Change Africa Podcast

In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with Peace Hyde, award-winning creator, executive producer, and one of the leading voices in African media, for a powerful conversation on creative risk, storytelling, and the future of African cinema.

Peace traces her inspiring journey from being a high school science teacher in the UK to launching Young, Famous & African, the first-ever African reality show on Netflix. Through this journey, she unpacks how storytelling has become her tool for reshaping the world’s view of Africa, championing authenticity, and building platforms that elevate African talent.

The episode delves into the behind-the-scenes aspects of Africa’s creative economy, from the production challenges of large-scale shows to the lack of funding, infrastructure, and distribution that hinder African filmmakers. Peace also reflects the mindset required to navigate failure and fame, emphasizing purpose, faith, and resilience as essential ingredients for sustainable success.

Whether you’re a young creative, a media founder, or a believer in Africa’s global potential, this episode offers invaluable insight into how to build something bigger than yourself and redefine the narrative of a continent.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:56 – Peace Hyde: A Journey Through Media and Storytelling

08:52 – The Concept of Risk and Purpose in Career

15:00 – Authenticity in Storytelling and Production

20:57 – Challenges in African Film Production

30:06 – Bridging Gaps in African Film Talent

32:23 – Investing in African Talent and Infrastructure

34:13 – The Importance of Distribution in African Cinema

35:39 – Global Viewership and African Narratives

39:03 – Redefining Africa's Image Through Storytelling

43:14 – Navigating Success and Failure in Media

46:30 – Faith and Decision-Making in Creative Ventures

50:34 – Mindset and Resilience for the Next Generation

56:22 – Vision for the Future of African Cinema

Further Reading and Resources

• Watch Young, Famous & African on Netflix
• Learn more about Peace Hyde's work via peacehyde.com
• Follow Peace on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter): @PeaceHyde

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

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In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with Paakow Essandoh, founder of the celebrated fashion brand Mizizi, to explore the power of fashion as a tool for cultural identity, diaspora connection, and creative entrepreneurship.

Paakow shares how Mizizi was born out of his quest to reconnect with African heritage after feeling culturally disconnected growing up in the diaspora. What started as a passion project quickly became a global brand celebrating African pride through bold designs, cultural storytelling, and authentic community engagement.

The conversation explores the challenges of building a culturally sensitive brand, the role of collaboration and music in expanding reach, and how Mizizi navigated its rise from social media buzz to partnerships with major cultural institutions like Marvel. Paakow emphasizes the value of persistence, adaptability, and surrounding yourself with the right people to grow sustainably.

From personal identity to global impact, this episode highlights how fashion can help reclaim narratives, build movements, and reshape how Africa is seen, both by the world and by its diaspora.

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 – Paakow Essandoh: Bridging Cultures Through Fashion

05:03 – The Journey of Entrepreneurship

08:59 – Grappling with Identity and Blackness

12:03 – Promoting African Culture Through Fashion

13:02 – The Launch of Mizizi and Initial Success

16:02 – Evolving the Brand and Cultural Sensitivity

19:09 – Media Attention and the Rise of Mizizi

20:54 – Sustaining Success in African Fashion

23:06 – Collaborations and Future Directions

23:50 – Building Connections Through Music and Fashion

26:29 – The Impact of African Culture on the Diaspora

29:02 – Collaborating with Marvel: A Journey of Persistence

38:08 – The Role of People in Business Success

41:27 – The Talent and Potential of African Creatives

45:48 – The Future of African Creativity and Global Representation

• Explore Mizizi at mizizishop.com
• Discover how Mizizi partnered with Marvel and other global brands
• Learn more about diaspora fashion and storytelling via The Folklore and OkayAfrica

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with Amma Gyampoh, founder and CEO of Scale Up Africa, for a compelling conversation on digital transformation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and rethinking finance across the continent.

Amma shares how her work in e-government and digital systems in the UK shaped her approach to African development. She reflects on her decision to return to Ghana and the transformative potential of solving problems “amidst the obvious,” especially in agriculture, where she believes distribution is everything.

The discussion dives into African startups' structural challenges, from infrastructure and funding gaps to misaligned investor expectations. Amma champions a shift in mindset and capital, calling for decolonized financing, better collaboration among investors, and deeper engagement from local pension funds and family offices in shaping Africa’s future.

This episode also explores gender lens investing, the untapped power of tourism and the creative economy, and why local decision-making is critical to sustainable entrepreneurship. Amma makes a powerful case for aligning capital with context and systems with sovereignty.

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 – Amma Gyamoh: Founder of Scale Up Africa

02:46 – Digital Transformation Experience in the UK

05:26 – Transitioning to Ghana: Motivations and Challenges

08:23 – Addressing Agricultural Challenges in Africa

12:25 – The Importance of Distribution in Agriculture

15:32 – Building Startups: Differences Between Africa and the UK

18:14 – Investor Perspectives on Infrastructure and Funding

21:12 – Impact Investing Ghana: Collaborative Efforts

25:30 – Unlocking Local Pension Funds for Impact Investments

30:01 – Engaging Wealthy Families in African Tech Opportunities

31:04 – Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential

34:29 – Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem

39:31 – Integrating Solutions Across Sectors

41:12 – Shifting Power Dynamics in Funding

45:54 – Transforming Tourism and Creative Industries

51:26 – Decolonizing Finance and Impact Investing

56:40 – Building a Sustainable Future for Africa

• Learn more about Amma Gyampoh’s work through Scale Up Africa.
• Explore Impact Investing Ghana, a platform promoting collaboration in inclusive finance.
• Check out AVCA and the Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund for additional context on investing in African startups.
• Read more on gender lens and decolonial investing at Criterion Institute.

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah is joined by guest Claudine Moore, a trailblazer in global PR and communications, to explore how branding, cultural intelligence, and the diaspora can shape Africa’s future.

Claudine shares her personal and professional journey, from growing up in the UK with strong Pan-African values to founding C. Moore Media and eventually leading it to acquisition by global firm Allison. Her work has centered on amplifying authentic African narratives and building bridges between the continent and its global communities.

The conversation delves into how tourism and sports can drive economic growth, foster cultural pride, and reshape Africa’s global image. Claudine emphasizes the role of storytelling and branding in addressing skewed Western perceptions of Africa, highlighting that many of the continent’s challenges are rooted in how it is framed to the world.

This episode also touches on the significance of the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report, an inaugural topline report for global and pan-African businesses and organizations with the business cultural intelligence and local market knowledge required to thrive in Africa’s dynamic and rapidly growing markets.  We explore the promise of intra-African trade and the importance of corporate social responsibility. Claudine highlights the untapped potential of the African diaspora, the need for investment in Africa's youth, and why Africa must prioritize people over profit in its development strategies.

From the DRC’s mineral wealth to the rise of African talent in global sports, this conversation paints a powerful picture of how culture, business, and identity intersect in the continent’s growth story.

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:02 – Claudine Moore: A Journey of Connection to Africa

03:08 – The Impact of the African Diaspora

08:40 – Starting Seymour Media: A New Chapter

13:23 – Navigating Acquisitions in PR

22:26 – Allison: Expanding Horizons

25:29 – Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report

30:07 – Tourism and Sports: A Cultural Connection

33:18 – The Impact of Sports on African Culture and Economy

37:43 – Education and Technology: Preparing Africa's Youth for the Future

41:28 – Opportunities and Responsibilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

49:01 – US-Africa Relations: The Role of the Diaspora

55:08 – Intra-African Trade: Bridging Gaps and Building Connections

• Learn more about Claudine Moore’s work and initiatives at C. Moore Media and Allison.
• Read the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report here. 

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with sisters Anna and Victoria Agyekum, co-coordinators of On Point Property Management, to explore the growing world of real estate in Ghana and the critical role of the diaspora in shaping the sector’s future.

The conversation opens with the sisters sharing their unexpected journey into real estate, grounded in their cultural roots and entrepreneurial upbringing. Together, they unpack the unique challenges diaspora investors face, from trust gaps to limited access to information, and highlight why Ghana presents a powerful investment opportunity with its political stability and emerging economy.

Anna and Victoria speak candidly about high interest rates, mortgage access, and infrastructure issues and propose public-private partnerships as a vital part of the solution. They emphasize that affordability must be understood from the perspective of multiple market demographics and call attention to the need for better planning to position Ghana as a potential world-class city.

Throughout the episode, the sisters stress the role of technology, sustainability, and community development in the future of real estate. They also reflect on the impact of real estate expos in educating buyers and empowering local and diaspora communities.

This episode captures the intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and future-focused urban development, showing how real estate can become a tool for transformation across Africa.

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:56 – Sisters in Business: The Jakum Story

06:03 – Cultural Roots and Influences

09:52 – Identifying the Real Estate Problem

14:04 – Benefits of Investing in Ghana

18:14 – Comparative Real Estate Markets

21:53 – Challenges in the Ghanaian Real Estate Market

25:58 – The Future of Real Estate Investment in Ghana

26:57 – Navigating Interest Rates and Mortgage Accessibility

28:28 – Infrastructure Development and Real Estate Opportunities

31:07 – Understanding Affordability in the Real Estate Market

33:42 – The Role of Expos in Real Estate Education

37:28 – Sustainability and Community Investment in Real Estate

44:15 – Envisioning the Future of Urbanization in Africa

47:04 – The Impact of Technology on Real Estate Development

Further Reading and Resources

• To learn more about Anna and Victoria's company, visit their website.
• Learn more about the Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo 2025 here.

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah is joined by guest Ndubuisi Kejeh to explore the powerful role of storytelling in building global brands and driving transformation across the African continent.

The conversation begins with exploring how narratives shape consumer behavior and brand identity. Ndubuisi highlights storytelling as a fundamental tool in marketing, company building, politics, and culture. Together, they examine the emotional core of consumerism, the success of global campaigns like Coca-Cola and Red Bull, and how African brands can learn from these models while maintaining authenticity.

The dialogue touches on the economic opportunities tied to Afrobeats and African products, emphasizing that narrative-led strategies can help African entrepreneurs access global markets and change consumer perceptions. The discussion also critiques the venture capital model in Africa, arguing that it may not be fully suited to the continent’s economic realities and calling for context-specific funding strategies.

Beyond business, the episode explores storytelling’s influence in politics, proposing that narrative can unify new political movements. The idea of a “third force” in African politics is discussed as a possibility powered by effective communication, leadership, and narrative cohesion.

Ndubuisi and Isaac reflect on the moral dimension of marketing and influencer culture, advocating for a human-centered approach to influence and leadership. The episode ultimately affirms that storytelling is a catalytic force for reshaping Africa’s image, inspiring entrepreneurship, and igniting collective belief in possibility.

00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 – The Importance of Storytelling in Business

02:12 – The Power of Narratives in Company Building

05:52 – Successful Storytelling Campaigns

12:01 – Mastering Consumer Goods and Brand Building

18:48 – The Future of Consumerism and Morality

22:31 – Critique of the Venture Capital Model in Africa

29:56 – Economic Opportunities in Afrobeats and African Products

32:33 – The Power of Storytelling in Politics

39:39 – Creating a Third Force in African Politics

43:32 – Building Global Brands from Africa

50:08 – Perceptions and Branding Challenges in Africa

• To learn more about Ndubisi’s venture builder, Mustard, and its story-led approach, visit their website. 

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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This episode of the Change Africa podcast features Selasie Gomado, founder and creative director of Artematis, a Ghanaian art collective and agency driving the continent’s artistic renaissance.

Selasei begins by tracing his early love for drawing, stifled by familial expectations to pursue engineering, a path he followed until a post-university epiphany sparked Artematis. What started as an online art shop in 2018, born from a random thought in a car ride, has grown into a dynamic collective showcasing five artists globally, from London to Hong Kong.

Selasie recounts the rocky early days—six months of no sales—until a friend’s advice to tap into Ghanaians’ love for experiences led to the first Full Moon Exhibition. With 300 attendees and a single sale, it was a modest validation that shifted Artematis toward events. The momentum of 2019 screeched to a halt with COVID-19, nearly ending the venture. But a personal brush with the virus in 2021 became a turning point. Bedridden and reflective, Selasie recommitted to managing artists full-time, quitting his engineering job after signing with Phillips Auction House for a landmark 2022 London show.

The discussion pivots to the artists of Artematis—Hawa Awanle Ayiboro, Abdur Rahman Muhammad, Kwaku Yaro, James Mishio, and Courage Hunke—each pushing boundaries with unique materials and themes. From Hawa’s vivid depictions of women’s struggles to Courage’s fusion of paper and plastic waste, Selasi highlights their growth from emerging to established talents. He reflects on the challenge of balancing structure with creative chaos, a dance he navigates with patience and an open mind.

Selasie situates Artematis within Ghana’s thriving art scene, crediting pioneers like KNUST’s arts department and galleries such as 1957 for creating “third spaces” that democratize art. Yet, he notes a persistent hurdle: local art collecting lags, with over 90% of sales to foreigners. The episode closes with a hopeful vision for African art’s future—rooted in quality, documentation, and experimentation—underscoring Selasi’s belief that its foundations are still being built.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 Selasi Gomadu and Artomatis: A Journey into Art

03:01 The Evolution of Artomatis and Its Impact

06:01 Challenges and Triumphs in the Art Scene

09:04 Navigating the Art Market: Strategies and Insights

12:00 The Role of Community in Artist Development

15:03 Defining Great Art and the Artist's Journey

17:59 Fostering Creativity and Managing Artists

21:07 Success Stories and Growth in the Art Collective

23:47 Behind the Scenes of Art Exhibitions

26:56 Experimental Approaches in Contemporary Art

30:00 The Future of Artomatis and the Ghanaian Art Scene

35:50 Building Connections in the Art World

39:38 Challenges in the Art Industry

44:58 The Role of Galleries in Community Engagement

47:03 The Evolving Culture of Art Collection in Ghana

50:49 Supporting Artists' Mental Health

53:39 Spotlight on Emerging Artists

01:06:30 The Future of Art in Africa

To explore Selasi’s world further:

• Visit Artematis’ website (assumed URL) for artist profiles and upcoming shows.
• Read Rebecca Ann Proctor’s 2021 article that spotlighted Artematis, 
• Explore Ghana’s art scene through Gallery 1957 and Nubuke Foundation, key players mentioned by Selasi.

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In Episode 3 of Season 6, Change Africa Podcast hosts Isaac Aboah and Daniel Merki sit down with Maudo Jallow, a geopolitical strategist advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Jallow unpacks the intricate dance of global power, from GCC(Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  influence in Africa to the continent’s untapped leverage in a multipolar world. The conversation tackles how African leaders can navigate partnerships with emerging players like the UAE, sidestep colonial hangovers, and build a pragmatic future rooted in competence and self-interest. 

They explore the dynamics of international partnerships, the role of independent organizations, and the challenges African leaders face in negotiating beneficial agreements. The conversation also touches on the historical influence of colonial powers and the current efforts of the US to regain influence in Africa amidst rising competition from China and the UAE. This conversation explores the shifting dynamics of global influence, particularly focusing on the roles of the UK and US in Africa, the fragility of international law, sustainable development challenges, and the importance of attracting talent for governance. 

Maudo urges African leaders to wield data-driven leverage in negotiations, tap diaspora talent, and prioritize GDP per capita as a development yardstick—offering a playbook for a continent ready to rewrite its story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 Geopolitical Landscape in the GCC Region

06:44 Africa as a Geopolitical Playground

11:26 The Role of Independent Organizations

19:09 Navigating Colonial Legacies in Africa

30:20 US Influence and Relationships in Africa

30:48 The Shifting Global Influence of the UK and US

35:49 The Role of International Law and the UN

39:50 Sustainable Development and Resource Management in Africa

44:21 UK's Economic Role in Africa: Debt Relief and Cultural Influence

47:17 Future Development Outcomes for Africa

50:32 Pragmatic Approaches to Foreign Investment in Africa

54:37 Attracting Talent for Governance in Africa

58:26 Personal Aspirations and Future Directions

Guest Profile

Maudo Jallow is an experienced geopolitical strategist and advisor, with 7 years of experience in advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Previously, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Senior Analyst in the Global Advantage Practice Area, providing expert advice and insights on how MEA nations can attract strategic foreign investment in key sectors. 

Maudo holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with French from the European Business School in London and a Master’s degree in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa. 

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah and co-host Daniel Merki engage with Mimi Kalinda, a global communication specialist, to explore the importance of storytelling in reshaping Africa's narratives. 

Mimi reflects on her career, the complexities of African culture, and the power of narratives in influencing perceptions and behaviors. She emphasizes the need for culturally nuanced communication and the role of storytelling in problem-solving and transformational change across the continent. 

The conversation delves into the importance of building authentic African narratives, the role of crisis management in collective action, and the necessity for government leaders to embrace storytelling as a strategic tool. It highlights the lessons learned from past crises, particularly in the context of the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for a cohesive narrative that aligns with the realities on the ground. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring the impact of storytelling and the importance of preparing for future crises. 

This conversation explores the significance of crisis communication, the power of storytelling in leadership, and the importance of embedding storytelling within organizational culture. It emphasizes the need for adaptability in crisis situations and the role of reputation management.

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Africa

02:57 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals

06:08 Understanding Africa's Complex Narratives

09:02 Storytelling as a Tool for Problem Solving

12:00 The Power of Narratives in Shaping Perceptions

14:55 Childhood Influences and the 1994 Turning Point

20:52 Career Milestones and Impactful Projects

24:02 Building African Narratives

27:00 Crisis Management and Collective Action

29:59 Government Leadership and Storytelling

33:59 The Importance of Strategic Communication

38:57 Measuring Impact in Storytelling

42:09 Crisis Communication Lessons Learned

44:34 Crisis Communication and Adaptability

49:10 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

52:12 Embedding Storytelling in Organizational Culture

55:26 The Importance of Preserving African Stories

01:00:20 The Dangers of Ignoring Our Heritage

• Mimi Kalinda's book, "Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent," is available for purchase at Amazon
• Visit Mimi Kalinda's website at mimikalinda.com for more information on her work and access her upcoming book, "Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy."

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Watch on YouTube

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In this season premiere of the Change Africa Podcast, we sit down with none other than James Barnor, the legendary Ghanaian photographer and photojournalist whose work has defined generations. Often referred to as the godfather of photography in Ghana, Barnor pioneered color photography and processing in the country, capturing some of the most iconic moments in Ghanaian history.

At 95 years old, Grandpa James—also known as Lucky Jim—reflects on his incredible journey from being a young apprentice in Accra to becoming a globally celebrated artist with exhibitions at Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and beyond. He shares insights on luck, the importance of education, and the awakening of his passion for photography. Barnor discusses capturing history through ordinary lives, the significance of celebrating forgotten heroes, and the need for community engagement in the arts. He emphasizes the importance of legacy, the pioneering spirit in national development, and the impact of technological advancements in photography. Barnor expresses his desire to inspire the next generation of photographers and his vision for the future of art in Ghana.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:02 The Journey of James Bano

04:00 Reflections on Luck and Education

06:04 The Impact of Photography on History

09:58 Celebrating Forgotten Heroes

12:13 The Role of Community in Photography

16:02 Inspiration for the Next Generation

19:59 Legacy and Institutionalization of Work

24:35 Pioneering Spirit in Photography and Beyond

27:02 Cultural Contributions and Community Engagement

30:04 Adapting to Technological Changes in Photography

36:53 Reflections on Life and Future Aspirations

39:04 Political Insights and National Development Plans

James Barnor, born in 1929 in Accra, Ghana, is a pioneering figure in African photography. Known for introducing color processing to Ghana in the 1970s and documenting societies in transition, his work spans street and studio photography, capturing Ghana’s move toward independence and London’s multicultural evolution. His exhibitions at the Tate Modern and MoMA have cemented his global influence, and he has received accolades like the Order of Volta and an honorary fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society. His official website, James Barnor, offers further insights into his legacy. 

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]

Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Watch on YouTube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.