Africa is a rich frontier of creative expression, brimming with innovative storytelling, fresh interpretations of timeless themes, and imaginative takes on universal human issues. Whether driven by necessity, shaped by inclination, or born of natural talent, Africans have long approached the world in uniquely original ways. Yet when it comes to converting these ideas into careers, businesses, and sustainable industries, much work remains. Africa’s creators have had limited access to global markets, and even when they break through, they rarely benefit fully or retain control over how their ideas evolve. Correcting this imbalance demands deliberate, strategic interventions. Encouragingly, several initiatives…
Author: Khusoko
Khusoko
Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.
WPP-Scangroup has announced the departure of Chief Executive Officer Patricia Ithau, HSC, following the conclusion of her contract. Appointed in 2022, Patricia led the company through a period of strategic transformation, championing innovation, ethical leadership, and operational excellence. “Over her tenure, Patricia built an innovative, ethically grounded, and people-focused organisation with a strong foundation of governance, compliance, and controls,” the Board stated. “She championed the adoption of our generative AI platform, WPP Open, to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. These reforms position us for sustained growth.” Patricia’s leadership legacy spans over three decades, with senior roles at Unilever, Diageo/East African…
Frankline Okata is Safaricom’s new Chief Enterprise Business Officer, following the departure of Cynthia Karuri-Kropac, who exited the role in early July after less than two years at the helm. The leadership change is part of a broader executive realignment under CEO Peter Ndegwa, as the telco intensifies its focus on enterprise and digital services to counter stagnating voice and SMS revenues. “Frankline brings a wealth of experience and a good understanding of our Enterprise business and operations,” said Ndegwa. “He joined Safaricom in 2006 as a Customer Care Representative and has grown through various roles, including leading our strategy…
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) elected Paul Russo, CEO of KCB Group, as its new chairperson during its Annual General Meeting on Friday. Russo succeeds John Gachora, Managing Director of NCBA Group, who has served as chairperson since June 2021. Betty Korir, CEO of Credit Bank, was re-elected as vice chairperson, ensuring leadership continuity within the KBA. This leadership transition occurs amid heightened regulatory scrutiny from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). The CBK has proposed a Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model, which would tie lending rates to the Central Bank Rate (CBR) plus a fixed premium, referred to as “K.”…
Equity Bank now finds itself at a critical crossroads—not just in a legal dispute, but in a moral and economic test of leadership. TransCentury PLC and East African Cables, two companies once brimming with regional promise, are in distress. Ksh 4 billion for TransCentury and Ksh 1.5 billion for East African Cables in outstanding loans loom over them, while more than 1,500 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect livelihoods hang in the balance. But beyond the figures lies a deeper question: should Equity act as an undertaker, sealing their fate, or as a physician, diagnosing the illness and reviving the patient?…
Del Monte Kenya’s mission extends beyond pineapple cultivation, emphasising sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. In 2024, the company launched a pioneering biofertilizer plant, a milestone. This facility converts pineapple byproducts, previously used for animal feed and compost, into high-quality biofertilizers. By leveraging naturally occurring microbes, these biofertilizers enhance soil health, improve nutrient availability, and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilisers. The plant produces various biofertilizer types, supporting Del Monte’s farms and other East African growers. This initiative optimises resource use and establishes a regional standard for sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. Wayne Cook, Acting Deputy Managing Director, captured the…