Dear Young Afrikan

Wrapping up Season 3! Thank you all for listening and going with me on this journey. We will be back soon with Season 4! Follow us for more inspiring content! Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

In a world where everyone seems to have made it, feeling like you have been left behind is something we are not strangers to. Whether it is a close friend telling you they have just received a promotion, or had a baby or recognized internationally for their work, the nasty feeling of jealousy often shows its head in such moments. So how do we navigate this feeling? Is it possible to stay happy for a friend and still be jealous of them? My good friend; Sharmaine Tariro Muchemwa and I hop on pod to discuss this thing called jealousy and share our own experiences with it. Absolutely relatable content! Follow us for more content! Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

Today on the podcast I am speaking to a young Afrikan who through his work is trying to close the data skills gap in Africa. But his journey does not begin there. Before setting up Blossom Academy, Jeph encountered challenges that would almost take him off course. Listen to this episode to find out how challenges that were meant to break him instead built him. Jeph's Website: https://www.jephacheampong.com/ Blossom Academy: https://blossom.africa/ Follow us for more content! Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week we are highlighting the brilliant work of a young African who is currently a PhD Researcher focusing on Water & Development, Digital development, Infrastructure. Academic research papers are only useful if they are applied to make change, so one of things we want to do on the podcast is highlight the research work of young Africans focused on the development of the continent. If you know any young African who has worked on a brilliant research paper, do let us know! You can email us - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com Have a great week! Godfred's paper Linkedin: Godfred Amankwaa Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week's episode features the host of the Dear Young Afrikan Podcast! Lol, yes, it's a solo episode! I almost didn't record this because i had a speaker lined up and things just didn't go as planned. But in the spirit of staying consistent, here i am with 3 Questions You Need to Answer Before 2022 Ends. I hope you are inspired into action as usual and challenged to be a better version of yourself as you listen to this. Let me know your comments or questions. Send me a dm on IG or facebook or email me at dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com Have a wonderful week! Social Media Link to my article on building your capacity.  Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast, i am speaking to Anthony Dzamefe, CEO of Caveman Watches - Ghana's first watchmaking brand. Anthony started as a human signage at the airport but he says he was hungry for more. We spoke about how his mind works and what sparked the idea to build and sell his own brand of watches instead of selling other brands. Anthony highlights the lessons he's taken from his environment and how they have shaped his approach to life and business. On mentorship he says, more than choosing a mentor, you have to be chosen by the mentor too. He offers practical advice on how to deal with mentors based on his experience. Anthony also challenged me to think differently about this podcast on something we discussed called the "survivorship bias". If you are a budding entrepreneur, this is an episode not to miss! You can support Anthony's business here Social Media Linkedin: Anthony Dzamefe Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week's episode is a bit unusual. I am speaking to one of my closest friends about a recurring theme in our conversations - friendships and purpose. There is the saying that you don't get to choose your family, but you get to choose your friends. I believe so strongly that the friends we make and how we individually understand purpose and pursue it, define so much of the outcome of our lives. In a nutshell, this episode feels like eavesdropping on a conversation between two really good friends. Enjoy! Social Media Instagram: Mordechai Storm Olupot Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast i am speaking to the youngest member of the communications team at the Ministry of Energy in Ghana. Shadrach Owusu shares his experience and reflections on governance as a young African who gets to be part of the daily operations of one of the most pivotal ministries in Ghana. He reflects on the struggles of making sure over 30 million Ghanaians are well informed of the ministry's operations. We also discuss what has allowed him to thrive at his job and what his exit plan is if the incumbent government leaves office in 2024. As the saying goes, 'heavy is the head that wears the crown' and Shadrach is very clear in his submissions that 'governance is not for the faint hearted' Social Media LinkedIn: Shadrach Owusu Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

Ever heard the saying ‘Not all heroes wear capes?' This is especially true for today's episode. We are speaking to a food systems hero from Ghana who through what started as a school project has built a social impact business that is solving the problem of food wastage and loss in Ghana. Mathias joined the Enactus club in university and worked on a project which led to his interaction with a 56 year old Ghanaian woman who was losing one-third of her farming produce. Find out what happened next on this episode. Find Mathias and his work here Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

October happens to be #BlackHistoryMonth in the UK so the timing couldn't be better for this first episode of season 3. Today on the podcast I am talking to Tino Chibebe, a young Zimbabwean man who now lives in Belgium. He shares how and why your looks could be a key determinant of how you are treated in the venture capital space in Belgium. His book - The Black Opportunity: Conversations on Belgian Venture Capital and Afropean Entrepreneurship explores how the inclusion of black voices in the venture capital space will shape the world for generations to come. We dive into his experience writing his first book, how he almost gave up writing it and why he kept going. Tino also shares his experience of racism in Belgium and how he deals with it. We wrap up the conversation discussing his ties to Zimbabwe and how his work is connected to the African continent. Tino is the first Zimbabwean we have had on the Podcast so I am pretty excited about that! Get his book here Follow Tino on LinkedIn Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

Hi podcast fam! We are back! After a long hiatus, we are back with conversations with young Africans across the globe. New episode drops every Monday! Don't miss out! Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

It's a wrap for Season 2 of the Dear Young Afrikan Podcast! This season we had guests from all over Africa speaking on diverse issues from climate change, to the global cocoa value chain, to entrepreneurship in Africa, to the habit of doing hard things and many more. I would love to know which one has been your favourite episode and why. Send me a dm on Instagram or send me an email - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com. Thank you so much for being part of this community we are building! Season 3 is still being marinated and will be served when ready! However, we are not going to be silent on our social media pages, so keep in touch with us. Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week's episode is a continuation from last week. Isaac Mutemi (my guest) and I continue to delve into other elements of Pan-Africanism and why it matters for Africa's development. Given that Isaac is skeptical about the success of Pan-Africanism, i challenge him to offer a suitable alternative. Isaac also also left a word of advice for young Africans. Don't miss out on this episode If you are an economist of African and Caribbean descent and would like to connect, support and inspire other economists just like you, the Black Economists Network is the place to be. Check out this link: www.tben.co.uk/. Isaac and I are part of this group. Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast we are talking about something that most Africans can identify with but isn't something we have constructively delved into to understand what it actually means. We are talking about Pan-Africanism. That spirit, that ideology, that brings Africans together. But truly does pan-africanism do that? Should Pan-Africanism be glorified given the many challenges the continent faces. It sounds ideal to say Africans should come together for one big purpose given that we share many challenges but the question is does that spirit of pan-Africanism lead to any change at all? Isaac Mutemi is a Kenyan public policy analyst who joins me this week to discuss the topic. It is fair to say Isaac does not really hold Pan-Africanism in high esteem but before you raise your guns at him, maybe you should hear his argument. This conversation takes a lot of detours as we chat so brace yourself for a good history lesson. This episode will be in two parts so do make sure you follow up next week for part 2. Enjoy. If you are an economist of African and Caribbean descent and would like to connect, support and inspire other economists just like you, the Black Economists Network is the place to be. Check out this link: www.tben.co.uk/ Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast we are talking about a contentious subject - climate change. The skeptics say the climate crisis is a hoax, however most scientists believe it is an imminent crisis that must be taken seriously to protect the planet. Given that we live in a globalized world, Africa is not free from the effects of the crisis. In fact, Africa stands to lose more than other continents if the climate crisis gets worse. Joining me this week is the co-founder of Eco-Amet Solutions, David Ewusi-Mensah who is also a PhD researcher in Environmental Engineering. We discuss why Africans should be concerned about the climate crisis, how it relates to the development of the continent and the role young Africans can play in the fight for a safer planet. David hosts the Green Living Chats Podcast which delves more into everything green! Make sure you check out his amazing podcast. Green Living Chats : https://glcpodcast.ecoametsolutions.com/ Social Media Instagram: Eco Amet Solutions Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast we are in the land of Zambia and we are speaking to a young African woman who has made it her mission to raise a generation of African investors. Miss Chanozya Kabaghe developed an interested for investing during her undergraduate studies. She was surprised how clueless many young Zambians were about the investment opportunities in their country. Since then, she has come out of her shell to become a financial literacy educator, helping people to make money through local investment opportunities in Zambia. She joins me on this episode to share what the journey has been like since she started and her top tips for investing. If you are a Zambian listening to this episode, her online investment classes come highly recommended. You can reach her via Instagram below to sign up! Social Media Instagram: Chanozya Kabaghe Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast we are discussing elections and leadership in Africa and to help us break this down, I invited my good friend and fellow Amanfo), Emmanuel Adu Amofa. He joins me to talk about the factors that influence voter patterns in Africa, why clientelism has and hasn't worked in African elections and the tools used by African youth to effect change for the continent. I put Amofa on the hot seat and asked him to give his assessment of the incumbent government in Ghana. Given the current difficulties the country is facing, i thought why not hear what a political analyst has to say. Don't miss out on what he had to say. Join our online community by following us on social media using the details below: Social Media Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan Linkedin : Emmanuel Adu Amofa

My friend and professional troublemaker, Kwame Asamoah Kwarteng joins me on the podcast this week. Kwame loves to tell the world that he is a cocoa farmer's son but he is more. He is an Agricultural Policy Analyst and a Cocoa-Chocolate Industry expert. We discussed the reasons why small holder cocoa farmers are the least paid in the global cocoa-chocolate value chain and the power imbalance that exists between the large corporations in the West and the major supplier countries being Ghana and Ivory Coast. Kwame also touched on the systemic problems in the global cocoa-chocolate industry that are linked to the colonization era and the Living Income Differential- an intervention to support cocoa farmers, and why it has failed to meet its intended purpose. But it's not all doom and gloom, Kwame offers solutions and sends a passionate message to young Africans which you don't want to miss. If you are new to the cocoa sector, consider this episode a free crash course on global cocoa-chocolate industry. You are welcome. Find Kwame's articles here : https://cocoadiaries.substack.com/ Social Media Linkedin: Kwame Asamoah Kwarteng Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

You don't always get to sit down for close to an hour with one of Uber's top executives, so when Jessica Poku accepted to be on the podcast, it was such a special moment for me! When Jessica graduated from Duke University, it was hard to find work or at least work that she actually wanted. But she is quick to take full responsibility saying “ the reason I was without work was because I didn't have a plan when I graduated”. Since that episode of her life, she's become an aggressive planner having multiple back-ups just in case the original plan fails. She opens up about what a bad day at work looks like, the imposter syndrome she still faces and how she deals with it. The shift from being Country Manager in Ghana to Global Operations Lead she admits has been quite challenging. We also discuss STEM education in Ghana, how she is supporting more women to get into influential roles at Uber, her love for Kanye West and her music career which she is yet to pursue full-time. Fun fact: when Jessica was 16, she and girl squad released an album with 20 tracks! Trust me when I say this episode is goooood! I would love to hear your thoughts after you listen. Send me an email or voice note - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com Social Media Linkedin : Jessica Poku Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

You might have heard the popular saying “Naija people no dey carry last”. This week I am speaking to one of such young Nigerians. Chidi Nwaogu is a serial tech entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and software developer. He has a reputation for building businesses and selling them at some point. He started learning to code at age 13 and by 16, he had created 9ja Boi Interactive, a video game development company. We talk about his purpose, why and how he builds businesses so fast, how he and his twin brother went from being atheists to Christians and why he believes God is a major part of his success. Chidi is very passionate about seeing more Africans win. In his own words, he says “I could be a success story right? But that is not enough. We need a million and one success stories from Africa”. If you have an idea you want to transform into a business or if you are in the process of building something, this is an episode not to miss. Chidi gives us a crash course on how he moves from having ideas in his mind to building a profitable venture. Social Media Linkedin : Chidi Nwaogu Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week on the podcast we are in Kenya, specifically a town called Mariakani which is about 2 hours away from Mombasa. I am speaking to a young lady who has defied the odds and pursued her dream of fixing problems with her coding skills. She codes about 100 hours a week but that doesn't stop her from being an avid reader and writer. She read 58 books in 2021 and has been a consistent writer of technical articles, newspaper content, blogs and much more. She is also the author of the book 'Of Scattered Tears' which is available on Amazon. When Mr. Fred Swaniker; Founder of African Leadership Academy spoke to her in 2021, he called it “The most inspiring conversation I've had this year”. Firdaus H. Salim is our guest on the podcast this week and she shares how and why she does all these hard things. Social Media LinkedIn: Firdaus H. Salim Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan Mr. Fred Swaniker's article about Firdaus: “The most inspiring conversation I've had this year” The book by Firdaus: " Of Scattered Tears" Firdaus' blog - Betascribbles

This week I speak to a Ghanaian youth activist who grew up in the slums of Accra in a place called Chorkor. This young African does not hold his tongue when it comes to issues of national development and that is something he says he got from his mom. “…my mom would be like if you don't like something, say it, if you are not comfortable, say it” he shares. He shares how growing up in the slums and schooling in the Northern part of Ghana have shaped his purpose and drive. We spoke about youth representation and why that matters for national development. The hottest policy debate in Ghana right now- the E-levy, also came up in our chat. We agreed and disagreed on some areas of our discussion but that's what makes a good conversation isn't it? Whether you are big on youth activism or not, this is one not to miss. Emmanuel Odonkor is my guest this week on the podcast. Social Media Linkedin : Emmanuel Odonkor Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

We kick off season 2 with a conversation I had with Alfred Afutu; co-founder of Konzoom. Konzoom is an online grocery delivery service based in Accra, Ghana. What makes Konzoom outstanding? They promise to deliver your order in 60 minutes and according to the young co-founder, that's a promise they keep with every single order despite the heavy traffic in Accra. We spoke about his move from Germany where he lived with his wife and had a well-paying corporate job. He shared what inspired the move and we spoke about expectations versus the reality of starting a business in Ghana. We also discussed his plans to extend beyond the borders of Ghana to serve other neighboring countries such as Nigeria. If you are in Ghana and would like to get your groceries delivered, you can reach them using the website details below: Website: Konzoom.shop Social Media Instagram: Konzoom Instagram: Dear Young Afrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

We have been silent for a while but we are back and better! New Episode every Monday starting 21st February. Subscribe now so you don't miss out! Also, help us tell a friend about the Podcast! Follow on social media for more updates Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

It's just been 3 months since i launched the podcast and season 1 has already come to an end. In this short episode, i reflect on starting a podcast and what i have learnt during this time. In a world of endless content, thanks for every second spent listening to this podcast. We will be back with Season 2 in the New Year, bigger and better. I look forward to hearing your feedback on Season 1 via email @dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com -------------- Social Media Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

Disability is not inability. Many would agree with this statement but what happens when you have to be served by a shop attendant who requires some extra time because of their disability? As an employer, would you be intentional about employing persons with disability or you feel they will be a liability? This week, Mabel Suglo joins us to share why she employs mostly disabled people and rural women for her business. She admits the journey has not been easy but she is quick to add that it is nevertheless fulfilling. We also discuss the pressing need for more inclusive spaces for disabled people especially in Africa, the lessons learnt from working with people with disability, how she runs her social enterprise and her plans for the future. You can donate any amount to help the disabled community that Mabel supports using this link. -------------- Wesbite: Dignified Wear Facebook: Dignified Wear Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This week i speak to a young African women who took a bold step to leave a stable corporate job to pursue her dream in Agribusiness. Her zeal was met with her first big failure in the first farming season where she run at a loss. "I cried" she says. But she bounced back with lessons learnt and renewed vigor to do better. In our conversation, she breaks down the several aspects of Agribusiness and shares the diverse opportunities in the field. It's not just about farming! She also shares how her fear of failure influenced her to choose Agric Science instead of General Science at Secondary School and how that ended up being a blessing in disguise. We talk about how Ghana as a country can do better in the Agric space and the need to reform how Agric is perceived in the country. Ama Afriyie Mensah is my guest this week and i have no doubt you will enjoy this conversation! Social Media Facebook: Witama Agribusiness Limited Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

This is the final episode for the 10 Commandments series I started a couple of weeks ago. If you have not listened to the other ones, please check out episode 4 & 5! In this episode, I discuss why it is necessary to dig deeper to discover the treasure that you are and why you should avoid shortcuts. “Shortcuts will cut you short” I say. I also touch on the need to be bold and shine in every space that you find yourself, then I end with a beautiful scripture on why and how we can keep our eyes on the prize and finish well this year. If you have enjoyed this series, I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Let me know which commandments you personally live by as well! Send me an email – dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com Social Media Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

"Chichi" as she is affectionately called by many, has a way of breaking down mental health in such a relatable way. She says "mental health has everything to do with everything" and that for me captures how seriously it should be taken. In this episode, we discussed how she discovered her purpose and how she and her team help over 1000 mentees across Africa through Mentor to Mentor, an organization she started in Malawi. Chichi also talked about signs of slipping into poor mental health (you should really listen to that part!) and how to deal with it. To wrap up, she shared two personal failures and how she overcame. You will love this episode! You can read more about her organization here- https://www.mentor-to-mentor.org/ Social Media Instagram: chichimmanga Facebook: Chichi The Therapist (you can message her through her facebook whatsapp line) Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook: Dear Young Afrikan

Episode #5!!! This episode is part 2 of the series i started last week, so if you haven't checked out that one please go listen to it! The Bible has some wonderful lessons for the Young African if you pay attention to it and that's what i try to highlight in these series. I talk about being intentional about the thoughts we process, seeking counsel and even how to reach out to potential mentors and finally, diversifying not just the sources of your income, but your relationships, experiences and skills. I am sure you will enjoy this one. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Send me an email - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com I would really appreciate it if you could share the episode with a friend or just drop it in a whatsapp group you are part of! ---------- Social Media Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook : Dear Young Afrikan

In this episode, i talk about some biblical principles which have shaped the way i think and live. These principles are relevant for all, not just Christians so stick around even if you are not big on faith. This is going to be a three part series so make sure you follow up on the next episodes as they are released. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Send me an email - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com I would really appreciate it if you could share the episode with a friend or just drop it in a whatsapp group you are part of! ---------- Social Media Instagram: dearyoungafrikan Facebook : Dear Young Afrikan

When you speak to Violet Awo Amoabeng, you will immediately realize she's passionate about her mission at Skin Gourmet. She believes in it and on this episode she even agrees it's her purpose. We talk about how she started the business with 145 cedis, daddy's printer and an unshakable zeal that would stop at nothing. Today, Skin Gourmet sells in 17 African countries and to that, Violet says " 17 is not even a dent...we want Worldwide" That's how driven Violet is and to any young African hoping to step into the waters of entrepreneurship, this is for you. Along the way we talk about her mentors, marketing strategy, challenges and many more. Enjoy! Please support the work of Skin Gourmet at skingourmet.com and checking out "Skin Gourmet" on all social media platforms ---- I love hearing your feedback even when it makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes! So please send me your thoughts - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com

In Episode 2 i get a bit personal. I share a bit of my frustrations on the rejections i have been receiving after applying for jobs and how i deal with the disappointment. If you have received countless rejection letters as i have, i am sure you understand how disappointing it can be. I also talk about purpose and i even share one of my favourite poems with you which i recorded in 2019. And Oh, the phenomenal Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is part of my personal story of turning on the music. Don't worry, it will make sense once you listen! I would love to hear from you and how you deal with rejection and it doesn't have to be rejection that only comes from job applications. You can send me an email - dearyoungafrikan@gmail.com If you loved this episode, please share with a friend and subscribe for future episodes!

Whew! So it begins! After long hours of Youtube tutorials on how to start a podcast, listening to Larry King on how to ask good questions, endless conversations with myself in the shower, and 7 hours of editing, this pilot episode is ready for the world. On this episode, I share why i decided to start a podcast and the struggle of doing something worth doing. I talk about the excitement that builds up in us when we have new ideas and how they eventually fade out. Enjoy!