Unlocking Africa

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 @JulieGichuruDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 @MidunuGhanaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 @OsOsaGuobadiaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 @secondSTAXDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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_charlesDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 @154artfairDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 @BelindaMogotsiDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

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 Discover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

EPISODE 100 with Sherif Nessim who is a  technology specialist with over 24 years of experience in offering solutions and products to corporations, mobile carriers, and service providers (B2B) as well as consumer services (B2C) in Egypt and the Middle East and Africa area.Sherif is the visionary founder of Jedar Capital, a rising venture capital firm. Jedar Capital, which specialises in assisting early-stage entrepreneurs from pre-seed to Series A, focuses its efforts on promoting innovation throughout Africa and the Middle East. The firm is crucial in establishing relationships between corporations in the United States and Europe looking to develop their presence in Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa, and vice versa.What We Discuss With SherifWhat has been your experiences in establishing a venture capital firm that focuses specifically on supporting African startups? What are some crucial considerations for businesses aiming to successfully enter the African market? What are some common misconceptions or challenges you've observed when Western companies try to expand into Africa? How does Jedar Capital differ from other Africa-focused VCs, and what advantages does it offer? What advice would you give to African startups that are looking to raise capital or investment? Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss Smart Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Figorr's IoT Approach to Reduce Food and Vaccine Wastage in Africa with Tega Iortim? 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 Sherif on LinkedIn at Sherif Nessim and Twitter @snessimDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Episode 99 with Tega Iortim, who is an impact-driven entrepreneur with a passion for using technology to solve major supply chain related challenges across developing countries.Tega is the CEO and founder of Figorr, which is an IoT company that offers real-time monitoring and tracking for temperature-sensitive items.Figorr aims to play a part in bridging the gaps in the healthcare cold chain in Sub-Saharan Africa. To this effect, Figorr was setup with primarily two (2) objectives:1. To build innovative, affordable cold chain solutions for storage and transportation by embedding technology with already available social science solutions to enhance the efficiency of the solution.2. To educate individuals in the relevant industries about modern and standardised cold chain practices.What We Discuss With TegaCould you share some statistics or examples that highlight the scale of food and vaccine waste in sub-Saharan Africa? How does Figorr's IoT technology work to monitor and prevent losses during the transportation and storage of perishable goods? What challenges do businesses typically face in the transportation and storage of perishable goods in Africa? Have you encountered specific cultural or social nuances that you had to take into account when implementing your solutions in different African regions?How can the use of IoT technology in Africa to reduce food and vaccine waste effect environmental and sustainability concerns?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Chari is Transforming Traditional Retail in French-Speaking Africa with Ismael Belkhayat? 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 Tega on LinkedIn at Tega Iortim, and Twitter @iortimtegaDiscover how Verto’s solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here