Afro-Catalyst

Storytelling on Africa is often distorted — an incomplete image of war, poverty and corruption that fails to recognize its evolving political, economic and socio-cultural fabric and the success stories on the rise. The gap between reality and fiction has real-world consequences for everyday life from public health to trade and investment. In this special two-part episode of Afro-Catalyst, we unpack the downsides of the single story and how the African narrative is set to change as regional integration gives the continent a stronger collective voice on the world stage.

Host:
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Jr., Founder and Principal, Botho Emerging Markets Group

Guests:
Carlos Lopes, Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance
Catherine Duggan, Dean at University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business

If 1960 was the “Year of Africa,” we now find ourselves in the “African Century.” While the promise of the post-colonial era fell flat in the ensuing decades, many African economies have matured in recent years. From Ghana to Kenya, the numbers now speak for themselves, but the growth remains uneven across the region. For all the innovation of “Yabacon Valley” and Kigali Innovation City, some African countries and cities risk being left behind. What lessons can be learned from the continent’s success stories and how can these be replicated on a larger scale? Join us for a fascinating conversation about the continent’s journey from the 1960s to its aspiration to become the next economic powerhouse with the policymakers and business leaders charting its success and training the architects of its future.

Host:
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Jr, Founder & Principal of Botho Emerging Markets Group

Guests:
Catherine Duggan, Dean at University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business
Carlos Lopes, Professor at Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

"Afro-Catalyst'' is a co-production between Botho Emerging Markets Group and World1Media.

With Afrobeats taking off internationally, music from the continent can now be heard in all corners of the world partly thanks to homegrown artists such as Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and even Beyoncé who featured leading African artists such as Shatta Wale on her latest album. But away from the global success stories lies an industry that has not necessarily attracted the infrastructure or investment required to drive growth in the sector and support job creation throughout the continent. Experts believe the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) could emerge as a key driver of inclusive growth, while also setting the stage for exciting collaboration across borders. Regardless of what the future holds, it's clear that technology will play an even larger role in shaping the creative industry and may also serve as a powerful tool for exporting the biggest success stories across the Global South.

Host:
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, Jr, Founder & Principal of Botho Emerging Markets Group

Guests:
Ninel Musson - Co-founder & COO, The Vth Season
Derrick “DNA” Ashong - Founder & CEO, Amp.it
Jude “M.I.” Abaga - Founder, TASCK Agency

"Afro-Catalyst" is a co-production between Botho Emerging Markets Group and World1Media.

Constraint breeds innovation. Africa's development challenges have catapulted the region to become the global leader in financial technology. Now those constraints are leading the continent to become a pioneer in the future of education. Over the last 15 years, Ghanaian-born education entrepreneur has launched the African Leadership Group (ALG), a formidable set of institutions from the renowned African Leadership Academy (ALA) to the African Leadership University (ALU). But when the pandemic halted ALG's momentum, Swaniker was forced to pivot and re-imagine the organizational structure entirely. Within months, his team unveiled a bold new business model to better support its mission of creating the next generation of African leaders. In this episode, the former McKinsey executive, who has been listed among Time’s Most Influential People, opens up about ALG's unique approach to education. Not only has it helped graduates to land jobs with some of the world’s top companies, but it’s also attracted global attention for its practical approach to learning and leadership that turns traditional education on its head. Swaniker also shares personal lessons in navigating risk and why Africa must “think global” in order not to get left behind.

Named among Forbes Africa’s Most Powerful Women, Clare Akamanzi spent her formative years outside of Rwanda, which shaped her identity in unexpected ways. It also sparked a strong interest in nation-building, which eventually saw Akamanzi represent her country globally. This included serving as Rwanda’s top commercial diplomat in London and overseeing its trade negotiations with the WTO. It was not long before her work, which helped turn the country into an economic powerhouse, was noticed inside the corridors of power. In 2017, Akamanzi was appointed as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, where she now serves directly under President Paul Kagame. In this capacity, she oversees major investment into the East African nation, which has spent years learning from other countries that have embarked on similar transformations. In this rare interview, Clare discusses how Rwanda quickly adapted during Covid-19, its role as a proof-of-concept country and the power of unity against all odds.