the challenges you face when developing and implementing strategies to improve cyber security in Africa?In Africa, effective cybersecurity remains a challenge, with many organisations unprepared for cyber attacks. Why is this the case?What efforts can be made to increase cybersecurity awareness in Africa?What is the significance of countries like Kenya enacting new anti-piracy legislation to combat piracy and protect content, networks, and intellectual property?What is the relationship between cyber security and economic development 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 How to Accurately Forecast Africa’s Long-Term Development Potential. African Futures & Innovation with Jakkie Cilliers? 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 Kendrall and Larry on LinkedIn at Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon, and Twitter @_CyberAllianceDo 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 #35 with Jakkie Cilliers who is the author of Africa First!: Igniting a Growth Revolution, and Head of African Futures and Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies. An institute that builds knowledge and skills that secure Africa’s future.What We Discuss With Jakkie CilliersWhat are Africa's development prospects and potential based on the data you've gathered?Is Africa on track to meet the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063?Do you believe the term "leapfrogging" is misused or misunderstood in the context of Africa?What will future trade relations between Africa and the rest of the world look like. What shifts or changes are you forecasting?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 Successfully Structure and Start an Africa Focused Venture Capital Fund with Samantha 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 Jakkie on LinkedIn at JakkieCilliers, and Twitter @JakkieCilliersDo 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 #34 with Samantha Lee who is an angel investor, venture capitalist and the founder of StoneSoup Partners, a firm that invests in African startups.StoneSoup Partners believe that it is possible and better to build companies that do well by doing good. They believe that financial value should be derived from social value. In the long run, they hope to reshape entrepreneurship so that it is no longer solely focused on profit maximisation but also addresses broader societal challenges.What We Discuss With Samantha LeeHow did you go about gaining local knowledge and expanding your network in order to invest in African startups?In terms of your recent and current investments, what type of startups do you prefer to invest in?Is your strategy for investing in African startups different from that of Southeast Asia?What are the challenges of establishing a fund dedicated to investing in African startups?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 Power of Media: How a Ghanaian Radio Station Transformed a Community with Phillip Nyakpo? 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 Samantha on LinkedIn at SamanthaLeeDo 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 #33 with Phillip Nyakpo who is an author and former journalist. His most recent book, Absolute Radio, is a spellbinding true story of entrepreneurship, media, culture and tradition, all tastefully rolled into one! Absolute Radio is an authentic story of girls and boys who became women and men – and heroes – on the wings of a radio station. Running the course of 25 years, the story comes from the culturally stylish twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana, with global footprints.What We Discuss With Phillip NyakpoIn the context of African media, how significant is private ownership?Prior to 1990, only a few African countries permitted commercial or non-state radio. What significance did the launch of SKYY POWER FM have?Were there any economic benefits to the local community as a result of privatised radio, either directly or indirectly?What is your opinion of the current state of African media?And much more...Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss What Is the Future of the Creator Economy in Africa? Creating Value Through Community with Patrick Palmi? 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 Phillip on LinkedIn at PhillipNyakpo, and Twitter @NyakpoDo 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 #32 with Patrick Palmi who is CEO and Founder of Palm TV,  which is Africa's first ecommerce marketplace platform for affiliate creators. If you run an online community, Palm TV Store makes it incredibly simple to open an online store with exciting affiliate products to sell to your community at the best retail price.In the last three years, the Palm TV marketplace has generated over US$15 million in GMV for young African creators and affiliate merchandise partners.What We Discuss With Patrick PalmiCan you describe the infrastructure required for a platform to ship products and process payments anywhere in Africa, as well as how you built it?What are some of the nuances unique to African e-commerce?How can African content creators effectively leverage their network and community to create commercial value?Can you describe the process you use to find and integrate reputable suppliers into 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 Impact Investing in Africa. Promoting Positive Capital for Development in Africa with Gert van Veldhuisen? 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 Patrick on LinkedIn at PatrickPalmi, and Twitter @palmtvstoreDo 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