The African Business Podcast
The African Business Podcast, hosted by award-winning journalists from IC Publications, features trailblazers and leading thinkers from across Africa. It offers insightful discussions on business and current affairs on the continent, blending serious analysis with humor and humanity. An essential listen for anyone interested in Africa.
Episodes
Ecobank CEO Jeremy Awori on Africa's Banking Future
In this episode we speak to Jeremy Awori, Group CEO of Ecobank, ahead of the bank's 38th General Assembly meeting. We cover the themes shaping Ecobank and African banking today, their three-year growth roadmap, renewed goals, culture in times of change, technology as a leapfrog engine, and the role of development finance institutions in unlocking Africa's growth potential.
Carbon markets initiative
In this episode we speak to Dr Sherif Ayoub, Head of the African Carbon Markets Initiative about his work scaling up the market for carbon credits in Africa to create jobs and prosperity. We also hear from project developers KOKO Networks, about how these projects actually take place on the ground in Africa.
Profile of Elizabeth Maruma Mrema of the TNFD and UNEP
In this episode we speak to Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, about her role at the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures. We discuss how to advocate for capital to support biodiversity protection and climate action.
Can Charter Cities unlock African Economies?
In this episode we speak to Kurtis Lockhart about chartered cities and whether they can deliver broad based prosperity in Africa and further afield. Credits Host and executive producer: Dr Desné Masie Co-producer: Peter Doerrie Research: Angus Chapman Digital Editor: Charles Dietz Design: Jason Venkatasamy Music: Corporate Uplifting Chill by MusicLFiles: https://filmmusic.io/song/6298-cor
The Journey of a Carbon Credit
In this episode we track the journey of a carbon credit. Taking us from Kenya to Geneva, Washington DC, London and finally, Yorkshire, we unpack what's going on under the hood of the carbon trading industry and explore the implications for Africa.
Davos Debrief and 2023 Forecast
In this episode we speak to the publisher of African Business magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, who has just come back from Davos 2023 in Klosters, Switzerland. The first in-person gathering in three years, the famous international forum as always, provided invaluable insights and networking opportunities to those who attended. Omar chats to us about his main reflections from WEF including the global mac
Driving growth across African e-commerce
In this episode we speak to Daniel Yu, a 32-year-old Californian entrepreneur now based in Zanzibar. He is the founder and CEO of Wasoko, a supply chain and distribution company established in 2015 to respond to the challenges faced by small and micro-business across Africa in managing stock levels. Having just raised $125 million in Series B venture capital funding from Tiger and Avenir, Wasoko
How the UK is investing in African development
British International Investments (BII), the UK's official development finance agency, was the first organisation of its kind when it was founded in 1948. It remains at the forefront of international development finance, particularly for Africa, where it deploys 70% of its $2-$4 billion of new capital every year. CEO Nick O'Donohoe is a pioneer of impact investing, coming to BII following stints
General Electric on Africa's energy transition
Since General Electric was founded by Thomas Edison almost a century and a half ago, the power business has changed a lot. Vuyelwa Mahanyele, regional sales director for GE's gas business in Southern and East Africa, has seen this change up close. She tells us how decarbonisation became the overarching theme for both the company and the region, and steps through the financial, technical and polic
Pascal Lamy: Africa's position at COP27
Few people understand issues of international trade, development and environment as well as Pascal Lamy. Following eight years as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Pascal now serves on the board of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; one of Africa's most influential civil society organisations. He joins us following the release of the Foundation's 2022 Governance Forum report, which aims t
Kenya's crucial election: the podcast
Charlie Mitchell, Kenya correspondent for African Business Magazine, previews the upcoming contest between Raila Odinga and William Ruto, which will be a crucial test for the East African nation On Tuesday August 9 Kenyans will go to the polls for a crucial election to decide the direction of travel of East Africa's economic giant for the next five years. Veteran challenger Raila Odinga - who ha
Food, climate and a just energy transition: Round-up from the 2022 African Development Bank Annual Meetings
In this special round-up episode, we speak to three prominent attendees of the 2022 African Development Bank Annual Meetings. The theme, Achieving Climate Resilience and a Just Energy Transition for Africa, features prominently, as our guests talk us through their hopes, fears and aspirations for development on the continent. Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher and Managing Director at IC Publicati
Conservation, biodiversity and ESG in Africa
In this episode we talk to zoologist-turned lawyer, Alexander Rhodes, about his work as Chair of Tusk conservation charity and Partner and Head of Mishcon Purpose at international law firm Mishcon de Reya. We start with Alexander's personal journey, from a young zoologist working alongside indigenous communities in Kenya to a leading, purpose-driven lawyer with decades of experience in both the c
Russia's invasion of Ukraine could be Africa's moment
In this episode we speak with Dr. Alex Vines, director of the Africa Program at Chatham House thinktank, about the African dimensions of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He outlines how, across international relations, economics and domestic politics, the invasion may have created 'Africa's moment'. Geopolitically, Alex sees the conflict in terms of an ongoing shift toward a multipolar world. Many d
North Africa Update with Amine Antari
We are joined on this episode by Amine Antari, managing director of Forensic Investigations and Intelligence and Head of Middle East at Kroll. Born in Morocco, Amine talks us through a career in forensic investigation, intelligence and compliance that has taken him to the US, Canada, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The world seems daily to become a more uncertain place. Amine unpicks three contemporary cris
UNDP's Achim Steiner: Can Africa avoid climate catastrophe?
Environmentalist Achim Steiner, administrator of the UN Development Programme, says that the latest IPCC report - which details the disastrous unfolding climate consequences for Africa and other regions - is an urgent wake-up call for global policymakers. He talks to African Businessabout the report, the Cop negotiations process, the pandemic's impact on climate policy, and the potential economic
Mike Whitfield: Nissan plans African manufacturing but cautious on EVs
In July, at its Rosslyn plant northwest of Pretoria, Nissan's Navara pickup truck began to roll off the assembly line, the first model of its type by the company to be assembled in Africa for the African market. Its appearance is part of a strategy by the Japanese motor company, first articulated in 2020, to roll out several new models in Africa with a focus on SUV and cross-overs. The strategy, w
Political Economy Outlook 2022: Sub-Saharan Africa
In this episode we are joined by Barnaby Fletcher, Associate Director at Control Risks. In a wide-ranging discussion covering politics, economics and conflict at different scales, we unpick the risks and opportunities for Africa in 2022. We begin by discussing the nature of risk, outlining Barnaby's work as a leading risk analyst for East and Southern Africa and the career journey he took to ge
Funke Opeke: Building a $320m data centre player
MainOne CEO and founder Funke Opeke talks to African Business about the data centre market in Africa and the future of the firm after its $320m takeover by NASDAQ-listed Equinix.
Development priorities for the US DFC
In this episode we are joined by Shalini Soopramanien, Assistant General Counsel at the US DFC. In this episode we discuss the development priorities for the US DFC. Soopramanien talks us through her career path to DFC as well as her current responsibilities. We also look more in depth at project highlights over the past year, particularly the vaccine funding for the GAVI alliance and the DFC's cl
Stéphan Eloïse Gras: Macron's boost for Francophone tech
Digital Africa executive director Stéphan Eloise-Gras talks about the potential of Francophone tech and France's €130m plan to support startups
Editors' Roundtable: Coup chaos in Guinea spooks miners
This week we talk about the economic and political implications of the coup in mining hub Guinea that removed President Alpha Condé, we review the success of the NBA's Basketball Africa League in Rwanda, and take a look at the booming fintech unicorns of West Africa.
Political Economy and Business Environment of Zimbabwe
In this episode we are joined by Dr Knox Chitiyo. Associate Fellow, Chatham House Africa Programme, one of the world's leading analysts on Zimbabwe. Dr Chitiyo talks us through the recent political and economic history of Zimbabwe, as well as the outlook for the current political economy and investment environment. We also talk about how this has been affected by Covid 19. Finally, we discuss Zim
Impact of COVID-19 and the climate crisis on Africa's energy transition
In this episode we are joined by Kevin Kariuki · Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate & Green Growth at The African Development Bank Group (AFDB) discuss the ways in which the AFDB is supporting Africa's energy transition in light of the climate crisis and the need to balance Africa's increasing energy demands with ensuring that these energy sources are renewable and green. We also discuss th
Editors' Roundtable: South African Airways goes private
The African Business Editor's Roundtable is a new forum in which our journalists debate some of the most important business stories on the continent. In this episode, African Business Magazine editor David Thomas is joined by publisher Omar Ben Yedder and digital editor and reporter Shoshana Kedem. We talk about South Africa's proposed deal to sell a 51% stake in South African Airways to a privat
Force Majeure
The African Business Editor's Roundtable is a new forum in which our journalists debate some of the most important business stories on the continent. In this episode, African Business Magazine editor David Thomas is joined by publisher Omar Ben Yedder and digital editor and reporter Shoshana Kedem. We discuss the implications of Total's decision to call force majeure on its $20bn LNG facility in
Global Art Law and Trends in the African Art Market
Gray takes us through the issues and trends in the global art market, and the kinds of predicaments and transactions she helps her diverse clients with. Gray also talks us through issues to be aware of in the art world, particularly due diligence around provenance, potential money laundering, and cultural sensitivities as well as how these have been affected by lockdown We discuss the recent surge
Integrating Sustainability into Infrastructure Investment
In this episode we are joined by leading development finance expert, Tariye Gbadegesin, MD and CIO ARM, Harith Infrastructure Fund, a leading Pan-African fund which is one of Africa's largest investors in infrastructure development. We talk to Tariye about her career to date, the current priorities and initiatives at ARM Harith, and about a sustainable pathway for Africa's development. ARM-Ha
Edmund Higenbottam, MD, Verdant Capital Investing in African Fintech
In this episode we are joined by leading African fintech investment banker, Edmund Higenbottam, MD of Verdant Capital. With 20 years of experience in investment banking, Edmund has established the largest advisor to the fintech sector in Africa, which is particularly attractive to investors. We discuss the effects of COVID-19 on market activity and why key players including VC funds and glo
Charlie Robertson, Chief Economist, Renaissance Capital
In this episode we are joined by renowned Africa commentator, Charlie Robertson, chief economist for Renaissance Capital. Renaissance Capital is a specialist, leading emerging and frontier markets investment bank providing access to over 50 markets across the globe with operations in Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Robertson talks to us about the main highli
Accelerating Financial Inclusion with Insurtech
In this episode we are joined by Jeremy Leach, CEO and founder of Inclusivity Solutions, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Leach talks to us about how he started Inclusivity to improve access and innovation in insurance across the African continent, by focusing on digital inclusion for the connected but unprotected, and listening intently to these customers' needs. Inclusivity has made great strid
Building a world-class insurance business in Africa
In this episode we are joined by Dr Matt Lilley, head of Africa for leading insurer, Prudential PLC. Lilley talks us through Prudential's strategy in Africa, and how it started the business partnering with local players, starting in Ghana in 2015. Pru learnt from its experience building out a leading insurance presence with consumers in ASEAN and its people-driven business has seen it go from stre
Wealth Management Masterclass 2: International Footprint and Mobility with Michael Vlahovic, Head of Private Banking UK, EFG Private Bank
In this episode we are delighted to host Michael Vlahovic, Head of Private Banking UK at EFG Private Bank in Mayfair, London. Michael talks us through his career to-date, with extensive experience in Zurich and a focus on good governance, value and client service. He details why the focus on premium client service and the high rates of service continuity amongst its private bankers makes EFG Ban
Helios Towers CEO Kash Pandya explains deal-making strategy
When Covid-19 arrived on Africa's shores, pan-African telecoms infrastructure company Helios Towers was just months past raising $364m in an October 2019 IPO on the London Stock Exchange and aggressively pushing to acquire thousands of mobile towers in new markets across the continent. For Kash Pandya, CEO of the owner-operator of over 7,000 telecoms towers – which are used by MTN, Orange, Vodacom
Nigeria's Oil Sector in a Constrained Global Economy with Dr Alex Irune, COO, Oando PLC
In this episode we speak to Dr Alex Irune, the chief operating officer of wholly Nigerian-owned energy company, Oando PLC. We discuss the effects of the Covid-crunch on Nigeria's oil-dependent economy and how this affects the policy direction to diversify the economy. We also look at how technology can increase efficiency in oil and gas production and the transition towards renewable energy. Irun
The Outlook for African Economies amidst Covid-19 with Abebe Aemro Selassie, Head of Africa, IMF
In this edition of the African Business podcast we speak to Abebe Aemro Selassie to talk about the outlook for African economies in the wake of the pandemic. Selassie is the Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a position he has held since 2016. In this capacity, Mr. Selassie oversees the IMF's operations and engagement with 45 countries across sub-Saharan
Private Equity Opportunities in Infrastructure with Paul Boynton, CEO, Old Mutual Alternative Investments
In this episode, Boynton talks us through the opportunities for private equity investors to drive economic development through infrastructure investment. He also takes through Old Mutual's commitment to ESG and supporting the implementation of the UN SDGs across the continent. We also discuss the current business and investment environment and the challenges and opportunities for African investors
Wealth Management Masterclass 1: The Africa Opportunity
In this episode, Dr Namukale Chintu, Senior Director for EMEA at EFG Private Bank Limited, talks to us about the wealth management opportunity on the African continent. Several years of high economic growth have fostered not only an unprecedented growth in the middle class, but has also created a significant amount of ultra-high net worth individuals and families. Chintu explains how EFG, as a pur
Rwanda Finance x Jersey Finance: Economic Co-operation and Development
With special guests: - Olivia Rubagumya, Head of Investor Relations, Rwanda Finance - Hortense Mudenge, Head of Strategy, Rwanda Finance - Tom Le Feuvre, Director Global Markets and International Agreements, Government of Jersey - Allan Wood, Global Head of Business Development, Jersey Finance Summary The Jersey/Rwanda relationship starts with the Jersey cow, but there is a lot more to
Outlook for Africa's Legal and Operating Environment with Andrew Skipper, Head of Africa, Hogan Lovells
In this episode, we speak to Andrew Skipper, Head of Africa at Hogan Lovells and a senior partner in the corporate practice of the firm. Skipper sets out the pertinent issues for investors and entrepreneurs to be aware of on the continent's diverse legal landscape, which draws on indigenous customary law and common law principles as well as legal frameworks of several other jurisdictions. He also
South African media and political economy with Lukanyo Mnyanda, editor, Business Day
In this first episode of Series 2, we speak to Lukanyo Mnyanda, editor of Business Day, Africa's leading financial daily, based in Johannesburg. As Business Day celebrates its 35th birthday, Lukanyo talks to us about the history of the paper and the important role the business media and community in South Africa play in upholding governance and institutions. We also discuss the outlook for the pol
China-Africa relations with Jinny Yan, Chief China Economist, ICBC Standard Bank
In episode 13, following the Two Sessions meeting in China, and the extraordinary China-AU Summit in June 17, host Desné Masie invites our special guest Jinny Yan, Chief China Economist at ICBC Standard Bank to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on China's economic and political relationship with Africa as well as the global economic outlook. With a focus on putting into practice the opportunities fr
The UK's Trade and Investment priorities in Africa with Emma-Wade Smith
Podcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 12, Emma Wade-Smith, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Africa to discuss the UK government's trade and investment priorities in Africa post-Brexit, and the private sector support the Department for International Trade is extending for UK businesses operating on the African continent in light of the Covid-19 pandemi
Running Africa's largest stock exchange during a pandemic and a ratings downgrade with Dr Leila Fourie
Podcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 11, Dr Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Dr Fourie took the helm at the exchange around 6 months ago amid an already tough time in the global economy. Economic headwinds for the exchange have only been amplified in 2020 with the Covid-19 global pandemic and the ratings downgrade of South Afric
Global governance and leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic with Lord Peter Hain
Podcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 10, Lord Peter Hain, who has had an eminent career in politics and is a world-leading expert on governance. He was born in Kenya and raised in South Africa, and went on to lead the anti-apartheid movement when he later moved to the UK as a young man. Lord Hain went on to have many eminent cabinet roles in Tony Blair's
Deepening Africa's Capital Markets with Ibukun Adebayo of the London Stock Exchange Group
Podcast host Desne Masie speaks to African Business magazine editor, David Thomas, about the April issue of African Business magazine. The cover story looks at the outlook for renewable energy in Africa and the politics around the low-carbon transition timetable that is appropriate for Africa's energy mix. David and Desne also have an in-depth discussion on the impact of coronavirus for Africa and
Technology sector opportunities and inequalities with Musa Kalenga
Podcast host Desne Masie speaks to African Business magazine editor, David Thomas, about the March issue of African Business magazine, a lusophone special looking at the new regime in Angola and its apparent purge of the Dos Santos dynasty from state-owned enterprises and coffers. We also discuss our Mozambique Special Report, and the prospects for the country in the wake of Cyclone Idai. Our s
Sustainable Investing with the Private Infrastructure Development Group
Podcast host Desne Masie speaks to group publisher, Omar Ben Yedder back from his travels on the African continent and beyond. Omar has over the past month been to several high level conference and working groups, including World Economic Forum Davos 2020 in Switzerland, The 33rd AU Summit in Addis Ababa and the Intra-African Trade Fair pre-meetings in Kigali. We discuss whether Davos is still f
Insurance trends in Africa with African Risk Capacity Limited
In this episode, Editor of African Business Magazine, David Thomas, and podcast host, Desne Masie, discuss the response to the Corona Virus in Africa, the recent plague of locust in East Africa and other effects of climate change in Africa. We also consider if South African Airways should be wound up given its neverending financial troubles. In the diary we look ahead to the sustainable investment
Crypto and Blockchain in Africa with Consensys
In this episode, Editor of African Business Magazine, David Thomas, and podcast host, Desne Masie, discuss the first UK-Africa Summit in London, and the highlights of this month's issue of African Business Magazine especially developments in Sudan and in Francophone West Africa around the new eco currency. We also look ahead to the upcoming Mining Indaba in South Africa on 3-6 February. Our specia
Africa in 2020
In this mini-cast, group publisher for African Business Magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, and podcast host, Desne Masie, set the scene for Africa in 2020, which is set to be a bumper year, kicking off with the first UK-Africa Summit in London and the annual World Economic Forum at Davos where climate change is hot on the agenda as one of the major business risks. We also take a look at the various electi
The Africa List Business Barometer Launch with Nieros Oyegun, Head of Network
Nieros Oyegun, head of network for CDC's The Africa List talks us through the initiative, which wants to fortify top executives with leadership skills and a peer network that spans across countries. The programme selects the leading 100 companies in each country based on current performance and future potential. Then two high-performing leaders from each company, nominated by the current CEO or ch
Crown Agents Bank: Creating Liquidity and Supporting Payments in Africa
In this episode we interview the CEO of Crown Agents Bank, Albert Maasland, about the work they are doing supporting forex provision, liquidity and payments all over continent, including in smaller and more fragile states. Albert also talks us through the enormous opportunities in Africa. We discuss the significance of the bank's recent acquisition of the Fintech Segovia and the its win as best FX
Launch Episode - The African Opportunity
In the special edition launch episode, we interview group publisher and editor-in-chief of African Business Magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, on his vision for this essential listen on the business and economics of the African continent today. In keeping with the unprecedented interest in investing and capital raising across markets and sectors on the continent, we have as our first guest, Michelle Essom
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