Nourishing Africa

WHAT'S IN YOUR STOCKING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?So, by now many of us have the tree up, as well as stockings hung and hampers packed. One item that's almost never missing from those stockings and hampers? – Chocolate! But do you have any idea WHERE your chocolate comes from and all that goes on behind the scenes before the chocolate finds it's way to the store shelves? Listen on to find out.

“BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE…”Or for you it might be warm outside but world over the temperatures have dropped for many and folks are trying to keep warm as best they can. Thinking of more healthy beverage options? Well, we present to you – Rooibos tea! What is that you say? Well listen to find out.

Africa is arguably the most exciting coffee producing continent. This rich, dark beverage enjoyed around the world pays homage to its African roots, no matter where it’s enjoyed. Our continent not only produces fruity coffee beans, but coffee is intricately tied to cultural norms and practices. From the highlands of Ethiopia where coffee was first discovered, to the rich soils of Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Malawi. In this episode we take a deep dive into Africa’s coffee, highlighting the 19 countries that boast quality coffee, exploring coffee culture, and predicting the future of our morning java. The episode features industry experts Sara Yirga, Founder and CEO of YA Coffee, and Vern Long, CEO of World Coffee Research.

In this podcast episode, we had a most insightful conversation with Kevin Govender, an expert on the subject of shared economies and author of "The Rise of the Sharing Economy: Access is the New Ownership". Kevin takes us through everything we need to know about how African agribusinesses can leverage the shared economy model to increase access to inputs, resources, and tools to improve productivity, increase income, and scale their businesses.

In this exciting podcast session with Claudia Castellanos, Founder and Managing Director of Black Mamba Foods, Eswatini, Claudia shares her experiences taking Black Mamba chilli products from the local markets of Eswatini to Germany, Norway, the US, UK, and other countries. She provides incredible and practical insights on perseverance, research, certifications, inclusive and ethical business models, deep knowledge of your products, and the power of networks. Tune in for an incredible learning experience! Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

On this special edition of our Nourishing Africa podcast with Evelyn Wangary and Uzoma Ayogu we highlight the groundbreaking work that African youth are doing in the Agribusiness space and how the work they do is changing the narrative of African agriculture. Our guests also share their personal experiences and tips on thriving as youths in the African Agribusiness sector.

In commemoration of world milk day, we had an insightful conversation with Fisayo Kayode, an expert in the dairy value chain. Fisayo answers several burning questions that affect the different players in the dairy value chain. She further emphasizes the need to utilize technology and capacity building to close the gap wide gap in the African dairy value chain. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

For our thirtieth episode, we spoke with Janet Machuka, the founder of ATC Digital Academy, on the importance of brand visibility. Janet shares easy and practical tips that entrepreneurs can apply to their brands to increase their customer reach and build a reliable brand. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Several entrepreneurs struggle with creating quality pitches that are needed to win their businesses' funding, investments, or recognition. However, there are critical elements that a winning pitch should have that entrepreneurs might be missing, thus, on this episode of the Nourishing Africa podcast, we are joined by Seun Sangoleye, the Mum-in-Chief of BabyGrubz. Seun has won multiple pitching competitions in her time as an entrepreneur, and we will be learning from her wealth of experience how to create an excellent pitch that will help boost your agribusiness. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

On this episode of the Nourishing Africa Podcast, we celebrate International Women's Day 2021 by engaging three powerful women in the African agriculture sector, Jolene Dewason, Mitslal Kifleyesus-Matschie, and Ndid Nwunelii. Listen in as these women share their visionary work, strategies, and practical recommendations for women to thrive in the agriculture and food landscapes in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In Africa, the substantial post-harvest losses pose serious threats to food security on the continent. In spite of the various technologies that have been developed and deployed to assuage food losses, the African agri-food sector is still grappling with a myriad of post-harvest issues. In this episode, Dr. Dan Asare-Kyei, the CEO of Esoko, provides practical insights on optimizing technology for efficient post-harvest management in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Join us on the first podcast episode of the year, where we engaged with Kalpana and Breda of the Sight and Life Foundation on how entrepreneurs can contribute to improved nutrition on the African continent through food systems innovation. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The dairy sector is a source of livelihood for millions of people across Africa as there exist a plethora of enterprises in the value chain. However, these businesses operate at minimal levels of production and are struggling to attain profitability. Thus, it becomes imperative for experts in the dairy sector to intensify efforts on capacity building and advisory services that could help scale the businesses of actors in the dairy sector. In this episode, Dr. Asaah Ndambi, a Senior International Animal Production Specialist at Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, provides insights on some sustainable approaches to building an inclusive and profitable dairy business in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Access to market remains a major constraint posed to most entrepreneurs especially in the agri-food value chain. This inability to connect to buyers, suppliers, and distributors contributes significantly to food waste and loss. Thus, it becomes imperative for value chain actors to bridge the existing gap by ensuring an efficient distribution system that links food producers and their produce to markets and consumers. In this episode, Samuel Munguti, the CEO of Farmers Pride, a one-stop online-to-offline marketplace platform that connects village level farmers to relevant information, and credible agriculture services provides insights on some viable paradigms to building an effective and profitable food distribution chain in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we are joined by internationally acclaimed Chef Pierre Thiam, the founder of Yolele Foods (https://www.yolele.com/) as we explore the dynamics of food within African culture. Chef Pierre is well-known for his steadfast promotion of African food across the globe and he shares his journey as an African chef showcasing African cultural recipes, successes, challenges, and how he was able to build a reputable brand. He also discusses the importance of showcasing African food to the world rather than hiding it and deeming it inferior to other cultural cuisines. Listen in as Chef Pierre provides critical insights and strategies that African agri-food entrepreneurs can apply not just to scale their businesses, but also to contribute to the global promotion of the African food culture. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Like all economic ventures, agribusiness is prone to a variety of natural and man-made mishaps that could easily wipe out the entire assets of the business. To this end, insurance is a vehicle through which businesses can thrive. Thus, it becomes imperative for players in the agricultural value chain to have business insurance to mitigate against contingencies and unforeseen risks associated with their enterprises. In this episode, Baron Omiji, the Head of Agricultural Desk at Anchor Insurance provides insights on the need for insurance, and various forms of insurance packages peculiar to agribusinesses. Music from https://filmmusic.io "Energizing" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It is becoming more important for agri-food SMEs to have a healthy, interactive relationship with their customers. Recent digital trends have seen blogging becoming increasingly popular for keeping customers engaged, receiving feedback, understanding their needs, and responding accordingly. In this episode of the Nourishing Africa podcast, Siyabonga Mngoma discusses how agri-food SMEs can use blogging to drive customer engagement. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

To be successful in the agriculture sector, or any sector at all, it is necessary to prioritize employees. In this episode of the Nourishing Africa podcast, Funke Okuwobi, the HR Lead at Sahel Capital shares top ten strategies that agri-food entrepreneurs need to know about recruiting and managing top talent to achieve business growth. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this podcast episode, Mr. Taiwo Ogunleye, gives very useful insights on how to effectively manage outgrowers to maximize profit and minimize losses. Outgrowers programs are not so common due to the high risks it comes with, such as – poor management, disloyal outgrowers, and cattle invasion however, Taiwo shares helpful tips such as effective management and supervision, and how they can lead to a successful and very profitable outgrowers program. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Many entrepreneurs struggle to find the perfect niche where profitability merges with vision, sustainability, and impact. Our guest speaker, Ezinne Uzo-Okoro has created a niche in the agriculture sector with Terraformers, a platform that connects local edible gardeners to homeowners. In today’s podcast episode, Ezinne shares key insights on how she has leveraged an untapped opportunity to create a niche for herself. Among other things, she emphasized the need to use a business model canvas and shared the link to a free template that entrepreneurs can use. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In today’s podcast episode, Moses Mallaghan shares tips on how agribusiness owners can remain relevant through the development of innovative and customer-centric products. He places emphasis on the importance of marketing, focusing on key agricultural chains and leveraging partnerships to drive product innovation and adoption. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In today’s podcast episode, Zubby gives reasons why agri-food entrepreneurs need to pay attention to strategic branding as a means to scale up their agribusinesses. He also points out key strategies that entrepreneurs can use to build a sustainable brand. More resources on branding has been provided by Zubby here. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Brand visibility can be directly linked to increased revenue. Despite this, many agrifood entrepreneurs have not utilized the various branding opportunities available to them. So, how do you get more people to know about your brand? Nike Majekodunmi explains how she effectively uses technology to increase her brand visibility. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Agriculture has long been perceived as a male-dominated industry and so, it comes as a breath of fresh air to see women thrive in the same space. Our guest, Mbali Nwoko, a successful young female farmer shares how; proper research, an invested passion, a focused business mindset, conscious networking, and being an unapologetic female, are top strategies for women who want to win in the agribusiness landscape. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

“…It is a matter of survival for any business who wants to stay afloat to adapt one or two digital technologies…” – Segond Fidens Iragena. For many of us, technology is integral to our daily lives. but just how important is it in the growth of businesses, especially during a global pandemic? Our guests, Segond Fidens Iragena and Modou N.S N’jie, share how they have effectively applied technology to their businesses and how that has led to substantial growth, even during a global pandemic that has seen several businesses close down. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Legal requirements and best practices can make or break a business, particularly when scaling. Our guest speaker, Seun Timi-Koleolu simplifies the legal steps you need to take when considering growing your business. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Have you ever considered franchising your business? Chiagozie Nwizu explains what you need to know about integrating a franchise business model in agribusinesses. He details the business requirements within this business model, the benefits of franchising, and the opportunities this model brings to the agribusiness sector in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

“…Most people work in their business… rather than on their business…” – Nokwazi Mzobe In this episode, Nokwazi Mzobe delves into the fundamentals of creating a valuable business model that would lead to sustainability and growth. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

“…Capacity building is a process of adding value to your business in a way that takes it from point A to point B in a profitable and sustainable manner.” – Ifedayo Ibironke Often times entrepreneurs are more focused on their business operations and subsequently neglect the need to ensure that they continuously build the skills and capacity for their staff and themselves. Ifedayo Ibironke discusses the importance of capacity building for agri-food entrepreneurs. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

“…Food safety is paramount… each one of us has a role to play in it.” – Johnson Kiragu The pandemic has left many food processing entrepreneurs scrambling to figure out how to remain operational while maintaining a safe and COVID-19-free environment that their customers can trust. Our guest, Johnson Kiragu talks on how to ensure food safety in food processing keeping in mind your workers and consumers. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In order to sustainably grow, your workforce needs to buy into your business’ vision. However, ensuring that workforce to be fully invested in this vision can be a tough task. On this episode, our guests, Kellan Hays, and Sunday Silungwe share critical insights and tips that can help you increase your staff’s productivity. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Miriam Kimani, Njoki Thuo and Purity Wangui tackle the issues of poor representation of women in agricultural research and the necessary steps needed to change this. As women conducting research on pest free farming, they discuss recent development in the space and the potential for women engagement in agricultural research. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Several businesses around the world struggle during a global crisis; some are lucky enough to pull through while a lot of others collapse under the strain. Nike Amani and Tsitsi Mutendi in this podcast give valuable tips on how to build a sustainable business during and beyond a global crisis. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

A business cannot be sustained without loyal customers and clients but building this customer base is not easy. Isioma Emina shares tips on how to generate customer loyalty in a crowded market. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Canva is helping millions of businesses illustrate their ideas through design. Through their free online graphic design tool, you are able to create graphics that bring your brand to life. In this episode, Robyn King explains how to effectively use this online tool for your branding needs. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Many female entrepreneurs struggle to obtain financing for their businesses. This challenge is not necessarily due to a lack of funding opportunities but rather the lack of knowledge of these opportunities. Our guest, Yvonne Ofosu Appiah shares her insights on how female entrepreneurs can position their businesses to attract funding. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Our guests, Victor Afari and Ralph Roothaert discuss the importance of production and consumption of African Tropical Vegetables and how these vegetables can be a source of wealth for agripreneurs in Africa. Music from https://filmmusic.io “Energizing” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)