Unlocking Africa

Episode #167 with Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, who is a seasoned strategist, business leader, and author of the recently published book "Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is at the forefront of redefining Africa’s business narrative through her transformative SCALE framework and deep-rooted belief in Afro-optimism. Drawing from decades of executive experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia, she empowers entrepreneurs and leaders to scale African excellence globally by bridging local realities with global best practices.In this episode, we dive into the core themes of Afro-Optimism Unleashed from building a global mindset and building pan-African powerhouses, to overcoming impostor syndrome and unlocking the power of the diaspora.What We Discuss With AdeoluKey steps to shifting the African narrative from one of struggle to one of excellence, and how this transformation can inspire global recognition.The personal journey toward Afro-optimism and the defining moments that sparked a strong belief in Africa’s potential.The important role of trust in achieving business success in Africa and how leaders can actively build and maintain it.The powerful role of the African diaspora in driving the Afro-Optimism movement and contributing to the continent’s growth.The importance of mentorship from experienced leaders in nurturing Afro-optimism among women and the younger generation.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Increasing Japan-Africa Business Opportunities Through AI & Technology? 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 Adeolu:LinkedIn - Adeolu Adewumi-ZerTwitter (X) - @AdeoluZerDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode #166 with Dr William Derban, Head of Programs and Partnerships at the Digital Innovations Group for Opportunity International, defining technical standards, developing business strategy, and negotiating collaborations across mobile money, mobile/cell-phone banking, and agent banking.Opportunity International is at the forefront of leveraging AI to bridge the gap between technology and smallholder farmers in Africa. Through initiatives like UlangiziAI in Malawi and the recent FarmerAI pilots in Kenya and Ghana, the organisation is redefining how underserved communities access crucial agricultural knowledge. By integrating AI-driven solutions with a human-centred approach, they empower farmers to combat climate change, boost productivity, and build resilience.In this episode, we explore how AI is being used to democratise agricultural knowledge, the challenges of last-mile implementation, and the ethical considerations of deploying AI in vulnerable communities.What We Discuss With WilliamThe impact of digital initiatives on smallholder farmers in Africa, improving productivity, market access, and financial inclusion.Strategies to make AI-driven solutions like UlangiziAI accessible to farmers with limited digital literacy, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use.The challenges of integrating AI into smallholder farming and the solutions implemented to overcome them.How AI can help underserved communities and make sure its benefits reach everyone, not just wealthier nations.The main challenges in expanding AI-powered farming solutions across Africa and how they can be overcome.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Increasing Japan-Africa Business Opportunities Through AI & Technology? 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 William:LinkedIn - Dr William DerbanTwitter (X) - @OpportunityIntlDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 165 with Bernard Laurendeau, who is Managing Director of Enkopa Lab, which is at the forefront of driving successful Japan-Africa investments by leveraging AI and technology. With a focus on market diversification, the firm helps Japanese companies navigate Africa's complex business landscape. Enkopa Lab on driving successful Japan-Africa investments through AI & technologyEnkopa Lab is repositioning investment approaches by prioritising human capital development over resource acquisition. Japanese firms have made significant inroads into sectors like financial services, technology, and FMCG, distinguishing their approach from other major players. However, risk-averse decision-making remains a challenge for many Japanese corporations, slowing international expansion.In this episode we explore the opportunities, challenges, and future of Japan-Africa investments, looking into insights into how technology, data, and innovation are unlocking new possibilities.What We Discuss With BernardThe evolution of Japan’s investment and engagement in Africa over the past three decades and its impact on economic development.Common misconceptions Japanese companies have about the African market and how they impact business opportunities and investment strategies.The key barriers preventing greater Japanese investment in Africa and the challenges firms face when entering the market.How Enkopa Lab uses AI and digital tools to empower Japanese companies with data-driven insights for smarter investment decisions in Africa.Strategies African countries can adopt to enhance their appeal and attract more Japanese investment.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Made in Africa, for Africa: How Ener-G-Africa Locally Manufactures Affordable Energy Solutions? 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 Bernard:LinkedIn - Bernard Laurendeau (ቤርናር - ベルナルド)Twitter (X) - @_blaurendeauDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 164 with André Moolman, CEO of Ener-G-Africa (EGA), a renewable energy company dedicated to expanding access to affordable solar power across the continent. With a focus on low-income households and small businesses, EGA is tackling Africa’s energy challenges through innovative, cost-effective solutions that go beyond electricity, driving economic growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.EGA has grown from a solar wholesaler to a leading manufacturer of solar panels, clean cookstoves, and biomass fuels. The company now operates in multiple African countries, with strategic partnerships, flexible payment plans, and a commitment to community transformation at the core of its mission. From helping families like the Jansens in South Africa to supporting township entrepreneurs, EGA is proving that clean energy can be both accessible and life-changing.In this conversation, we explore EGA’s impact, the challenges of bridging the energy gap in underserved communities, and the company’s vision for scaling sustainable energy solutions across Africa.What We Discuss With AndreHow Ener-G-Africa is helping to tackle Africa’s energy challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.The unique approach that sets Ener-G-Africa apart from other renewable energy manufacturers on the continent.The major challenges faced by communities relying on traditional cooking methods and their impact on health, the environment, and daily life.How Ener-G-Africa keeps its solar and cooking solutions affordable for low-income households despite the rising cost of living in many African countries.How Ener-G-Africa’s installment payment plans make solar products more accessible and the impact they’ve had on customer adoption.The biggest challenges Ener-G-Africa faces in scaling across different African countries and the strategies used to overcome them.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Inside the Culture, Creativity & Community: How The Africa Centre Has Built a Home for African Heritage in the UK Since 1964? 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 Andre:LinkedIn - André MoolmanTwitter (X) - @AfricaEnerDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 163 with Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and amplifying African and diaspora heritage. Since its founding in 1964, The Africa Centre has been a vibrant space for intellectual exchange, artistic expression, and community-building, evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the African diaspora in the UK and beyond.Under Olu’s leadership, the Centre has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and cultural advocacy, cementing its reputation as a global hub for African excellence. From nurturing emerging artists, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards like the Turner Prize, to promoting entrepreneurship and thought leadership, The Africa Centre remains a crucible for creativity and transformation.In this conversation, we explore the Centre’s journey, its role in reshaping narratives about Africa, and the exciting initiatives in store, from the UK-Kenya cultural season to the 104th anniversary of the Berlin Conference.What We Discuss With OluThe evolution of The Africa Centre since 1964 and its evolution in response to the changing needs of the African diaspora in the UK.How The Africa Centre balances its rich legacy with the evolving needs and engagement styles of modern audiences.The strategies The Africa Centre uses to ensure inclusivity and represent all of Africa, beyond just major countries.How The Africa Centre continues to promote intellectual and social conversations among African thinkers and changemakers today.Why the Centre has been instrumental in launching the careers of renowned African artists.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Inside the Business of Afrobeats: International Festivals, Culture & Global Influence? 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 Olu:LinkedIn - Olu AlakeTwitter (X) - @TheAfricaCentreDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 162 with Adesegun Adeosun (SMADE), CEO of SMADE Entertainment, Europe's leading Afrobeats music, live entertainment, and lifestyle promotions company.Since its inception, SMADE Entertainment has successfully planned, organized, and delivered some of the biggest Afrobeats concerts and festivals across the UK, Africa, and Europe. Their events have been headlined by global superstars like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and many more.At the heart of their success is Afro Nation, the world’s largest Afrobeats festival, celebrating African culture through music, food, art, and an electrifying atmosphere. Tune in to hear SMADE’s journey, the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, and the impact of live entertainment in shaping African music culture.What We Discuss With Adesegun (SMADE)SMADE’s journey in bringing Afrobeats to the global stage, the inspiration behind organising events in the U.K., and the rise of the genre as a worldwide movement.The key business principles that have driven SMADE Entertainment’s rise to become one of Europe’s leading entertainment companies.The importance of strategic partnerships in SMADE Entertainment’s expansion.The major financial challenges faced in launching Afro Nation and SMADE Entertainment, and how they were overcome to build a successful entertainment empire.The strategies that set SMADE Entertainment and Afro Nation apart in the highly competitive global festival scene.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Scotland and Africa Can Do More Business Together: Challenges & Opportunities? 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 SMADE:LinkedIn - Adesegun Adeosun Jr (SMADE)Twitter (X) - @iamSMADEDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 161 with Frazer Lang, CEO of the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), an organisation dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and business collaboration between Scotland and African nations. With a focus on tangible commercial outputs, SABA bridges the gap between African governments and Scottish businesses, making it easier for both sides to engage, execute opportunities, and access funding.SABA was founded in response to the challenges African governments faced in navigating the fragmented UK market and the difficulties Scottish businesses encountered in identifying viable opportunities in Africa. By leveraging Scotland’s expertise in key sectors such as Energy, Agriculture, Education, healthcare, and Fintech, SABA takes a targeted approach to building mutually beneficial partnerships.Frazer discusses how SABA provides critical support throughout the business development process, working with governments, institutions, and private-sector partners to de-risk trade opportunities and drive economic growth. As a not-for-profit, independent trade association, SABA reinvests surplus funds into initiatives that promote the interests of its members, ensuring long-term impact in both Scotland and Africa.What We Discuss With FrazerExploring the historical and educational connections between Scotland and Africa and their lasting impact.Understanding the factors limiting trade between Scotland and Africa despite their strong historical ties.How SABA supports companies in identifying and securing funding opportunities for projects across Africa.The perception of Scottish companies and investment by African governments and its impact on business relations.The critical role of local expertise and partnerships in driving successful business development.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Profit, Impact, and Growth: An Investment Model That Turns Small Farmers into High-Growth Agribusinesses? 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 Frazer:LinkedIn - Frazer LangDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Luni Libes, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Africa Eats, focuses on revolutionizing African agribusiness to combat food insecurity. He shares insights on his unique equity investment model, which empowers small farmers to scale their businesses while ensuring sustainable growth. Luni discusses the challenges of traditional venture capital in Africa and introduces the CEMEX initiative, which facilitates investment access for SMEs. He highlights the evolving opportunities in agricultural investments amid a growing population, aiming to inspire lasting economic transformation.

Episode 159 with Boubacar Demba Coly, who is an inspiring ecosystem builder, business and entrepreneurship coach, and tech conceptor who is leading change in Gambia’s startup scene. As the project manager of the Gambia Tech Project, Boubacar is at the forefront of creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and enabling a thriving tech ecosystem in a country often seen as challenging for business.The Gambia Tech Project, launched in partnership with the French Embassy and the Alliance Franco Banjul, is dedicated to supporting innovation through incubation, mentorship, funding, and networking. With a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs, the program has ambitious goals: coaching 50 entrepreneurs annually, incubating 10 startups, and organising global tech-entrepreneurship events to connect over 300 innovators.During this episode we explore Boubacar’s journey, the mission of Gambia Tech, and the untapped potential of Gambia’s youth. From fintech to agritech, hear how this initiative is turning bold ideas into successful ventures, building sustainable networks, and redefining what’s possible in the region.What We Discuss With BoubacarKey lessons from building ecosystems in Senegal and how they’ve influenced the approach to development in Gambia.The biggest challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Gambia and potential strategies to overcome them.Strategies for helping entrepreneurs in Gambia overcome the perception of the country as an unfavourable business environment.The unique opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship presented by Gambia’s young and dynamic population.Common traits and practices shared by the most successful startups on the Gambia Tech program.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Alternative VC Investing: Building Stronger Last-Mile Ecosystems to Drive Startup Growth 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 Boubacar:LinkedIn - Boubacar Demba ColyTwitter (X) - @gambiatechDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 158 with David Ogundeko, a poet, entrepreneur, and venture steward. David is the founder and CEO of Funema, a last-mile, impact-driven, alternative investment company with a presence in Pennsylvania, Lagos, and Cape Town.Funema is an impact venture building company investing cash-in-kind, providing a combination of capital and venture-building services to early-stage companies. These companies focus on developing B2B vertical market software solutions that drive the digital transformation of small businesses, empowering them to evolve into thriving, tech-enabled enterprises.David shares his philosophy at Funema, where the mission is grounded in the belief that they are graced with the ability to support, partner with, and co-create innovative solutions alongside visionary entrepreneurs. These efforts are aimed at addressing the unique developmental challenges of underserved communities in emerging markets by leveraging inclusive innovations and contextualised technologies.What We Discuss With DavidFunema's venture-building-for-equity model and how it operates effectively in emerging markets.The misalignment of traditional VC models with the needs of emerging markets and the alternative approaches required.Funema’s distinctive approach to “building visionary people” and its impact on the African investment landscape.Strategies for developing a talent pipeline equipped for long-term leadership roles and sustained success.The essential business skills entrepreneurs in emerging markets need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Family, Technology, and Inclusion: How a Tunisian Online Accelerator is Empowering Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Talent? 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 David:LinkedIn - David OgundekoTwitter (X) - @TeleDaveDekoDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here