Hello Listeners, Welcome to the Wasabi Africa Podcast my name is Lukman Yusuf, I am a financial analyst from Nigeria working at the World Bank Head Quarters in the US, It is my passion to make the known the story of Africa’s economic development to people all over the world.  Today commences the beginning of[...]

In this episode, we explore the key challenges facing African entrepreneurs — from limited access to finance and weak infrastructure to regulatory hurdles and the talent gap. Despite these obstacles, innovation, resilience, and new opportunities are reshaping Africa’s startup ecosystem.

In this episode, we explore the vital role of incubators and accelerators in Africa’s entrepreneurial journey. From Lagos to Nairobi, these programs provide mentorship, training, funding, and networks that help startups overcome challenges and scale. Discover how initiatives like MEST Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and Google for Startups Accelerator are shaping the future of[...]

In this episode, we explore the emergence of Africa’s vibrant startup ecosystems — from Lagos and Nairobi to Cape Town, Cairo, and Accra. Discover how entrepreneurs are driving innovation in fintech, e-commerce, and health tech, creating jobs, attracting global investors, and transforming local economies.

This episode explores the current state of venture capital in Africa — from record-breaking investments and rising unicorns to the challenges of exits and liquidity. We highlight success stories like Paystack, Flutterwave, and LifeBank, examine the impact of COVID-19, and discuss how Africa’s young, tech-savvy population is reshaping the investment landscape.

How is corporate venture capital shaping Africa’s startup boom? We break down how CVC brings funding, mentorship, market access, and de-risking—spotlighting examples like MTN × Jumia, Safaricom × Sendy, TLcom × Terragon, and Norfund × M-KOPA—plus the hurdles ahead and what it will take to unlock bigger exits and growth.

In this episode, we explore how government policies shape entrepreneurship across Africa. From Kenya’s Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Rwanda’s Innovation City to Nigeria’s Bank of Industry and tax incentives, we analyze how funding programs, regulatory reforms, and digital infrastructure are fueling startups, job creation, and innovation across the continent.

In this episode, we examine how Africa’s diaspora is fueling entrepreneurship and innovation back home. From investment funds and knowledge transfer to global networking and social impact, we spotlight inspiring stories — from Mo Ibrahim and Strive Masiyiwa to Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu and Fred Swaniker — showing how diaspora entrepreneurs are reshaping Africa’s economic future.

In this episode, we look ahead at the future of venture capital and entrepreneurship in Africa. From fintech dominance to sector diversification, the rise of local investors, and challenges like regulation and infrastructure, we explore how Africa is shaping up to become a global hub for innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.

In the final episode of our Africa’s Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Landscape series, we spotlight prominent African tech entrepreneurs and investors who are reshaping the continent. From Tayo Oviosu’s mobile payments with Paga, to Rebecca Enonchong’s global tech solutions, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s ventures in Andela and Flutterwave, and Erik Hersman’s work bridging Africa’s digital divide, we[...]