Unlocking Africa

Episode 110 with Yomi Kazeem, from Salient Advisory, which is a healthcare consulting firm that tracks innovations in African health tech, and Jessica Vernon, CEO and Founder of Maisha Meds, which is a company that has created the first and largest network of private pharmacies and clinics in East Africa through a mobile app that delivers subsidised care.Salient Advisory produces comprehensive reports, delving into African health technology trends and facilitating partnerships, aiming for a future where healthcare products are more accessible. Their research has been featured by CNBC, Quartz, Bloomberg, the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Devex, the Centre for Global Development, and more.What We Discuss With Yomi Kazeem and Jessica VernonWhat motivated Salient Advisory to focus on innovations in health product distribution in Africa, particularly concerning government partnerships with health tech innovators?Could you provide specific examples from your Market Intelligence Report that highlight the successful impact of government partnerships with health tech platforms in Africa?What were the specific challenges that African health supply chains faced before the introduction of digital solutions and partnerships?The report highlights that government partnerships have facilitated the democratization of digital orders. How has this democratization positively impacted healthcare accessibility in rural areas?The report indicates that many innovators prioritise healthcare supply chain data analytics. How do these analytics improve the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain processes in Africa?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Insuring Africa's Future: Expanding Affordable Insurance Coverage Across Africa with Ted Pantone? 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 Yomi  on LinkedIn at Yomi Kazeem, and Twitter Connect with Jessica  on LinkedIn at Jessica Vernon, and Twitter @TheYomiKazeemDo 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 109 with Ted Pantone, a dynamic startup leader with a relentless drive to achieve results, boasts a proven track record of guiding young businesses and entrepreneurial teams towards success. With the launch of four startups under his belt, he has secured over $20 million in funding and has actively invested in over 50 businesses.Additionally, Ted serves as the co-founder and CEO of Turaco, a pioneering venture revolutionising healthcare financing in emerging markets. Recognising the dire need for accessible insurance products and financing options among consumers in these regions, Turaco has devised streamlined insurance solutions, distributed through mobile technology, to effectively address the healthcare financing challenges faced by customers in these markets.What We Discuss With Ted PantoneHow did you identify there was a gap in the market for what you wanted to offer?The insurance penetration rate in Africa is just 3%. What challenges and opportunities do you see for disrupting the insurance industry on the continent?Turaco aims to insure over 1 billion lives in Africa. What steps is the company taking to scale its operations?Turaco sells health insurance for as low as $0.5 per month. How do you ensure the affordability of your products while maintaining financial sustainability for the company?Turaco recently acquired MicroEnsure in Ghana. How does this acquisition contribute to Turaco's overall strategy, and what advantages does it bring to the company's mission?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Empowering Africa: Saving Lives and Livelihoods by Strengthening Africa’s Public Health Systems with Julie Gichuru? 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 Ted on LinkedIn at Ted Pantone, and Twitter @tedpantoneDo 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 108 with Julie Gichuru who is the Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer at the Mastercard Foundation, overseeing corporate, programmatic, policy, and thought leadership communications with a team spanning Africa and Canada.The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organisations to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.Mastercard Foundation wants a world where young people are included and are thriving, and their leadership and contributions matter. A future where young people are driving transformative change and achieving their full potential.What We Discuss With Julie GichuruElaborate on your role at Mastercard Foundation and the key areas you oversee, such as corporate, programmatic, policy, and thought leadership communications.Since you’ve been involved in the social development space in Africa, how have you seen it develop?What more can be done to further progress the development space in Africa? What are the biggest challenges that the social development space currently faces in Africa, and how have you seen the Mastercard Foundation overcome these challenges?Can you elaborate on the goals and strategies of Saving Lives & Livelihoods, especially in terms of enabling vaccine purchases, delivery, and manufacturing across Africa?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Exploring New African Cuisines That Focus on Traditional Ingredients and Culture with Selassie Atadika? 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 Julie on LinkedIn at Julie Gichuru, and Twitter @JulieGichuruDo 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 107 with chef Selassie Atadika who is an award-winning chef, educator, and food systems advocate. Born in Ghana, her family fled following a military coup, eventually settling in New York.  She credits her mother and travels to over 40 countries as a humanitarian aid worker for the United Nations as influences for her dishes.In 2014, she returned home to Ghana to establish Midunu, Midunu Chocolates, and The Midunu Institute as love letters to Africa—a dedication to celebrate and preserve Africa’s rich culinary heritage.Selassie loves playing at the crossroads where culture, community, and cuisine intersect with the environment, sustainability, and economy.What We Discuss With Selassie Atadika What inspired you to return to Ghana and establish Midunu, Midunu Chocolates, and The Midunu Institute?Could you elaborate on the concept of 'New African Cuisine' and how it guides your culinary creations?How do you balance the intersection of culture, community, and cuisine with environmental sustainability and economic factors in your work?What can be done to create an enabling environment for people like yourself who want to add value to local produce to sell to a global market?How do you believe your culinary creations, which have received acclaim from publications such as Vogue, are influencing the global perception and representation of African cuisine?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy: The Long-Term Impact of the Nigeria Startup Act with Oswald Guobadia? 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 Selassie on LinkedIn at Chef Selassie Atadika, and Twitter @MidunuGhanaDo 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 106 with Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, who is the former Senior Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, spearheaded the creation and execution of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) program. The Nigeria Startup Act project is a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and the Presidency to harness the potential of Nigeria's digital economy through co-created regulations. The Act is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria's laws and regulations are clear, planned, and work for the tech ecosystem by creating an enabling  environment.The Act was signed into law by H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari on the 19th of October, 2022. Over 30 leaders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem contributed to its drafting between June and September 2021, but what impact has it had on Nigeria's tech ecosystem so far?What We Discuss With Oswald GuobadiaCould you elaborate on the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) program's objectives and its impact on Nigeria's tech ecosystem and digital economy?What were the key challenges you faced during the execution of the  Nigeria Startup Act?What strategies did you use to bring together diverse stakeholders and ensure their active involvement in the NSA program?What positive legacy do you believe the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) program has left in areas such as technology and human capital?What advice would you give to other countries or regions aspiring to create similar programs to boost their tech ecosystems? Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss African Capital Markets Reimagined: Building a Platform to Trade Debt and Equity Securities Across African Markets With Eugene Tawiah? 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 Oswald on LinkedIn at Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, and Twitter @OsOsaGuobadiaDo 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 105 with Eugene Tawiah, who is co-founder of SecondSTAX, which is a platform and gateway to access and trade all debt and equity securities across multiple African bond and stock exchanges.SSX facilitates transactions by securely and efficiently routing orders onto existing mature capital markets infrastructure in complete compliance with local regulations. SSX simultaneously offers B2B securities trading infrastructure as well as B2C retail customer solutions for simplified access to trading African securities.SSX provides an easy-to-use and efficient route for wealth in Africa and global capital to fund investments in a wider range of African countries.What We Discuss With Eugene TawiahHow does SecondSTAX work as a gateway to access and trade debt and equity securities across African bond and stock exchanges?How does SecondSTAX ensure secure and compliant transactions while operating in multiple African countries with different regulations?Can you share insights into the technology infrastructure behind SecondSTAX and how it ensures efficiency in processing transactions?What is the significance of providing both B2B and B2C solutions for trading African securities?What are the key factors that investors should consider when trading African securities?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Redefining African Travel Experiences Beyond Wildlife. ZaNiheza's Mission to Showcase the True Africa with Charles Shima? 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 Eugene on LinkedIn at Eugene Tawiah, and Twitter @secondSTAXDo 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 104 with Charles Shima, who is the founder and CEO of ZaNiheza, a booking software and afrocentric travel marketplace for immersive experiences that connect travelers with local curators.ZaNiheza provides immersive tours and activities that enhance travelers' experiences when they visit African destinations. Their proprietary booking software makes it possible for travel suppliers to create, manage, and offer tours and activities online.What We Discuss With Charles ShimaWhat specific gap in the African travel market were you aiming to address, especially in the context of African travel experiences?Can you give us reasons why it is important to develop tourism in Africa?Africa is experiencing increased interest globally in areas such as tourism. What more can be done to sustain this tourism growth?Could you elaborate on how empowering local travel curators and promoting unique cultural experiences contribute to economic growth in the regions you operate? How is the increasing presence of young African travel bloggers and content creators, including individuals like yourself, influencing the African travel and tourism industry?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss African Art on the Global Stage. The Growth and Evolution of African Art with Touria El Glaoui? 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 Charles on LinkedIn at Charles Shima, and Twitter @shima_charlesDo 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 103 with Touria El Glaoui, who is the Founding Director of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which is the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, has annual editions in London, New York, and Marrakech.Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1-54 is the first and only international fair dedicated to contemporary African art. With three editions per year—in London, New York, and Marrakech—as well as a pop-up fair in Paris, 1-54 is the leading global art fair committed to providing visibility to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.Striving to promote a community of diverse perspectives, including evolving interpretations of the diasporic experience, 1-54 features leading international galleries specialising in contemporary African art alongside artist talks, panel discussions, and a Special Projects programme.What We Discuss With Touria El GlaouiHow does 1-54 bridge the gap between African artists and the global art market?What are some of the challenges faced by artists from Africa and its diaspora in the contemporary art world?How has the perception of African art evolved in the Western world during the ten years 1-54 has been active?What does the growing global demand for African art currently look like?Does the growing global demand for African art stem from a passion for African art or the perception of it as an investable asset class?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Beyond Charity and Changing Narratives. Understanding the Layers of African Philanthropy with Dr Keratiloe Mogotsi? 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  Touria on LinkedIn at Touria El Glaoui, and Twitter @154artfairDo 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 102 with, Dr. Keratiloe Mogotsi, who is the former Program Director at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), which works to bridge the gap in the study, research, and practice of philanthropy and social investment in Africa.Global interest in the field of philanthropy and social investment in Africa and continents outside of Euro-America is growing exponentially. Recent years have seen a considerable increase in research and writings related to these topics. Despite this, the study of these fields is in a nascent stage, with very little formal academic research, teaching, and publication available in Africa.What We Discuss With Dr. KeratiloeWhat do you believe needs to happen to bridge the gap in the study and practice of philanthropy in Africa?What are some of the challenges faced by African philanthropies when cooperating with international initiatives?It could be said that philanthropy is ingrained in African culture. Why do you think this is not recognised, and philanthropy is now associated with western organisations?What steps can individuals and organisations take to rewrite the narrative of African philanthropy and challenge any existing stereotypes or misconceptions?How should philanthropies engage with local communities to ensure that philanthropic efforts are culturally sensitive and impactful?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Building Trust and Seamless Transactions. A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Payments in Africa with Omoniyi Kolade? 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  Dr. Keratiloe on LinkedIn at Dr Keratiloe Mogotsi and Twitter @BelindaMogotsiDo 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 101 with Omoniyi Kolade is the founder and CEO of Seerbit, a pan-African enterprise payment platform that enables fast, seamless, inclusive, and secure payments for leading local and global companies present on the African continent.SeerBit is a platform that enables all types of businesses to process payments from their customers with the digital tools they need. In Africa, customers are often limited by circumstances or location, such as the unavailability of the internet or a lack of access to financial services. SeerBit’s mission is to help businesses circumvent these barriers that prevent them from optimally serving their customers.What We Discuss With OmoniyiHow does SeerBit contribute to financial inclusion in Africa, particularly for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked? What role does technology play in SeerBit's approach to making payments fast and seamless?Africa is a diverse continent with varying levels of technological infrastructure. How does SeerBit address the challenges of operating in such a dynamic environment?Security is a crucial concern in online payments. How does SeerBit ensure the security of transactions on its platform?As you operate in multiple African countries, how do you manage the cultural and regulatory differences across these markets?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Bridging the Gap Between East and West. Tech, Investments, and Global Impact with Sherif Nessim? 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  Omoniyi on LinkedIn at Omoniyi Kolade and Twitter @kolas_way 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