1000 African Voices

This episode features our Executive Producer and Host, Avhurengwi as he bids farewell to the listeners of 1000 African Voices. Tune in to hear how the podcast came about and his general views on the Podcast space on the African continent. You can reach Avhurengwi on acnengovhela@gmail.com

This episode features Tsitsi Mutendi who has been successful as a Fashion Creative director - Mucha; Media Professional (Created Zimbabwe's first Glossy Women Empowerment Magazine - Jewel Magazine Zimbabwe), and Magazine Publisher/Editor-In-Chief. She has been dubbed the Queen of Start ups. She has always enjoyed starting new entities and watching them grow and succeed. From her experiences she became the Co-Founder of African Family Firms, the biggest African Family Business Association on the globe; Owner and Administrative Director of Montessori Primary School; Business Services Consultant at Nhaka Legacy Planning, an estate planning firm helping family businesses create lasting legacies. The most exciting thing about Tsitsi is that she does not intend to stop improving the world any time soon. Her passion for business and her passion for people continuously inspire her to keep creating. She is a leader that will never stop leading. Linkedin: tsitsi-mutendi Instagram: @tsitsi_mutendi Twitter: @TsitsiMutendi Website: www.tsitsimutendi.com

This episode features Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo, a Cameroonean who is the founder and president of Young African Aviation Professional Association, a non-profit organization that creates a platform of exchange between industries stakeholders and the next generation of aviation professionals in Africa. The aim of YAAPA is to meet up with future demand of skilled workers in the industry. Her mission being to raise awareness of aviation as a potential career, particularly in those communities which may not ordinarily be exposed to aviation. As part of YAAPA’s outreach program Fadimatou introduced the Heleta Aviation Scholarship Programme to encourage underprivileged children in rural areas of Africa to consider aviation as a future career choice. She is also CEO of HEFA Group, her aviation consultancy firm. Fadimatou is the winner of the IATA High Flyer Award 2019 and the Commonwealth Point of Light Award 2019, she was an international visitor leadership program alumnus in 2016. She has been selected for the Global leadership in international aviation. Linkedin: fadimatou-noutchemo-simo Facebook: @fadimatounoutchemo Instagram: @fadimatou_noutchemo Website:https://www.hefagroup.net/ https://www.yaapa54.org/

  This episode features Solomon Serwanjja, an investigative reporter and anchor of the Live @9 Bulletin on NBS Television. He is also the Uganda correspondent for KTN News in Nairobi. His reporting focuses on politics, human rights and good governance. He is a well-known journalist and his passion for investigative journalism highlighted his desire to make positive change in his native Uganda. He is a recipient of the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) Award and the 2017 Bbale Francis Best Male News Anchor of the Year Award. At the United Nations, he plans to cover the global response to the refugee crisis in Uganda, the UN role in South Sudan's recovery and progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education). He has won the 2019 BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. He is impressive in, not only with his eloquence and passion for telling African stories, but also with his commitment and bravery in uncovering what's in the public interest. Linkedin: solomon-serwanjja Facebook: solomon-serwanjja Twitter: @SolomonSerwanjj Instagram: @SolomonSerwanjj

Yawa Hansen-Quao - Founder of Leading Ladies Network; African Leadership Network Member; Leadership Consultant to UN This episode features Yawa Hansen-Quao. Born in Ghana, raised biculturaly as she grew up in the United States of America, she returned to her home country with a fire in her heart. Having fought for all things right and honourable in university she continued her fight when she finished her studies and created the Leading Ladies Network (LLN), a resource and relationship base for young women as they take leadership roles in government, civil society, corporate organizations and others. Through its Female Leadership Advancement, Mentoring and Empowerment Series, LLN trains young women to be instruments of social change, supporting them in all areas and preparing them to be servant leaders in their chosen fields. These women carry out projects to improve their societies and are prepared to take on further leadership roles. Yawa continues to fight because she understands what women are capable of achieving when they are taught to embrace everything that they are. She knows that the battle will continue for years to come.   Linkedin: yawahansen-quao Facebook: yhansenquao Twitter: @yawahq Website: www.emergingpublicleaders.org Shermaine Hombarume – Finance Officer and Amateur Cook from Zimbabwe now living in the UK Shermaine Homabarume from Zimbabwe and now living in the UK. Shermaine is a highly motivated and driven Finance officer with years of experience in business environments. Her confidence, tenacity has helped her build a track record for account handling and client satisfaction A broad knowledge of a wide range of financial practices, including financial assessments. When she is not worried about balancing the books, Shermaine is in the kitchen experimenting with different kinds of ingredients.  In the episode Shermaine focuses on family, childhood memories and the role of music and love in her cooking. She takes us into the kitchen and remembers the bygone era when she was a young teenager in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This episode features Charlot Magayi, Environmentalist; Influencer; Founder of Mukuru Stoves. She was born and raised in Mukuru - one of the biggest slums in Nairobi Kenya. She grew up in a community where cooking with a lot of fuel was a norm. But when she and her own child started getting sick from the fumes that were emitted by the regular stove, she took it upon herself to improve her life, while at the same time improving the lives of all underprivileged people in Africa. She put herself through college and used her skills to create a stove that would use less fuel, emit less fumes and reduce the likelihood of getting burnt. Having dropped out of school at 16, it took a lot of commitment and determination to even start on a journey to save the world. Mukuru Stoves have become internationally known and Charlot has won awards for her environmental awareness. Change can come from the humblest of beginnings, but strength comes from some of the harshest. Charlot has made it through both and come out on top. Linkedin: charlotte-magayi Instagram: @charlottemagayi Twitter: @charlottemagayi Website: www.mukurustoves.org

This episode features Melene Rossouw, born and raised in Cape town. She got her start as an activist early in life when she was elected into the Student Council at University. Knowing the struggles of women and girls who grew up in poverty, Melene was motivated to form and develop the Women Lead Movement, an organization whose aim is to educate, empower and inspire women to lead social change in their communities through Human Rights and Leadership training curricula. Melene is an admitted Attorney by the High Court in South Africa; a 2018 Obama Foundation Leader: Africa; 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow and an internationally recognised Gender Rights activists by ONE Global Campaign.  She never dreamed, when she was called a backyard dweller as a child, that she should one day be recognized throughout the world as an activist, that she would make a difference, that she would actually possess powers that could change people’s lives. Linkedin: Melene-Rossouw Facebook: Melene-Rossouw Twitter: @MeleneRossouw Instagram: @MeleneRossouw Website: www.womenleadmovement.org

This episode features Lyrical Mycheal, a vibrant young man from Uganda whose passions for the arts run deep. From a young age he enjoyed drawing and playing football, but decided to pursue music so as to express his opinions and feelings. His music was very well received throughout Central and East Africa and he received notable awards and nominations. Lyll Mykk then decided to fortify himself and started up his acting career. Because of the fulfillment he was getting through his artistry he started the Wuluguma Art Foundation. The foundation is a charity organisation using the power of performing arts to transform the lives of gifted young people with disadvantaged backgrounds. He started aclothing line LM Apparels. Because of his passion for fitness and athletics, he opened up a health and fitness centre called Bych Bodys and encourages the community to live healthy. In this episode we talk about politics in #Uganda, #BobiWine, #GenMuseveni. The conversation will catch you by suprise.Linkedin: lyrical-mychealFacebook: lyricalmychealhttp://www.facebook.com/WulugumaInstagram: @lyricalmychealTwitter: @lyricalmycheal

This episode features Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa - affectionately named “Mama Cancer” by her own community, she has experienced cancer on a very personal level. Shamim took her experiences as a sign and a push to help others and, hopefully, prevent them from going through what she did.  Shamim empowered herself and, armed with the technology and information available to the current generation, she incorporated artificial intelligence into medicine. With the inventions from her company she has managed to find ways to improve the livelihood of many Africans.  She has proven, not only to herself, but to the world that regardless of the number of punches life throws, fighting back can be beneficial to one’s personal self. She has restored hope to Uganda, her home country, and to the world and, more importantly, she has fullfilled her mother’s wish.  Linkedin: shamim-nabuuma-kaliisa Twitter: @NKaliisa

Nelson J. Kwaje lives by three words - People; Technology and Transformation. He has made it his life mission to transform Africa using the skills he has acquired over the years. He is Founder of WEB4ALL Limited and Design to Transform; Co-Founder of Alela Technologies; and Social Media Manager of #DefyHateNow.The teams that that he is a part of in all the companies he works with are focused on making the lives of people easier through the use of technology. To help companies build an online presence; improve people’s livelihood and help youth share skills; transform communities and make the right career choices.His observations drove him to manage #defyhatenow, which is an urgent community peace building, training and conflict reconciliation project aiming to strengthen the voices and support the actions of peace and youth-oriented civil society organizations in South Sudan. Facebook: Nelson-KwajeTwitter: @nelsonkwajeInstagram: (@nelsonkwajeLinkedin: nelson-kwaje

This episode features Kamo Magabane, IT Consultant, Process and Business Analyst and Junior Project Manager and Leroy Tau, Author Speaker; Relationship Coaching; Self-development; Church Edification and Advancement Teen and Youth Coaching; Events MC. Kamo is a business analyst by profession, an event manager by passion and a business woman by default, but before anything else, she is a mother and a wife. She is thought leader, a social activist and an influencer. Kamo was born, bred and buttered in Pimville, a township in Soweto, South Africa and studied her Bsc Degree in IT at Midrand Graduate Institute, now known as Pearson institute of Higher Education, South Africa. In 2015, she started a self- love, confidence and body positivity movement called Redefining Beauty Organization which all started in celebration of Women’s Month. Kamo is for women empowerment and is not apologetic about it. In this episode, Kamo tells us more about on her journey in the field of IT and her passion for growing and being for Women. Kamo believes if you want to achieve what you want in life and pursue anything, you have to Go Big or Go Home and Sleep. Twitter: @ThatKamza Facebook: Kamo Magabane Instagram: Kamo Magabane Leroy Tau is a born speaker who discovered his talent in church. He realised how vast his abilities were when he found his path. He co-authored and authored books that brought him into the lime light. Born in Soshanguve, one of the biggest townships in Pretoria-capital of South Africa, Leroy expanded what he was when he decided to focus his energies on helping people build stronger relationships. He realised that only through helping the bonds that people make can he help make the country better. As his own strengths grew he extended the help he provides to coaching youth and teaching people how to develop themselves. Leroy has become a sought after speaker and MC because people have realised the power his words have in helping them. The power his words have in driving them to achieve, and be more in every avenue of their own lives. Facebook: @sgleroy Instagram: @lsgleroy Website: http://www.leroytau.co.za/

Having travelled across the African continent as a cargo pilot, Francois understands the African continent more than most. With friends they embarked on a journey across Africa cutting across 16 different countries until they encountered customs officials in Djibouti in East Africa. Francois has been travelling the world since 1993 mostly as a pilot on a Boeing 747 freighter. As he travels he takes portraits of people on the streets it provides him and his followers a glimpse into the human soul. Like most travellers, Francois enjoy food and sightseeing.  In this episode we talk about beauty, why he went into photography, the joys and tribulations of being a pilot and what makes Africa such an alluring tourist destination for travellers.  On Instagram, which is his preferred platform you can connect with Francois @FrançoisLuxembourg

Amir is an Egyptian citizen who currently lives in Cairo. He lived in South Africa for 6 years where he ended up imprisoned before completing his life long goal of studying geophysics. In 2007, Amir was admitted into an undergraduate degree in geophysics at Ain Shams University in Cairo. He graduated in 2011 and started searching for a job in the oil and gas industry. In 2012, he received a 30 day Visa to visit South Africa but never left. This episode explores the reasons he decided to break the rules which landed him in prison and why he felt this was worth the risk. Growing up, he always wanted to be a motivational speaker but nothing could have prepared him for the life that he endured in South Africa once his Visa had expired. Through these trials and tribulations, Amir managed to graduate with both an honours and a masters degree in his chosen field. Amir Abouelrous is a customer care agent at a telecommunication company in Cairo. He gives motivational talks at an educational centre during his spare time and studies physics for an hour or two every day. His goal remains to continue his research and become a motivational speaker. He lives by the motto - Never stop moving, even if it’s very slowly, towards your goals and dreams.

Samantha brings diverse experience from her entrepreneurial career from Aircraft Interior Refurbishment to discovering Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi whilst on a kayaking expedition and starting Kayak Africa. Her story is legendary in the sense that she spent 5 month traversing the deserts of Namibia where her brand originated. Her desert salt adventure started by packing bags on her dining room table. She has a 12 year old son Kiran. She is passionate about Salt and regards it as an underrated seasoning. Her products have been well received in most restaurants and retailers due to their organic nature. Before starting Orynx, Samantha ran an NGO for seven years, which used music to spiritually and emotionally uplift children in rural communities. Looking for a business opportunity after the birth of her son, she happened to come across this natural mineral-rich salt from the Kalahari Desert. While Skyring has broken the retail ceiling, she hasn’t wavered from her personal commitment to run a business built on uplifting lives. In this episode she talks about her journey to founding her company, things that keep her grounded and why she loves travelling across the different African countries.

Nthabeleng Khabutlane, Accountant, CEO and Founder of Fezi Auditors and Consultants. Nthabeleng is a life long student of accountancy. She runs her firm, Fezi Auditors which has experienced good growth since inception. She juggles managing her family with running the firm and is busy with her masters degree at the University of the Free State, South Africa. In this episode, Nthabeleng talks about some of the challenges that comes with starting and successfully running a business, her ‘big’ family, books she reads and what she does during her down time albeit that has become a rare event. She has has and continues to serve of various boards and has chaired many audit committees. Her experience spans the financial sector, manufacturing sector, construction, engineering, government and parastatals. Lastly, she loves Ladysmith Black Mambazo.      

Lizl Naude is a Social Entrepreneur from Cape Town, South Africa. She is the founder of Lilly Loompa, a company that creates beautiful homeware made by upcycling waste material. Lizl grew up in the valley-town of Paarl, in the Winelands of the Western Cape.  She was influenced by the natural beauty that surrounded her; the smell of the wet vineyards after a rainstorm, the purple mountains and the wide expanse of the night-sky.   She is a self taught designer and initially started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. As an Innovator, she lives by her motto: “Use what you have”, and this philosophy has led her to start a movement of converting junk into beautiful, usable products. She is also a Director of The Chosen Foundation, a Non-profit company focussing on restoring families through facilitated training and travelling. This episode contains lots of gems of wisdom about environmental care and life in general.  

Chrissa is a textile design MA graduate from the world=renowned Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London. She was born and raised in London, but her roots are very much Ghanaian. This is the country from which she draws her inspiration. Other countries that are of significance in her life include Togo and Benin. The episode focusses on understanding the duality that describes Chrissa’s life and attempts to understand how she successfully navigates her two worlds. What does it take to be an inspirational designer? What does she describe as art and what is her creative process? Amuah, who grew up in London’s Brixton neighbourhood, feels a strong connection to her African heritage. An important part of her designs is Adinkra symbology, which stems from a Ghanaian oral history tradition and is a visual way to communicate important values. These symbols are re-interpreted in her designs, from the obvious to the very subtle. In particular, the values of “wellbeing and social harmony” are powerful drivers in Amuah’s use of the symbols. https://www.instagram.com/amwa_designs/ https://twitter.com/camuah?lang=en

Jackee Budesta Batanda is a creative entrepreneur educating through the power of writing. She is a short story writer, journalist, and Founder and Senior Managing Partner of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd. Jackee has taught 400 students and 20 students have gone on to publish books. She is completing the construction of, The Blue Marble, the first writers' house in Uganda, to provide a safe, intellectual space for writers. In 2019, she was named among the top 40 under 40 inspirational Ugandans and was the 2018/2019 continental winner- training and education category at the Women in Business and Government awarded in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is a contributor in the New Daughters of Africa anthology, a seminal body of work that captures the voices of 200 women of African descent. She has written for publications including the New York Times, The Boston Globe, Guardian (UK), The Mail & Guardian, The Sunday Times, and Sunday Independent (SA), and Aljazeera Magazine. She was named by the Times (London) in 2012 as one of twenty women shaping the future of Africa. She was named among 39 writers under 40 from Sub-Saharan Africa most likely to shape the future of African literature. She has run writing workshops in the US, UK, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi. She is currently at work on a novel, a short story collection, and is ghost-writing two books. https://twitter.com/jackeebatanda?lang=en https://twitter.com/jackeebatanda?lang=en    

Azziad Nasenya, Tiktok Queen, is a rising star in the entertainment industry and social media world.  She is an actress, dancer, model and social media personality. She is 20 years old from Kenya. She went to St Cecilia Misikhu Girls Secondary School and is currently a second-year college student at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication where she is studying towards a Mass Media qualification.  She is passionate about acting, content production and aspires to one day have her own radio show. In 2018, Azziad decided to create a YouTube Channel and began publishing content. A year later she created her first Tiktok post and the rest is history.  In this episode, she talks about her journey to social media platform, her aspirations and has some tips and tricks to share with the listeners. You can connect with Azziad on the following social media channels. https://www.instagram.com/azz_iad/?utm_source=ig_embed https://twitter.com/azziadnasenya?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5iAhMhy57Yfr8bZz89g4-w

Nametso Mathlaga, President at African Woman in Leadership and Director of Matthan Jewellery Collection Nametso Matlhaga is the founder of Matthan Jewellery Collection in Botswana. Her business is passionate about making memories come true, manufacturing jewellery using precious metals like gold and silver, and precious and semi precious stones. The business started in 2010 and today has 5 employees. Her team of craftsmen transform every client’s personal design ideas into bespoke and highly individual pieces of jewellery, making every piece memorable. As a young female entrepreneur with a decade of successful experience in the jewellery manufacturing and retail business, she was selected for, and successfully completed the 2018 Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneur training programme. She is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship, women empowerment, mentorship and a believer in positive thinking. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nametso-matlhaga-72484b162? Gigi Lamayne - African Rap Goddess, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Multiple Award winning Hip Hop Artist Artist & Speaker, Gigi Lamayne was born Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney. She is a 24-year-old South African award-winning rap artist. Rapper, Singer, song-writer and Poet all describe this multi-facet artist. Her poetic skills were developed at the tender age of 11, having her first poem titled “Valentine’s Day” published at the Poetry Institute of Africa under the Anthology – Fairytale moon. Gigi Lamayne later developed her unique writing skills into rap by the age of 16, drawing inspiration from the likes of Jean Grae, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie and Tupac Shakur. Gigi Lamayne’s talent was realized at an exchange programme in the UK under the Richard Branson Scholarship programme at Stowe School Buckingham where her performance earned her the runner‐up position, as well as at The DCS showdown East District in 2011 where she scooped an award in the category: Best in Rap. The quadruple talent has made a magnificent impact on the growth and development of the female MC scene in the African Continent. Twitter - @Gigi_Lamayne www.gigilamayne.co.za

Every successful event needs a great Master of Ceremonies to keep things moving according to schedule and importantly to keep audiences engaged. In Malawi, one of the most popular MCs currently is Judith Msonthi, founder of Judie Emcee, bringing her unique style and personality to enliven any event. In just two years she has lent her voice and stage presence to more than 20+ shows and events nationally and has catered to an audience of over 500+. The talented, young Malawian woman adds yet another feather to her cap, as she is an experienced media personality who anchored various television programs including “Check-In” & “Breakfast live”. Her dynamic, energetic personality, and love for the stage, will set your shows standard, A CLASS APART! Facebook- @judiemsonti Twitter- @Judde63

Tumi Morake is a South African comedian, actress, TV personality, and writer. In 2018, she became the first African woman to have her own set on Netflix. She is also known to be the first woman to host Comedy Central Presents in Africa.[5][6] Since beginning her career in smoky clubs in 2006, Tumi Morake has steadily grown into one of South Africa’s most sought after comedians, earning the title of South Africa’s First Lady of Comedy – not bad for a mother of three and wife of one. Named Free State Icon in 2011, Morake’s edgy brand of comedy has earned her a place as a headliner in comedy festivals all over South Africa. She’s bold, she’s sassy and you simply cannot ignore her. The first woman to host Comedy Central Presents on African soil, Morake has become relentless in her quest to maintain her footing as a comedy tour de force. Morake’s continental claim to fame began as the host of The Big Brother Hot Room, a comical round up of Big Brother Africa. In this episode we talk about what it means to be a female comedian, Tumi's life in the states and the irresistible comparisons between the US and Africa, apartheid and her book, 'And then Mama Said'. You can connect with Tumi on Twitter - @tumi_morake

Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Singer-songwriter, humanitarian and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized and highly respected African singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, Global Health Advocate and Humanitarian. Dubbed the “Princess of Africa” Yvonne has been at the forefront of South African popular music for 30+ years. Born in 1965 in Soweto she released her debut album at 19 “I’m in Love with a DJ,” which sold 35 000 copies in a week and the song “Umqombothi” was featured in the opening scene of the movie Hotel Rwanda. Yvonne is the first African woman to have been awarded the Crystal Award by the WEF World Economic Forum, in Davos in 2012 recognizing her Humanitarian work. Yvonne has shared the stage with megastars such as #Bono, #AngeliqueKidjo, #AnnieLennox, #YoussouN'Dour, the classic rock band #Queen, and South Africans #JohnnyClegg, #MiriamMakeba, and #HughMasekela, to name a few. She has staged a stage with #Beyonce. In the episode we talk about her reasons for her longevity, the value of humanity and respect and how she became a global brand. Twitter - @YvonneChakaX2 Instagram – Yvonne_chakachaka www.yvonnechakachaka.co.za

This episode features Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur andfounder of Afrobotanics and Girl Boss SA. Ntombenhle Khathwane graduated from university in the late 1990s with amission to rewrite the African narrative. She started as a government employeebut her hopes and dreams were always bigger. She wanted to make a biggercontribution and so she ultimately started her own company. Ntombenhle grew up in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. She wants tocontribute to the creation and re-imagining of Africa and the African identityand growing an inclusive economy through creating, manufacturing and retailingAfrican-inspired consumer brands in the beauty and household sectors. Skilledin strategy, brand building, marketing and business development. In 2012 she was in the first cohort of the Goldman Sachs-GIBS 10,000 WomenProgramme.She was named Destiny Magazine 40 Trailblazers in 2011. In 2014 shewas accepted into the Archbishop Tutu-Oxford University Leadership Fellowship.In 2015 she was named Mail & Guardian 200 Young Leaders. In this episode she takes us through her entrepreneurial journey and talksabout her dreams for the African continent. You can connect with Ntombenhle onthe following social media links; linkedin.com/in/ntombenhle-khathwane-b6650615 afro-botanics.com Instagram – afrobotanics @afrobotanics

Edrisah Musuuza (Eddy Kenzo), is a Ugandan singer and music executive who is a member of Big Talent Entertainment.  He has collaborated with #FrenchMontana, #Drake, #Micasa, #Niniola and #ChrisBrown to name but a few. Eddy's type of music is a relentlessly upbeat Ugandan dancehall like Afro-beat. In short, its high energy super infectious music that makes you want to get down. In his life he has overcome tragedy including the death of his mother at his early age. He received international attention after the release of his 2014 single, "Sitya Loss" and an accompanying viral video that featured the kids of his home village Masaka. In total, he has released 4 albums, including most recently, Roots, in 2018. Kenzo has also won numerous national and international awards, including a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award in 2018, a BET Award in 2015, and multiple All Africa Music Awards. He was the first Ugandan artist to win the BET award in 2015. Eddy Kenzo has inspired very many youths out there in Uganda. In this episode he talks about the art of making good music, his beloved Uganda, being a YouTube sensation and his life's purpose. Instagram: @eddykenzo Twitter: @eddykenzoficial

Brian Thomas has served in several senior leadership roles, including Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Healthcare Executive in the Fortune 500, Healthcare and public sector spaces. He is known for delivering innovative and user-friendly solutions to the business partners and customers he serves. Prior to his executive roles, he gained experience in and recognition for dependable performance improvement, leadership, program management and solution innovations. Brian has 20 years experience in technology and healthcare. He has been featured in several publications including the Harvard Business Review, and was recently named one of the Top 100 Chief Information Technology Officers by Richtopia.  He is a regular contributor to CIO Online and the greater IDG organization. In this episode we talk about podcasting, the fourth industrial revolution and #Covid-19. You can connect with Brian on  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianethomas1/ DivergentCIO on Twitter

This episode features Danny Tong (Ph.D Candidate, Serial Entreprenuer, Pan-African Activist and Founder at InvesTong Group) and Boma Harrison (Marketing Director) Boma has a strong marketing background of +14 years of proven results across FMCG categories - Laundry, Homecare, Feminine care, Beauty and Beverages. Over the years she has worked across different markets and regions including the Middle East Africa and Europe focusing on established brands as well as launching into whitespace new brands / categories such as Safeguard, Camay and Fairy. She holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool.She is based in Lagos, Nigeria and in this episode she takes us through life in Lagos, the several countries she has visited followed by a general discussion on her views on both her country and the continent. Its a laid back conversation that you will enjoy.  Danny Tong is the Founder of InvesTong Group. He is responsible for driving Business Strategy, New Business Acquisition, Innovation and Capital Raising for InvesTong Group of Companies. Born and bred in Molelema village in Taung, North West, in a family of five siblings, Danny started his schooling at the Molelema Primary School. He holds an MBA from African Leadership University School of Business (ALUsb) in Rwanda and currently studying for his Doctorate (PhD) with his research topic within the 4IR sphere. His aim is to contribute new knowledge towards the current Industrial Revolution through research and subsequently a Thesis Publication by 2021.https://twitter.com/DannyTong12 linkedin.com/in/dannytongsa  

This episode features Tom Peters, business coach, reader, student, people watcher, researcher, writer and international speaker. Tom is the recipient of the Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award. He virtually invented the modern thought leadership industry. He co-authored In Search of Excellence, which helped create the business book industry – and had a serious impact on how managers managed and how we view organizations. The book changed the way the world does business, and is often tagged as the best business book ever. His blog tompeters.com is ranked #9 among the Top 150 Management and Leadership Blogs.   In this episode, we talk about Africa, his feelings about President Trump and the process that has seen him write 18 books and as always we cover a whole lot more. You can connect with Tom on his favourite platform, Twitter - @tom_peters and for more on his bio visit his website - tompeters.com

In this episode, Tyson takes us on a journey to where it all began. From a call centre agent – to one of Africa’s comedic rising stars. Tyson’s brand of character-driven humour and sharp observations is a distinct addition to Africa’s well of talent.    His is a thrilling blend of stand-up and vocal deftness and he represented his country in Showmax's 'Funny People Africa' - a show curating the continent's rising comedy talents. Tyson speaks fluent Dutch - owing to his first job in a call centre. His subsequent background in media, research and advertising has had a profound impact on his work, which emphasizes story. In 2020, his series of online comedy skits proved a welcome dose of distinctly South African humour amid a grueling lockdown. This thrust him in the spotlight as a notable comedic voice, leading to collaborations with a wider range of artists and brands.   Tyson holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in drama and Bachelor of Journalism from Rhodes University.   Twitter: @tysonngubeni   Instagram: @tysonngubeni  

Trend Analyst Dion Chang helps us connect unexpected dots, as he unpacks skills of the future and the importance of Generation Z - the most pronounced age demographic on the African continent.   Dion was fashion editor at Elle Magazine before founding FluxTrends. He tags himself a global citizen who is proudly South African. The observer. Forever curious.   Twitter: @dionchang Instagram: @dionchang www.fluxtrends.com  

In this episode we speak to a multifaceted South African woman, Tidimalo Sehlako. In this era of innovation, she tells us how she balances entrepreneurship, yoga, and her acting career. Tidimalo is a journalism & marketing graduate. She made it as a top 5 finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, 2014. Instagram: Tidimalo_S Facebook: Tidimalo Sehlako Team Africa Cheerleader, Lerato Mbele tells us why she loves being on the other side of the conversation as the host of “Talking Business Africa” on BBC and shares some of the lessons she has learned from the very best of African excellence. Lerato has worked as a journalist for over two decades, starting at the South African Broadcasting Corporation in 1999. She holds a master’s in development studies with the University of London, and a bachelor's degree majoring in politics and international relations from the University of Cape Town. Twitter: @mbele_Inb @BBCWorld

This episode features Faith Makhubele, a change maker and Tobe Okele, a vibrant Data Scientist.   Faith Makhubele, Medical student,Award Winning Activist and Entrepreneur who never shies away from anything. She shares what it takes to achieve all that she has at 22 years and her mindset when tackling life challenges. She is the founder and CEO of a non profit organization (Unforgettable Smiles) aimed at empowering the lives of children through advancing social and academic change, mental health awareness and security. Twitter: @FaithMakhubele_ Instagram: Faith Makhubele Tobe Okele is an MIT Graduate. She holds a Master’s Degree and is an all round energetic soul. In a world that is getting more technological, she shares her journey to becoming a Data Scientist. In this episode we dive deep into what Artificial Intelligence means and the real impact of the Forth-Industrial-Revolution on humanity. What will be replaced, and what won’t! Instagram: Datatechcon www.datatechcon.com

This episode features Sola Amusan, an AI Leader and Philanthropist and Douglas Ogeto, Co-Founder and CEO of LudiqueWorks. Sola Amusan, an Artificial Intelligence Evangelist, is an UNLEASH Alumnus, HIVE Global Leader, the Author of Are You Branded or Stranded (2010, 2020), a global shaper of the World Economic Forum, a member of the Country Support Mechanism (CSM) of the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund in Nigeria and the President of the 8th Session of the African Youth and Governance Conference. He is passionate about social entrepreneurship as a key to unlocking Africa's immense potential. Twitter - Olusolamusan www.covenworks.com Douglas Ogeto is Co-Founder and CEO of LudiqueWorks, Africa's fastest growing and award winning video game publishing company, game development accelerator and dedicated game fund, committed to growing the video game development and eSports industry on the continent. They have built the largest community of game developers across 16+ African countries as well as eSports in 24+ African countries.  Twitter - @douglasogeto www.ludique.works

This episode features Angad Singh and Rupesh Mittal from India.  Angad is the founder and CEO of Officialhacker.com, a firm that provides the latest information on hacking news, cyber attacks and tips and tricks to make for a safer cyber experience. He is a successful digital entrepreneur who started his blog, officialhacker.com in 2016. It has since become a leading site in the cyber, technology and blockchain worlds. He is also a motivational speaker having started his second blog, belikebillionaire.com to provide motivational stories of people that have succeeded in their fields. You can find Angad on the following channels www.officialhacker.com Twitter - @rootmalware Rupesh is the founder of Mittal Technologies and a Cyber Security Consultant. He started his foundation in order to help students find their interests and also develop skills required for a better future. Rupesh, in his role as a Cyber Security Consultant for the Police Force in India came across many crimes that involved Cyber attacks and decided to expand on his interest. He has completed a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from VNR VJIET, Hyderabad Twitter - @rupeshmittalofc www.rupeshmittal.in

This episode features Celeste Ntuli and Brendon Peterson, Celeste is a Comedian and Actress on one of South Africa’s most watched soapies. Brendon is a Tech Journalist considered an expert in the Industry. In this episode, one of the funniest women in South African comedy speaks about her transformation over the years and how it changed the manner in which she delivers her material on stage, and lastly she shares the difficulties of being a woman in an otherwise male dominated industry.   Twitter: @celestentuli   Instagram: Celestentuli  Brendon Peterson is an overall Tech Industry expert, having worked for Amazon.com as part of the digital media launch team. He also speaks about his own website Reframed.co and podcast alike ReframedTech.   Podcast & Socials: https://linktr.ee/brendonp  

This episode features the one and only Vusi Thembekwayo, Business Mogul, Author, Speaker and Venture Capitalist.  Vusi is the founder of MyGrowthFund & IC Knowledge Bureau. He is a business tycoon and a renowned global business speaker. Vusi is amongst the most accomplished authors having sold over 50,000 copies of his various books. He has successfully built and transformed business in South Africa and abroad.  In this episode, Vusi reveals a secret to public speaking.  Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/vusithembekwayo/ Twitter – @VusiThembekwayo https://vusithembekwayo.com/ #vusithembekwayo   Episode Co-Producer - Bandile 'C-Moody' Lukhele - bandilelkhl5@gmail.com   If you like what we do, please click the Follow button to help us grow and continue to bring you good content.

This episode features Elisabeth Moreno, Vice President and Managing Director of HP Inc. Africa.   In her role, Elisabeth provides country leadership for South Africa and is tasked with driving profitable growth across the company's printing, personal systems and services business across the Africa region.  Having grown up in the island nation of Cape Verde with just over 500 000 people, she has definitely beaten all odds to find herself heading HP Africa. How exactly did she manage such a feat? She has previously held various senior management positions at Lenovo, Dell and Orange. Before joining HP, Elisabeth was President and General Manager of Lenovo in France. This is a rich, high energy conversation driven by Elisabeth's passion for the African continent, HP and technology in general. You can connect with Elisabeth on the following channels; linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-s-moreno Twitter - @1ElisaMoreno #hpafrica #hp 

Chris is an Emmy award-winning motion designer, director, CEO and Chief Strategist of Blind and the founder of The Futur. Dr. Anjali Malik is a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist and women’s health advocate. Chris is the founder of The Futur—an online education platform with the mission of teaching 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love. He currently serves as the chairman of the board for the SPJA, and as an advisor to Saleshood. Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/ Twitter - @theChrisDo YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/chrisdo72 Dr. Malik practices breast imaging and OB/Gyn ultrasound at Washington Radiology. Through her role on the Medical Advisory Committee, she mentors and inspires women to be in charge of their breast and ovarian health. She utilizes her social media platforms as a space for education and empowerment. In addition to her passion for women’s health and education, she is a frequent speaker on health literacy, advocacy and utilization of social media in medicine. Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anjalimalikmd/?hl=en Twitter - @AnjaliMalikMD #1000AfricanVoices

This episode features Ayanda Borotho, Actress, Author, MC, Speaker, MC, Entrepreneur, Mother and Wife. In the episode Ayanda talks about her 400+ page book, Unbecoming to become and the process of writing a book. We cover wide ranging topics from parenting, the death of George Floyd and the meaning thereof. She explains why she has never attended an awards ceremony even though in 2020 she was nominated for this year’s United Nations Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Under 40, Global 100 awards. What makes Ayanda tick and what does she really care about? How is she as a parent? If you would like to scratch beneath the surface then this episode is for you. Just a warning, this episode contain 'heavy' content. Instagram - ayandaborotho #blacklivesmatter #Icantbreathe #unbecomingtobecome #Isibaya

This episode features Linda Raimondo and Giulia Bassani from Italy.   Linda is an aspiring European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut, physics student, television presenter, author and science traveler. She is passionate about space and has always wanted to be an Astronaut.  Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/Astro_linda/?hl=en Twitter - @AstroLinda99  Facebook - Linda Raimondo LinkedIn - Linda Raimondo  www.ragazzimondadiri.it    Giulia is an Aerospace Engineering Student, Italian writer of science fiction, science communicator and an aspiring astronaut. Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/Astro_giulia/?hl=en Twitter – @Astro_Giulia Facebook - Giulia Bassani  LinkedIn - Giulia Carla Bassani  #Italy #Astronaut  #1000AfricaVoices #4IR 

This episode features Ismail El Azizi from Casablanca, Morocco and Lissa Njenga from Kenya. Ismail is a UX/UI designer who enjoys helping people turn ideas into great products. He is also a Figma ambasador. Twitter - https://twitter.com/smailelazizi;  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ismail_elazizi/; https://ismailelazizi.com/ Lisa is an African Union Youth Ambassador based in New York Twitter - @mlnjenga

Professor André Roux has been the Director of the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) at the University of Stellenbosch since 1996. He also lectures on economics and futures thinking on numerous programmes at MBA and executive education programmes. In this episode he talks about what futurists do and his views on alternative future scenarios. As an economist and futurist, how does he think COVID-19 will impact the world?  You can find Professor Roux at the University of Stellenbosch. You can find Professor Roux at the University of Stellenbosch thinking about future scenarios without making predictions.  

Marek Zmysłowski is a Polish-born Entrepreneur, Investor, Advisor, Speaker, Bestselling Author. He co-founded Jumia Travel – Africa’s Biggest Hotel Booking Portal listed on NYSE as part of Jumia Group and HotelOnline.co – a Travel Technology Company. In 2014, he was chosen as one of the Ten Most Important People in Tech by IT News Africa Magazine.  https://marekzmyslowski.com/ Twitter - @marekchinedu

This episode features two guests from two continents and working in two different fields. Maria Yolanda Nlang is a data scientist from Belgium. Dean McCoubrey helps learners acquire digital life skills. Dean is the Founder of MySocialife (https://www.mysocialife.com), Owner of Mediweb South Africa and Editor in Chief of LuxuryTravelEditor https://www.mysocialife.com/; Twitter - @MediawebSA; LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/deanmccoubrey Yolanda is a Senior Consultant at EY (Data Scientist) and the Founder of Nátch (a platform that promotes tech amongst women). linkedin.com/in/maría-yolanda-bile-nlang-b049574b

Mushambi Mutuma, CEO, Author, Speaker and Tech Entrepreneur Mushambi has over 12 years of experience building brands and businesses across Africa and the US. His company focuses on African engagement in tech and digital industries. In this episode he talks about COVID-19, Tech, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. You can connect with him on the following channels http://www.mushambimutuma.co/ Twitter - @mushambimutuma  

John Lombela, Blockchain and Crypto Advocate   In this episode John gives a masterclass on blockchain and cryprocurrencies. He is a graduate of Tshwane University of Technology, the University of Liverpool and the Anglia Ruskin University. If you ever wanted to know about blockchain in detail then this is the episode for you.  Twitter - @JohnLombela https://johnlombela.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlombela/    

Josh is a Computer Programmer, Serial Entrepreneur, Futurist and IoT Evangelist. He is the President of Internet of Things Network Hub (IoT Network Hub Africa) Africa, the fastest and largest growing Tech community in West Africa, with chapters in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Gambia.Josh is also the Founder of Entrepreneurs Network Hub, a community envisioned to bring all aspiring, budding and serial entrepreneurs with grit who are self-motivated to be the next generation change makers in Ghana and the Africa Continent. You can connect with Josh on Twitter - @joshoaotoo pesonets.com; iotnetworkhub.com; pesfoods.com

David Kamunyu is an independent, self-taught video game developer and the owner of the Kenya based Broken Helmet Entertainment studio.    If you have ever wonder about the process of building a video game from scratch then this is the episode for you. Press Play and enjoy the conversation.   Twitter @davidkamunyu @BrokenHelmet blog.brokenhelmet.co.ke   #4IR #FourthIndustrialRevolution

Tunde Badmus is the Black Panther of Digital Marketing. He is among the top intellects and martial artists of the world, a veteran marketer, and a member of the Google Digital Garage.   Tunde started from humble beginnings having invested in a small Internet Cafe, then running a blogging site to now being well on his way to building a full technology company with ambitious goals. Press play for a journey into the 4th Industrial Revolution. Twitter - @tundebadmuss LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tunde-badmus-44673153/ https://sparksomething.com.ng/  

Enrique Serrano Aparicio (Spain), is an IT Engineer, Speaker and Entrepreneur. He is on https://enriqueite.com/ and on Twitter - @EnriqueITE Our second guest couldn't be more different. Her name is Fadila Ahmad Abdulrazaq (Nigeria and Ghana). She is the founder of www.africanslivingfully.com. She focuses on the future of work, lifestyle design and travel. You can reach her on fadila@africanslivingfully.com; Website: www.africanslivingfully.com; Social Media handles: Instagram: Fadila_AAhmad; Linkedin Fadila Ahmad Abdulrazaq 

Professor Ian Louwrens holds two doctoral degrees: one in applied mathematics and one in theoretical physics. His alma materae are Johns Hopkins University and Lomonosov Moscow State University. His business focuses on business analytics and economic development. In the episode we explore the meaning of Artificial Intelligence, mathematics and the practical implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution on the African continent. Press play to hear his views on COVID-19, AI, Robotics etc. You can reach Professor on the following sites; http://thepleiadesgroup.co.uk/home.html https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepleiadesgroup/?trk=ppro_cprof #dataanalytics #artificialintelligence #4IR