Unlocking Africa

Episode 173 with Edwin Tambara, Director of Global Leadership at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). Edwin shares AWF’s groundbreaking approach to the biodiversity economy, an innovative model that integrates conservation and economic development, driving both environmental preservation and community prosperity. AWF has played a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe’s biodiversity economy, from nature-based tourism and wildlife conservation to the commercialisation of non-timber forest products. Through its work, AWF demonstrates that conservation can be a powerful driver of economic development, creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, and attracting private investment. Edwin takes us through the challenges and successes of aligning conservation goals with economic agendas and how the African Wildlife Foundation is empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural resources. This episode offers a fascinating look at how biodiversity is becoming a key asset for Africa's future, showcasing how conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand to create a thriving, green economy. What We Discuss With Edwin Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Expanding Financial Access: Building a Marketplace for Agrocommodity Trade and Export in Nigeria? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Edwin: LinkedIn - Edwin Tambara Twitter - @EdwinTambara 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 172 with Abiola Jimoh, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of XchangeBox, the company behind PayRep, a platform supporting payments, collections, and access to financial products for SMEs, farmers, and traders across Nigeria. XchangeBox focuses on improving access to financial services for underserved communities through its PayRep platform. By offering services such as health insurance, pension savings, microcredit, and digital payments, the company supports the growth and stability of local economies. With a Super Agent licence, a PSSP, and a Microfinance Bank, XchangeBox works to complement government efforts to promote financial inclusion, particularly in rural and northern regions of Nigeria. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in building financial services for underserved markets, the role of regulation in shaping the fintech sector, and the potential for a more coordinated e-commerce framework across Africa. What We Discuss With Abiola Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss AI and Solar: Why Financing Is the Missing Piece in Africa’s Clean Energy Puzzle? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Abiola: LinkedIn - Abiola Jimoh Twitter - @rajabiola 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #171 with Dami Olawoye, CEO of Rivy (formerly Payhippo) and leader in renewable energy financing across Africa. Dami Olawoye is at the forefront of making clean energy accessible across Africa through Rivy, an AI-powered lender focused on enabling homes and businesses to switch to solar power. With Rivy’s recent rebrand and a $4M pre-Series A funding round, the company is expanding its efforts to provide affordable financing solutions that help Nigerians move away from unreliable grid power and embrace renewable energy. Rivy’s mission is to address one of Africa’s biggest challenges by making solar power more accessible to those who need it most. In this episode, we explore how Rivy is helping to scale clean energy adoption, the role financing plays in supporting this transition, and how Nigerians can benefit from affordable solar energy. Dami shares his thoughts on the future of clean energy in Africa and the importance of financial solutions in making renewable energy a reality for everyone. What We Discuss With Dami Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Dakar to Abidjan: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Dami: LinkedIn - Dami Olawoye Twitter - @RivyHQ 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #170 with Stephanie Sarr Dioh, Tech and Finance Business Leader, Gender Lens Investor and Board Executive at Women’s Investment Club (WIC). Stephanie SARR is driving inclusive economic transformation in West Africa through her pioneering work with WIC Capital, the first investment fund in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire dedicated exclusively to supporting businesses led by women. As a prominent figure in gender lens investing, Stephanie draws on her extensive background in both finance and technology to help reshape the entrepreneurial landscape for African women. In this episode, we explore how WIC Capital is unlocking the full potential of women-owned and women-run micro, small and medium enterprises across the region. Stephanie takes us inside the fund’s unique investment approach, which blends capital provision with tailored technical support and hands-on mentoring. What We Discuss With Stephanie Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How to Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency in Africa Through Product Digital Identity Management? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Stephanie: LinkedIn - Stephanie Sarr DIOH 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #169 with Dare Odumade, CEO of Chekkit Technologies and contributor to the recently published book Thrive: Mastering E-commerce the African Way published by the Africa Retail Academy at Lagos Business School. Dare Odumade is at the forefront of supply chain innovation in Africa through his work with Chekkit Technologies, a company on a mission to protect consumers, build brand trust, and eliminate counterfeit products across the continent. As a key voice in the chapter Enhancing E-commerce Efficiency in Africa: The Role of Product Digital Identity Management, Dare offers a bold vision for how digital product identity can transform African commerce. In this episode, we explore how Chekkit is reshaping e-commerce in Africa, from solving the "what I ordered versus what I got" dilemma and improving logistics infrastructure to empowering consumers with real-time product verification and driving loyalty through smart technology solutions. What We Discuss With Dare Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Structural Changes Required To Build Resilient Diagnostics and Healthcare Systems in Africa? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Dare: LinkedIn - Dare Odumade Twitter (X) - @Chekkitapp 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #168 with Dr Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President at Roche Diagnostics. Dr Allan Pamba is a global health leader and seasoned executive at the forefront of transforming healthcare systems through innovation, access, and sustainability. As Executive Vice President at Roche Diagnostics, the world’s largest biotech company and a global pioneer in personalised healthcare, he brings decades of experience bridging the worlds of science, policy, and development to improve lives across Africa and beyond. In this episode, we dive into the urgent call for Africa to rethink its healthcare financing strategy, particularly around diagnostics amid shifting global policies and the threat of reduced foreign aid. With just five years left to meet the Abuja Declaration’s 15% health budget commitment, Dr Pamba offers sharp insight into what it will take for African nations to move from dependency to self-reliance. What We Discuss With Dr Allan Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Why the West Isn’t Always Best: How Afro-Optimism Can Redefine African Success? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Dr. Allan: LinkedIn - Dr Allan Pamba Twitter (X) - @Roche 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #167 with Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, who is a seasoned strategist, business leader, and author of the recently published book "Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is at the forefront of redefining Africa’s business narrative through her transformative SCALE framework and deep-rooted belief in Afro-optimism. Drawing from decades of executive experience across Africa, Europe, and Asia, she empowers entrepreneurs and leaders to scale African excellence globally by bridging local realities with global best practices. In this episode, we dive into the core themes of Afro-Optimism Unleashed from building a global mindset and building pan-African powerhouses, to overcoming impostor syndrome and unlocking the power of the diaspora. What We Discuss With Adeolu Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Increasing Japan-Africa Business Opportunities Through AI & Technology? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Adeolu: LinkedIn - Adeolu Adewumi-Zer Twitter (X) - @AdeoluZer 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode #166 with Dr William Derban, Global Director of Digital Financial Services for Opportunity International, defining technical standards, developing business strategy, and negotiating collaborations across mobile money, mobile/cell-phone banking, and agent banking. Opportunity International is at the forefront of leveraging AI to bridge the gap between technology and smallholder farmers in Africa. Through initiatives like UlangiziAI in Malawi and the recent FarmerAI pilots in Kenya and Ghana, the organisation is redefining how underserved communities access crucial agricultural knowledge. By integrating AI-driven solutions with a human-centred approach, they empower farmers to combat climate change, boost productivity, and build resilience. In this episode, we explore how AI is being used to democratise agricultural knowledge, the challenges of last-mile implementation, and the ethical considerations of deploying AI in vulnerable communities. What We Discuss With William Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with William: LinkedIn - Dr William Derban Twitter (X) - @OpportunityIntl 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 165 with Bernard Laurendeau, who is Managing Director of Enkopa Lab, which is at the forefront of driving successful Japan-Africa investments by leveraging AI and technology. With a focus on market diversification, the firm helps Japanese companies navigate Africa's complex business landscape. Enkopa Lab on driving successful Japan-Africa investments through AI & technology Enkopa Lab is repositioning investment approaches by prioritising human capital development over resource acquisition. Japanese firms have made significant inroads into sectors like financial services, technology, and FMCG, distinguishing their approach from other major players. However, risk-averse decision-making remains a challenge for many Japanese corporations, slowing international expansion. In this episode we explore the opportunities, challenges, and future of Japan-Africa investments, looking into insights into how technology, data, and innovation are unlocking new possibilities. What We Discuss With Bernard Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Bernard: LinkedIn - Bernard Laurendeau (ቤርናር - ベルナルド) Twitter (X) - @_blaurendeau 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 164 with André Moolman, CEO of Ener-G-Africa (EGA), a renewable energy company dedicated to expanding access to affordable solar power across the continent. With a focus on low-income households and small businesses, EGA is tackling Africa’s energy challenges through innovative, cost-effective solutions that go beyond electricity, driving economic growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life. EGA has grown from a solar wholesaler to a leading manufacturer of solar panels, clean cookstoves, and biomass fuels. The company now operates in multiple African countries, with strategic partnerships, flexible payment plans, and a commitment to community transformation at the core of its mission. From helping families like the Jansens in South Africa to supporting township entrepreneurs, EGA is proving that clean energy can be both accessible and life-changing. In this conversation, we explore EGA’s impact, the challenges of bridging the energy gap in underserved communities, and the company’s vision for scaling sustainable energy solutions across Africa. What We Discuss With Andre Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Andre: LinkedIn - André Moolman Twitter (X) - @AfricaEner 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 163 with Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and amplifying African and diaspora heritage. Since its founding in 1964, The Africa Centre has been a vibrant space for intellectual exchange, artistic expression, and community-building, evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the African diaspora in the UK and beyond. Under Olu’s leadership, the Centre has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and cultural advocacy, cementing its reputation as a global hub for African excellence. From nurturing emerging artists, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards like the Turner Prize, to promoting entrepreneurship and thought leadership, The Africa Centre remains a crucible for creativity and transformation. In this conversation, we explore the Centre’s journey, its role in reshaping narratives about Africa, and the exciting initiatives in store, from the UK-Kenya cultural season to the 104th anniversary of the Berlin Conference. What We Discuss With Olu Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Inside the Business of Afrobeats: International Festivals, Culture & Global Influence? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Olu: LinkedIn - Olu Alake Twitter (X) - @TheAfricaCentre 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 162 with Adesegun Adeosun (SMADE), CEO of SMADE Entertainment, Europe's leading Afrobeats music, live entertainment, and lifestyle promotions company. Since its inception, SMADE Entertainment has successfully planned, organized, and delivered some of the biggest Afrobeats concerts and festivals across the UK, Africa, and Europe. Their events have been headlined by global superstars like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and many more. At the heart of their success is Afro Nation, the world’s largest Afrobeats festival, celebrating African culture through music, food, art, and an electrifying atmosphere. Tune in to hear SMADE’s journey, the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage, and the impact of live entertainment in shaping African music culture. What We Discuss With Adesegun (SMADE) Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Scotland and Africa Can Do More Business Together: Challenges & Opportunities? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with SMADE: LinkedIn - Adesegun Adeosun Jr (SMADE) Twitter (X) - @iamSMADE 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 161 with Frazer Lang, CEO of the Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA), an organisation dedicated to promoting trade, investment, and business collaboration between Scotland and African nations. With a focus on tangible commercial outputs, SABA bridges the gap between African governments and Scottish businesses, making it easier for both sides to engage, execute opportunities, and access funding. SABA was founded in response to the challenges African governments faced in navigating the fragmented UK market and the difficulties Scottish businesses encountered in identifying viable opportunities in Africa. By leveraging Scotland’s expertise in key sectors such as Energy, Agriculture, Education, healthcare, and Fintech, SABA takes a targeted approach to building mutually beneficial partnerships. Frazer discusses how SABA provides critical support throughout the business development process, working with governments, institutions, and private-sector partners to de-risk trade opportunities and drive economic growth. As a not-for-profit, independent trade association, SABA reinvests surplus funds into initiatives that promote the interests of its members, ensuring long-term impact in both Scotland and Africa. What We Discuss With Frazer Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Profit, Impact, and Growth: An Investment Model That Turns Small Farmers into High-Growth Agribusinesses? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Frazer: LinkedIn - Frazer Lang 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 160 with Luni Libes, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and impact-driven venture builder. Luni is the founder and CEO of Africa Eats, an innovative investment company tackling food insecurity and poverty across Africa by scaling profitable, for-profit agribusinesses. He also leads SEMX, a groundbreaking initiative unlocking public capital markets for African SMEs. Africa Eats invests in and supports early-stage, fast-growing food and agriculture companies that are solving critical supply chain inefficiencies, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Through its long-term, equity-holding model, the company has helped businesses grow 50%+ annually, transforming subsistence farmers into sustainable entrepreneurs while delivering strong returns for investors. Luni shares his philosophy on impact-driven capitalism, why traditional venture capital isn’t the right model for African SMEs, and how SEMX is pioneering a new segment on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius to connect fast growing African enterprises with global investors. His mission is clear: build a thriving ecosystem where African agribusinesses don’t just survive but scale, creating lasting economic transformation across the continent. What We Discuss With Luni Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Incubation and Innovation: Shaping Gambia’s Business Landscape by Nurturing Young Innovators? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Luni: LinkedIn - 'Luni'​ Libes Twitter (X) - @lunarmobiscuit 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 159 with Boubacar Demba Coly, who is an inspiring ecosystem builder, business and entrepreneurship coach, and tech conceptor who is leading change in Gambia’s startup scene. As the project manager of the Gambia Tech Project, Boubacar is at the forefront of creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and enabling a thriving tech ecosystem in a country often seen as challenging for business. The Gambia Tech Project, launched in partnership with the French Embassy and the Alliance Franco Banjul, is dedicated to supporting innovation through incubation, mentorship, funding, and networking. With a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs, the program has ambitious goals: coaching 50 entrepreneurs annually, incubating 10 startups, and organising global tech-entrepreneurship events to connect over 300 innovators. During this episode we explore Boubacar’s journey, the mission of Gambia Tech, and the untapped potential of Gambia’s youth. From fintech to agritech, hear how this initiative is turning bold ideas into successful ventures, building sustainable networks, and redefining what’s possible in the region. What We Discuss With Boubacar Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Alternative VC Investing: Building Stronger Last-Mile Ecosystems to Drive Startup Growth in Africa? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Boubacar: LinkedIn - Boubacar Demba Coly Twitter (X) - @gambiatech 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 158 with David Ogundeko, a poet, entrepreneur, and venture steward. David is the founder and CEO of Funema, a last-mile, impact-driven, alternative investment company with a presence in Pennsylvania, Lagos, and Cape Town. Funema is an impact venture building company investing cash-in-kind, providing a combination of capital and venture-building services to early-stage companies. These companies focus on developing B2B vertical market software solutions that drive the digital transformation of small businesses, empowering them to evolve into thriving, tech-enabled enterprises. David shares his philosophy at Funema, where the mission is grounded in the belief that they are graced with the ability to support, partner with, and co-create innovative solutions alongside visionary entrepreneurs. These efforts are aimed at addressing the unique developmental challenges of underserved communities in emerging markets by leveraging inclusive innovations and contextualised technologies. What We Discuss With David Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Family, Technology, and Inclusion: How a Tunisian Online Accelerator is Empowering Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Talent? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with David: LinkedIn - David Ogundeko Twitter (X) - @TeleDaveDeko 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 157, with Sonia Kherigi Nasfi and Nour El Imane Nasfi Founders of Deaf Square, which is an online career accelerator dedicated to bridging the gap between talented individuals who are hard of hearing and forward-thinking employers. They help hard of hearing people access high-quality education in the tech field, and job opportunities in leading industries. Their platform also supports employers by connecting them with skilled professionals with disabilities. Using an AI-powered solution, Deaf Square offers adaptive learning experiences and a virtual trainer designed to help users master sign language, ensuring a truly inclusive and impactful approach. Sonia recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the Northern Africa Startup Awards in the Women in Tech category, a well-deserved recognition of the dedication, innovation, and perseverance that have shaped Deaf Square's journey. What We Discuss With Sonia and Nour Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Women, Wealth, and Impact: How Africa’s Largest Gender Lens Fund Directs Capital? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Sonia and Nour: LinkedIn - Sonia Kherigi Nasfi and Nour El Imane Nasfi, Twitter (X) - @Deaf_Square 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 156, with Yewande Adewusi, a visionary strategist and dynamic leader, currently the Chief Operating Officer and Operating Principal. With a keen eye for market trends and a proven track record in driving strategy, business development and operational excellence, she spearheads the firm's operations, steering value creation initiatives, and enhancing operational efficiencies across portfolio companies. Alitheia Capital is a pioneering impact investment firm dedicated to directing capital toward businesses that expand access to essential goods and services for small and growing enterprises, as well as low-income households. Since launching their inaugural fund in 2009, Alitheia Capital has grown to manage a diverse portfolio exceeding $250 million across multiple funds. These include the fully deployed Alitheia Clean Energy Fund (ACEF), which promotes sustainable energy solutions, and their financial inclusion funds, Goodwell West Africa Microfinance Development Company (GWAMDC) and its successor funds, uMunthu I and II, together investing over $50 million in SMEs across sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, their flagship fund, Alitheia IDF, stands as the largest gender lens fund on the continent, with a portfolio surpassing $100 million, driving transformative change in gender-focused investments. What We Discuss With Yewande Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Streamlining Payouts, Managing Global Expenses, Automating Finances, and Driving Revenue Growth for African Businesses? Make sure to check it out! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Connect with Terser: LinkedIn - Terser Adamu Instagram - unlockingafrica Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu Connect with Yewande on LinkedIn at Yewande Adewusi, and Twitter (X) @goli80 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 155, we speak with Dr. Austin Okpagu, the Country Manager for Nigeria at VertoFX. Dr. Okpagu joined VertoFX in June after an impressive tenure at JumiaPay, where he spent nearly four years driving business growth and expanding partnerships, culminating in his role as Managing Director for West Africa. His extensive experience in the payments and fintech sectors is further highlighted by his impactful contributions to Opay and Pagatech, where he led business development and partnerships. Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Okpagu holds a Ph.D. in Organisational Psychology and serves as a seasonal mentor at Innovest Afrika. VertoFX is a global B2B financial technology company that enables businesses of all sizes to access advanced cross-border payments, FX and banking solutions. Using a purposefully built tech infrastructure and payment rails, businesses can instantly send and receive money in over 170 countries and convert between 49 currencies. Today, Verto helps 4000+ businesses from startups, SMEs to large corporate companies send millions of dollars per year. What We Discuss With Dr. Austin Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss A History of Western Ignorance: Why We Need to Think Differently About African Economics? 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 Dr. Austin on LinkedIn at Austin Okpagu, Ph.D, and Twitter (X) @VertoFX 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 154 with Bronwen Everill who was a fellow of Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge from 2015 and was the Director of Cambridge’s Centre of African Studies. In August, she joined the faculty of the Princeton Writing Program. She is a visiting fellow at the Laboratory for the Economics of Africa’s Past, in the Department of Economics at Stellenbosh University. Bronwen recently publishing Africonomics, which is a short, bold story of Western economic thought about Africa. Bronwen argues that these interventions fail because they start from a misguided premise: that African economies just need to be more like the West. Ignoring Africa's own traditions of economic thought, Europeans and Americans assumed a set of universal economic laws that they thought could be applied anywhere. They enforced specifically Western ideas about growth, wealth, debt, unemployment, inflation, women’s work and more, and used Western metrics to find African countries wanting. The West does not know better than African nations how an economy should be run. By laying bare the myths and realities of our tangled economic history, Africonomics moves from Western ignorance to African knowledge. What We Discuss With Bronwen Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Powering Congo: Using Recycled Materials to Create Cutting-Edge Battery Technology for Businesses and Households? 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 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