Limitless Africa

"I was able to take my younger brother through university" Young Africans care about work because work is now the clearest route to mobility. In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky explores how American tech platforms are transforming opportunity across the continent through remote work, AI upskilling, and online networking. Nicola Lyons explains how Andela evolved from a Lagos founded fellowship into an AI native data and services company supporting global enterprises. Koffi Kelvin, an engineer trained through Andela, describes how remote work makes it possible to contribute to companies like GitHub from Nairobi while earning above local market rates. Preston Ideh argues that Africa must not become only a consumer of AI tools and should move earlier in the value chain by building talent and products. Temi Badru closes with practical LinkedIn advice: share value, connect like a human, and stay consistent. Plus: The most annoying habit on LinkedIn 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15 minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interviews with people unlocking Africa’s limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review. It helps more people find the show Share with someone interested in tech in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We ultimately are trying to level the playing field for independent brands to be able to sell into big major retailers." On this episode of Limitless Africa, we’re looking at how African businesses can sell to US customers. If you’re a homeware brand in Togo, or a clean beauty maker in South Africa or a jewelry manufacturer in Kenya, how can you get your product to American customers, those consumers shopping on Target, Etsy or Bloomingdale's? And it’s not a one-way street: those American retailers are also looking to stock amazing African homeware, accessories, lotions and potions - they are crying out for high quality products that are unique, and will delight their customers. That’s where amazing entrepreneurs like Ella Pienovich come in. She’s the co-founder behind PoweredByPeople, a multi-channel distribution platform that connects independent brands to over 100 million customers across more than 200 leading online retailers & marketplaces. Ella is opening up huge new markets, and offering digital innovation to African entrepreneurs. Plus: How clean beauty is the next trend. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:35 Her first business 4:13 Tech-powered humans 5:52 The power of drop shipping 11:51 Building a business in Kenya 15:19 How to raise $20m 18:49 Transparency and compliance 22:55 The trends in retail 25:52 The power of thinking big 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Transparency is part of the conversation, but the real shift I'm seeing is around compliance." "That's my own little secret ambition is to replace mass produced product in the retail market." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Why an African luxury shoe brand is headquartered in the U.S. https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-an-african-luxury-shoe-brand-is-headquartered-in-the-u-s/ How hip hop can build empires https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-hip-hop-can-build-a-business-empire/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about creativity in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I became extremely fascinated with Mansa Musa's story." Why would an African-founded luxury brand choose to build its headquarters in the United States? In this episode of Limitless Africa, host Claude Grunitzky speaks with Armando Cabral, founder of Armando Cabral Footwear, who was born in Guinea-Bissau and now runs his brand from New York. Cabral explains how his African heritage shapes his design philosophy, why he describes himself as a “cultural design activist,” and how the pandemic pushed him to research West African history more deeply, including the Mali Empire and Mansa Musa. Cabral also breaks down the practical business logic behind locating in the U.S. market: access to entrepreneurial energy, stronger retail networks, and an ecosystem that responds to ambition with enthusiasm rather than skepticism. He shares what it took to land major American retail partnerships, including Bloomingdale’s, and how collaborations with brands like Allen Edmonds validated the global appetite for authentic African storytelling paired with uncompromising quality. Finally, the episode confronts a hard question: why not manufacture in Africa today? Cabral offers an unglamorous but important answer about infrastructure, expertise, and the realities of scaling craft at luxury standards, while still articulating a long-term vision of expanding retail presence across the African continent. Plus: Three tips for entrepreneurs 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:12 From model to cultural design activist 2:36 Why Mansa Musa inspired a fashion label 4:49 Expansion in Africa 5:42 U.S. H.Q 7:30 The African consumer 9:19 Manfacturing in Africa 10:52 Getting Bloomingdale's 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "In order to know where you're going, you need to know where you come from." "African heritage is very unique." "It's going to be tough, but eventually you will succeed. " 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15 minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interviews with people unlocking Africa’s limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? "If there is something that Africa can learn from America, it's that abundance mindset." - Olugbenga Ogunbowale https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/if-there-is-something-that-africa-can-learn-from-america-its-that-abundance-mindset/ "Sometimes to build Africa, you have to leave Africa" https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/sometimes-to-build-africa-you-have-to-leave-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review. It helps more people find the show Share with someone interested in Africa’s creative industries 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"One thing that I really was not as aware of as perhaps I should have been, was the deep and abiding Congolese sense of having a long term relationship with the United States." Ambassador Tamlyn has spent much of her career working across Africa, from Sudan and the Central African Republic to Mozambique, Chad, and now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The DRC has Africa’s fourth-largest population at around 112 million. Yet it remains one of its poorest countries and that's despite being the world’s biggest producer of cobalt. Vast mineral wealth has in part fuelled a two-decade-long conflict in the east, one the United States has been trying to end. Could this be a breakthrough for a new foreign policy approach known as 'commercial diplomacy'? I spoke to one of Washington’s most experienced ambassadors. Plus: Why the US needs to care about Congo 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:41 The shared DNA between Congo and the USA 4:08 Congo's potential 7:44 The American company boosting connectivity in Congo 9:10 The competing interests in South Kivu 14:07 Can business bring peace? 16:06 Battling corruption 18:23 The Congolese consumer 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The Congolese are very proud of the Ali - Foreman fight." "They're consumers of American goods, American services, American education, American sports activities." "Our goal through encouraging better government, governance, transparent governance, accountability is to try to encourage the government to hold all investors, all economic partners, to the same standard, the standards of the laws of the country." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” Maya Horgan Famodu doesn't hold back https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ The next generation of mines bringing value to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-next-generation-of-mines-bringing-value-to-africa/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about industry in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"If we stop mining, we stop our way of life." The Lobito Corridor is more than just a railway; it is a strategic lifeline connecting the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola to the mineral rich Copperbelt in the DRC and Zambia. In this episode, host Claude Grunitzky sits down with explorer and presenter Dwayne Fields and Sam Williams, Head of Communications at Africell, to discuss the revival of this historic infrastructure. We explore why the U.S. government is mobilizing private capital to secure access to critical minerals like copper and rare earths, which are essential for the global economy. From Dwayne’s personal genetic journey back to his ancestral roots in the Copperbelt to Africell’s mission to digitize the corridor, this episode examines the intersection of high stakes geopolitics and the human stories of the communities on the ground. Can large scale mining truly benefit ordinary Africans? We look at the risks of exploitation and environmental damage versus the potential for jobs, connectivity, and local prosperity. Plus: why a telecommunications company is making a documentary 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:19 How to be an explorer 3:33 Why Africa matters for rare earths 3:57 The Lobito Corridor 7:01 How it affects the little person 11:33 How communities benefit 12:33 How a telecommunications company got involved 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "In truth, I benefit from mining." "We're all touched by what happens right there in Africa." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15 minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interviews with people unlocking Africa’s limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? The next generation of mines bringing value to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-next-generation-of-mines-bringing-value-to-africa/ “Africa has an opportunity to rise as an industrial superpower.” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/africa-has-an-opportunity-over-the-next-generation-to-rise-as-an-industrial-superpower/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review. It helps more people find the show Share with someone interested in Africa’s industrial future 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Ambition is often loud and fast" Limitless Africa host Claude Grunitzky is in the hot seat this episode. Claude has founded, built and sold businesses you will have heard of - he founded Trace, a global hip hop magazine. Trace eventually became the TV channel and he then raised $15million in funding from the investment bank Goldman Sachs in 2003. Now he spends his time as an investor and teaching entrepreneurship in his home country of Togo and across the continent. In this episode Claude will be talking about what Africans can learn from the American mindset - and what he learnt from the American mindset, he built Trace in the US after all. Plus: What permissionless ambition means 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:38 Trace's origin story 8:08 From Alicia Keys to Rihanna 12:11 Three principles for success 17:04 The story of Dick Parsons 19:46 The African entrepreneur 24:37 Permissionless ambition 26:07 Why Africans need to ask for permission less 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: “Failure wasn’t the opposite of success. It was the tuition that I paid.” "It's hard like solving a puzzle and it's hard like lifting weights." "We Africans have very strong values and we have really strong identities, but we do not support each other as much as we should." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? What can African entrepreneurs learn from the American mindset? https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/what-can-africans-learn-from-the-american-mindset/ How the American mindset built Africa's most funded crypto platform https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/i-got-exactly-what-i-wanted-which-was-my-dms-full-of-nigerian-men/ "Vision without execution is hallucination" - Adam Grant on the skills that African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Every Clark Kent can become Superman, every Diana Price can become Wonder Woman." The American mindset has produced some of the greatest entrepreneurs the world has ever seen… from Henry Ford to Oprah Winfrey. What can Africans learn from their success? Our host Claude Grunitzky talks to entrepreneurs from all over the continent. Plus: Why Ubuntu is global 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3:24 Silicon Valley, Mecca for entrepreneurs 4:51 The can-do attitude 7:36 The trait Americans and Africans share 9:30 Vintani Nafassi presents Tumpete 10:13 Why Francophone Africa is welcoming the USA 11:59 Ubuntu is global 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The U.S. has also attracted some of the best talent globally." "Silicon Valley has the most concentration of people that want to make a difference in the world and have a global impact." "You want to see resilience, go to Nigeria." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15 minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interviews with people unlocking Africa’s limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ How to make money from your creativity in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ How I made it: the entrepreneur bringing refrigeration to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-i-made-it-the-entrepreneur-bringing-refrigeration-to-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review. It helps more people find the show Share with someone interested in entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Vintani Nafassi presents Tumpete https://vintaninafassi.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Africa has an opportunity over the next half a generation to really rise as an industrial superpower.” Ben Kincaid spent the first half of his career as a US diplomat. Much of his time was spent in Africa, specializing in national security issues. Today, and that's why we're so keen to speak with him, he's the CEO of ReElement Technologies Africa, One of their missions is to help African nations process their rare minerals on the continent so they don't simply export them. Their project should create more jobs and keep value in Africa. They've just secured a South African investment firm as an anchor investor in their private capital raise worth $150 million dollars. Plus: How the low-chemical, energy-efficient refining technology works 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:45 Why rare earth minerals matters 4:36 How the tech works 12:29 The status-quo 15:26 Owning the value chain 20:29 From diplomat to entrepreneur 26:17 Why the DRC symbolizes hope 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The objective is audacious. The objective is historic" "Africa is a great friend to the United States but it's also a neutral party based off of where it sits" "Once you're able to process these minerals into manufacturing grade material, you're going to invite more manufacturers to come to Africa" 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” Maya Horgan Famodu doesn't hold back https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ The next generation of mines bringing value to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-next-generation-of-mines-bringing-value-to-africa/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about industry in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Processing on the continent: you can do that in Africa.” Africa holds some of the world’s most important mineral resources, from cobalt and lithium to platinum and rare earths. Yet for decades, these materials have largely been extracted on the continent, processed elsewhere, and sold back to the global market at far greater value. In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Dimpho Lekgeu and Claude Grunitzky examine whether a new model of mining could change that equation. They speak with Ben Kincaid, former US diplomat and CEO of ReElement Africa, and Derrick Roper, co founder of Novare Holdings, one of the company’s main financial backers. Plus: Why African investors are backing American technology 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:40 Who benefits from Africa’s mineral wealth? 3:20 Rethinking mining, refining, and environmental responsibility 6:56 Why African capital is backing American technology 8:22 Mzwaa and his tune Caught Up 10:32 Can processing minerals at home change Africa’s future? 13:04 Can mining contribute to peace and stability? 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: “No security, no investment, no economic development.” “What if the value stayed on the continent?” “The real opportunity is building the entire value chain at home.” 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15 minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interviews with people unlocking Africa’s limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How Africa is basketball’s next big business move https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-nba-africa-means-business/ How crypto is making sending money cheaper in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-crypto-is-making-sending-money-cheaper-in-africa/ Why video gaming is booming across the continent https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review. It helps more people find the show Share with someone interested in Africa’s economic future 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Mzwaa is an award-winning Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop artist from Manzini, Eswatini. Listen to his new single Caught Up on Limitless Africa and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssJl2TjLEew Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Whenever you have leaders who have vision and can back the vision with execution, amazing things will happen." The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative, also known as YALI . Since 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. These Fellows, are between the ages of 25 and 35, and are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. One of them is Olugbenga Ogunbowale. He completed the YALI West Africa program in 2018, was a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow and an Alumni Ambassador in 2020. Since then, he's set up ventures like Grant Master, helping secure over $30 million in grant funding for clients and students. He also set up Epower, where he consulted with Meta and Google on digital skills, training SMEs and start-ups in Nigeria and Ghana. Dimpho Lekgeu spoke to him about his experience with the YALI program to draw out some valuable lessons for young Africans looking to supercharge their careers. Plus: The hardest thing about living in the USA 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:39 Rejected four times 6:09 YALI success 8:09 The self-discovery test 10:55 The power of feedback 13:45 No country is perfect 16:56 Advice for funding applications 26:29 Start with what you have 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Whenever you have leaders who have vision and can back the vision with execution, amazing things will happen." "Feedback is the food of champions." "It's when you have the receipts, that you can be given a seat." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about leadership in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Find out more about Olugbenga Ogunbowale https://gbengaogun.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Should I happen have a one-on-one business talk with President Donald Trump, definitely would tell him that, look, sir, you have the market, I have the the produce." In this episode of Limitless Africa, we explore the transformative power of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Host Dimpho Lekgeu and Claude Grunitzky speak with alumni from across the continent who are taking their businesses global. From Simone Spencer in Cabo Verde, who transitioned from a San Francisco museum residency to building a pan-African creative network, to Gerald Katabazi in Uganda, who is now employing Americans to sell Ugandan coffee in Ohio and Atlanta. We also hear from Nigeria’s Temi Badru on how ethical leadership and the power of mentorship became the bedrock of her PR empire. This is a story of shared prosperity and a new generation of leaders who see the world as their market. Plus: How "Ubuntu" mirrors Western organization 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:40 What is YALI? 3:33 The American mindset meets African sensibilities 6:27 Coffee in Kampala 9:31 President Trump, listen up! 13:30 Why mentoring matters 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Community engagement is only possible with the help of many hands and will only succeed if those hands are organized." "American young entrepreneurs are also so aggressive. They are very brilliant and they like hands-on activities." "One of the beautiful things about Africans is that we believe in community." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? World-renowned psychologist Adam Grant explains how to hone your entrepreneurial skills https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-how-to-rethink-africas-hidden-potential/ How to make money from your creativity https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA We're delighted to feature Vanessa Delgado, an amazing musician from Cape Verde - follow her here https://www.instagram.com/vanessadelgadodaluz and here https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.delgado.3388630/ Simone Spencer runs Creative Base https://www.instagram.com/creativebase.cv/?hl=en Gerald Katabazi runs Volcano Coffee https://www.instagram.com/volcanocoffee/ Temi Badru runs Voices and Faces Communications https://ng.linkedin.com/in/temi-badru Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We're going to hire tons of engineers in Rwanda who are Rwandan to build this technology shoulder to shoulder with our American engineers." American foreign policy is experiencing a profound shift. It’s now about trade not aid. But we’ve been waiting to understand what that means in practice. That's why an announcement by the US Department of State last November was so significant. The U.S. committed up to $150 million dollars to a partnership with Zipline. Zipline is an American company that designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones. Yes, drones. And it's one of the first real examples of the America First global health strategy in action. So that's why we're excited to speak with Caitlin Burton. Caitlin is the CEO of Zipline Africa. Plus: What she really thinks about aid 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 00:53 Trade, not aid 01:33 How the drones work 03:56 Why Africa first 08:03 Caitlin's own journey 11:06 Winning Washington 13:47 Who pays for what 20:56 The Ghana problem 30:31 What's next 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We make about one delivery every 60 seconds in Africa today, somewhere somewhere in Africa, someone's receiving a package." "I think that was a really nice thing for Congress to hear." "Africa's a place that wants jobs and technology and entrepreneurship." "Zipline would rather lose the contract if it doesn't deliver on what it says it's going to deliver than hold Africa back from achieving its potential. " 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” - Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about development in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"They were tired of losing women in childbirth." Last year, one of the US’s top diplomats said that Africa is the world’s largest untapped market… and Africa should be among the US’s largest trading partners. This time, it’s not just about aid. It’s about business. And we were wondering what that might mean in practice. In November last year, the US Department of State made an important announcement: the U.S. committed up to $150 million dollars to a partnership with Zipline. Zipline designs, manufactures, and operates delivery drones. These currently fly in Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana. And they're saving lives. Listen to find out more. Plus: How African governments are forward thinking. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:32 Life and death 3:27 How the Rwandan government saved mothers 4:18 How the drones work 6:21 How to improve an entire health system 8:37 The US perspective 12:36 How AI is saving lives 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We make about one delivery, every 60 seconds in Africa today. Somewhere in Africa, someone's receiving a package" "It's bringing American innovation in AI robotics to the countries where Zipline operates, including Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana." "We've seen a really good response to our overall shift from 'aid to trade' with partner governments in Africa." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “The VC model is the wrong fit for Africa. Do something different.” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/the-vc-model-is-just-fundamentally-the-wrong-fit-for-africa-you-have-to-do-something-different/ “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” - Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about development in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA We're delighted to feature May Mbira, a musician from Mozambique. Follow him here https://www.instagram.com/may_mbira and here https://open.spotify.com/artist/6I05TlWZUMYbAjYcOwC9eG Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"There is a specific type of risk-taking that is always rewarded" Mikael Hajjar runs P1 Ventures. P1 Ventures has raised its first $50 million dollars fund at the beginning of 2025. But what’s particularly interesting is that half of the fund will be invested in Francophone Africa. He tells Claude why Francophone Africa is the next investment hotspot. Plus: The biggest start-ups in Francophone Africa 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:56 From Mauritania to Silicon Valley 3:37 The success of the American mindset 7:19 The unfair advantage of Francophone Africa 10:17 The shift from expats to repats 13:57 The reality of trust in Africa 16:55 The start-up ecosystem in Mauritania 18:50 A new generation of founders 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Most of the successful entrepreneurs in in Silicon Valley are transplants from all over the world." "Silicon Valley has the most concentration of people that want to make a difference in the world" "One of the biggest misconceptions about the Africa AI ecosystem is that it it lacks depth in the application layer" 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Investor Lina Kacyem tells us why Francophone Africa is a hotspot for investors https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-francophone-markets-are-the-next-investment-hotspot/ “The VC model is the wrong fit for Africa. Do something different.” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/the-vc-model-is-just-fundamentally-the-wrong-fit-for-africa-you-have-to-do-something-different/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” - Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about investing in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"What is this country with good roads and electricity and water?" Francophone Africa is home to some of the continent’s fastest-growing economies, yet it continues to receive a disproportionately small share of global venture capital and startup investment. In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Dimpho Lekgeu and Claude Grunitzky speak with Lina Kacyem, Investment Manager at Launch Africa Ventures, about why Francophone African markets remain overlooked by American investors and what is being missed as a result. Drawing on her experience spending nearly two decades in the United States before relocating to Abidjan, Casim explains how historical legacies of colonization, legal systems, language, and business culture continue to shape investor behaviour. She contrasts Anglophone and Francophone market dynamics, from regulatory frameworks and communication styles to diaspora networks and trust-building practices. The conversation also explores infrastructure development in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, the role of face-to-face relationships in Francophone business environments, and why the CFA franc’s peg to the euro offers a degree of currency stability often misunderstood by foreign investors. As global funds search for new growth opportunities, this episode argues that Francophone Africa represents one of the most compelling and underexplored frontiers on the continent. Plus: The appeal of the American mindset 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3:00 Differences between the Francophones and Anglophones 6:09 The times they are a-changin? 8:42 Fat B - SI JE TE DIS que je t'aime 9:46 Why should Americans invest in Africa? 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "If you align with the right people, there are a lot of opportunities for gains. " "Numbers don't lie. Look at growth." "Americans are used to social mobility." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “We don’t have huge numbers, but we have huge profits” - Olivier Madiba on building Cameroon's most successful gaming studio https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/ How crypto is making sending money cheaper in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-crypto-is-making-sending-money-cheaper-in-africa/ How Africa is basketball’s next big business move https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-nba-africa-means-business/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about investing in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA We're delighted to feature Fat B, an amazing rapper from Benin - follow her here www.instagram.com/fatb_98 and here https://www.facebook.com/Fatbinois Lina Kacyem writes a newsletter for TechCabal about Francophone markets https://techcabal.com/category/newsletters/francophone-weekly-by-techcabal/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"That's where I think we've missed a trick. And that's really where I have focused my entrepreneurship and energy and time and talent" Bame Pule is the chief executive of private equity firm Africa Lighthouse Capital, based in Botswana. He is a graduate of Pomona College in California and received his MBA degree from Harvard Business School. He worked at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, Citigroup, some of the biggest names in finance. But we wanted to find out why he decided to move back to the African continent, even though he was on a fast track in the United States. (Interview from 2025) Plus: Why risk premium is often mispriced 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:49 Why return to Africa? 5:52 Why local investors matter more than foreign 8:58 Family offices investing in Africa 11:50 Why America matters 16:12 American investors looking to Africa 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We need foreign investment and we want foreign investment. " "People see an opportunity for strong financial returns and good businesses." "As Africans, we don't just want investment, but we recognize that we are dealing with investors." "There is untapped market and untapped talent." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “The VC model is the wrong fit for Africa. Do something different.” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/the-vc-model-is-just-fundamentally-the-wrong-fit-for-africa-you-have-to-do-something-different/ Is venture capital the right choice for African start-ups? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/is-venture-capital-the-right-choice-for-african-start-ups/ “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” - Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about investing in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Big companies are waking up to this opportunity and are moving in." Today, we’re talking about something that shapes everything from jobs to education to healthcare… internet access. And Africa, we have a problem! Only a fifth of our population have access to the internet... compare that to the global average of about 70%. Africa is lagging behind. We wanted to find out why. And what can be done about it. Plus: How laser beams are replacing satellites. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:08 Why internet is still a problem 3:26 Leapfrogging fibre 5:48 How African start-ups are providing solutions 7:41 Laser beams bringing internet 10:37 Impact on poverty 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Kenya has much better connectivity than the U.S. does." "People on the street need to feel the impact of a cable that's lying on their shores." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? The entrepreneur bringing refrigeration to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-i-made-it-the-entrepreneur-bringing-refrigeration-to-africa/ How crypto is making sending money cheaper in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-crypto-is-making-sending-money-cheaper-in-africa/ “African AI solutions are not being talked about” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/african-homegrown-ai-solutions-are-not-being-talked-about/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about pop culture in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ 🤝 FRIENDS OF LIMITLESS AFRICA Kendall Ananyi https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-ananyi Frank Eleanya https://ng.linkedin.com/in/frank-eleanya-0514b335 Jay Shapiro https://ke.linkedin.com/in/jayshapiro Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We haven't provided the market with a clear proposition from a confidence standpoint." Welcome to our extended episode with Hugo Obi - the founder of Maliyo Games. It's a gaming studio based in Lagos, Nigeria. They design, develop, and distribute games to mobile audiences on the continent. And in 2024, they partnered with the US company Disney to launch a mobile game. Nigeria has the largest gaming population on the continent. That's around 46 million people. So, as the founder of one of the leading studios in Nigeria, what Hugo says matters. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:00 About Maliyo Games 3:46 Working with Disney 6:45 Surprising findings in the gaming research 8:29 How to increase monetization 12:24 The value chain 16:53 How Nigeria can catch up with South Africa 19:32 Studio maturity 20:16 The confidence gap 21:33 What Africa can offer America 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Just because they don't monetize as well as North Americans, doesn't mean that Africans don't deserve to play." "We haven't provided the market with a clear proposition from a confidence standpoint." "There's also that opportunity for taking the local content to a global market." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Why young Africans could be the champions in e-sports https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-young-africans-could-be-the-champions-in-e-sports/ "We don't have huge numbers, but we have huge profits" - interview with Cameroon's leading game developer https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/ Peruse Maliyo Games' Africa Games Report https://africagamesreport.com/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about gaming in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Gaming saved my life." In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu explore the rise of African e-sports with two of Kenya’s most compelling voices. Brian Diang’a, known as Brian The Beast, one of East Africa’s first professional e-sports athletes, and Shirley Adema, also known as Dark Willow, a competitive Dota player and co-founder of Tunza E-sports. Through their stories, this episode unpacks how gaming is becoming both a career and a lifeline. From escaping violence in Kibra to creating safe spaces for young women in gaming, the episode uncovers an unexpected source of talent, innovation, and youth empowerment. Plus: The pitfalls of being a woman in gaming 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:21 Why are e-sports gamers athletes? 3:51 How gaming saves lives? 6:51 How American athletes inspire others 9:01 From virtual to IRL skills 12:08 Girls in gaming 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Everything I do in gaming is inspired by the U.S." "I want to leave a legacy." "When you're a lady, there are more opportunities" 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Can Africa and America win the AI race? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-america-is-africas-best-partner-in-the-ai-race/ How Africa is transforming video gaming https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-is-africa-transforming-the-future-of-video-gaming/ “We don’t have huge numbers, but we have huge profits” https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about pop culture in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our extended episode with G. N. L. Zamba, a Ugandan hip-hop artist who lives between Kampala and Los Angeles. He's the founder and CEO of the independent hip-hop record label Baboon Forest Entertainment. He's been credited with popularizing Lungaflow - a blend of Afrobeats and Luganda, the most widely spoken of Uganda's 40 languages. In this extended episode, he talks to Claude about why American rappers like Nas are such an inspiration. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3:47 How rapping in Luganda kickstarted it all 8:07 The musical wildebeests of Uganda 9:40 Coming to America 13:00 Nas the legend 20:53 Making money 29:11 Advice for entrepreneurs 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "If alignment is a thing, this must be it." "Africa is entering a creative renaissance" "Your ancestors have been waiting for someone with your strength to carry their name" "I would compare it to a wildebeest migration." "Sometimes to build Africa, you have to leave Africa." " My career was run like it was a business from the very beginning." "The Africans and the Americans have a chance right now" 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? “It’s all unseen and unknown as to how big this is” – Inside the business of podcasting https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/its-all-unseen-and-unknown-as-to-how-big-this-is-molly-jensen-ceo-of-africas-largest-podcasting-platform/ How to make money from your creativity https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about hip hop in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I would compare it to a wildebeest migration" Hip-hop is one of America’s most influential cultural exports. But what happens when African artists reclaim it through language, ancestry and community? In this episode of Limitless Africa, host Claude Grunitzky speaks with GNL Zamba, a Ugandan hip-hop artist, filmmaker and creative entrepreneur, about how African languages, independent systems and family-led business models are reshaping global hip hop. Zamba reflects on why switching to Luganda transformed his career, how Africa’s young population represents untapped creative power, and why financial success without community impact is incomplete. He also shares insights on avoiding exploitative industry contracts and building sustainable creative infrastructure between Africa and America. Plus: What the Beyonce family unit get so right 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3:43 The yardstick to success 5:17 Choosing Luganda over English 6:54 Bobi Wine and the music scene in Uganda 8:40 The importance of family in hip hop 13:55 Who won the beef 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "I chose Luganda because it is my ancestors' language." "Hip-Hop is going to change the world." "Once minds like ours connect, it's limitless." "Africa is going through a creative renaissance." "The Africans and the Americans have a chance right now to either catch up with the world or even overtake the world with the collaborations they can form." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? The producer bringing African stories to the small screen https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/we-need-that-visionary-brave-first-money-in/ The Hollywood moguls investing in African wrestling https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-hollywood-moguls-are-investing-in-african-wrestling/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about pop culture in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Why do we all dream of going to America today? Because we've seen movies our entire life portraying America as the but as the best place in the world. We want to go to Beverly Hills. But we need to create these same stories for ourselves." Déborah Mutund is a rising star in Francophone TV and the host of the reality TV show called Who Wants to Marry My Son? She talks to Claude Grunitzky about reality TV in Africa, why it’s key to soft power, and what’s holding us back from telling more of our own amazing, compelling, and inspiring stories. Plus: Why you can't get too steamy on African TV. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:18 From PR to presenting 4:59 Who wants to marry my son? 9:40 Producing content costs money 13:49 Idolizing America 18:28 Self love, the American way 22:23 Advice for the next Oprah 26:47 The importance of self belief 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "People are having their faces exposed and seen by the world. and they need to be able to protect themselves and live off that." "I love the dynamism that countries such as Benin and Ghana have. Cote d'Ivoire is also on the same pathway. We no longer dream of going to New York." "Hollywood is powerful because people are consuming Hollywood products." "People want to see themselves on television. They want to see people that look like themselves." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? What happens when the Real Housewives come to Africa? https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/what-happens-when-the-real-housewives-come-to-africa/ Why Hollywood moguls are investing in African wrestling https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-hollywood-moguls-are-investing-in-african-wrestling/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about pop culture in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Women like this really do exist." The Real Housewives reality TV franchise has become one of America's biggest cultural exports. But what happens when this franchise lands in Africa? In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak with Portia Hlubi, producer of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town and Lagos, and Eugene Mbugua, executive producer of The Real Housewives of Nairobi. Together, they unpack how the franchise’s glamor and drama are being reimagined by African producers. From casting and cultural nuance to conflict style and aesthetics, this episode explores the behind-the-scenes decisions that make the show work across African cities. Plus: The difference between the Real Housewives in Joburg and Lagos. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:21 The Instagram skit that started it all 2:41 The universal appeal of reality TV 3:34 Adapting the format 4:42 The Real Housewives bible 5:11 From Joburg to Nairobi 7:48 Different rules for glamour 8:25 Drama 10:46 Audience expectations 12:55 Stories that travel 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "It does a number on your own psychology." "As people, we all have universal problems. We're all looking for love." "It's a whole college education on its own on how to make good television." "Nigerian ladies argue or conflict very differently." " There was one crazy scene where a cast member brought a life size casket to a lunch." "The ladies in Nigeria are quite superstars in that they don't really like being told what to do." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? The producer bringing African stories to the small screen https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/we-need-that-visionary-brave-first-money-in/ The Hollywood moguls investing in African wrestling https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-hollywood-moguls-are-investing-in-african-wrestling/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about pop culture in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"There's more change that can be made, more impact, more positive impact in people's lives through this kind of work, and plenty of money to be made." On this episode of Limitless Africa, we speak to Luni Libes, CEO and founder of agriculture investment company Africa Eats. As of December 2024, Africa Eats was listed on the Mauritius Stock exchange. Luni Libes is an intrepid investor and the real deal: the 23 active companies in the Africa Eats portfolio had a combined revenue of $44 million dollars last year - up from only one million when he started investing. Luni has surprising thoughts on what investment model works best for Africa - no VC funds for him. Plus: Why trade barriers on the continent could offer opportunity for growth. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:53 Building the largest agro vet supply company in Malawi 3:50 Building the biggest sausage supplier in Rwanda 5:09 From tens of thousands of dollars to a million in six years 9:10 The reality of farming in Africa 11:39 Banks don't lend 12:46 From software to farming 15:19 The problem with VC 19:53 How investors cash out 23:10 Risk in Africa 27:06 Berkshire Hathaway VS Africa Eats 30:49 How trade barriers help 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We're beating the S&P 500 and we're doing it with chickens and potatoes" "It doesn't have any competition because those borders are there." "There's no charity work here." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? "Resilience is very African" - The entrepreneur moving 20,000 trucks across Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/resilience-is-very-african-the-entrepreneur-moving-20000-trucks-across-africa/ How I made it: the entrepreneur bringing refrigeration to Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-i-made-it-the-entrepreneur-bringing-refrigeration-to-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The VC model is just fundamentally the wrong fit for Africa." In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak with American investor Luni Libes, founder of Africa Eats and Fledge, and Tanzanian entrepreneur Haika Mtei, CEO of Golden Pot. Together, they explore how long-term thinking, patient capital, and culturally adapted funding models are reshaping business across the continent. Plus: How one woman is building the go-to cereal brand in Tanzania 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 00:42 Why don't African start-ups exit? 3:13 Why Warren Buffet could hold the answer 4:52 The cereal brand that holds the answer 6:16 The value of travelling to the U.S. 10:24 Small cheques not big ones 12:24 Investors need to get brave 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The VC model is just fundamentally the wrong fit for Africa. You have to do something different." "Harder than getting to Harvard." "Far fewer failures in Africa than in the States" 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Does foreign aid fuel corruption, dependence, weak governance? Interview with investor Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We thought we'd give you a taster of what's still to come. We're still talking to the best and brightest Africans and finding out the surprising ways they're working with American business, tech and creative talent to be the best they can be. Because Africa is the future. And Americans - and Africans - know that. So tune in for the rest of Limitless Africa, Season 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We're only now coming around to fully cracking what it takes to reach the African consumer." Jean-Claude Homawoo is the CEO of logistics firm Lori Systems. Founded in 2017, the company has now managed over 20,000 trucks across 12 African countries, moving goods worth more than $10 billion. Jean-Claude is an entrepreneur finding solutions to really practical problems: transport across Africa and across national borders... And that means potholes, border police, and variable road networks. Plus: Why 'Buy Now Pay Later' is key to success in Africa 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:51 How to transport $10 billion-worth of goods across Africa 7:17 From Harvard back to Africa 11:35 What Lori's done so far 13:45 American money 14:46 Eight and a half years without profit 19:01 The number one problem for founders 23:51 Financing your customer 27:06 Why resilience matters 29:17 Why Africa should prize diversity 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We're only now coming around to fully cracking what it takes to reach the African consumer." "Resilience... It is something that is truly pretty quintessentially American. And it is also very African." "If you come to the continent, and you speak to a dozen founders, I suspect that 10 of them will tell you that one of the biggest challenges they face is financing working capital." "Keeping the lights on as a CEO is your number one job, period" "What built Silicon Valley was diversity. It was diversity of thinking." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How to stop food waste in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-i-made-it-the-entrepreneur-bringing-refrigeration-to-africa/ Adam Grant on the skills needed for African entrepreneurs to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-how-to-rethink-africas-hidden-potential/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Every Clark Kent can become Superman" Owusu Akoto is the Ghanaian entrepreneur tackling one of Africa’s most overlooked problems: cold chain logistics. In this episode of Limitless Africa, host Claude Grunitzky speak with Owusu about how his company, Freezelink, is solving food and medicine waste by building Africa’s temperature-controlled transport and storage network from the ground up. Owusu shares what African entrepreneurs need to succeed and why Africa’s uncultivated land may be its most powerful untapped asset. He also breaks down the mindset shift needed to embrace failure, build legacy, and scale solutions across the continent. Whether you're interested in agribusiness, logistics, entrepreneurship or building the future of food in Africa, this episode offers grounded insights from the frontlines. Plus: Why failure can be the best teacher. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:40 The problems of mango farmers 3:26 The story of farmer Eric 6:19 The two things needed for success 9:12 The American mindset 11:59 The importance of the African mindset 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Every Clark Kent can become Superman" "America is the biggest advert in history for how success compounds." "Africa contains the most amount of uncultivated arable land in the world." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ Has foreign aid fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance? Interview with investor Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The NBA's on the continent. NFL was just here in Cairo, and you also have Formula One thinking about coming." Ibrahim Sagna is a Senegalese businessman and chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, the Mauritius-based private investments firm. It focuses on start-ups in tech, sports entertainment and the creative economy. These include businesses we featured on Limitless Africa, businesses like the FinTech payment system Flutterwave and the online marketplace ANKA. Silverbacks has also invested in the African Warriors Fighting Championship, a martial arts entertainment brand. Plus: How Ibrahim secured the Hollywood film producer Sandy Kleiman as an AWFC investor and advisor. Kleiman has worked with the Oscar-winning Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s a perfect example of how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:36 Why African wrestling is the next big thing 4:20 Why Dambe is popular in Brazil 6:09 The size of the African sports market 8:40 The UFC trouble with Africa 12:30 The African companies serving other continents 15:19 Getting Hollywood producers on board 19:29 The one principle guiding Ibrahim's career 27:06 What Rwanda and Singapore have in common 29:47 What people get wrong about Africa 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "When quality manifests itself, capital follows." "Capital is very very selfish: it just looks at quality and sustainability." "No continent that is perfect. Continents make themselves look perfect." "If you look at the data, even the last 50 years, the most profitable companies in Africa are all exporters." "You have this continent that tends to be presented as a dark continent that's just doubling at all metrics." "We've always contributed, but it just was never recognized." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Why Hollywood moguls are investing in African wrestling https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-hollywood-moguls-are-investing-in-african-wrestling/ How Africa is basketball’s next big business move https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-nba-africa-means-business/ Michael Finley - "If the infrastructure for basketball was anywhere near what it's like in America, Africans would dominate the NBA." https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/if-the-infrastructure-for-basketball-was-anywhere-near-what-its-like-in-america-africans-would-dominate-the-nba/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about sports and money in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I take your Hulk Hogan and I raise you Coronavirus, one of our best fighters" Imagine a combat sport so ancient its moves were once used in spear and shield warfare. Now imagine it on a global stage. In this episode of Limitless Africa, we interview Maxwell Kalu, founder of African Warriors Fighting Championship. He’s on a mission to build Africa’s UFC, taking Nigeria’s traditional Dambe boxing from dusty marketplaces to packed stadiums and global broadcasts. Discover why fighters like “Coronavirus” are becoming local legends, how American investors from Hollywood are backing African combat sports, and why Maxwell believes Africa’s cultural power is its greatest strength. Plus: 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:28 What is dambe? 5:08 Dambe fans around the world 6:05 The origins of Coronavirus 9:14 Getting funding from the US 12:42 Why African culture is so popular 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "So he took the name Coronavirus because he came to prominence during COVID. And the fans nicknamed him that because his style was deadly." "We featured the first ever international white Dambe fighter, a guy called Luke Leyland, brought him all the way over from sunny Liverpool and he competed in front of 10,000 people in Katsina, Northern Nigeria." "We have an outsized level of cultural power." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Building a basketball industry in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/why-nba-africa-means-business/ How Africans can build their own NBA with the man leading it in Kenya https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/if-the-infrastructure-for-basketball-was-anywhere-near-what-its-like-in-america-africans-would-dominate-the-nba/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about sport in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"How do we continue to grow the pie for us and for everybody?" Chris Maurice runs Yellow Card, Africa's most funded cryptocurrency exchange. It operates in 20 African countries, working with approximately 30,000 businesses. This year alone, they've traded more than $3 billion dollars worth of crypto so far. He goes into what it takes to build a successful business in Africa and why there's no substitute for being on the ground. Plus: Chris's classified sections for Nigerian men. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2:25 An unusual start in the industry 4:33 DMs full of Nigerian men 6:51 Defining crypto 12:18 Bigger than Nigeria 14:54 419 fraud 20:43 The need for Stablecoin 26:00 Avoiding fraud 34:42 Advice for American entrepreneurs 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Nigerians are the most convincing people on the face of this planet." "What blockchain technology unlocks for the world is the ability to settle transactions with 100% confidence without a third party intermediary." "We wanted to make sure that this technology is available to anybody that needs it, no matter where they are, no matter, you know, what country they were born in, what currency they were born into." "I think that sometimes people over-index for innovation." "You just need to understand the local context and be able to apply that in a smart way to business models that work." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ How crypto bypasses extortionate bank transfer fees https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-crypto-is-making-sending-money-cheaper-in-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about fin-tech in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I just became obsessed with this problem" Africa is rewriting the rules of global finance, not with aid, but with code. In this episode of Limitless Africa, we unpack how crypto is changing the way millions move money across borders. From Ghana to Nigeria, people are turning to Bitcoin and stablecoins to bypass high fees, long delays, and complex banking systems. Claude Grunitzky is joined by three voices at the heart of this shift: Chris Maurice, the co-founder of Yellow Card, a crypto exchange operating in over 20 African countries; Peter Peregbakumo, a Nigerian entrepreneur who relies on peer-to-peer platforms to run his business and support his family; and Frank Eleanya, a tech journalist tracking the rise of digital currencies at TechCabal. Plus: How to stay safe using crypto. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:06 From Alabama to Africa 1:55 The difficulties of transferring money 6:30 Why blockchain matters 8:29 Using crypto IRL 9:38 The growth of crypto on the continent 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Crypto is booming across Africa." "Nigerians are the most convincing people on the face of this planet." "What blockchain technology unlocks for the world is the ability to settle transactions with 100% confidence without a third party intermediary." "Because of the anonymity of the cryptocurrency market, it tends to attract people of shady characters." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant's tips for African entrepreneurs https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-how-to-rethink-africas-hidden-potential/ “Foreign aid has fuelled corruption, dependence, weak governance” - we speak to Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about fintech in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The financial impact of African creativity is not just realized on the continent, but it's also felt in the diaspora." Molly Jensen is the CEO of Afripods, a Kenya-based podcasting platform that focuses on the African market and has more than 3,000 podcasts on its platform. She's the expert on podcasting in Africa. She tells us why media is key to the continent's development. Plus: Molly's favourite African true crime podcasts 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:46 All about Afripods 2:55 Challenges of podcasting across the continent 5:38 Podcasts VS radio 7:54 Switch to video 9:52 True crime favourites 14:04 Most popular genres by country 16:46 From NYC to Accra and Nairobi 19:51 East African tech scene 25:59 Don't forget the diaspora 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Curated, intentional audio content that people choose to listen to and develop a relationship with the host has really exponentially kind of exploded over the last couple of years." "It's all unseen and unknown as to how big this is. But what it seems like is that it's going to be massive." "The financial impact of what's being created in Africa should also be realized on the continent and not just in the diaspora." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How to make money from your creativity in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about media in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The beauty of podcasting in Africa is that it has enabled people to take ownership of narratives." From Lagos to Los Angeles, creators are building ecosystems and stories that reflect a fuller picture of Africa, one rooted in culture, innovation, and optimism. Podcasts aren’t just changing how we listen, they’re changing how we see Africa. In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu explore how podcasters across the continent are taking control of the narrative, amplifying underrepresented voices, and collaborating with global platforms to shape the future of audio media. Guests include Rutendo Nyamuda, founder of The Podcast Sessions, and Terser Adamu of the Unlocking Africa podcast, alongside insights from Justin Norman of The Flip. Together, they show how collaboration between African talent and American platforms like Spotify and Apple is turning podcasting into a tool for shared prosperity. Plus: The best podcasts in Africa at the moment 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3:44 Media as a colonial legacy 6:02 The typical way African stories are told 7:42 How media affects business in Africa 8:23 What Africans can learn from the US ecosystem of podcasting 11:29 The latest generation fighting Westernization 12:50 Best African podcasts - do you agree? 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "I don't really want to tell African stories. I want to tell stories about Africa" "Although they are modernizing, they're not Westernizing." "What I do think that the US has done really well, is created the ecosystem of podcasting." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Listen to Unlocking Africa with Terser Adamu https://unlockingafricapodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Listen to The Flip with Justin Norman https://theflip.africa/ Make sure your creativity pays https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about media in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The researchers in Africa constantly think of low power AI. They're becoming the world's experts in how to build AI models that are tiny." From Benin City to Silicon Valley, Alexander Tsado is designing your future. He’s known as an AI architect. He’s worked for the world’s biggest tech companies. He’s advised governments. And now he’s going to tell us how Africa can power ahead in the AI race. Plus: How you can root AI in ubuntu 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1:47 How the history of Benin City inspires the next technologists 2:57 Why Nvidia went from gaming to processing chips 5:15 From Benin City to New York City 8:41 Why Africa interested Nvidia 10:32 What's missing in Africa when it comes to AI 14:19 Why the common man on the street should care about AI 16:48 How Africa supplies the raw materials for AI 19:17 How the spirit of ubuntu could develop AI 22:43 Investors need to look to Africa for more than minerals 25:33 The secret Alex doesn't want you to know 25:50 What Alex would do as the dictator of a small African country 28:16 Why the world will be looking to Africa for homegrown AI solutions 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "If you go back and look at the history of Benin City, you would see that it was one of the cities that was renowned for its level of progress." "I could literally see us building the future of the planet." "If we built our own homegrown AI solutions, we would build them in in in different ways." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How video gaming studios are building different models in Africa https://shows.acast.com/limitless-africa/episodes/olivier-madiba-we-dont-have-huge-numbers-but-we-have-huge-pr 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about tech in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Whoever controls AI controls the world." In this episode of Limitless Africa, we explore how Africa is adapting to and innovating with artificial intelligence, from flood-resistant crops to life-saving medical imaging tools. Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak to AI leaders on the continent who are not just training models, but training people. We meet innovators like Darlington Akogo, who is using AI to double food yields and improve health diagnostics in Ghana. We hear from Tholang Mathopa, who has already trained 4,000+ women in AI across ten African countries. And Adewale Yusuf breaks down why it’s not just about skills, it’s about power, representation, and survival. Plus: 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.34 What Putin thinks about AI 2.00 How AI can double food production on a farm 2.44 Why AI could help cut lines at the doctor 4.13 How AI resembles a baby 9.10 Africa could benefit from the AI revolution 9.48 How American companies are training African talent 10.29 The infrastructure that's the most vital 12.18 The American attitude to risk 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "No one needs AI more than the global South, especially Africa." "People will have the power within their own hands to make a difference, to make a change in their own communities using technology." " We've always known US investor to take risk and to bet in the future." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Adam Grant on the skills African entrepreneurs need to succeed https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/adam-grant-on-the-skills-that-african-entrepreneurs-need-to-succeed/ How video gaming is capturing the best African tech talent https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-is-africa-transforming-the-future-of-video-gaming/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about technology in Africa 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The content is fire." Taiye Selasi, the brilliant mind behind the best-selling novel Ghana Must Go, represents the future of African storytelling. She’s now bringing African narratives to the screen as part of her TV and film production studio Cocoa Content. In this episode, she discusses why African culture is now attracting global attention and why Hollywood producers are starting to catch on. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2.29 You don't change the world through peer-reviewed journals 5.53 How a TED talk changed her perspective 7.10 How Hollywood producers understand Africa is the next opportunity 10.55 How the streaming model is wrong 13.40 How The Black Book offers a business model 16.17 The real reason African culture is booming 21.08 The elephant in the room - why African investment is key 23.09 Why Taiye is optimistic 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "We're talking about selling things to people who want them because they're good." "Once we start talking about African excellence, we are talking about explosively popular content. Explosively sellable, bankable product." "The content is fire." "We need that visionary, brave, first money in." "A low budget by American standards is astronomical by African ones." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How to make money from your creativity in Africa https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/how-can-african-creatives-make-money-from-their-art/ Solve unemployment through entertainment in Africa - interview with Yellowstone's best cowboy Denim Richards https://trueafrica.co/article/podcast/the-quickest-way-to-solve-unemployment-in-africa-for-me-is-through-entertainment-actor-denim-richards-on-the-african-film-industry/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about creativity and African culture 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"We are talking about explosively popular content, explosively sellable, bankable product." Afrobeats is topping global charts. Nollywood is Nigeria’s second largest employer. African fashion is inspiring runways from Paris to New York. But who really benefits when African creativity goes global? In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak to Taiye Selasi, writer and producer, and Liz Lenjo, one of East Africa’s leading entertainment lawyers. They explore how protecting intellectual property (IP) can unlock wealth for African creators, why many artists still fear fighting for their rights, and how the diaspora plays a powerful role in bringing African art, music and stories to global audiences. Plus: The steps to take if someone steals your idea 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.21 Why African culture is becoming more and more popular 3.30 How the diaspora are key 5.12 What is intellectual property exactly? 6.39 What do you do if your idea has just been copied? 7.29 How the American mindset prioritizes IP 8.54 What happened in Liz's life to make her understand the importance of IP 10.53 Why Taiye protects her IP 13.16 IP is just the start, the real work comes after 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The minute you fight on social media, you get rid of any goodwill your lawyer would have to negotiate for you." "The reason Hollywood is Hollywood is because people have proactively asserted their copyright." "For me, it was an awakening that I needed to be the lawyer that I couldn't find." "They say the dream is free. The hustle is sold separately." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Solve unemployment in Africa through entertainment - the interview with Yellowstar icon Denim Richards https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-quickest-way-to-solve-unemployment-in-africa-for-me-is-through-entertainment-actor-denim-richards-on-the-african-film-industry/ Olivier Madiba on making money in gaming https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about creativity 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Vision without execution is hallucination.” In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky speaks with Adam Grant, bestselling author and organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, about why character skills like discipline and initiative matter more than we think. They unpack surprising research from West Africa showing that entrepreneurs who develop personal initiative outperformed those with traditional training. The episode also explores the importance of failure, second chances, and how African societies can balance cultural tradition with critical thinking. Plus: How you can keep the old guard happy. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 3.13 How character skills are vital for business success 5.24 How authoritarian regimes don't encourage entrepreneurship 8.54 How action drives confidence 10.21 What is psychological training and how can it help people? 12.47 Can psychological training overcome poverty? 14.42 What explains the US's business success? 16.47 Why America is unfazed by failure 17.42 Three tips for entrepreneurs from Adam Grant 20.48 A question for Adam from Chad. 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "You don't need confidence to act. It's acting that actually builds your confidence." "Vision without execution is hallucination." "Individual change is daunting, group change is much more doable." "Tradition is peer pressure from dead people." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Can you teach entrepreneurship? Three people who've been there weigh in https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/can-you-teach-entrepreneurship/ Why start-ups will save Africa - Interview with venture capitalist Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about self development and business 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You're a poster child for personal initiative." In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky speaks with Adam Grant, bestselling author and organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, about why character skills like discipline and initiative matter more than we think. They unpack surprising research from West Africa showing that entrepreneurs who develop personal initiative outperformed those with traditional training. The episode also explores the importance of failure, second chances, and how African societies can balance cultural tradition with critical thinking. Plus: What's on Adam Grant's to-don't list 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.42 Which skills do entrepreneurs need most 3.33 How you can grow your business's profit by over 30% 4.10 How authoritarian systems are bad for these skills 6.19 How the American mindset favours entrepreneurialism 7.38 Why action is important 8.44 How psychological training can overcome poverty and lack of resources 9.58 Three tips for African entrepreneurs 12.06 A question from a reader from Chad 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "You don't need confidence to act. It's acting that actually builds your confidence." "Vision without execution is hallucination." "Individual change is daunting, group change is much more doable." "Tradition is peer pressure from dead people." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Can you teach entrepreneurship? Three people who've been there weigh in https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/can-you-teach-entrepreneurship/ Why start-ups will save Africa - Interview with venture capitalist Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about self development and business 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You cannot do it in the US. You cannot do it in Europe. It's too saturated, but you can still do it in Africa." Olivier Madiba is the founder of Kiro'o Games, the first video game studio in Cameroon and the first Africa-based studio to release a game on Xbox. He tells Claude why Africans have different ideas of success and what that means for video games; how low revenue doesn't necessarily translate to low profits; and what Africa can teach the modern world about the pricelessness of imperfection. Plus: Why being an imperfect human is a superpower. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.45 African vision of success VS Western vision of success 3.28 The maturity and immaturity of the African gaming market 5.33 The difficulty "black" games face 8.11 The universal questions good games should ask 9.57 Why low revenue doesn't mean low profits 12.54 What to do when no one wants to invest 15.10 The problems with Cameroonian education 17.39 How the US and YALI gave him a new perspective 21.28 Why industrialization won't save Africa 24.33 The one thing that's overlooked when it comes to unlocking Africa's limitless potential 27.13 What Africa can teach the world 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "Where the market is not mature yet, at least from a point of execution, but not from a point of intention, is the monetization." "Low revenue don't mean low profits." " I am tired of this world of defining my destiny for me. I will fight and I will create my own road." "In Africa, success is based on human relationships." "By combining our imperfection, we can build the perfect thing." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How Africa is transforming video gaming - listen to the 15-minute episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-africa-is-transforming-video-gaming/id1629452950?i=1000727824935 How to invest in Africa, with VC founder Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about gaming and storytelling in Africa 🚀 Follow Limitless Africa Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"One of the greatest challenges we face as African gamers has always been the right representation." The video game industry in the United States is bigger than Hollywood and the music industry combined. But Africa? Africa is the fastest-growing gaming market in the world, six times the global average. In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu meet with African gaming leaders and American investors who are betting big on the continent’s youth, talent, and mobile-first habits. From Grammy-winning rapper Nas to Silicon Valley giants like Google and Andreessen Horowitz, US backers are helping African studios like Carry1st scale. But it’s not just about growth. It’s also about representation. With insights from Dom Eromosele of Carry1st and Jay Shapiro of Pan Africa Gaming Group, we explore how collaboration between Africa and America could create a powerful and secure future for global gaming. Plus: The old school hip hop legend investing in African gaming. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.20 Why GTA is so good 2.50 How gaming is bigger than Hollywood 3.35 Incredible growth of African players 4.15 The US companies investing in African gaming 5.35 The challenges of the African industry 6.35 More internet smartphones in Africa than in US, Mexico and Canada. 7.50 What America can bring to Africa beyond $ 10.15 How Africans are changing gaming globally 11.35 How truly international competitions will drive gaming 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "When you combine the youngest continent in the world and the fastest growing gaming markets in the world, you essentially just have the next frontier for the explosion of games.” "What's really interesting is that Africa has 1000s of years of history of amazing stories and legends that have just never been told." "There's really an opportunity for African diaspora who are working in the gaming industry in America, to potentially come home and be those mentors and be the voices of wisdom." "Mobile gaming is only set to grow." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Solve unemployment in Africa through entertainment - the interview with Yellowstar icon Denim Richards https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-quickest-way-to-solve-unemployment-in-africa-for-me-is-through-entertainment-actor-denim-richards-on-the-african-film-industry/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about video games 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's a sin that basketball is a multi-billion dollar business across the globe... everywhere except where the largest talent base exists." Michael Finley is senior director and country operations lead for the NBA in Kenya. He's part of the team behind the Basketball Africa League (BAL) a professional league based on the continent. The league's fifth season featured 156 players from a record 28 countries. Claude talks to him about how something so uniquely American has made such a strong impact in Africa. Plus: Walk around New York today with BAL merch and people will come up to you. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.53 NBA's presence in Africa 4.07 From Georgia, America to Nairobi, Kenya 6.14 The greatest moments for an African basketball fan 9.50 The legacy of John Thompson 11.50 How African players are making their presence felt in the NBA 14.15 How basketball plays well on social media 17.20 How the US government got involved 21.34 BAL Season 5: was it a success? 23.25 Is BAL financially viable? 26.00 The example of NBA expansion in China 28.13 BAL in the USA 30.30 NBA's role as soft power 32.18 How, why, what: call to action for investors 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "If the infrastructure for basketball was anywhere near what it's like in America, Africans would dominate the NBA." "Africa is the largest talent pool on this planet for basketball." "In Africa, it's a long game and it's a numbers game." "This is the time to find places to invest and be a part of the wave." "Basketball will be a multi-million dollar industry on this continent in the coming years." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? How Africa is basketball’s next big business move - the 15m episode with Amadou Fall, NBA Africa President https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/why-nba-africa-means-business/ How to invest in Africa, with VC founder Maya Horgan Famodu https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/foreign-aid-has-fuelled-corruption-dependence-weak-governance/ 💗 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about sport in Africa 🚀 Follow Limitless Africa Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Africa is the largest talent pool on this planet for basketball." Africa is rising as a new powerhouse for global basketball — not just for talent, but for business. In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu explore how the NBA and African investors are building an entire sports economy from the ground up. From the success of the Basketball Africa League to the long-term investments from NBA Africa, this is more than entertainment. It is infrastructure, opportunity, and future growth. You’ll hear from Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League; Michael Finley of NBA Kenya; and Ndeye Diarra, founder of Africa Scores, a sports investment consultancy. They discuss how American capital is merging with African vision to build new leagues, open offices, and create jobs on the continent. This episode dives deep into the economics of basketball, the global influence of African athletes, and why patient capital is key to unlocking Africa’s sports industry. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 1.03 The best African basketball players of all time. 2.45 The current crop of African players 3.25 The basketball crime 5.20 NBA's history on the continent 6.45 NBA as economic growth engine 7.28 The NBA's long game in Africa 9.45 Athletes become business moguls 10.45 Serena Williams' investment in Africa 12.05 Why you need to understand Africa now 14.00 How to become a star on the continent. 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "If you want to invest in sports in Africa, you have to be patient." "In 25 years, 25% of the world population will be African." "I don't have to be a superstar that goes overseas. I can become a star on this continent." 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Can the Basketball Africa League take off - Limitless Africa Season 1 https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/can-the-basketball-africa-league-take-off/ 💗 LOVE LIMITLESS AFRICA? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about basketball 🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Either leave Africa alone or come with a sustainable business model in mind." Maya Horgan Famodu is the founder and CEO of Ingressive Capital, a venture capital fund focused on Africa. She raised over $10 million dollars for her first fund in 2020 and has since gone on to raise over $50 million for Fund 2. Maya wrote an article earlier this year called "The Hidden Benefits of Trump's Aid Policy for Africa" for the website TechCabal. Claude talks to her about how foreign aid encourages corruption, dependence, weak governance. And they discuss a different paradigm for Africa, one where investment fuels innovation, employment, self-reliance and some of the most successful start-ups the world will ever see. Plus: Why start-up founders would never join Boko Haram. 🌟 IN THIS EPISODE: 2.20 How Maya ended up launching a $10 million venture capital fund 5.10 Why scrapping USAID could be a good thing 10.40 Westerners' different attitude to foreign aid 15.50 How African businesses are self funding from launch to exit 17:50 The staggering amount of money lost to corruption in Africa 18.10 The staggering amount of money generated by VC in Africa 21.45 Why it takes a village to raise an African start-up 25.00 Why Africa could be a safer space for your money 26.35 How to defeat Boko Haram 💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER: "The aid cuts are going to influence and pressure African nations to work together to improve accountability and financial discipline." "The majority of the pushback that I received from that article came from foreign individuals, not Africans." "From our own portfolio of 26 companies, likely half will exit." "It's the Wild West and it's an interesting place to do business" 🔗 LINKS + MENTIONS: Learn more about Maya's story and her view on the African VC scene in Season 2: https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/it-wasnt-just-an-overnight-thing-seeds-were-planted-maya-horgan-famodu/ The Hidden Benefits of Trump's Aid Policy for Africa in TechCabal https://techcabal.com/2025/03/14/trump-aid-africa/ 🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential ➕ WANT MORE? Yellowstone actor Denim Richards on launching a media empire in Botswana https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-quickest-way-to-solve-unemployment-in-africa-for-me-is-through-entertainment-actor-denim-richards-on-the-african-film-industry/ 💗 LOVE THIS EPISODE? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a 5⭐ review – it helps get the word out Share with someone passionate about entrepreneurship in Africa 🚀 Follow Limitless Africa Instagram: @_trueafrica Website: https://trueafrica.co/ Substack: https://claudegrunitzky.substack.com/ Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.