Brandon Johnson

I'm thrilled to highlight the incredible contributions of my good friend,Kola A. to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kola, through his fund Ventures Platform Fund has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of the VC landscape in Nigeria, being at the forefront since the early days. Like me, Kola relocated from America to Africa around 14 years ago. Witnessing his journey and the impact he's made since then has been nothing short of inspiring. In 2010, (which was the same year that I founded Venture Garden Group) both of us took a leap of faith into what was then a nascent ecosystem, and the strides we've made since are a testament to what's possible with dedication and resilience. He started first by building companies from scratch, with his Emerging Platform company, like we did. I still believe that Africa entreprneurs need VCs with that type of experience. Before he moved on to setup the fund, Ventures Platform Fund . The way, we also moved on to setup Greenhouse Capital following the brutal journey of building Venture Garden Group - our Venture Studio/ Venture Holding company. From building companies from scratch and scaling operations in some of the world’s most challenging markets, to raising capital in fluctuating economic climates and supporting other founders…and then on to creating an institutional Fund, Kola’s journey deserves to be shared. This story must be told. So that other entrepreneurs, investors, corporates from all over the world, that want to do business in Africa- can learn from our successes, failures, and everything in between. Maybe it even evolves into various forms of documenting this experience: like a podcast, a book, or even a movie. Who knows? Congratulations, Kola! I’m so proud to see all that you have achieved and the paths you are paving for future entrepreneurs, emerging venture capitalists, and business leaders!

100

7 Comments

The entrepreneurial scene in Ghana is poised for a significant shift with the introduction of the Ghana Students-Preneur and Innovation Hub (GHaSPIH) Competition. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and IBONWORLD is designed to cultivate and highlight the inventive concepts of students in Ghana. If you possess an innovative business idea… Read more: https://lnkd.in/eP7dkjYA #businessblogger #DTCofficial #TechInnovation #innovations #ideasthattransform #techblogger #entrepreneurship #competition

2

1 Comment

Please join Beverly Anderson and me for a virtual fireside chat tomorrow from 7 to 8PM ET 🗯 I’ll share my journey of co-founding and building Gold Coast Securities, an investment bank in Ghana, ICV Partners, and now IMB Partners, a $1 billion Holdco and SBIC Fund. Register using the link below:   https://lnkd.in/eU5h8SS4   == IMB Partners is a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing attractive middle market companies in utilities/infrastructure and government contracting. We believe diversity is an asset that helps us to build stronger businesses and communities.   #privateequity #mergersacquisitionsdivestitures #alternativeinvestments #entrepreneurship

204

9 Comments

The Electricity Act 2023 will shape the future of Nigeria's power sector. PwC's latest report explores its potential impact. Read more in the 14th PwC Annual Power and Utilities Roundtable report: #PowerRoundtable #ElectricityAct2023 #PwCPRT2023

1

Dive into this week's #AliTalksTech round-up. Key topics shaking up Africa's tech scene: 3i Africa Summit 🌍✨ From 13-15 May 2024, Accra hosted the 3i Africa Summit. Over 3,000 industry leaders explored the digital economy and fintech, encapsulating climate and social risks. A powerful snapshot of Africa's fintech potential. 🌐💡 ICT Authority Bill: A Threat? ⚖️🖥️ Kenya's contentious ICT Authority Bill could dampen innovation with tough accreditation rules. The impact on job creation and youth empowerment is worrying. 🚫🚀 #Cybersecurity: Financial Services at Risk 🔒💳 Nigeria's Flutterwave encountered a significant fraud attempt, underlining the mounting cybersecurity risks in Africa’s financial sector. 🕵️‍♂️⚠️ Bank of Ghana & Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Digital Trade Initiative 🌐💱 A Bank of Ghana and MAS pilot promotes eCedi and digital token cross-border trade, aiding regional MSMEs and fuelling digital trade progress. 🤝🌍 Copia Global: Road Ahead 📉🛒 Nairobi's B2C platform Copia Global grapples with a shaky future and potential layoffs. Comparatively, GoBEBA and Vituzote.com prosper, raising questions on the sustainability of venture capital in the informal retail sector. 📊🚚 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more updates on Africa's tech ecosystem! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/eq5PxWci

11

Every day, I’m driven by a passion for innovation, policy transformation, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Whether it’s advocating for inclusive governance, guiding entrepreneurs, or collaborating on digital solutions, my mission is to shape an Africa where progress is not just an idea but a reality. #innovation #leadership #policychange #africandevelopment #empowerment #entrepreneurship #inclusivity

29

1 Comment

Kenya's M-Pesa: Pioneering Fintech Innovation and African Leadership In a world where innovation often follows predictable paths, Africa's audacious leap to the forefront of technology, exemplified by Kenya's groundbreaking creation of M-Pesa, stands as a testament to the continent's unmatched spirit of ingenuity and determination. This bold move, originating from an African country, not only defied conventional norms but also laid the foundation for transformative fintech solutions that have revolutionized global financial ecosystems. M-Pesa's genesis in Kenya marked a decisive moment in the history of financial technology. As the world marvelled at the simplicity and effectiveness of this mobile money transfer service, it became clear that Africa was not merely a recipient of innovation but a trailblazer in its own right. Kenya's leapfrogging from traditional banking methods to pioneering mobile-based transactions showcased the continent's ability to carve its path to progress. At the heart of this narrative lies the audacious spirit of African leadership, embodied by visionaries like Vusi Thembekwayo. As a champion of African innovation and entrepreneurship, Vusi is reshaping the continent's mindset, instilling confidence, and redefining its self-image. Through his leadership and advocacy, Vusi is empowering Africans to embrace their potential and reclaim their narrative on the global stage. Indeed, Africa is experiencing a renaissance of innovation and creativity, with M-Pesa serving as a beacon of progress. The continent, brimming with natural and human resources, offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and partnership. As the world witnesses Africa's burgeoning potential, it is imperative to forge linkages and alliances that harness this abundance of talent and creativity. Join us in celebrating Africa's audacity to create and lead, as we unlock unprecedented opportunities for mutual growth and development. #AfricaInnovation #FintechRevolution #AfricanLeadership #Mpesa #VusiThembekwayo #GlobalCollaboration #TechInAfrica #FutureOfFinance #InnovationHub #EmpowerAfrica #LinkedInArticle

1

AFC (Africa Finance Corporation) has invested $100 million to establish Nigeria's first digital economic zone. This development is part of an ambitious initiative to drive digital innovation and create a hub for tech-driven industries in the country. The digital economic zone aims to attract tech companies, startups, and talent by offering infrastructure, a conducive business environment, and regulatory support focused on fostering growth in the digital economy. This investment will support Nigeria's growing tech ecosystem, which has seen significant development in fintech, digital services, and entrepreneurship. With the backing of AFC, this zone is expected to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the African digital economy, creating jobs, encouraging foreign investments, and driving technological advancements across various sectors. Such projects align with the broader goals of economic diversification and the rise of the digital economy as a key contributor to Nigeria's future growth. _______________ Afriedu Business School celebrate investment in infrastructural development and human capital development in Africa. https://lnkd.in/drrymXbf

1

Read the full report Key Findings of the Report: Harris Economic Plan: Harris’s proposals include expanding the tax deduction for startup expenses to $50,000, increasing investments in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and providing more opportunities for federal contracts to small businesses. Her focus on reducing regulatory barriers and supporting rural and marginalized communities directly aligns with AEO’s mission to support underserved entrepreneurs. Trump Economic Plan: Trump’s economic agenda focuses on reducing corporate taxes and rolling back regulations in key industries, such as energy and manufacturing. While his policies could create opportunities for small businesses in certain sectors, AEO expresses caution about the potential negative effects of deregulation on underserved communities.

7

2 Comments

What’s on the horizon for Africa’s economies? Acha Leke, senior partner and chairman of McKinsey Africa, sees coming changes, challenges, and opportunities born from #digital transformation. Leke has been analyzing the economic prospects of the African continent for decades. As growth has slowed over the past 10 years, he’s looking to digital transformation and Africa’s youth boom to push the region toward new highs in productivity. Leke emphasizes that digitization has the power to transform everything from government services to agriculture and energy, holding immense potential to drive efficiency and growth. “Digital is the single most important lever to transform productivity in Africa across the public sector, private sector, or social sector,” he says. Additionally, Leke sees Africa’s youth boom as a critical opportunity for workforce development. With the right skills training, he believes Africa's workforce could become its greatest asset and export. "If we get this right, the biggest export from the continent is no longer going to be our resources. It's going to be our people," he says. Grit & Growth is a podcast from @Stanford Seed in which entrepreneurs from emerging markets share their stories, and faculty and business experts offer insights. #entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/gEkbHgZ2

48

1 Comment

Save the Date

1

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Out Now! 🎙️ We’re excited to have Fredrick Nonde Jr., MBA, join us on our latest podcast episode! As a leading expert in Tech, Web3, AI, Blockchain, and more, Fredrick shares his unique insights on how these technologies are shaping Africa’s future. 🌍🚀 International Council of Registered Blockchain Professionals (ICORBP) 👉 In this episode, we talked about: ✅ Tech’s Impact on Africa: How Web3, AI, and Blockchain are driving innovation and development across the continent. ✅ Fostering Growth: Strategies for enhancing entrepreneurship and industrial development in Africa. ✅ Sector Transformation: The role of technology in transforming industries such as real estate, agritech, and mining. ✅ Education & Leadership: The importance of education in preparing the next generation of tech leaders. ✅ Addressing Global Challenges: How technology is addressing critical issues like climate change and humanitarian needs. 🔭 Plus, get a preview of the Africa FutureTech Summit 2024, hosted by the Motley Institute of Business & Technology in partnership with International Council of Registered Blockchain Professionals (ICORBP) Network, happening from August 12-16 in Lusaka, Zambia. 🌟📅 Co-host: WILLIAM NYIRENDA, CSC, RBP, RBI, RBE Don’t miss out on these valuable insights! Tune in, subscribe, and stay informed about the future of technology. 🎧✨ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eK7G2SEZ #TechInAfrica #FutureTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #AI #Blockchain #Web3 #Edutech #IndustrialDevelopment #AfricaFutureTechSummit #FredrickNondeJr #MotleyInstitute #ICORBPNetwork

3

1 Comment

In today’s digital age, your data is your most valuable asset! Protecting it should be your top priority. Join us for Prime Innovation Institute Of Technology Tech Talk on How Cybersecurity is Changing Business in Lagos. We will delve deep into the world of cybersecurity in our exclusive Tech Talk, premiering on YouTube. Gain insights from experts, learn about the latest trends, and find out how to keep your data safe from evolving threats. https://lnkd.in/dTMzKrbA Please like, share, and subscribe for more premium content on tech issues. #PIIT #Cybersecurity #TechEducation #Lagos

5

Elumelu and other global financial business leaders will headline the FII Opening Plenary titled “Board of Changemakers: Banking & Investment.”

1