The McKinsey Africa podcast with Debra Mallowah, Head of Bayer Crop Science Africa

In this timely episode, we explore one of Africa's most urgent challenges: food security. With the continent's population rapidly expanding, the world breaching the 1.5-degree climate threshold, and an ever-shifting geopolitical landscape, Africa's food systems face unprecedented pressure. This conversation examines how these converging forces—demographic growth, climate disruption, and instability—are reshaping the future of agriculture across the continent.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The financial landscape in Africa is experiencing a transformative shift, fueled by the rapid rise of fintech companies. These fintechs have become key players, delivering innovative solutions tailored to address the continent's unique challenges. In November 2025, we had the opportunity to speak with Mohamed El Sabban, Chief Innovation and Strategic Ventures Officer at Banque Misr, to gain insights into this evolving ecosystem.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Africa’s fintech start-ups are leveraging mobile technology and innovative platforms to transform digital banking. We talk to Ashraf Sabry, founder and CEO of Fawry, about the sector’s potential.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Africa’s fintech industry has rapidly expanded, and traditional financial institutions have faced intense competition as a result. MFS Africa’s founder and CEO discusses the sector’s growing potential.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 27:47) >  Fintech in Africa has been fueled by a youthful and urbanizing population, increasing mobile phone penetration, falling data costs, limited physical banking, and an increasingly favourable regulatory environment. We talk to Tayo Oviosu, the Founder & CEO at Paga about the potential of this sector.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 33:34) >  Fintech in Africa has been fueled by a youthful and urbanizing population, increasing mobile phone penetration, falling data costs, limited physical banking, and an increasingly favourable regulatory environment. We talk to Andy Jury, the CEO of Mukuru about the potential of this sector.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 22:06) >  The COVID-19 crisis will not leave the banking sector unscathed. The past year has seen the acceleration of seismic trends ranging from deglobalization and a radical shift in the macroenvironment to transformed customer expectations. As African banks chart their paths to recovery in this new reality, they can act swiftly to manage elements that are within their control to shape their recovery and growth trajectory.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 24:47) >  Recent estimates of food insecurity on the African continent have suggested that as many as 73 million people are acutely food insecure, and this number is climbing. COVID-19 is, of course, exacerbating the problem with food imports, transportation and agricultural production, all hampered by its fallout. In this episode, How digital tools can help transform African agri-food systems, Amandla Ooko-Ombaka shares how digital tools can help transform African agri-food systems with the view to enhancing food security.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 30:55) >  The full potential of fintech in Nigeria remains untapped. But a youthful population, a focused regulatory drive to increase financial inclusion, and accelerating digital adoption due to COVID-19, are creating the conditions for a thriving sector. If stakeholders take quick and decisive action, they can strategically protect gains and accelerate growth in the sector, even in difficult economic times.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 26:01) >  The new digital reality presents a unique challenge for organizations. Leading an organization in a time of crisis is one of the greatest challenges a CDO can face. By demonstrating resilient leadership and a clear view of how to use digital to navigate the crisis, CDOs can help the business not just to survive but also to be ready for the next normal.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information