Change Africa Podcast
Nexa Media
Join hosts Isaac Aboah and Daniel Merki as they engage with Africa's most inspiring thought leaders and doers who are driving the continent's transformation. In each episode, we delve into the work and ideas of these changemakers, exploring Africa's challenges and the abundant opportunities for growth and development. In our Winter 2023 season, we delve deep into the stories of mavericks and outliers who are forging the path for Africa's future across various fields, including Media, Entertainment, Non-Profits, Tech, Creative Arts, and Entrepreneurship. Join us on the Change Africa Podcast as we shape a new African narrative that inspires innovation and prosperity.
Connect with us on social media: Change Africa Podcast on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Change Africa Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Change Africa Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Change Africa Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Change Africa Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Tarek Mouganie: A Mosaic of Innovation - Banking, Sports, and Arts
Change Africa Podcast
12/21/23 • 75 min
In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, we host Tarek Mouganie, the multifaceted founder and CEO of Affinity Africa. The episode traverses the diverse landscape of Tarek's life, from his rich Lebanese-Ghanaian heritage to his impactful strides in banking, art, sports, and entrepreneurship.
The episode begins with an introduction to Tarek's intriguing background, highlighting his Lebanese roots intertwined with a deep Ghanaian upbringing. Tarek shares personal anecdotes about his journey from Kumasi, Ghana, to the prestigious halls of Cambridge University, where he pursued a PhD in Material Science and Engineering.
Tarek then delves into the global and African economic landscapes, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities prevalent in the continent. A significant part of the conversation focuses on Tarek's transition from a successful career in corporations like Deloitte to establishing his own entrepreneurial venture in Ghana. His story is one of returning to roots and contributing to the country's growth, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to impact social and economic development.
In an inspiring turn, the discussion shifts to Tarek's athletic prowess, particularly his involvement in triathlons. He narrates his journey from being an academically inclined individual to discovering his love for sports, eventually leading to the founding of the Ghana Triathlon Federation. Here, he highlights the power of sports in transforming lives and communities.
The conversation then steers towards Tarek's engagement with the nightlife and creative scene in Ghana, with a special focus on Frontback, a private members club, he helped establish. Tarek underscores the significance of the creative industry in Africa and its role in showcasing the continent's rich culture and arts to the world.
Further, the episode explores Tarek's vision and the journey of Affinity Africa, his venture into digital banking. He discusses the challenges faced in establishing a digital bank in Ghana, the unique approach Affinity has taken in the banking sector, and its future aspirations.
The episode also touches upon Tarek's involvement in the performing arts, particularly his association with Greenlight Stage and his passion for storytelling and performance arts. He emphasizes the importance of such platforms in promoting African stories and talents globally.
In a heartfelt segment, Tarek reflects on his Lebanese-Ghanaian heritage and its influence on his entrepreneurial spirit. He attributes his resilience and adaptability to his background, highlighting the role of culture in shaping one's outlook and approach to life and business.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amma Gyampoh: Transforming Africa Through Impact, Innovation, and Local Power
Change Africa Podcast
05/15/25 • 62 min
In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah sits down with Amma Gyampoh, founder and CEO of Scale Up Africa, for a compelling conversation on digital transformation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and rethinking finance across the continent.
Amma shares how her work in e-government and digital systems in the UK shaped her approach to African development. She reflects on her decision to return to Ghana and the transformative potential of solving problems “amidst the obvious,” especially in agriculture, where she believes distribution is everything.
The discussion dives into African startups' structural challenges, from infrastructure and funding gaps to misaligned investor expectations. Amma champions a shift in mindset and capital, calling for decolonized financing, better collaboration among investors, and deeper engagement from local pension funds and family offices in shaping Africa’s future.
This episode also explores gender lens investing, the untapped power of tourism and the creative economy, and why local decision-making is critical to sustainable entrepreneurship. Amma makes a powerful case for aligning capital with context and systems with sovereignty.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast
01:01 – Amma Gyamoh: Founder of Scale Up Africa
02:46 – Digital Transformation Experience in the UK
05:26 – Transitioning to Ghana: Motivations and Challenges
08:23 – Addressing Agricultural Challenges in Africa
12:25 – The Importance of Distribution in Agriculture
15:32 – Building Startups: Differences Between Africa and the UK
18:14 – Investor Perspectives on Infrastructure and Funding
21:12 – Impact Investing Ghana: Collaborative Efforts
25:30 – Unlocking Local Pension Funds for Impact Investments
30:01 – Engaging Wealthy Families in African Tech Opportunities
31:04 – Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential
34:29 – Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem
39:31 – Integrating Solutions Across Sectors
41:12 – Shifting Power Dynamics in Funding
45:54 – Transforming Tourism and Creative Industries
51:26 – Decolonizing Finance and Impact Investing
56:40 – Building a Sustainable Future for Africa
Further Reading and Resources
- Learn more about Amma Gyampoh’s work through Scale Up Africa.
- Explore Impact Investing Ghana, a platform promoting collaboration in inclusive finance.
- Check out AVCA and the Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund for additional context on investing in African startups.
- Read more on gender lens and decolonial investing at Criterion Institute.
This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.
Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mzamo Masito: Leading with Values at Google Africa
Change Africa Podcast
12/28/23 • 74 min
In this season's finale, Dr. Mzamo Masito, Chief Marketing Officer at Google Africa, engages in a captivating and insightful dialogue that transcends the professional realm, delving into the profound interplay of personal philosophy, career trajectory, and transformative technological advancements in Africa.
Masito's narrative begins with a reflective journey into his formative years and the philosophical underpinnings that shaped his approach to life and work. He credits his success to mentors and a deep-seated belief in integrity, competence, and consistency. These principles not only defined his framework of winning but also infused his professional life with a distinctive character.
Remarkably, Masito challenges conventional corporate norms, embracing his unique identity and advocating for freedom in its multifaceted forms. This mindset stems from his experiences growing up under apartheid, instilling in him a profound understanding of freedom's value and the necessity of financial independence to speak truth to power.
His professional journey, marked by rapid ascension in the corporate world, is attributed to a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and the fortification of foundational qualities through therapy and self-awareness. Masito emphasizes the importance of mental health, particularly for African men, advocating for a shift in perception towards therapy and vulnerability.
At Google, Masito's mandate aligns with the company's mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. He passionately discusses Google's initiatives in Africa, focusing on democratizing opportunity and leveraging technology for sustainable development. These efforts encompass a wide range of projects, from agriculture and health to education and data consolidation, all aimed at empowering the African continent.
Masito's vision for the future is deeply rooted in his values of freedom, respect, and Ubuntu ("I am because we are"). He aspires to foster opportunities for others, ensuring that freedom is accompanied by tangible prospects for growth and advancement. This altruistic goal, coupled with his commitment to promoting communal values and competence, shapes his outlook on life and work.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of Masito's commitment to facilitating positive change in Africa. His journey is imbued with personal struggles, triumphs, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 4: End of Season Review
Change Africa Podcast
08/24/23 • 48 min
In a riveting culmination to its fourth season, the Change Africa podcast offers listeners a reflective gaze into its most expansive season yet. With the astute hosts Isaac and Daniel at the helm, the episode is not just a mere review. For the first time, the podcast welcomes a listener, Brigitte Perenyi, blurring the lines between audience and content. The discourse meanders through the labyrinth of African narratives, underscoring the paramountcy of representation. Memorable guests like Lucy Quist and Paul Ninson are invoked, painting a tableau of industry-specific changemakers sculpting the African renaissance. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes reveal the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each episode. But it's not all retrospection. The horizon looks promising. Teasers suggest the podcast's trajectory is set to intersect with luminaries of global repute in the forthcoming season. As the episode concludes, one is left with an invigorating sense of anticipation. The Change Africa podcast, in its quintessential style, melds introspection with aspiration, setting the stage for a compelling next act.
See you in the next season!!!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Claudine Moore: Connecting Africa Through PR, Culture, and the Diaspora
Change Africa Podcast
04/24/25 • 65 min
In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, host Isaac Aboah is joined by guest Claudine Moore, a trailblazer in global PR and communications, to explore how branding, cultural intelligence, and the diaspora can shape Africa’s future.
Claudine shares her personal and professional journey, from growing up in the UK with strong Pan-African values to founding C. Moore Media and eventually leading it to acquisition by global firm Allison. Her work has centered on amplifying authentic African narratives and building bridges between the continent and its global communities.
The conversation delves into how tourism and sports can drive economic growth, foster cultural pride, and reshape Africa’s global image. Claudine emphasizes the role of storytelling and branding in addressing skewed Western perceptions of Africa, highlighting that many of the continent’s challenges are rooted in how it is framed to the world.
This episode also touches on the significance of the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report, an inaugural topline report for global and pan-African businesses and organizations with the business cultural intelligence and local market knowledge required to thrive in Africa’s dynamic and rapidly growing markets. We explore the promise of intra-African trade and the importance of corporate social responsibility. Claudine highlights the untapped potential of the African diaspora, the need for investment in Africa's youth, and why Africa must prioritize people over profit in its development strategies.
From the DRC’s mineral wealth to the rise of African talent in global sports, this conversation paints a powerful picture of how culture, business, and identity intersect in the continent’s growth story.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast
01:02 – Claudine Moore: A Journey of Connection to Africa
03:08 – The Impact of the African Diaspora
08:40 – Starting Seymour Media: A New Chapter
13:23 – Navigating Acquisitions in PR
22:26 – Allison: Expanding Horizons
25:29 – Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report
30:07 – Tourism and Sports: A Cultural Connection
33:18 – The Impact of Sports on African Culture and Economy
37:43 – Education and Technology: Preparing Africa's Youth for the Future
41:28 – Opportunities and Responsibilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
49:01 – US-Africa Relations: The Role of the Diaspora
55:08 – Intra-African Trade: Bridging Gaps and Building Connections
Further Reading and Resources
- Learn more about Claudine Moore’s work and initiatives at C. Moore Media and Allison.
- Read the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report here.
This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.
Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elizabeth Bintliff: Art, Purpose and Leading a Global Refugee Girls School
Change Africa Podcast
12/02/20 • 57 min
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Elfried Samba: A Masterclass on Building Authentic Communities on Social Media
Change Africa Podcast
06/01/23 • 64 min
Elfried Samba, co-founder and CEO of Butterfly 3ffect and Chief Community Officer at Iconic, shares valuable insights on social media, community building, influencer marketing, and representation on this episode of the Change Africa Podcast. With a decade of experience, Elfried discusses how social media has evolved from an overlooked gimmick to a crucial part of business strategy. In addition, he highlights the importance of understanding different social media platforms as unique venues for interaction and tailoring content to resonate with each platform's context.
Elfried's notable contribution to building a massive community comes from his time at Gym Shark, where he significantly leveraged social media to transform the brand from a small startup to a billion-dollar company with millions of followers. He recounts his journey of initially facing scepticism from companies about social media's potential until joining Gym Shark as employee number 24. Elfried underscores the importance of building trust, authenticity, and genuine connections with the community. His strategic approach included transparency, maintaining a close connection with the audience, and incorporating their feedback into significant decisions.
Furthermore, Elfried highlights the power of influencer marketing and the significance of partnering with micro-influencers with a dedicated and engaged following within the target niche. He encourages brands to collaborate with influencers on content creation, giving them the creative freedom to showcase products or services authentically. By prioritising authenticity, engagement, and values alignment over follower count, brands can establish genuine relationships and tap into the influencer's trust and influence to reach a highly targeted audience.
Elfried also sheds light on the crucial role of representation in marketing and storytelling. He advocates showcasing a broader "new normal" that challenges traditional beauty standards and stereotypes. For example, at Gym Shark, they represented different body types and fitness levels to create a more inclusive and inspiring environment. Elfried believes that marketing has the power to shape culture and influence society, highlighting the responsibility to promote inclusivity and ensure that the narratives created reflect the diversity of our world.
Elfried's insights emphasise the need for authenticity, understanding of platform-specific contexts, and consistent connection with the audience in social media and community building. He encourages brands to establish genuine partnerships with micro-influencers, prioritise authenticity over follower count, and promote representation and inclusivity in marketing narratives.
Links and Resources:
- Find Elfried Samba on LinkedIn
- This podcast is produced by Nexa Media
Do you have a question for our hosts, email us at [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Viola Llewellyn: An Iron Woman Building Technology for Islamic Finance
Change Africa Podcast
02/13/21 • 72 min
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Caleb Maru: Navigating Africa's Tech Ecosystem
Change Africa Podcast
12/14/23 • 56 min
In this engaging episode of the Change Africa Podcast, we're joined by Caleb Maru, the founder of Tech Safari. Maru's company is at the forefront of amplifying the narratives of Africa’s tech sector, showcasing its potential to reshape the continent.
Maru, who pivoted to the tech world after a stint in peace and security policy, shares his insights into the burgeoning African tech ecosystem. His career switch, driven by a desire for more fulfilling work, has given him a unique perspective on the tech landscape.
Our conversation kicks off with the challenges of launching a tech company in Africa. Maru points out that the biggest hurdle for founders is not just identifying the right problem and market but also learning and adapting quickly in a market constrained by limited economic resources.
Regulation, Maru argues, is another significant barrier for growing startups, particularly in Africa, where businesses often need to navigate multiple markets to manage currency risks effectively.
Funding, a critical aspect of any startup's journey, also comes under scrutiny. Maru emphasizes the need for founders to create compelling stories to attract investors, suggesting that fundraising difficulties could stem from weak narratives or inherent issues within the startup.
Looking ahead, Maru anticipates an increase in 'startup deaths,' but also opportunities for consolidation in the sector. He sees potential in smaller-scale acquisitions, which could be vital for energizing the tech ecosystem.
On the role of government in technology development, Maru is critical of current policies, noting that they often create more obstacles than opportunities for startups. He calls for a more supportive regulatory and infrastructural environment to aid tech innovation.
Narrative, according to Maru, is a key tool in a startup's arsenal. He advises differentiating the story told to customers from that pitched to investors, a strategy crucial for effective communication and resource mobilization.
Maru concludes by describing the startup world as a strategic game where founders must balance bold claims with authenticity, aligning their strategies with their core values. Whether by selling a grand vision or adhering to a transparent identity, effective communication is essential for success in this dynamic arena.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mimi Kalinda: Reshaping Africa's Narrative
Change Africa Podcast
03/13/25 • 64 min
In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah and co-host Daniel Merki engage with Mimi Kalinda, a global communication specialist, to explore the importance of storytelling in reshaping Africa's narratives.
Mimi reflects on her career, the complexities of African culture, and the power of narratives in influencing perceptions and behaviors. She emphasizes the need for culturally nuanced communication and the role of storytelling in problem-solving and transformational change across the continent.
The conversation delves into the importance of building authentic African narratives, the role of crisis management in collective action, and the necessity for government leaders to embrace storytelling as a strategic tool. It highlights the lessons learned from past crises, particularly in the context of the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for a cohesive narrative that aligns with the realities on the ground. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring the impact of storytelling and the importance of preparing for future crises.
This conversation explores the significance of crisis communication, the power of storytelling in leadership, and the importance of embedding storytelling within organizational culture. It emphasizes the need for adaptability in crisis situations and the role of reputation management.
Episode Summary00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Africa
02:57 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals
06:08 Understanding Africa's Complex Narratives
09:02 Storytelling as a Tool for Problem Solving
12:00 The Power of Narratives in Shaping Perceptions
14:55 Childhood Influences and the 1994 Turning Point
20:52 Career Milestones and Impactful Projects
24:02 Building African Narratives
27:00 Crisis Management and Collective Action
29:59 Government Leadership and Storytelling
33:59 The Importance of Strategic Communication
38:57 Measuring Impact in Storytelling
42:09 Crisis Communication Lessons Learned
44:34 Crisis Communication and Adaptability
49:10 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
52:12 Embedding Storytelling in Organizational Culture
55:26 The Importance of Preserving African Stories
01:00:20 The Dangers of Ignoring Our Heritage
Further Reading and Resources- Mimi Kalinda's book, "Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent," is available for purchase at Amazon
- Visit Mimi Kalinda's website at mimikalinda.com for more information on her work and access her upcoming book, "Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy."
This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.
Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at [email protected]
Follow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Change Africa Podcast have?
Change Africa Podcast currently has 68 episodes available.
What topics does Change Africa Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Entrepreneurship, Impact, Podcasts, Business and Africa.
What is the most popular episode on Change Africa Podcast?
The episode title 'Tarek Mouganie: A Mosaic of Innovation - Banking, Sports, and Arts' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Change Africa Podcast?
The average episode length on Change Africa Podcast is 69 minutes.
How often are episodes of Change Africa Podcast released?
Episodes of Change Africa Podcast are typically released every 7 days, 2 hours.
When was the first episode of Change Africa Podcast?
The first episode of Change Africa Podcast was released on Nov 8, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ