Emerging Markets Today

In this episode, powered by Google’s NotebookLM AI Tool, we dive into how Showmax has overtaken Netflix in Africa by focusing on local content, language diversity, and flexible payment options. We also explore Africa's booming music streaming industry, where platforms like Boomplay and Spotify are reshaping the music scene despite challenges like piracy and data costs. Want to learn more? Check out the full articles: Africa Prefers Showmax: Subscription Numbers Surpass Netflix Digital Beats of Africa: How Music Streaming is Transforming the Continent

Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" strategy may have succeeded in the US, but it faced a surprising defeat in Brazil. Despite a super fast expansion through acquisitions in the early 2000s, Walmart failed to connect with Brazilian shoppers who preferred promotional deals and local stores over the giant’s hypermarkets. The company struggled against strong competitors like Carrefour and GPA, and its poor brand positioning left it unable to capture both low-income and middle-class consumers. By 2021, Walmart exited Brazil entirely, selling its stake to Carrefour Brasil. Tune in to learn what went wrong, or read more here. ** This episode, created using Google’s NotebookLM AI Tool

In this episode, I’m doing something completely different. I invited two AI voices from Google’s new NotebookLM tool to join me for a conversation about one of my latest articles—how Chinese automaker BYD is investing in Brazil’s electric vehicle market! We dive into why a country famous for its ethanol cars is now a battleground for the EV revolution, and how BYD’s strategy to build local (instead of importing pricey models like Tesla) could be a game-changer. You can read the full article here. Follow me on X @a_picasso Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠.

In the meantime, visit emergingmarkets.today Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

This is the last encore episode of 2023! In the face of the possible border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, I decided to repost the episode I recorded with Steven Jasmin, the Managing Director of SC3. Stephen has been deeply involved in Guyana since 2017 and has some fascinating insights about this rapidly growing nation. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Guyana's Transformation: Since the discovery of oil in 2015, Guyana has been on a remarkable journey of growth. It's projected to have a real GDP growth rate of 4346%. The Qatar of South America: Steven believes that Guyana has the potential to become the "Qatar of South America" and the world's fastest-growing economy. This bold claim is backed by the country's massive oil reserves and its strategic location. Investment Opportunities: Guyana's growth isn't just about oil. There are significant opportunities in infrastructure development, eco-tourism, and real estate. Plans are underway for a massive deepwater harbor and a road or rail network connecting Guyana to Brazil. The Future of Guyana: Despite its small population, Steven predicts an influx of people due to its status as the fastest-growing economy. For more on Smart City Clearing Company Ltd.(Sc3) click here Follow Steven Jasmin on Linkedin and Twitter Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

Another encore from one of my favorite episodes! We talked about the little known country of Suriname. Our guest, Monique Pool, founder and director of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname, shares her insights and experiences with her journey into the wildlife conservation. Here are my three biggest takeaways from the episode: Urbanization is having a significant impact on Suriname's wildlife, particularly the sloths. Monique and her team are working tirelessly to save these animals and their habitats. The Green Heritage Fund Suriname is exploring innovative funding models, such as tree sponsorships and land purchases, to support their conservation efforts. They are also open to collaborations with individuals and organizations who have the necessary skills and resources to help them achieve their goals. Monique envisions a future where Suriname's economic development is balanced with the preservation of its natural resources and wildlife. This requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and local communities. Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here You can contact them here Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This is an encore episode! In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments. Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West. China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses. Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is an encore! The year was 2021, in the middle of the Covid pandemic and I interviewed Carlos Kazuo Missao, and he was the director of the GFT Group in Brazil. This episode captured all the changes the fintech sector was going through (and still is). Here's a sneak peek of what we discussed: The Brazilian Fintech Landscape: Brazil is a hotbed for entrepreneurs and interconnected individuals, making it an exciting environment for fintech. The pandemic has even accelerated digital transformation in the financial market, leading to the success of challenger banks and digital wallets. The Power of PIX: We discussed the new instant payment solution, PIX, launched by the Brazilian central bank. It's revolutionizing payments in Brazil, with over 2 billion reais transferred in the first month alone! The Rise of Digital Wallets: Digital wallets have thrived in Brazil as a cheaper way to handle digital money. They've become marketplaces where users can transact money between companies and access consumer financial services. Banking the Unbanked: We touched on the issue of unbanked individuals in Brazil, and how digital wallets and light apps with financial services are reaching this population. The pandemic has even led to a surge in the number of people becoming banked overnight. Open Banking Revolution: Carlos shared his insights on the importance of open banking regulation in Brazil, aiming to democratize access to financial services and create a more competitive environment. Carlos believes that this is just the beginning for the fintech sector in Brazil. With the country's entrepreneurial spirit, the availability of technology, and supportive regulations, the future looks promising. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

This is an encore episode! Last year, I had the pleasure of chatting Ian Herbison, the CEO of the Speyside Group. We had a very insightful conversation about India's potential in the emerging markets, and I'm excited to share some key takeaways with you. India's Golden Decade: Ian and I discussed the buzz around India's golden decade, highlighting the country's growing domestic market and its increasing importance in global supply chains. With a large consumer base and a growing middle class, India is attracting foreign investment and playing a key role in the diversification of supply chains away from China. Semiconductors and the Digital Economy: We delved into the significance of semiconductors in the digital economy and the current tensions between China and the West. Ian highlighted India's role in securing the global supply of semiconductors, mentioning the partnership between the Vedanta Group and Foxconn to establish a mega factory in Gujarat, India. India's "Make in India" Strategy: We touched upon India's "Make in India" strategy, which aims to attract foreign investors while promoting the use of Indian-manufactured products. We also discussed the need for infrastructure investment in India and the involvement of domestic and foreign companies in this sector. Digital Innovation in India: Ian highlighted India's unique approach to digital payments, including the development of a national digital payments system. We also discussed the complexities and challenges of doing business in emerging markets, specifically focusing on India. Political Stability and Economic Growth: We compared India to other emerging markets like Brazil and Southeast Asian countries, noting that India's political stability is a crucial factor for economic growth. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

I've got some news to share that's just too good to keep under wraps. The podcast is turning three – can you believe it? In these 3 years I spoke to some amazing founders and thought leaders from different countries and sectors and I decided that some of the past episodes deverse to be shared again. So, I picked 5 of the past episodes, some of them were from the early days of the podcast where I still growing my audience, but they are still relevant. You will see that the audio quality wasn't the best at the begining but hey, we learn as we go along. Having said that, from now until the end of the year I will be republishing these episodes, hopefully with an improved audio quality - you all can hear them again or for the first time. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Check out ⁠emergingmarkets.today⁠ Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

I had the pleasure of speaking with Aziz Musa, the founder of Cush Digital, a leading digital marketing agency in North Africa. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Navigating Challenges in Emerging Countries: Aziz highlighted the difficulties of working in a nascent market like Sudan, from infrastructure issues to talent gaps. It's not an easy feat, but it's fascinating to hear how businesses like Cush Digital are overcoming these obstacles and thriving in such environments. 2️⃣ The Power of Adaptability: Aziz's journey to Egypt was unexpected, driven by the war in Sudan. This highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Aziz's ability to pivot and make the best of the situation is truly inspiring. 3️⃣ North Africa's Untapped Potential: While sub-Saharan Africa often takes the spotlight, Aziz shed light on the opportunities and potential in North Africa. He emphasized the importance of exploring and understanding this region's unique market dynamics and consumer behavior for businesses looking to expand their presence. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

In this episode, I chat with Paul Breloff, co-founder of Shortlist, about the pivotal role of human capital in Africa's economic trajectory. Shortlist provides executive search services and work force development for leading startups and impact organizations in Africa. Here's a snapshot of our conversation: 1️⃣ The Power of People: While big ideas capture attention, it's the individuals behind them that truly make a difference. Discover how Shortlist is addressing the challenges of finding and developing the right talent in Africa. 2️⃣ Why Africa? Paul's journey from a small town in Western New York to working extensively in India and Africa offers a unique perspective on the booming startup and innovation economy in the continent. 3️⃣ Challenges & Opportunities: From data problems to experience gaps, Paul discusses the unique talent dynamics in Africa. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on approaches and the need for on-the-job training for young professionals. 4️⃣ Impact Organizations: Learn about businesses that address significant social problems while working with markets. Paul shares his experiences with companies that focus on renewable power, green growth, and more. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is all about innovation in Latin America! We're chatting about the new and exciting businesses in Latin America through the lens of venture capital, so I invited Daniel Lloreda and he is a managing partner at H20 capital, a early-stage venture capital fund with operations in Miami, Mexico & Colombia. We talked about innovative startups you might not have heard of - what I like to call "unsexy businesses" - those that don't get the big headlines on TechCrunch but are solving real life problems with truly innovative solutions. Also, why businesses are choosing countries closer to the US more specifically Latin America and and why expats from Latin America choose to start their companies in the US. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Check out emergingmarkets.today Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

In this episode, we dive into the world of FinTech in emerging markets and discuss some key insights with our special guest, Sherry Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Bluejay Finance,  a FinTech company that provides financial services to underbanked populations in Asia. Here are three major takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Moving from Cash to Digital Payments: One of the most fascinating topics we explored was how emerging economies are transitioning from cash-based transactions to digital payments. Sherry shared some incredible insights on how FinTech companies like Bluejay Finance are revolutionizing the financial landscape in Asia by providing financial services to underbanked populations. The potential for growth and financial inclusion in these markets is truly remarkable!  2️⃣ Bridging the Gender Gap: We also discussed the gender gap in financial inclusion and how it affects the adoption of digital payment solutions. Sherry highlighted the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection with the brand. She mentioned that the presence of predominantly male figures in digital payment advertising can make it seem like a techie product, alienating women and hindering their confidence to try it out. It's crucial for FinTech companies to bridge this gap and make their services more inclusive and accessible to all.  3️⃣ The Future of FinTech in Emerging Markets: Sherry shared her excitement about the future of FinTech in emerging markets. She emphasized the opportunities for innovation and the ability to bypass traditional distribution channels. With the rise of platforms like Bluejay Finance, investors and companies can connect directly, fostering a more resourceful and efficient financial ecosystem. If you want to learn more about these topics and gain valuable insights from Sherry, make sure to tune in to the full episode on Emerging Markets Today! You can find it on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website.  And don't forget to connect with Sherry on LinkedIn! She's always interested in building her community and sharing her expertise.  Thank you all for your continued support, and a big shoutout to Sherry for joining us on the show. Remember, the future of FinTech is bright, and we're excited to be a part of this incredible journey!  Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site ⁠www.emergingmarkets.today⁠ Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This episode is all about the world of agribusiness in Africa and the unique challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in emerging markets. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shalom Ben Or, the co-founder and CEO of Avenews, a financial super app for the 2.5 million agribusinesses in Africa. Based in Israel with operations in Kenya, Shalom shared some fascinating insights that left me with three major takeaways: 1️⃣ Agriculture is a powerhouse in Africa: Did you know that agriculture is one of the biggest industries on the continent, employing a majority of the population? With a conservative estimate of 2.5 million agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa alone, there is immense potential for growth and innovation in this sector. 2️⃣ FinTech and agribusiness are a match made in heaven: Shalom highlighted the intersection of FinTech and emerging markets, specifically in the context of agribusiness. He emphasized that FinTech solutions, especially those catering to businesses (B2B FinTechs), are the future of Africa. This presents a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike to leverage technology for financial inclusion and economic development. 3️⃣ Africa is the catalyst for the future: Shalom and his team at Avenews firmly believe that Africa holds the key to unlocking immense opportunities. Through their work with Techstars and Barclays, they have embedded themselves into the African market and witnessed firsthand the potential it holds. As the continent continues to embrace technology and innovation, the future looks incredibly bright. Don’t forget to follow / subscribe to his podcast for the upcoming episodes and visit the site www.emergingmarkets.today Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/apicasso. Follow us on Twitter ⁠@todayemerging⁠