Change Africa Podcast

In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah is joined by guest Ndubuisi Kejeh to explore the powerful role of storytelling in building global brands and driving transformation across the African continent.The conversation begins with exploring how narratives shape consumer behavior and brand identity. Ndubuisi highlights storytelling as a fundamental tool in marketing, company building, politics, and culture. Together, they examine the emotional core of consumerism, the success of global campaigns like Coca-Cola and Red Bull, and how African brands can learn from these models while maintaining authenticity.The dialogue touches on the economic opportunities tied to Afrobeats and African products, emphasizing that narrative-led strategies can help African entrepreneurs access global markets and change consumer perceptions. The discussion also critiques the venture capital model in Africa, arguing that it may not be fully suited to the continent’s economic realities and calling for context-specific funding strategies.Beyond business, the episode explores storytelling’s influence in politics, proposing that narrative can unify new political movements. The idea of a “third force” in African politics is discussed as a possibility powered by effective communication, leadership, and narrative cohesion.Ndubuisi and Isaac reflect on the moral dimension of marketing and influencer culture, advocating for a human-centered approach to influence and leadership. The episode ultimately affirms that storytelling is a catalytic force for reshaping Africa’s image, inspiring entrepreneurship, and igniting collective belief in possibility.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Change Africa Podcast01:01 – The Importance of Storytelling in Business02:12 – The Power of Narratives in Company Building05:52 – Successful Storytelling Campaigns12:01 – Mastering Consumer Goods and Brand Building18:48 – The Future of Consumerism and Morality22:31 – Critique of the Venture Capital Model in Africa29:56 – Economic Opportunities in Afrobeats and African Products32:33 – The Power of Storytelling in Politics39:39 – Creating a Third Force in African Politics43:32 – Building Global Brands from Africa50:08 – Perceptions and Branding Challenges in AfricaFurther Reading and ResourcesTo learn more about Ndubisi’s venture builder, Mustard, and its story-led approach, visit their website. This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at changeafricapod@gmail.comFollow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This episode of the Change Africa podcast features Selasie Gomado, founder and creative director of Artematis, a Ghanaian art collective and agency driving the continent’s artistic renaissance.Selasei begins by tracing his early love for drawing, stifled by familial expectations to pursue engineering, a path he followed until a post-university epiphany sparked Artematis. What started as an online art shop in 2018, born from a random thought in a car ride, has grown into a dynamic collective showcasing five artists globally, from London to Hong Kong.Selasie recounts the rocky early days—six months of no sales—until a friend’s advice to tap into Ghanaians’ love for experiences led to the first Full Moon Exhibition. With 300 attendees and a single sale, it was a modest validation that shifted Artematis toward events. The momentum of 2019 screeched to a halt with COVID-19, nearly ending the venture. But a personal brush with the virus in 2021 became a turning point. Bedridden and reflective, Selasie recommitted to managing artists full-time, quitting his engineering job after signing with Phillips Auction House for a landmark 2022 London show.The discussion pivots to the artists of Artematis—Hawa Awanle Ayiboro, Abdur Rahman Muhammad, Kwaku Yaro, James Mishio, and Courage Hunke—each pushing boundaries with unique materials and themes. From Hawa’s vivid depictions of women’s struggles to Courage’s fusion of paper and plastic waste, Selasi highlights their growth from emerging to established talents. He reflects on the challenge of balancing structure with creative chaos, a dance he navigates with patience and an open mind.Selasie situates Artematis within Ghana’s thriving art scene, crediting pioneers like KNUST’s arts department and galleries such as 1957 for creating “third spaces” that democratize art. Yet, he notes a persistent hurdle: local art collecting lags, with over 90% of sales to foreigners. The episode closes with a hopeful vision for African art’s future—rooted in quality, documentation, and experimentation—underscoring Selasi’s belief that its foundations are still being built.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast01:01 Selasi Gomadu and Artomatis: A Journey into Art03:01 The Evolution of Artomatis and Its Impact06:01 Challenges and Triumphs in the Art Scene09:04 Navigating the Art Market: Strategies and Insights12:00 The Role of Community in Artist Development15:03 Defining Great Art and the Artist's Journey17:59 Fostering Creativity and Managing Artists21:07 Success Stories and Growth in the Art Collective23:47 Behind the Scenes of Art Exhibitions26:56 Experimental Approaches in Contemporary Art30:00 The Future of Artomatis and the Ghanaian Art Scene35:50 Building Connections in the Art World39:38 Challenges in the Art Industry44:58 The Role of Galleries in Community Engagement47:03 The Evolving Culture of Art Collection in Ghana50:49 Supporting Artists' Mental Health53:39 Spotlight on Emerging Artists01:06:30 The Future of Art in AfricaFurther Reading and ResourcesTo explore Selasi’s world further:Visit Artematis’ website (assumed URL) for artist profiles and upcoming shows.Read Rebecca Ann Proctor’s 2021 article that spotlighted Artematis, Explore Ghana’s art scene through Gallery 1957 and Nubuke Foundation, key players mentioned by Selasi.

In Episode 3 of Season 6, Change Africa Podcast hosts Isaac Aboah and Daniel Merki sit down with Maudo Jallow, a geopolitical strategist advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Jallow unpacks the intricate dance of global power, from GCC(Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)  influence in Africa to the continent’s untapped leverage in a multipolar world. The conversation tackles how African leaders can navigate partnerships with emerging players like the UAE, sidestep colonial hangovers, and build a pragmatic future rooted in competence and self-interest.  They explore the dynamics of international partnerships, the role of independent organizations, and the challenges African leaders face in negotiating beneficial agreements. The conversation also touches on the historical influence of colonial powers and the current efforts of the US to regain influence in Africa amidst rising competition from China and the UAE. This conversation explores the shifting dynamics of global influence, particularly focusing on the roles of the UK and US in Africa, the fragility of international law, sustainable development challenges, and the importance of attracting talent for governance. Maudo urges African leaders to wield data-driven leverage in negotiations, tap diaspora talent, and prioritize GDP per capita as a development yardstick—offering a playbook for a continent ready to rewrite its story.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast01:01 Geopolitical Landscape in the GCC Region06:44 Africa as a Geopolitical Playground11:26 The Role of Independent Organizations19:09 Navigating Colonial Legacies in Africa30:20 US Influence and Relationships in Africa30:48 The Shifting Global Influence of the UK and US35:49 The Role of International Law and the UN39:50 Sustainable Development and Resource Management in Africa44:21 UK's Economic Role in Africa: Debt Relief and Cultural Influence47:17 Future Development Outcomes for Africa50:32 Pragmatic Approaches to Foreign Investment in Africa54:37 Attracting Talent for Governance in Africa58:26 Personal Aspirations and Future DirectionsGuest ProfileMaudo Jallow is an experienced geopolitical strategist and advisor, with 7 years of experience in advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Previously, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Senior Analyst in the Global Advantage Practice Area, providing expert advice and insights on how MEA nations can attract strategic foreign investment in key sectors. Maudo holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with French from the European Business School in London and a Master’s degree in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa. This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.comFollow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Change Africa podcast, host Isaac Aboah and co-host Daniel Merki engage with Mimi Kalinda, a global communication specialist, to explore the importance of storytelling in reshaping Africa's narratives. Mimi reflects on her career, the complexities of African culture, and the power of narratives in influencing perceptions and behaviors. She emphasizes the need for culturally nuanced communication and the role of storytelling in problem-solving and transformational change across the continent. The conversation delves into the importance of building authentic African narratives, the role of crisis management in collective action, and the necessity for government leaders to embrace storytelling as a strategic tool. It highlights the lessons learned from past crises, particularly in the context of the Ebola outbreak and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for a cohesive narrative that aligns with the realities on the ground. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring the impact of storytelling and the importance of preparing for future crises. This conversation explores the significance of crisis communication, the power of storytelling in leadership, and the importance of embedding storytelling within organizational culture. It emphasizes the need for adaptability in crisis situations and the role of reputation management.Episode Summary00:00 Introduction to Storytelling in Africa02:57 Reflections on Accomplishments and Future Goals06:08 Understanding Africa's Complex Narratives09:02 Storytelling as a Tool for Problem Solving12:00 The Power of Narratives in Shaping Perceptions14:55 Childhood Influences and the 1994 Turning Point20:52 Career Milestones and Impactful Projects24:02 Building African Narratives27:00 Crisis Management and Collective Action29:59 Government Leadership and Storytelling33:59 The Importance of Strategic Communication38:57 Measuring Impact in Storytelling42:09 Crisis Communication Lessons Learned44:34 Crisis Communication and Adaptability49:10 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership52:12 Embedding Storytelling in Organizational Culture55:26 The Importance of Preserving African Stories01:00:20 The Dangers of Ignoring Our HeritageFurther Reading and ResourcesMimi Kalinda's book, "Talking to Africa: Considering Culture in Communications for a Complex Continent," is available for purchase at AmazonVisit Mimi Kalinda's website at mimikalinda.com for more information on her work and access her upcoming book, "Echoes of Influence: Harnessing The Power of Storytelling As A Leadership Strategy."This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.comFollow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Watch on YouTube

In this season premiere of the Change Africa Podcast, we sit down with none other than James Barnor, the legendary Ghanaian photographer and photojournalist whose work has defined generations. Often referred to as the godfather of photography in Ghana, Barnor pioneered color photography and processing in the country, capturing some of the most iconic moments in Ghanaian history.At 95 years old, Grandpa James—also known as Lucky Jim—reflects on his incredible journey from being a young apprentice in Accra to becoming a globally celebrated artist with exhibitions at Tate Modern, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and beyond. He shares insights on luck, the importance of education, and the awakening of his passion for photography. Barnor discusses capturing history through ordinary lives, the significance of celebrating forgotten heroes, and the need for community engagement in the arts. He emphasizes the importance of legacy, the pioneering spirit in national development, and the impact of technological advancements in photography. Barnor expresses his desire to inspire the next generation of photographers and his vision for the future of art in Ghana.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast01:02 The Journey of James Bano04:00 Reflections on Luck and Education06:04 The Impact of Photography on History09:58 Celebrating Forgotten Heroes12:13 The Role of Community in Photography16:02 Inspiration for the Next Generation19:59 Legacy and Institutionalization of Work24:35 Pioneering Spirit in Photography and Beyond27:02 Cultural Contributions and Community Engagement30:04 Adapting to Technological Changes in Photography36:53 Reflections on Life and Future Aspirations39:04 Political Insights and National Development PlansGuest ProfileJames Barnor, born in 1929 in Accra, Ghana, is a pioneering figure in African photography. Known for introducing color processing to Ghana in the 1970s and documenting societies in transition, his work spans street and studio photography, capturing Ghana’s move toward independence and London’s multicultural evolution. His exhibitions at the Tate Modern and MoMA have cemented his global influence, and he has received accolades like the Order of Volta and an honorary fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society. His official website, James Barnor, offers further insights into his legacy. This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.Do you have a question for our hosts? Email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.comFollow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Watch on YouTube

In this season's finale, Dr. Mzamo Masito, Chief Marketing Officer at Google Africa, engages in a captivating and insightful dialogue that transcends the professional realm, delving into the profound interplay of personal philosophy, career trajectory, and transformative technological advancements in Africa.Masito's narrative begins with a reflective journey into his formative years and the philosophical underpinnings that shaped his approach to life and work. He credits his success to mentors and a deep-seated belief in integrity, competence, and consistency. These principles not only defined his framework of winning but also infused his professional life with a distinctive character.Remarkably, Masito challenges conventional corporate norms, embracing his unique identity and advocating for freedom in its multifaceted forms. This mindset stems from his experiences growing up under apartheid, instilling in him a profound understanding of freedom's value and the necessity of financial independence to speak truth to power.His professional journey, marked by rapid ascension in the corporate world, is attributed to a combination of hard work, strategic thinking, and the fortification of foundational qualities through therapy and self-awareness. Masito emphasizes the importance of mental health, particularly for African men, advocating for a shift in perception towards therapy and vulnerability.At Google, Masito's mandate aligns with the company's mission to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. He passionately discusses Google's initiatives in Africa, focusing on democratizing opportunity and leveraging technology for sustainable development. These efforts encompass a wide range of projects, from agriculture and health to education and data consolidation, all aimed at empowering the African continent.Masito's vision for the future is deeply rooted in his values of freedom, respect, and Ubuntu ("I am because we are"). He aspires to foster opportunities for others, ensuring that freedom is accompanied by tangible prospects for growth and advancement. This altruistic goal, coupled with his commitment to promoting communal values and competence, shapes his outlook on life and work.The episode concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a reaffirmation of Masito's commitment to facilitating positive change in Africa. His journey is imbued with personal struggles, triumphs, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact.