Peju Adebajo

Rocking at the Flourish Africa 2024 programme I am really elated, honestly. When the team @Flourish_ Africa informed us at the start of the training that the programme was worth much more than the grant sum, I believe many us thought, 'here we go again'. I have learnt so much - my brain right now is buzzing with loads of ideas on how to jazz up my business and indeed, new lines one can venture into. I learnt that though the entrepreneurship journey could be lonely, with communities like Flourish and other like minded communities, the journey is pleasurable, adventurous even. You know, some of the buzz words we regularly use I have come to learn are just what they really are are, buzzwords! For instance, that popular and commonly used phrase, 'strategic planning', conveys little to nothing. What we have is 'Strategy' and 'Planning'. Makes more sense, right? It's clearer now what these words mean and how they apply to running a business. Also, I learnt that as women, we should try not do business as men, but we should be businesswomen with the milk of kindness, always 'gifting small goods'; that is, find opportunities to use our business platforms to make the world a better place, no matter how small the action is. It's part of our make up as women to be kind, right? This has to be reflected in our business too. Our facilitators from the International School of Management, Lagos are very clear and precise - no ambiguity in teaching. They're friendly and (very) patient with our women idiosyncrasies. The Flourish team are also excellent in the way they carry us along in everything. Perhaps the best part of the training is the interactive session. This is where we analyse all that we learnt throughout the week, do some brain exercises, ask questions, among others. Here we get practical and try to solve real life business problems and challenges. Thank you Flourish Africa Grant, thank you International School of Management. You guys rock!

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Entrepreneurship, yet another area of concern affected by South Africa’s 🇿🇦 current economic 📈 and political uncertainty. Embark on a riveting exploration of the entrepreneurial landscape of South Africa 🇿🇦 with entrepreneurial extraordinaire Marc Wachsberger, in conversation with Rael Lowenthal . Join us as Marc, a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience, shares his insights, challenges and valuable perspectives about the entrepreneurial future of our vibrant nation . Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader,

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THE SCIENCE OF COUNTRY RISK MANAGEMENT Michael Avery had the kindness to invite me to a conversation on his Monocle Solutions podcast. We spoke about Eunomix's work in geopolitical and country risk (GCR), and on how we developed a unique, datacentric process for measuring and managing GCR. We then focused on #SouthAfrica's government of national unity. As at today 27 June there still isn't a GNU. I doubt there will be a functional one. My view has attracted significant criticism. I am a geopolitical and country risk expert. I am a political economist. I am a strategy adviser: It is my job to analyse, breakdown, discover how countries function, perform, succeed, fail, interact, go to war, make peace. This is a specialist field. I don't opine. I don't entertain my own hopes and disappointments, my preferences and dislikes. I am a member of professional institutes. I am bound by codes of ethics that are non-negotiable. Experts are needed. They are the doctors we hate to visit but love to have when we are sick, the air safety investigators who ensure that each air accident make planes safer, the geologists who certify that there is/isn't oil down that well irrespective of the fact that client wants there to be, the accountants who certify that accounts are accurate and true reflections of a listed company's financials. Without experts there is nothing but opinions and make believe. This is not to say that experts are always correct and right and authorative. Theories, conceptual models, data, experience, integrity matter. One should be transparent about them, and how conclusions and recommendations are reached. Without disclosure there is no trust. A challenge of our field is that we deal with a very personal reality: our clients live in their society; have parents, sibblings, childrens, partners, friends there. When their country doesn't work, it pains and worries them. A couple years ago, the CEO of a client company told me at a conference upon seeing me: "I don't want to hear you tell me that my country is f#%*ed, so go away." He wouldn't say this to a safety specialist who warns him of a likely serious issue. He would deal with it. But I heard him, and I hear those who believe my forecasts are just opinions or hopelessness. They are neither. They hold up to scrutiny: in 2016 we accurately forecasting (not predicted - not the same thing) that South Africa would rank as a failed state by 2030 unless politics and policies are changed. Our forecast was accurate at 90% as at 2022 data. Fact! Geopolitical and country risk are measurable. They can be forecasted with great accuracy. And because of this, they are, within degrees of uncertainty, manageable. The likely failure of the GNU isn't opinion or guess or bias against SA. It's calculations and probabilities based on robust social science. Hope isn't a strategy, said #BarrackObama. Knowledge IS power: to prepare, to adapt, to influence. To work! https://lnkd.in/dq4iXp3y

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My final post on the brilliant African Business Chamber (AfBC) conference hosted on 30th May 2024, hosted in partnership with Birmingham City University City Business School’s College of Business. The AfBC provides a voice for African businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals to grow and thrive in the UK, fostering multilateral relationships, trade, and investment between the UK and the African continent. One of the speakers I found very engaging was Olusegun Akande. Olusegun that highlighted that African entrepreneurs like himself were are adding billions to the UK economy by employing British citizens, African Diasporans, Europeans and other ethnicities, contributing taxes to society. He noted that the UK could be more supportive of African entrepreneurs and should stop self-sabotaging, by claiming the desire to grow intercontinental trade relationship with Africa and yet engage in inconsistent and disruptive processes causing great losses to business especially with checks at the borders even with goods from Europe. He gave numerous examples of shipments of imported goods being careless damaged with no respect or sense of responsibility to importers and its only because all costs are borne by the importers including demurrage, financial loss from delayed clearance of goods etc. He cited numerous instances where discretion was used as a weapon of impunity, with no redress. African businesses often faced extended bureaucracy, such as the requirement to provide extraordinary identity documents like marriage certificates for basic processes, which were not required for white citizens. These additional costs were forced onto African businesses, which then had to pass them on to their customers and communities. Funding was also very limited and often subject to objective discrimination. Most business owners had to raise funds from family, friends, and alternative lenders, who are almost always more expensive than the high Street banks. Rounded up his presentation by stating the reality of running a business in the UK was tough and challenging, but with dogged determination, he and like minded business owners were pushing through the barriers of progress, to thrive and add value to the UK economy. He kept it real, was inspiring and enthusiastic about the future of African business contributions to the UK economy. #AfricanEntrepreneurs #UKEconomy #TaxContribution #FairAccessToFunding #SupportForEntrepreneurs #BusinessResilience #EconomicImpact #UKBusiness

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IS YOUR COMPANY CELEBRATING THE BILLION $ GROWTH OR THE HOD..... As we celebrate the Phenomenal Business Success of our Partners – I felt compelled to share the Brilliant EBIDTA Growth Stories along with Pioneering Talent Strategies that we spearheaded along the pathway of the Biggest Steel Producer in the Country, The Most Impactful Rising Brand & the Most Resurgent Electrical Consumer story of the last few years. I am sure you must have recognized these Super organizations. Dedicated Focus on Internal Brand Building + Getting each Employee & Each Manager to set a Personal Growth Target and providing them with all the tools necessary to achieve BLOW OUT Success. YES behind the shouting & all the external noises - you can quietly move a couple of BILLION $ in sales..... Re-Define BUSINESS EXPANSION, Re-Define Organizational Development, RE-DEFINE Learning & Development for the GEN NEXT. We have been Witness to the best Transformational Experiences in Corporate India: Tata Group, ITC Group, M&M, Airtel, Axis Bank, Accenture, Alembic Pharma, Colgate, Crompton Greaves, Decathlon, Pepe Jeans London, REDBULL, JSW, Sodexo, Vodafone, Wartsila. Welspun and many more. https://lnkd.in/gJ-HTVXQ FOLLOW 👉 www.hp1.club 👈 https://lnkd.in/djdn7KNa https://lnkd.in/dvNQMz-n https://lnkd.in/dDMBJhMX We welcome you to GO BEYOND the regular and experience the NEXT GEN HOLISTIC Corporate Transformation Initiatives with us. Our Premium High Impact Transformational Learning Initiatives are now in Full flow Pan INDIA. Starting from :: 1:: First Time Managers + Young Leaders Initiative 2:: 1st Time GM & VP's Learning Initiative :: Moving on to Senior Leadership with Mindfulness 3:: High Performance Culture Offsites with Wellness Blend & ESG Awareness 4:: HR 1st Initiatives 5:: Our Award Winning HOLISTIC NATURE LEARNING INITIATIVES 6 :: NEXT LEVEL SALES GROWTH MINDSET Program's USING CREATIVE RESILIENCE. ALL Programs can be Customized as per the CEOs Vision and Organizational Mission Vision 2025 & Beyond. https://lnkd.in/d6YXGqJH 👆 “ WE WORK WITH THE TOP GLOBAL LEADERS AND DESIGN AWARD WINNING INITIATIVES TO COVER THE SALES GAP, LEADERSHIP GAP, TRUST GAP, EXECUTION GAP, FASTER THAN THE COMPETITION. “ Our Nearest Holistic Nature Learning Centre @ Karjat is in Full Flow now - 90 mins from Mumbai Airport, 100 mins from Pune. Pan India Learning Initiatives have started across Goa, Rishikesh, Nainital, BLR and other Metro center's as well. On Behalf of the Office of :: Dr. Himanshu Panth Founder:: Creating Happy Places 2 Work Research Transformation LEAD:: Sharing with INDIA MOVEMENT Telegram ID: Dr. Himanshu Panth

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to back some of the best companies in Africa? Look no further than Kola A., a Venture Capitalist and entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the African investment landscape. In a recent episode of my podcast, The Grinders Table, Kola shared his journey from corporate finance to angel investing and his perspectives on the evolving startup ecosystem in Africa. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1. The Evolution of the African Investment Landscape Kola's journey from building a startup to becoming a pivotal investor in the African ecosystem is a testament to the growth and dynamism of the market. He reflects on the early days when VC was quite expensive, to the current state where local capital is increasingly fueling the ecosystem's growth. 2. The Human Side of Venture Capital One of the most profound insights from Kola was his approach to investing with Ventures Platform Fund - "it's not just about the potential returns, but also about the people behind the companies". Kola's philosophy is clear: building great companies doesn't require you to be a jerk, and there's immense value in fostering a positive culture and treating people with respect. 3. Balancing Act: Family, Work, and Personal Passions Kola's candid sharing of how he manages his demanding schedule while being present for his family and indulging in his love for the arts was inspiring. He debunks the myth of work-life balance and instead advocates for deliberate planning and prioritization. Kola's experiences, insights, and wisdom are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of startups and venture capital in Africa. Listen to the full conversation here - https://lnkd.in/efZTHcnQ

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Warwick welcomed Professor Tshilidzi Marwala チリツィ マルワラ [丸笑], Rector of the United Nations University, who delivered an insightful address to over 120 staff, students and members of the public this week. Professor Marwala, an authority on artificial intelligence (AI) and its educational applications, gave the Distinguished Africa Lecture on his vision of the transformative potential of AI in higher education and its implications for Africa. ------- Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala joined the United Nations University (UNU) as the University’s seventh Rector on 1 March 2023. In that role, he holds the rank of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Since January 2018, Prof. Marwala served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, in South Africa. Under his leadership, he has positioned the university within the fourth industrial revolution to harness solutions to help Africa achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He has been a visiting scholar/professor at Harvard University; University of California, Berkeley; Wolfson College, University of Cambridge; Nanjing Tech University (China); Central South University (China); and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. Prof. Marwala has extensive academic, policy, management, and international experience. His research has been multi-disciplinary, involving the theory and applications of artificial intelligence to engineering, social science, economics, politics, finance, and medicine. He is a co-holder of five patents. Prof. Marwala is, inter alia, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the Academy of Science of South Africa, the African Academy of Sciences, and the South African Academy of Engineering. He has served on a variety of global and national policymaking bodies, including as Deputy Chair of South Africa’s Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Chair of the Africa Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things in Rwanda and Chair of Africa Health Research Institute. He has also worked with the United Nations through agencies such as UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, and WIPO. Prof. Marwala is the author of more than 20 books ― including Leadership Lessons from Books I Read (2021), Leading in the 21st Century: The Call for a New Type of African Leader (2021), and Closing the Gap: The Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa (2020) ― and dozens of book chapters, journal papers, and conference papers. He has published more than 200 magazine articles and newspaper op-eds. Prof. Marwala has received numerous awards, including the Order of Mapungubwe, South Africa’s highest honour, and the Academy of South Africa’s Science-for-Society Gold Medal, and was named the 2021 IT Personality of the Year by the Institute of IT Professionals South Africa. Since August 2023, Prof. Marwala has become a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s (newly created) Scientific Advisory Board. #PublicEngagment

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“In 5 years, half of the African population will be generation alpha (born after 2010) and a third of the world’s Generation Alpha will be in Africa! Education, Education, Education!” Tawfik Hammoud, Exco member of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Indeed, the continent needs more school: this is Enko Education’s mission! Let’s talk more about education.

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Despite its name, the AfCFTA actually goes well beyond the creation of a free trade area – it is about forming a continental market. Yet the wording ‘free trade’ understandably provokes adverse reactions in certain quarters,

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Another great step in building the CFO Community in East Africa! The latest edition of CFO Magazine is now available. You are only one click away from the knowledge, experience and insights of top CFOs in East Africa.

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As I reflect on the month of April, I’m grateful for the celebrations and the hard work. The one I want to share today is Michael Ohene-Effah and LeadAfrique International unwavering commitment towards a transformed Africa through creative and responsive leaders. During the month of April we invested in about 35 female parliamentary candidates. In Ghana's evolving political and economic landscape, women's leadership is vital for driving diverse policies and sustainable growth. With less than 10% female representation going into the 2024 elections and under 13% representation in the 8th parliament, closing the gender gap is essential. LeadAfrique International and Center Party International Sweden's Empowering Women in Politics (EWIP) program aims to boost women's participation and influence, building their confidence and campaign strategies. This has become more relevant as majority of news reports after the 2024 primaries highlighted setbacks in women's representation. Increasing women's leadership to at least 25%—close to the global average—brings unique perspectives to policy discussions, improving decision-making and addressing various issues, from healthcare to gender equality. Research shows a positive link between women's representation and economic growth. Women in policymaking prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, driving economic development. Moreover, it breaks the cycle of gender inequality, inspiring future generations of women leaders and fostering inclusive societies. We look forward to seeing the over 60 women trained in the first and second cohorts of EWIP contributing to diverse, inclusive, and prosperous societies. With cohort 1 graduates already making strides in effective governance and sustainable growth, it's time to invest in women's success for Ghana's benefit. It's time to recognize and invest in the transformative power of women in politics. We wish all the participants the best of success in the elections. #empoweringwomeninpolitics #closingthegendergap #youcanhaveitall

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CITY SCOPE AFRICA MCM Chris Ogbechie is a Professor of Strategic Management and the Dean at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University. He is also a visiting professor at Strathmore Business School, Nairobi, Kenya. He has vast experience in marketing, strategy and corporate governance derived from his work as Head of Marketing/Sales at Nestle Nigeria and his consulting work with Nigerian, Ghanaian and Kenyan firms over the years. While in Nestle, he held international positions in Malaysia, Singapore and Switzerland. Professor Ogbechie teaches strategy, sustainability and corporate governance at the Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business in Nairobi, Kenya; he is also the founding Director of the School’s Sustainability Centre. His research interests are in strategy in turbulent environments, strategic leadership, board effectiveness, and corporate sustainability. On January 1, 2021, he became the fourth dean of Lagos Business School where he has responsibility for setting the strategic direction for the School, as well as overseeing all academic and administrative matters. He has several publications in financial services marketing, strategic planning, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. His first book “Strategic Marketing of Financial Services in Nigeria” (2011) provides essential information for marketing practitioners, especially in the financial services sector, for improving the effectiveness of their marketing. His second book “Re-engineering the Nigerian Society through Social Marketing” (2012) is his contribution towards changing societal values in a positive way. Professor Ogbechie has been involved with several start-ups. He was Chairman, Board of Directors, Diamond Bank Plc and is on the board of several private and public companies including; Red Star Express Plc (FedEx), National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc. (NASCON), Health Partners and Palton Morgan Holdings. He has a first-class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester University, an MBA from Manchester Business School and a PhD in Business Administration from Brunel Business School in the UK. Professor Ogbechie has penned several journal papers on corporate governance and sustainability notably: ‘How Large is Too Large and How Small is Too Small? Exploring Kuznets Inverted-U Relationship and Optimal Board Size in Nigeria Company Boards.’ International Journal of Business and General Management, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in SMEs: A Shift from Philanthropy to Institutional Works?’ Journal of Business Ethics and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria: Western Mimicry or Indigenous Practices?’ Journal of Corporate Citizenship. Cc: Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University #MCM #CSR #sustainability #engineering #business #finance #marketing #corporate #governance #cityscopeofpeopleandplaces

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🌟 Women in Leadership: Redefining Excellence Across Africa 🌟 As we continue to champion women's achievements and contributions, it's essential to highlight the impact of women in leadership roles across various industries. African women leaders such as Graca Machel, Amina J. Mohammed, and Tsitsi Masiyiwa have also made indelible marks across the continent. Graca Machel is renowned for her advocacy work on women and children's rights, Amina J. Mohammed for her diplomatic efforts in promoting sustainable development and gender equality, and Tsitsi Masiyiwa for her philanthropic work through the Higherlife Foundation. In Ghana, women leaders like Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana, and Beatrice Agyemang, CEO of Media General, are making significant strides in their respective industries. Patricia Obo-Nai's leadership in the telecommunications sector and Beatrice Agyemang's contributions to the media landscape are driving innovation and growth in Ghana and beyond. Moreover, women in strategic communications like Esther Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa, and Elsie Addo Awadzi, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, are instrumental in shaping communication strategies and driving change in their respective fields. Their leadership and expertise are paving the way for more effective communication and reputation management in Ghana and beyond. In every industry, women are redefining leadership by bringing diverse perspectives, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. From technology to finance, healthcare to education, women leaders are making their mark and shaping the future of their industries. Research shows that companies with diverse leadership teams, including women, are more innovative and profitable. Despite facing obstacles such as gender bias and limited opportunities, women continue to thrive and excel in leadership positions, proving their invaluable worth in the corporate world. 💡 My take: Leading the Trade Marketing efforts at Aphro Ghana, I've had the privilege of collaborating with talented women who have brought creativity, resilience, and passion to our initiatives. By embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying women's voices, we've not only strengthened our brand but also inspired positive change within our organization and beyond. Let's celebrate the achievements of women in leadership and recognize their pivotal role in shaping the future of Africa and beyond. Together, let's empower, support, and uplift women to continue making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable world. #WomenInLeadership #ExcellenceAcrossAfrica #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #TradeMarketing #LinkedIn #Africa Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how women are redefining leadership across Africa! Don't forget to mention names of women leaders who inspire you in the comment section!

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#SchneiderElectric and @Enactus have partnered on three initiatives aimed at upskilling youth in energy in Africa 🌍 The Enactus Core Programme, The Battery Innovation Challenge and The Mentorship Programme will inspire students at universities across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya to become #ImpactMakers through entrepreneurship. 🌟 ⚡There’s a growing demand for skilled workers in the renewable energy sector, which is projected to reach 139 million jobs by 2030. These three initiatives are part of Schneider Electric’s Youth Education and Entrepreneurship program's 'New Skills for Future and Innovation' agenda – focused on boosting the capabilities of young people in the energy transition. 🤝 The collaboration between Schneider Electric and Enactus aims to empower youth, foster innovation, and drive positive change in local communities. With a two-year partnership and the potential to scale up in additional regions, the partnership demonstrates the organisations’ commitment to empowering youth and driving sustainable development. 💚This what the Enactus leadership team have to say about this meaningful partnership. 💚 Learn more about these exciting initiatives here - http://spr.ly/6047dKDuJ - SE Youth Impact Through Learning #ImpactCompany #YouthImpactThroughLearning #Enactus #EmpoweringLeaders

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Good advice for anyone.

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This article beautifully captures the essence of collaboration (which was a key focus at the recently  concluded African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative General Assembly)  as a catalyst for innovation. By highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives, synergy, and shared knowledge, it underscores how bringing together individuals from various backgrounds can lead to groundbreaking solutions. The comparison to mixing ingredients in a recipe vividly illustrates how each participant's unique contribution enriches the final outcome. Indeed, as the African proverb suggests, while solo efforts may be swift, collaborative endeavours ensure sustainable progress and long-term success #WeAreAWEC Oge Austin-Chukwu https://lnkd.in/eA3mp3P8

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Africa Projected to Experience a 65% Surge in Millionaire Growth Over The Next Decade – Report In a recent report by Henley & Partners - The Firm of Global Citizens®, Africa is projected to experience a 65% surge in millionaire growth in the next 10 years. This growth in wealth is projected to be fueled by strong growth in key sectors such as fintech, eco-tourism, business process outsourcing, software development, amongst others. Read more👇 #africa #millionaire #fintech Simon Gabbay Adrian Faccio

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