Locally Led Development: The Importance of Local Leadership in International Development With Gretchen Villegas

Episode 148 with Emeka Obiwulu, Founder & CEO of The Offshore Lab (TOL). With over two decades of global experience in engineering and project delivery, Emeka has led impactful projects across continents, emphasising sustainable, community-driven solutions that prioritise local engagement and long-term growth. At The Offshore Lab, Emeka focuses on harnessing technology to empower communities, foster innovation, and unlock local potential.The Offshore Lab offers integrated services in project delivery, consulting, and capacity building, specialising in sustainable innovation for both onshore and offshore operations. Emeka shares insights from leading major projects, like the Wing-E redesign at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and impactful community initiatives such as The Badamia Home ICT Junior Lab.What We Discuss With EmekaExploring the philosophy behind The Offshore Lab's commitment to moving beyond "short-termism" in African project deliveryHow can investing in technology infrastructure become a catalyst for economic growth across AfricaHow does The Offshore Lab ensure that its infrastructure projects deliver lasting social and economic value to the communities they serve? What methods does TOL employ to actively involve local talent and communities in project delivery, ensuring they benefit directly from each initiative?Why is a maintenance culture often lacking in African projects, and what steps can be taken to foster a stronger commitment to ongoing upkeep and sustainability?Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Policy, Growth, and Advancing Implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade in Nigeria with Prachi Agarwal and Alberto Lemma? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Emeka on LinkedIn at Emeka Obiwulu, and Twitter (X) @theoffshorelabDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 147 with Prachi Agarwal and Alberto Lemma, who are both Research Fellows at the International Economic Development Group at ODI.They came on the podcast to discuss their latest report, "Advancing Implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade in Nigeria", which explores the transformative potential of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade for Nigeria. ODI (Overseas Development Institute) is a leading global think tank dedicated to driving positive change. Their mission is to shape a more resilient, just, and equitable future for everyone. ODI’s work focuses on sparking action against injustice and inequality by combining rigorous research with influential advocacy to create impactful ideas for people and the planet.What We Discuss With Prachi and AlbertoExploring the inspiration behind the research on the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade and its critical significance for Nigeria.The transformative potential of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade for Nigeria's economic growth and development.Key findings from the report on Nigeria's digital ecosystem and its current landscape.Examining the current state of Nigeria's digital infrastructure and its impact on the country’s readiness for implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.Identifying regulatory gaps Nigeria needs to address for effective implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Building Digital Trust: How Pawapass Is Addressing Online Verification and Cybersecurity Issues 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 on LinkedIn at Terser Adamu, and Twitter (X) @TerserAdamuConnect with Prachi on LinkedIn at Prachi Agarwal, and Twitter (X) @_Prachi_AgarwalConnect with Alberto on LinkedIn at Alberto Francesco Lemma, and Twitter (X) @alblemmaDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 146 with Sylvia Brune who is CEO of pawaPass, a platform making it possible for millions of people in Africa to access services and opportunities without the need for a government-issued ID. With over 50% of people in Africa lacking valid identification, pawaPass offers an inclusive and secure solution to verify users online, enabling them to engage in remote jobs, financial services, online trade, and more. pawaPass' mission is to empower individuals and businesses across the continent through scalable and cost-effective digital verification. What We Discuss With SylviaThe importance of non-ID-based user verification in African markets and how pawaPass is making this possible. Insights into the evolution of the regtech space since the inception of pawaPassExploring the biggest challenges African businesses face with online identity theft and fraud, and how pawaPass is addressing these critical issues.The economic benefits for businesses and individuals using pawaPass, and how it opens up new opportunities for growth and inclusion.Identifying the African markets with the fastest adoption of regtech solutions and the factors driving this growthDid you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Importance of African Entrepreneurship in the New Scramble for Africa with Parminder Vir OBE? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Sylvia on LinkedIn at Sylvia Brune, and Twitter (X) @silversenDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 145 with Parminder Vir OBE, a commercially focused executive with a distinguished career spanning entrepreneurship, media, and business development.Awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth for her contributions to broadcasting and film, Parminder has made a significant impact on the global stage.As the former CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, she spearheaded a groundbreaking pan-African entrepreneurship program that has empowered over 10,000 African entrepreneurs across 54 countries. We explore her work in shaping the narrative of African entrepreneurship and her ongoing advocacy for economic growth through entrepreneurial ventures. What We Discuss With ParminderThe vision behind the Tony Elumelu Foundation's $100 million investment in African entrepreneurship and its long-term goals.What were some of the most surprising outcomes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme during your tenure?Insights from Parminder’s recently published paper, "African Entrepreneurship in the New Scramble for Africa".How African entrepreneurs can strategically position themselves to benefit from new alliances with countries like Turkey, China, and India.The specific reforms needed in global financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank to better support African entrepreneurs.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How the Global Startup Awards Africa Is Promoting and Enabling Innovation Across Startup Nations with Jo Griffiths? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Parminder on LinkedIn at Parminder Vir, and Twitter (X) @ParminderVirDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 144 with Jo Griffiths, a visionary global strategist and entrepreneur who works at the crossroads of tech startups, major corporations, government, academia, and investors. As the Co-Founder and CEO of The Global Startup Awards Africa, the largest independent international startup awards platform, Jo has successfully launched groundbreaking innovation initiatives across the African continent, driving private-public sector collaboration to stimulate market-creating innovation and ensure sustainable economic growth.Jo is also CEO and Co-Founder of the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG), which aims to FIND, FUND, and GROW globally relevant innovation in Africa. Through the Global Startup Awards Africa, GIIG scouts the best solutions across all 55 African countries and invests in the top 1%, supporting startups like Kubik, Biobuu, and Treepz, which are solving global challenges. Learn how GIIG is enabling a new generation of African entrepreneurs and driving sustainable growth on the continent.What We Discuss With JoThe inspiration and vision behind the founding of The Global Startup Awards Africa.African countries beyond the big four (Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt) that are emerging as hubs of innovation and increasing their participation in the startup ecosystem.Sectors experiencing the most significant growth and innovation across the African continent based on first-hand experience.Grassroots initiatives led by the Global Startup Awards and their role in promoting innovation across local communities in Africa.The critical role of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation across Africa and the challenges faced in fostering these partnerships.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Innovating Healthcare in Africa: The Journey to Building Smart Clinics Across Africa With Isidore Kpotufe? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Jo on LinkedIn at Jo Griffiths, and Twitter (X) @AfricanGSAwardsDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 143 with Isidore Kpotufe, founder of Rivia, a network of smart clinics redefining the healthcare experience across Africa. Rivia offers a "WOW" experience for both in-person and virtual care by leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver personalised healthcare, convenience, and broaden access to primary care services on the continent.Isidore is an accomplished tech entrepreneur with a diverse background in building and investing in African ventures across finance, transportation, and healthcare. As the Founder and CEO of RiviaCo, he’s spearheading a network of tech-enabled primary care clinics dedicated to improving healthcare delivery. Previously, Isidore held leadership roles at Treepz, a Canadian mobility startup, and founded Westacpe, a financial services comparison platform.He is also a founding member of the Alliance for the Future of Healthcare in Africa, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at transforming the healthcare landscape across the region.What We Discuss With IsidoreThe personal journey and inspiration behind the creation of Rivia.Exploring the ground breaking ecosystem Rivia is building and its significance in the industry.The impact of technology on enhancing patient experiences and improving healthcare outcomes within the Rivia ecosystem.Addressing the key challenges in primary healthcare across Africa.The importance of person-to-person care in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Challenges, Solutions, and Innovations to Increasing Internet Connectivity in Africa with Diseye Isoun? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Isidore on LinkedIn at Isidore Kpotufe, and RiviaCoDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 142 with Diseye Isoun who is a recognised authority in African broadband development, focusing on expanding internet access, connectivity, and stakeholder engagement across the continent. With extensive experience in the sector, he has a deep understanding of how broadband access drives technological innovation, economic development, education, and business growth.Diseye has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape in Nigeria, playing a key role in the establishment of Galaxy Backbone, NITDA, and Nigcomsat—foundational entities within the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. He was responsible for drafting Galaxy Backbone’s mandate, introducing satellite connectivity to the government, and leading the marketing efforts for NigComSat-1.Currently, through his company Content Oasis, Diseye focuses on extending connectivity solutions to underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and empowering communities. What We Discuss With DiseyeThe evolution of the broadband landscape in Africa over the past five years and the impact of major projects such as Google's Equiano.Strategies to bridge the broadband access gap between urban cities and rural areas.Actionable steps Africa can take to close the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities.Government policies that can promote better broadband penetration in underserved areas.The role of local Internet Service Providers in bridging the digital divide.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Investing in Our Own: Why Angel Investing Is the Key to Africans Funding Africa? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Diseye on LinkedIn at Diseye Isoun, and Twitter (X) @diseyeDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 141 with Sola Osinoiki, who is an author, advisory board member, speaker, founder, growth strategist, and most importantly, angel investor in African startups.Sola Osinoiki is a business executive with over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry. Sola has spent numerous years working on global HR systems implementation and consulting with major international organisations and fast-growing small and medium-sized businesses. Sola's mission is to help businesses understand HR IT solutions, including bespoke developments and off-the-shelf technologies. He has gained extensive experience in the HR technology and data arena as a client, implementer of services, and seasoned advisor.Outside of his profession, Sola has a passion for empowering nations and people. This passion led him to create the Josh Leadership Academy and a recently published book titled Managing Up for Career Progression. Additionally, Sola frequently travels across the globe to provide guidance and support to churches and their leaders. What We Discuss With SolaThe unconventional route to becoming an angel investor in Africa.Why taking on investors’ money isn’t always the best route for growth.The common mistakes that startup founders make when seeking investment, and how they can avoid themHow to add value to startups through your skills, experience, and network—beyond just financial backing.Balancing the need for financial returns with the goal of creating a positive social impact through your investments.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Seeds of Change: How Access to High-Quality Seeds Can Revolutionise Potato Farming in Africa? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Sola on LinkedIn at Olusola Osinoiki, and Twitter (X) @JoshpubDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 140 with Charles Miller, who is Director of Strategic Alliances and Development at Solynta. Charles also serves as a board member of the African Seed Trade Association and on the American Seed Trade Associations International Committee. In addition, Charles is a member of the International Seed Federations Value Chain Expert Group.Solynta uses hybrid potato breeding to grow a more sustainable future. Their mission is to create global solutions for food and nutritional insecurity by offering farmers better, stronger, and more cost-efficient ways to grow crops.What We Discuss With CharlesChallenges faced in promoting hybrid breeding as a solution for more climate-resilient crops in Africa.Given that climate change is impacting global agriculture, how will the seed industry, especially in Africa, evolve in response?How is Solynta ensuring that African farmers have access to potato varieties that can thrive in increasingly unpredictable climates?What are some of the biggest barriers African farmers face in accessing climate-resilient seeds?The major regulatory challenges encountered when scaling seed innovations across different African countries.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Leveraging Cloud Technologies to Accelerate AI Innovation and Economic Development in Africa? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Charles on LinkedIn at Charles Miller, and Twitter (X) @solyntaDo 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 [email protected]

Episode 139 with Andrew Mori, the CEO and co-founder of Deimos, Africa’s leading cloud technology and professional services company based in South Africa.Deimos was born from the desire to place Software Engineering best practices and first principles at the heart of decision making and strategic direction at technology startups and enterprises, the Deimos story started in Lagos, Nigeria and Cape Town, South Africa.Deimo's mission is to be the leading Cloud Native technology company in Africa. They are achieving this through helping African companies leverage cutting edge technology solutions as well as nurturing and growing technology talent on the continent. Since its inception in 2018, Deimos has been at the forefront of Africa's digital revolution, and the Financial Times recently recognised it as Africa’s fastest-growing IT and Software company. What We Discuss With AndrewWhat is the current state of the cloud technology space in Africa?How has the cloud technology space evolved in places such as Nigeria and South Africa since Deimos was founded in 2018?Why are additional cloud regions across Africa crucial for achieving the continent's digital transformation goals? Why Africa's AI capabilities hinge on widespread cloud access and adoption.How African governments and private investors can collaborate to accelerate the development of cloud infrastructure.Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss From Local Grain to Global Brand: Launching and Scaling a Successful Ethiopian Superfood Business? 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) @TerserAdamuConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn at Andrew Mori, and Twitter (X) @marsInternetDo 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 [email protected]