Unlocking Africa

Episode #45 with Michael Lawal who is Founder of sendit.money. A platform that is providing an intuitive, secure, and inexpensive way to send & receive money.

Sendit.money is a reverse remittance platform that specialises in transfers to and from immigrant communities in developed countries to emerging markets, and it is growing exponentially year on year.

What We Discuss With Michael Lawal

• What are the challenges of running an African market-focused business while living in the diaspora?
• Over the last 5 to 10 years, we've witnessed a mobile money revolution, as well as an increase in companies providing solutions to Africa's financial services challenges. What sets you apart from the other players in the space?
• Is remittance a genuine problem in Africa, or is it a symptom of something bigger?
• What are some of the ways people are reimagining financial services in Africa using decentralised finance?
• You've had a long career in the financial services industry in Africa. How has the industry changed since you got started in it?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Tech Accelerator That Is Successfully Investing in Early-Stage Startups in Africa with Arthur Chupeau? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn at MichaelLawal, and Twitter @lawalkay

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #44 with Arthur Chupeau who provides strategy, growth, product, technology, funding and business advisory to the best start-ups operating from Africa with African founders. Arthur is also Head of Ventures at the Baobab Network.

The Baobab Network is an accelerator that backs early-stage technology start-ups in Africa, providing entrepreneurs with funding, support and a global platform to scale their business.

What We Discuss With Arthur Chupeau 

• In Africa, there appears to be a greater emphasis on commercial flows and trade rather than the old aid/development model. What is the significance of this, and what effect has it had thus far?
• Is Africa the future?
• What are the real pragmatic opportunities for venture capital in Africa?
• You have access to a wealth of information and realities about true opportunities as a result of your work. What does it mean to work in Africa's VC space, particularly at the pre-seed stage?
• There are numerous opportunities in Africa's startup ecosystem, but it is clear that four major markets attract the vast majority of deals. What distinguishes these four markets from others, such as sector differences, consumer behaviour, and so on.
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Creating a Tech-Enabled Marketplace That Helps Africa’s Most Promising Startups Find Funding and Grow with Debo Omololu? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Arthur Chupeau on LinkedIn at ArthurChupeau, and Twitter @ArtChups

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #43 with Debo Omololu who is an Intrapreneur & Entrepreneur with two decades of experience in business development, market research & venture capital. He is also the CEO & Co-Founder at GetFundedAfrica.

GetFundedAfrica's mission is to help Africa’s most promising startups find funding, grow & solve society’s greatest challenges. They do this through a media portal - GetFundedAfrica News; a learning portal - REMSANA; and an investment arm - GFA Ventures

What We Discuss With Debo Omololu 

• GetFundedAfrica connects African startups with investors, corporate partners, and mentors. How did you determine that such a platform or service was required?
• You've spent more than 17 years working in the African startup scene. Since you got involved, how have things changed?
• More founders are becoming funders in Africa's startup scene. What is the significance of this transition, and why is it so important?
• The success of your platform depends on the strength of your network. Could you please explain how you went about creating your network and how you use it to enhance the platform?
• Which international markets, in your opinion, are showing the most interest in the African startup space?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why It Is Essential to Have the Right Legal Structure in Place When Doing Business in Africa with Amne Suedi? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Debo Omololu on LinkedIn at DeboOmololu, and Twitter @DebolaOmololu

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #42 with Amne Suedi who is an Investment Adviser, International Lawyer, and Director of Shikana Group, a leading legal and investment advisory firm specialising in East African foreign investments.

What We Discuss With Amne Suedi

• Do you believe Africa is as risky as it is sometimes portrayed?
• What are some of the nuances or challenges in East Africa's legal system that you won't find anywhere else?
• Which type of legal structure would you recommend to international businesses looking to invest in Africa in order to give them the best protection?
• What are the dangers of not having adequate legal protection when doing business?
• What advice would you give to people looking to invest in Africa from a legal perspective?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Sustainable Circular Economies are transforming African Communities with Olivier Vanden Eynde? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Amne Suedi on LinkedIn at AmneSuedi, and Twitter @amnesuedi

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #41 with Olivier Vanden Eynde, who is Founding Partner and Executive Director at Close the Gap Kenya, which is a Circular Economy HUB In Mombasa.

Close the Gap Kenya focuses on refurbishing and recycling laptops, computers, and a variety of electronic devices through a one-stop shop where they not only innovate, incubate, and manufacture, but also have an inspiring co-work space, makerspace, computer (repair) shop, mini gym, and, soon, the Close the Gap Café.

Through an incubation program called "BOOST" Close the Gap Kenya supports young local entrepreneurs.

What We Discuss With Olivier Vanden Eynde

• You live in Mombasa, Kenya. Why did you decide to base yourself in Mombasa rather than Nairobi?
• Can you explain what a circular economy hub is and why you
  believe they are needed in Africa?
• You focus on refurbishing and recycling laptops and computers through the hub. What inspired this concept or idea, and how successful has it been thus far?
• Close the Gap Kenya assists young local entrepreneurs through its incubation programme. Could you walk us through some of the activities and on-the-job training that take place?
• How many entrepreneurs or startups have you support so far, and what is your target?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why Investing in “Boring” Companies Can Boost Employment and Economic Growth in Africa with Brendan Mullen? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Olivier Vanden Eynde on LinkedIn at OlivierVandenEynde, and @oliviervdeynde

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #40 with Brendan Mullen, who is Co-founder and Managing Director at Secha Capital, a lower-market impact private equity fund in Southern Africa employing an Operator-Investor model and investing in traditional industries making the green economy, tech-enabled, and/or post-COVID transition.

Secha was founded in 2017. Its first fund invested in ten South African companies, creating 300+ jobs with an average revenue growth of 12x. Its $50M second fund scales its Operator-Investor model into Southern Africa.

What We Discuss With Brendan Mullen

• What differentiates Secha Capital from other private equity firms operating in Africa?
• You look for sectors in which South Africa can make use of local resources. Why is that?
• You concentrate on established Southern African companies in large, underserved, "boring" sectors rather than technology companies. What exactly do you mean by "boring" sectors?
• What is the significance of these boring sectors? What value do you think they add to the African economy?
• What are some of the challenges you've encountered in establishing funds dedicated to investing in African SMEs?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Tourism in Africa Is Being Reinvented. A Bright Future for African Tourism with Yaa Ofori-Ansah? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Brendan Mullen on LinkedIn at BrendanMullen, and @BrendanJMullen

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #39 with Yaa Ofori-Ansah, who is an expert in African development, trade, sustainability & ESG, finance & policy, and founder of Talking Drums, a travel and tourism marketplace with a specialisation in Africa that prioritises sustainable tourism & culture & seeks to connect people with Africa.

What We Discuss With Yaa Ofori-Ansah

• Can you tell us why it is critical to develop tourism in Africa?
• What are the challenges and opportunities in African tourism?
• Do you believe Africa has done enough to harness tourism for economic development and growth?
• The Year of Return popularised Ghana as a tourist destination with global appeal. What lessons can other African countries take from this?
• All across the world, tourism is a key driver of economic development and employment creation. However, why does there seem to be widespread scepticism regarding the economic and social advantages of tourism in many African nations?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Creating a Tech Talent Pool in Africa for the Real Economy. Powering Digital Transformation With Eric Annan? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Yaa Ofori-Ansah on LinkedIn at YaaOforiAnsah, and TalkingDrums

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #38 with Eric Annan who is Founder and CEO of AYA, a curated marketplace for early-stage startups and high growth businesses to access vetted African Web3 digital skilled talents.

AYA helps early-stage startups and medium-sized companies find the right fit talents to supercharge their business. Eric is passionate about ensuring that there are as few barriers as possible for Africans to access additional employment opportunities and to share their talents with the world.

What We Discuss With Eric Annan

• AYA stands for resilience. Is there a specific type of resilience that differentiates African tech talent from those from other parts of the world?
• Why are so many African startups registering their companies outside of Africa, in places like Delaware?
• These days, there are numerous talent/employment platforms available. What is the value proposition of AYA?
• How can we stop the brain drain of Africa´s brightest tech talent?
• How can we invest in developing more African tech talent?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Significance of Social Entrepreneurship and Social Development in Driving Africa’s New Era with Prof. Tal Edgars? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Eric Annan on LinkedIn at EricAnnan, and Twitter @e_annan24

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #37 with Prof. Tal Edgars is Group Executive Chairman at GBSH Consult Group. Also, a multi-award winner, globally renowned business authority, seasoned diplomat and a cutting edge thinker and author with an outstanding record in planning, managing and executing highly successful private and public sector initiatives in Africa, Europe, America & Asia. 

He has a background in academia, diplomacy, and international civil service. Is one of  Africa's foremost authorities and informed voices on foreign policy, contract theory, Growth and Competitiveness Practice, complex negotiations, strategic foresight, government affairs, and how countries and businesses can participate actively in their own development.

What We Discuss With Prof. Tal Edgars

• What, in your opinion, is required to successfully implement private and public sector initiatives in Africa?
• What is the role of ethical leadership in Africa, and do you believe it is widely practised and understood?
• Why is entrepreneurship and innovation important in Africa, and what role does it play in creating the Africa We Want?
• What economic, social, and cultural value do you believe social entrepreneurs and innovation can bring to African economies?
• What positive impact may AfCFTA have on social entrepreneurship and social development?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why Africa Needs to Improve Cybersecurity to Boost Investment and Economic Development with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Prof. Tal Edgars on LinkedIn at TalEdgars, and Twitter @ProfTalEdgars

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]

Episode #36 with Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon who are Co-Founders of CyberAlliance, which is a global technology solutions firm, with a Pan-African focus, creating strategies that advance digital transformation and accelerate cyber security.  CyberAlliance focuses on helping sub-saharan African countries implement technology and cyber security in a way that drives job creation, profitability, and economic development. 

What We Discuss With Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon

• What are some of the challenges you face when developing and implementing strategies to improve cyber security in Africa?
• In Africa, effective cybersecurity remains a challenge, with many organisations unprepared for cyber attacks. Why is this the case?
• What efforts can be made to increase cybersecurity awareness in Africa?
• What is the significance of countries like Kenya enacting new anti-piracy legislation to combat piracy and protect content, networks, and intellectual property?
• What is the relationship between cyber security and economic development in Africa?
• And much more...

Full show notes and resources can be found here: Unlocking Africa show notes

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Accurately Forecast Africa’s Long-Term Development Potential. African Futures & Innovation with Jakkie Cilliers? 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 @TerserAdamu

Connect with Kendrall and Larry on LinkedIn at Kendrall Felder and Larry Yon, and Twitter @_CyberAlliance

Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group:

www.etkgroup.co.uk
[email protected]