TKWS founder Erick Asuma sits down with Former WPP Scangroup veteran Sandeep Madan, Co-founder & CEO of The Partnership Africa. In this exclusive interview, Sandeep shares his audacious strategy for challenging the status quo, the importance of human connection in the age of AI, and directly addresses the controversial "poaching" accusations regarding former WPP Scangroup clients. Sandeep also shares more on his journey of building a leading marketing services company in East Africa in just two years. Discover his insights on industry evolution, the future of marketing, and The Partnership Africa's ambitious global expansion plans

In this episode, our co-founder Eric Asuma sits down with Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa to discuss the company's recent half-year financial results and the impact of Ethiopia's recent currency devaluation on group earnings. Peter shares insights on how, despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, Safaricom's net income would have been up 21% if not for the currency depreciation. Safaricom Ethiopia has adjusted its breakeven timeline, extending it by one year to 2027.

The discussion also highlights M-Pesa's impressive growth in Ethiopia, exploring emerging use cases that are driving market expansion. 

Peter provides an honest take on Safaricom's stock performance on the Nairobi Stock Exchange, reflecting on factors like foreign investor flight and macro issues that have impacted share value despite recent market rebounds.

Peter also shares updates on Safaricom's upcoming products in wealth management, insurance, and other financial services designed to help their customers to save and build liquid wealth. 

Finally, Peter shares insights on potential collaborations with SpaceX/Starlink, exploring new frontiers in satellite technology and connectivity. Tune in to hear firsthand how Safaricom navigates growth and challenges in both local and international markets.

In this episode, Ms Marita Obare interviews Eva Warigia, Managing Director, East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) as they discuss:

• democratizing investment as a financial inclusion priority
• role of financial literacy in growing Africa's capital markets

Podcast Host: Ms. Marita Obare, Co-founder Ngazi, an on-transit advertising platform for small businesses in Kenya.

Guest: Eva Warigia – Managing Director, East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA)

Production: Rawlins Hamisi

In this episode, Reena Moonoosamy, Group Chief Services Officer at National Insurance Co., Ltd. in Mauritius, speaks to Ally Mwakaneno on the evolving landscape of the insurance sector and the trends shaping the industry. She highlights the impact of emerging hazards, such as the pandemic and climate change, on the insurance sector. Reena also explores the role of InsurTech in Mauritius and the challenges and opportunities it presents. She emphasizes the importance of balancing risk management with innovation and ethical business practices. Additionally, Reena discusses the challenges of insurance penetration, the adoption of new technology, and addressing climate risks. The conversation explores the impact of innovation, risk management, and the advancement of African women in the financial sector. It discusses the introduction of innovative insurance products like parametric insurance to mitigate climate-related risks. The rise of usage-based insurance and the promotion of catastrophe bonds are also highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the need for relevant skill sets, a high-performing workforce, and partnerships with academic institutions. It addresses the challenges of increased competition, market saturation, and the shift towards purchasing insurance when needed. The importance of balancing risk and innovation is discussed, along with examples of how to achieve this balance. The conversation concludes by highlighting the role of the Angaza Awards in empowering African women in the financial sector and driving policy reforms.

Key Takeaways

• The insurance sector is facing significant changes due to emerging risks like the pandemic and climate change, emphasizing the need to balance risk management with innovation and ethical practices.
• InsurTech is driving rapid digital transformation, with the adoption of cloud-based solutions and AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience.
• Insurance penetration remains low, requiring efforts to close protection gaps, while partnerships with academic institutions are crucial for developing relevant skill sets.
• Insurers are addressing climate risks by using predictive analytics, introducing parametric insurance, and promoting catastrophe bonds to cover economic losses from natural disasters.
• Demand for usage-based insurance is rising, with accurate monitoring systems and a shift towards purchasing insurance as needed, including embedded insurance and bundled offerings.
• Increased competition and market saturation are creating challenges for insurers, making innovation and testing new technologies in controlled environments essential.
• Empowering African women through initiatives like the Angaza Awards could drive policy reforms and further impact the financial sector.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Reena Moonoosamy - Group Chief Services Officer, National Insurance Co. Limited

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Host and Producer, Angaza Podcasts

Jo-Ann Pohl, senior advisor at Kearney Africa, shares her insights on effective leadership and the experiences of being a woman in the financial sector. She speaks to Patricia Kamau on the importance of change agility, empathetic curiosity, creative compliance, and courage as key attributes for effective leadership. Joanne emphasizes the need for continuous learning, networking, and advocating for oneself in order to succeed in the financial sector. She also discusses the progress that has been made for women in the industry and the importance of representation and gender intelligence. Joanne offers advice to young women entering the sector, including being confident, building a strong network, staying curious, embracing technology, and showing compassion.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Jo-Ann Pohl - Senior Advisor, Kearney South Africa

Patricia Kamau - Secretariat, Angaza Forums

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Producer

Yawa Hansen-Quao, founder of Leading Ladies Network, discusses the importance of empowering Africa's future leaders through ethical leadership, gender parity, and inclusive governance. She shares the inspiration behind her organization and the work they do to support young girls and women in their leadership journeys. Yawa emphasizes the need to meet women where they are, provide practical and actionable advice, and create a network of support. She also highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with inclusive governance and the importance of financial empowerment for women. Yawa's book, 'The Leading Lady Way,' offers practical leadership lessons for women and girls.

Key Takeaways.

• Ethical leadership, gender parity, and inclusive governance are crucial for empowering Africa's future leaders.
• Meeting women where they are and providing practical and actionable advice is essential in supporting their leadership journeys.
• Inclusive governance faces challenges related to tradition, religion, and culture, but also presents opportunities for empowerment.
• Financial empowerment is important for women to pursue their ambitions and goals.
• Mentorship, coaching, and support networks are key in helping women succeed in leadership.
• Yawa's book, 'The Leading Lady Way,' offers practical leadership lessons for women and girls.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Yawa Hansen-Quao - Founder, Leading Ladies Network

Patricia Kamau - Secretariat, Angaza Forums

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Producer.

Mary Mulili, the Managing Director and CEO of UBA Kenya, shares her leadership journey and the key drivers of success in the banking industry. She emphasizes the importance of customer centricity, innovation, and strategic partnerships in driving growth and inclusion. Mary also discusses the challenges faced by women in finance, such as work-life integration and stereotypes, and suggests actionable steps organizations can take to reduce these challenges. She highlights the significance of investing in oneself, building professional networks, volunteering, and raising one's hand for opportunities.

Takeaways

- Customer centricity, innovation, and strategic partnerships are key drivers of success in the banking industry.

- Women in finance face challenges such as work-life integration and stereotypes, but organizations can take actionable steps to reduce these challenges.

- Investing in oneself, building professional networks, volunteering, and raising one's hand for opportunities are important for career growth in the financial sector.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Mary Mulili - Managing Director and CEO UBA Kenya

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Host and Producer

In this insightful episode, we delve into the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in shaping sustainable development across Africa. Our guest, Catherine Musakali, co-founder of the Women on Boards Network Kenya, shares her expertise on how ESG has evolved into a vital boardroom agenda. We explore how integrating these factors into financial and governance decisions can drive better business performance, enhance risk management, and foster a more inclusive society. Join us as we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and practical steps organizations can take to implement effective ESG strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability and success in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Catherine Musakali - Co-founder, Women on Boards Network Kenya

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Host and Producer

Stephen Lokonyo gives us an exclusive look behind the scenes at First Assurance - one of Kenya's oldest companies In this first episode of Season Two of the Investing Like an Executive series, Andrew Barden sits down with Stephen Lokonyo, the MD of First Assurance, to learn more about Kenya's insurance industry, find out more about FA's new products, and hear the story behind Mr. Lokonyo's career which led him to where he is today.

This episode focuses on the role of member-based organizations, like the Organization of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurance (OESAI), in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for women in the financial sector.

1. Financial Education: Financial education plays a crucial role in boosting public understanding of insurance products. Initiatives such as radio shows and social media campaigns by insurance associations in Kenya and South Africa have effectively increased insurance literacy.
2. Manifesto for African Women in Finance: The manifesto outlines three primary objectives which include collaborating with strategic partners to foster inclusive financial services, leveraging the influence of women in leadership positions to enhance financial inclusion and resilience and prioritizing the development of women's leadership capabilities within the financial sector.
3. Intersectionality of Issues: Climate change and other issues disproportionately affect women, particularly in low-income groups. The lack of access to financial resources and information further deepens these challenges.
4. Insurance Industry and Women's Needs: Developing insurance products that cater specifically to women's needs, such as maternity and health insurance, can be more effectively driven by having more women in leadership positions.
5. Empowerment of Women: Empowering women through financial resources and leadership opportunities is key to achieving financial inclusion. Placing more women in financially rewarding positions helps address broader social issues and enhances economic empowerment.
6. Role of Data: An insurance industry truly focused on women will demonstrate this through its data, with a significant portion of its clientele consisting of women.

Following a successful gathering in Kigali last year, the Angaza Forum heads to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together the 2024 Angaza Award winners and women in the financial sector from across the Continent. The Angaza Forum 2024 will feature a lineup of compelling speakers, knowledge presentations, and training sessions, alongside ample networking opportunities.

This episode features:

Rose Wanda - Secretary General, Organisation of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI)

Ally Mwakaneno Gakweli - Podcast Host and Producer.