Unlocking Africa

Episode 121 with Geoffrey de Mowbray, who is creating a lean and trusted ecosystem for trade through his two business ventures. He is the Chief Executive Officer at Via.Trade, which enables trade by digitising several aspects of the supply chain and bringing customers and suppliers together, all supported by a financial solution and world-leading logistics.He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Dints International, a company that leverages industry expertise and cutting-edge technology to provide supply chain solutions to the mining, construction, and heavy equipment industries, enabling them to connect with new customers and enter new markets.What We Discuss With GeoffreyCan you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to launch ViaTrade and Dints International?Dints International and ViaTrade are heavily focused on Africa. Why do you think these solutions are needed on the continent?What are some of the particular challenges that African SMEs face when accessing credit for expansion, and how does ViaTrade solve them?How does ViaTrade use technology to digitise various areas of the supply chain, and what effect does this have on efficiency and transparency?Could you tell us more about the intersection of finance and technology in trade, and how ViaTrade navigates this landscape?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Pulse Sports Journey and the Rise of African Sports Media? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn at Geoffrey de Mowbray, and Twitter (X) @geoffdemowbrayDo 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 120 with James Torvaney, the visionary Managing Director behind Pulse Sports, a thriving online sports news platform with a staggering 2 million monthly users. James's journey is one of amazing growth, having guided Pulse Sports from its inception to become the leader in the field in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.Pulse Sports is part of the renowned Ringier Sports Media Group, which includes well-known businesses such as Livescore.com and other top sports media websites throughout Europe. James' strategic vision has solidified Pulse Sports' position as an industry leader, setting new benchmarks for online sports news in Africa.What We Discuss With JamesWhat key strategies did you use to rapidly grow Pulse Sports to over 2 million monthly users within six months?What does this growth say about the appetite and potential of Africa's sports fanbase?Is there an opportunity for African sports brands to leverage the growth of African sports media to promote their brands globally?Could you highlight some of the important milestones you've witnessed during the recent rise of Africa-focused sports media?What are the most important insights you've gained while working in the African sports space?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Advancing Women’s Economic Power in Africa Through Financial Access and Digital Technologies? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with James on LinkedIn at James Torvaney, and Twitter (X) @jamestorvaneyDo 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 119 with Rachel Toku-Appiah, who is the Director of Program Advocacy and Communications for Africa at the Gates Foundation, and is at the forefront of advocating for gender equality across the African continent. Her extensive expertise and leadership within the foundation's advocacy efforts position her at the forefront of this critical movement.Before joining the foundation in 2021, she spent more than two decades in key global health and development roles, most recently as director for food security and nutrition at Global Citizen. Earlier, she worked for the Graça Machel Trust, launching the organisation and later working to build up its nutrition programme across the African continent and beyond. As country director in Lesotho for the Clinton Foundation, she oversaw programmes that strengthened all aspects of the country’s health system, from human resources and infrastructure to laboratory services and supply chain management.What We Discuss With RachelHow would you describe the current state of financial access for women entrepreneurs in Africa?What role do you see digital financial services playing in bridging the finance gap for women entrepreneurs in Africa? What are the key challenges you encounter in promoting financial inclusion for women in Africa?How does the foundation navigate the cultural and societal barriers that limit women's access to finances in Africa?Are there any current positive trends or activities in Africa aimed at enhancing women's economic empowerment through improved financial access?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Incredible Story of Happy Coffee's Impact on Nigeria's Coffee Culture and Value Chain? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Rachel on LinkedIn at Rachel Toku-Appiah, and Twitter (X) @GatesAfrica 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

Episode 118 with Princess Adeyinka Tekenah, CEO of Happy Coffee, an indigenous Nigerian coffee brand and coffee solution company that has been actively dedicated to creating awareness about the Nigerian coffee value chain and improving the production and consumption of locally sourced Nigerian coffee since its establishment in 2015. Despite facing challenges common to startups in Nigeria, such as limited funding opportunities, Happy Coffee has thrived through bootstrapping and reinvesting profits. They have actively designed innovative solutions to withstand shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Happy Coffee offers a range of coffee products sourced from the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba, in addition to providing services such as mobile café service, coffee catering for indoor and outdoor events, barista training, café setup programmes, and consultancy services.What We Discuss With Princess AdeyinkaWhat specific challenges did you face as a startup in Nigeria's coffee industry?What innovative solutions has Happy Coffee developed to address challenges within the Nigerian coffee value chain?How have you gone about forming relationships with farmers and investing in farms to strengthen the coffee value chain?How does Happy Coffee actively contribute to promoting the consumption of locally sourced Nigerian coffee?What are your thoughts on the belief that Nigerians or Africans in general don’t consume coffee or that there isn’t a coffee culture in Nigeria?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Discovering, Developing, and Signing Emerging World-Class Football Players From Africa? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Princess Adeyinka on LinkedIn at Princess Adeyinka, and Twitter (X) @YinkaahDo 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 117 with Kingsley Pungong, the Founder and CEO, and James Woods, a Partner and Director of Rainbow Sports Global.Rainbow Sports Global is a leading sports enterprise with a global footprint that has successfully positioned itself as a leading Pan-African sports entity, providing holistic management, marketing, and media solutions for football sports agencies, clubs, and talented African football players. The company controls multi-continent football club relationships and has unique expertise in sourcing and signing emerging world-class football talents from Africa.What We Discuss With Kingsley and JamesWhat inspired Rainbow Sports Global to focus on African football specifically?What are some of the challenges Rainbow Sports Global faces in sourcing and signing emerging football talents from Africa?How does Rainbow Sports Global ensure that its talent identification and recruitment process is effective and ethical?Would it be safe to say that African football stars currently stand out as some of the continent's most valuable exports?What work is being done at the grassroots level to encourage and develop future African football stars?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Improving the Inefficiencies of Traditional Trade in Africa Through a Technology-Driven Platform? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamu Connect with Kingsley  on LinkedIn at Kingsley Pungong, and Twitter (X) @RainbowSports1 Connect with James  on LinkedIn at James Woods, and Twitter (X) @JamesfwoodsDo 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 116 with Deepankar Rustagi, who is a co-founder and CEO of Omniretail, a unified consumer goods distribution platform that improves the inefficiencies of traditional trade through a technology-driven FMCG platform.During Nigeria’s cash crunch in Q1 2023, Omniretail launched an embedded finance platform, OmniPay, which achieved over $100 billion worth of transactions in its first few months of launching. The cash crunch means a decline in output from cash shortages across the economy and resulted in catastrophic outcomes for businesses and small traders being unable to find the cash needed to pay for inputs, costing the Nigerian economy an estimated 20 trillion Naira ($43 billion).What We Discuss With DeepankarWho benefits most from your platform—buyers, suppliers, or consumers?What key features of OmniPay contributed to its swift adoption and remarkable success, marked by over $100 billion in transactions within its initial months?How does the OmniPay platform help alleviate the negative impacts of cash shortages on businesses and small traders in the Nigerian economy?With the exit of global FMCG companies from Nigeria, how does OmniRetail's platform help to fill the gap and strengthen local businesses and supply chains?Only a small percentage of African e-commerce companies are profitable; what specific strategies or approaches have you used that have resulted in profitabilityDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss How an Egyptian Startup Became the First African Lab to Acquire US-FDA Accreditation? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Deepankar on LinkedIn at Deepankar Rustagi, and Twitter (X) @rustagidDo 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 115 with Omar Shoukry Sakr, who is the CEO and Founder of Nawah-Scientific. A company on a mission to revolutionise the way people do scientific research in Egypt and beyond. Nawah-Scientific is the go-to place to outsource scientific services online.Nawah is a core hub of high-tech research equipment that provides a multitude of services to the region through an online platform, a world-class calibre of scientists, and a strong logistic network. They serve industries in need of product development and analysis (pharmaceuticals, petroleum, chemicals, agriculture, etc.), as well as academics at universities in disciplines of life sciences (biology, chemistry, pharma, etc.). What We Discuss With OmarHow has being a science company based in Africa affected your ability to grow and attract new customers?How has Nawah Scientific contributed to the advancement of scientific research in Egypt and beyond?Can you discuss the key milestones or achievements that Nawah Scientific has reached since its establishment.What role does collaboration play in Nawah Scientific's strategy for serving its clients and advancing scientific knowledge?How might Nawah Scientific's business model impact the long-term sustainability and growth of scientific research in Africa?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Build Investment-Worthy Startups: Insights From the Godfather of Angel Investing in Africa? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Oamr on LinkedIn at Omar Shoukry Sakr, and Twitter (X) @NawahScientificDo 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 114 with Harry 'Tomi Davies (TD), who is a Systems Analyst turned Public Speaker and author, Tech Strategy Advisor and Angel Investor, who is also Collaborator-in-Chief at TVC Labs, co-founder of the Lagos Angel Network (LAN) and President of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN).He is also widely regarded as the "godfather of angel investing" in Africa. TD is an active stakeholder and speaker in the African startup ecosystem, and he uses his wealth of experience and network to guide the next generation of innovative African startups that are creating economic value and social impact.What We Discuss With Tomi Davies (TD)Can you give us an overview of your new book, "Investment Worthy Startup," and how it aims to assist startups in Africa?The POEM framework—proposition, organisation, economics, and milestones—is a central aspect of your book. Can you expand on what the POEM framework is?Can you share some insights into the current state of the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa as a whole?What are some success stories or notable achievements from your portfolio of African tech startups as an angel investor focused on economic value and social impact?What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to embark on their startup journey in Africa?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Scaling in Africa: The Art and Science of Scaling Commercial Ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa with Scott Walker? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Tomi Davies (TD) on LinkedIn at Harry 'Tomi Davies, and Twitter (X) @TomiDeeDo 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 113 with Scott Walker, who is CEO and Founder of Systemic Innovation, which is a systems change innovation practice solving wicked systemic challenges through a collective intelligence model that connects people, ideas, and insights.Scott is also a co-author of the Scaling in Africa report, which is the most comprehensive analysis to date of the African scaling ecosystem. Designed as an applied research study (i.e., to identify pragmatic solutions to a set of specific problems rather than a theoretical academic inquiry), the aim of the report is to see actionable results offering answers to key challenges, which can assist various actors in making better, more informed decisions about where to apply the right type of support for improved results at the macro, ecosystemic, and venture levels.What We Discuss With ScottCan you elaborate on the challenges African scale-ups face in expanding across multiple countries?When it comes to scaling ventures, what factors should entrepreneurs consider when deciding between a global, regional, or local approach?What are the expansion challenges that African scale-ups face, and how can they be addressed or even prevented?What role do governments play in enabling or hindering the scaling of commercial ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa ?What do you believe are the most important success factors for scaling ventures in the African market?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Empowering Tech Talent: Accelerating the Growth of Africa’s Tech and Developer Communities with Sunkanmi Ola? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Scott on LinkedIn at Scott WalkerDo 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 112 with Sunkanmi Ola, who is Co-Founder and CEO of Propel, a platform that has built one of the largest ecosystems of tech and developer communities in Africa—over 200 diverse communities with 500,000+ members spread across 22 countries and 3 continents.With its 'Community-as-a-Service' offering, companies can leverage this ecosystem of tech communities, on-demand, to drive a variety of their product and business goals.Over 100 companies have engaged Propel's ecosystem for hiring top talent, beta testing, organising hackathons, user acquisition campaigns, developer relations, market research, and more.What We Discuss With SunkanmiHow does Propel stand out in talent acquisition and pipeline building compared to its competitors?What impact has Propel had on connecting African tech talent with companies globally?Could you elaborate on the unique financial services that Propel aims to provide for tech professionals in emerging markets?You recently managed to successfully raise €2.5 million in seed funding. What has this enabled you to do?What challenges have you encountered while building multi-layered infrastructure for the tech talent economy, and how have you overcome these challenges?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Training the Next Generation of Africa-Focused International Trade Professionals? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Sunkanmi on LinkedIn at Sunkanmi OlaDo 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 111 with Marco Forgione who is the Director General of The Institute of Export and International Trade, which is a professional membership body representing and supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade.The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) recently launched its expansion into Africa with the opening of its first office in Nairobi, Kenya, in July 2023.IOE&IT has developed and delivered training, education, and consulting services for the entire African continent. These services cover the unique and specific aspects of both Africa’s trade with the rest of the world and intra-continental commerce.What We Discuss With Marco ForgioneWhich African markets have you identified as having huge trade opportunities?What strategies do you think can be used to enhance trade relationships between the UK and African nations?What value do you believe the Institute can provide to companies looking to engage with African markets and economies?How do you believe the qualifications and training that you offer prepare businesses for the changing dynamics of international trade, particularly in Africa?How do you believe these resources can better equip and contribute to the development of international trade professionals in Africa?Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notesDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Government and Healthtech Partnerships Are Digitally Transforming Healthcare Supply Chains in Africa? 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 Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Marco on LinkedIn at Marco Forgione, and Twitter (X) @marco4gioneDo 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 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