Frankly Business Podcast

Frank Fagbo
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The Frankly Business Podcast is a platform for clear, intelligent conversations on business, finance, and the economy across Nigeria and Africa. Hosted by Frank Fagbo, a business media professional with deep experience in markets and economic reporting, the show features founders, CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping Africa's digital and economic landscape. We break down fintech, macroeconomic trends, regulation, digital payments, startup funding, capital markets, and the strategies behind Africa's fastest-growing companies. Our goal is simple: to make complex ideas accessible and give you insight into how top operators think and execute. This channel serves founders, investors, professionals, and anyone interested in African business, financial markets, entrepreneurship, and technology.

  1. 1d ago

    The Nigerian Stock Market Will Explode - Gbolahan Olojede Explains Why

    Could the Nigerian stock market be on the verge of its next major move? After years of economic turbulence, currency pressure, reforms and market volatility, Nigeria’s financial markets are entering an interesting period. But where are the real opportunities — and what should investors be watching? In this episode, we sit down with Gbolahan Olojede, GMD of Bancorp Securities and a finance executive with more than 30 years of experience, to break down the Nigerian economy, the stock market and the investment opportunities emerging in Nigeria. Gbolahan explains why he believes the Nigerian stock market could explode, what investors should look for before buying a stock, and how ordinary Nigerians can begin investing even with a relatively modest income. We discuss: • How to invest in the Nigerian stock market • What to look for before buying a stock • P/E ratio, EPS and dividend per share • Fundamental investing vs speculative investing • The diff between gambling and investing • How someone earning ₦200,000 can realistically start investing • The Aradel stock market story & extraordinary returns • Why wealthy people have significant portions of their wealth in stocks • MTN Nigeria and banking stocks • Banking recapitalisation & its meaning for investors • The power of compounding and starting early • Dangote Refinery and the proposed Dangote Refinery IPO • Nigeria’s oil industry • Nigeria’s economic reforms • The FX crisis and the real impact on Nigerian businesses • How geopolitics connects to Africa’s economic future Chapters 00:00 Trailer — Nigeria’s Economy, Investing & the Future of the Stock Market 03:19 How Can Someone Survive on a ₦100K Salary in Nigeria Today? 04:18 Why ₦100K Is No Longer Enough in Nigeria 05:25 Nigeria’s Economic Reforms: What Are the Real Pain Points? 06:14 How Dangote Refinery Is Changing Nigeria’s Global Energy Position 06:37 How Dangote Refinery Is Projecting Nigeria to the World 07:38 Understanding Nigeria’s Economic Reforms 08:43 Why Was Fuel Subsidy Illegal in Nigeria? 09:03 Why Did Nigeria Delay Fuel Subsidy Removal? 09:46 How the 2023 Budget Planned for Subsidy Removal 11:20 Did Nigeria Properly Prepare for the Pain of Economic Reforms? 12:17 The $24.5 Million Import That Exposed Nigeria’s FX Crisis 13:10 How Nigeria’s Artificial FX Rate Created an Economic Bubble 13:43 Why Airlines Couldn’t Repatriate Their Dollars from Nigeria 14:16 How Nigeria’s FX Crisis Hurt Businesses and the Economy 16:55 Investing in Eurobonds During Nigeria’s Economic Crisis 21:10 Why Did the Nigerian Stock Market Rise During the Crisis? 26:03 How Can You Invest on a ₦200K Salary in Nigeria? 27:36 How Much Money Do Nigerians Spend on Betting? 27:57 Why Investing Is a Culture Before It Is About Income 29:51 How to Invest from a ₦200K Salary 32:08 Gambling vs Investing: What Is the Difference? 33:33 What Should You Look for Before Buying a Stock? 35:24 What Is the P/E Ratio and How Does It Work? 38:03 Why Do the World’s Richest People Own Stocks? 38:48 Fundamental Investing vs Speculative Investing 41:13 How Can Stocks Double or Triple Your Wealth? 42:26 The “Ritual Money” Returns: How Investors Made Huge Gains 44:13 What Caused the 2008 Nigerian Stock Market Crash? 58:33 Why Was the Sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery Reversed? 58:51 How Much Fuel Has the Port Harcourt Refinery Produced? 1:00:01 What Dangote Refinery Can Do That Government Couldn’t 1:00:43 Is Dangote Refinery Becoming a Monopoly? 1:00:53 Does Dangote Have Too Much Power Over Nigeria’s Economy? 1:03:55 How Does Nigeria’s Oil Industry Actually Work? 1:13:43 Dangote Refinery IPO: Should Nigerians Invest? 1:17:06 Why Could the Nigerian Stock Market Explode? 1:19:23 MTN Nigeria Stock: What Do the Fundamentals Say? 1:20:12 Nigerian Banking Stocks and the Banking Recapitalization 1:22:19 The Power of Compounding: What I Wish I Knew at 25 1:30:48 Do Wars Really Happen Because of Natural Resources? 1:31:28 Why Is the Democratic Republic of Congo So Resource-Rich Yet So Poor? 1:32:55 Who Created Boko Haram? Geopolitics and Nigeria’s Security Crisis 1:33:12 USAID, Boko Haram and the Geopolitics Debate 1:33:46 Why Africans Need to Understand Geopolitics and Economics 1:35:40 Why Africa Needs Leaders Who Think Beyond the 4-Year Election Cycle 1:38:16 What Mark Zuckerberg’s Visit to Yaba Says About Nigeria’s Future ABOUT THE GUEST Gbolahan Olojede, BSc, MBA, ACA is the Group Managing Director of Bancorp Securities and a seasoned finance and corporate executive with more than 30 years of professional experience, including 18 years in C-level and executive leadership positions. His career spans Professional Services, Investment and Corporate Banking, Print Media, Healthcare, Oil & Gas and Telecommunications. He is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and an alumnus of Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, where he graduated top of his MBA class.

    The Nigerian Stock Market Will Explode - Gbolahan Olojede Explains Why

  2. Jul 30

    He Left Mercedes-Benz to Prove Africa Can Build Cars | Tobi Ajayi (Nord Automobiles)

    Nigeria has over 220 million people, yet imports nearly everything—from cars and furniture to industrial machinery. Why? In this episode of the Frankly Business Podcast, Frank Fagbo sits down with Oluwatobi Ajayi, Founder and CEO of Nord Automobiles, to unpack one of the biggest questions facing Africa’s largest economy. They discuss: • Why Tesla also started by assembling vehicles • Why manufacturing is so difficult in Nigeria • Why high interest rates kill industrial growth • The truth about “Made in Nigeria” • Mercedes-Benz lessons that changed everything • EVs vs petrol vehicles • Why productivity matters more than corruption • Building the Nord Innovation Hub inside the University of Lagos (UNILAG) • Why Nord is expanding into Europe • Car financing in Nigeria • Entrepreneurship, investors and building a global African brand If you’ve ever wondered why Nigeria imports so much instead of manufacturing locally, how Tesla started, whether electric vehicles can succeed in Nigeria, or what it really takes to build a Nigerian car company, this conversation answers those questions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, investor, engineer or simply curious about Africa’s future, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on building globally competitive businesses from Nigeria. Which do you think is Nigeria’s biggest obstacle to manufacturing: leadership, finance, infrastructure, or something else? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe for more conversations on business, technology, finance and the future of Africa. ⸻ 00:00 Trailer 02:56 Why Nigeria Struggles to Build Cars 07:26 Why Car Manufacturers Need 20,000 Units Before Designing Parts 08:13 How Tesla Really Started 09:21 Why Nord Sources Components from China 10:07 Why Manufacturing Doesn’t Scale in Nigeria 11:47 Is Nigeria Really a Manufacturing Nation? 13:36 Supply Chains: China vs Local Production 14:52 Why 30% Interest Rates Kill Manufacturing 15:55 Why Even 10% Loans Are Too Expensive 17:06 Nigeria’s Leadership Challenge 18:46 Why Builders Think Differently from Traders 19:07 What Dangote and BUA Understand About Manufacturing 20:28 Why Africa’s Largest Country Must Build Things 21:11 Why Investors Prefer Real Estate Over Factories 22:19 How Government Can Boost Manufacturing 22:53 Is Importing Responsible for High Dollar Rates? 24:06 Why Nigeria Still Imports Furniture 24:46 What Nigeria Should Actually Be Importing 26:04 The “Better Pass My Neighbour” Mindset 26:21 Nigerian Cars vs Foreign Used Cars 29:40 Are Brand-New Cars Worth Buying? 32:57 Should Nigeria Increase Tariffs on Imported Cars? 40:10 Why Public Companies Buy Nord Vehicles 43:41 Productivity vs Corruption: What’s Nigeria’s Bigger Problem? 44:00 Raising Money From Politicians 45:12 Why Political Connections Beat Productivity 48:25 The Race to Own Nigeria’s Auto Industry 50:17 Why Nord Competes With China Instead of Europe 51:32 EVs vs Petrol Cars: Which Makes More Sense? 55:47 How Nord Maintains Electric Vehicles 1:06:56 Why Nigerians Buy Local More Than Other Africans 1:08:05 Why Nord Built an Innovation Centre at UNILAG 1:12:50 Lessons From Mercedes-Benz 1:16:05 Leaving Mercedes to Build Nord 1:16:38 Proving Africans Can Build Great Cars 1:17:39 Why National Pride Matters in Manufacturing 1:19:42 Why Nord Created Its Own Car Finance Company 1:21:46 Nord’s Expansion Into Europe 1:24:13 Buying a Car in Under 48 Hours 1:27:29 Nigeria’s Skilled Labour Gap 1:29:32 Why Employers Can’t Find Workers 1:31:42 Nigeria’s Productivity Crisis 1:33:53 The Hard Truth About Entrepreneurship 1:38:46 How Nord Raised Investors to Build a Car Company Key Words: Nord Motors, Nord Automobiles, Made in Nigeria cars, Nigerian car manufacturer, African manufacturing, Manufacturing in Africa, Tesla, Tesla history, Mercedes-Benz, Electric vehicles, EV Nigeria, Car manufacturing, Industrialization, Import substitution, Nigerian economy, FX crisis, Entrepreneurship, Business podcast, Frankly Business, Dangote, BUA, University of Lagos, Car financing, Productivity, Industrial policy, Africa business

    He Left Mercedes-Benz to Prove Africa Can Build Cars | Tobi Ajayi (Nord Automobiles)

  3. Jul 11

    Before You Buy Land in Nigeria, Watch This | The Complete Real Estate Guide

    Every year, thousands of Nigerians lose millions of naira to real estate scams, fake land documents, government acquisition issues, Omo-onile disputes, and costly mistakes that could have been avoided. In this episode of Frankly Business, real estate expert Folajomi Ibrahim shares a practical guide to buying land and property in Nigeria the right way. From understanding a Deed of Assignment, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), and government acquisition, to avoiding fake family claims, conducting due diligence, choosing the right professionals, and calculating construction costs, this conversation is packed with insights that could save you years of stress and millions of naira. Whether you’re buying your first plot of land, investing in Lagos real estate, building a home, or simply trying to understand how property ownership works in Nigeria, this is an episode you shouldn’t miss. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why a receipt does NOT prove you own land. The documents you must verify before buying property. How to avoid Omo-onile and land scams. What government acquisition really means. Why every buyer needs a surveyor, property lawyer, and qualified realtor. How to verify land ownership before paying. Why land disputes can last nearly a decade. The hidden costs of building in Lagos. How to estimate construction costs accurately. The smartest places to invest in Lagos today. If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone planning to buy land or invest in real estate. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Can You Buy Land With Only a Receipt in Nigeria? 00:46 What Documents Prove You Own Land in Nigeria? 01:11 Why Buying Waterfront Land in Lagos Can Be Risky 02:04 What Due Diligence Should You Do Before Buying Land? 02:20 Real-Life Land Scam: How My Father Bought the Same Property Three Times 03:22 What Are the Steps to Buying Property in Nigeria? 03:35 Why You Need a Professional Realtor Before Buying Land 04:39 What Is Government Acquisition Under the Land Use Act? 05:18 Why Every Land Buyer Needs a Registered Surveyor 05:53 Why Land Scams Increase During the Dry Season 07:00 Why You Need a Property Lawyer (Not Just Any Lawyer) 07:30 What Does a Property Lawyer Actually Do Before You Buy Land? 08:25 How I Almost Got Scammed Buying Property in Ikeja 10:04 Do All Children Have Equal Rights to Inherit Property in Nigeria? 11:13 The Two-Lock System That Protects Property Buyers 11:53 How Do You Know You're Buying Genuine Land? 12:15 Why Your Property Team Can Save You Millions 12:31 Should Your Realtor Represent Both Buyer and Seller? 13:42 How Experienced Investors Spot Risky Land Instantly 13:50 Which Areas in Lagos Are Risky for Buying Land? 14:53 What Is a Deed of Assignment and Why Is It Important? 15:58 Why Government Records Matter More Than Private Documents 17:27 What Happens If a Deed of Assignment Has No Governor's Consent? 18:29 Can Payment Receipts Alone Win a Land Dispute in Court? 18:56 Why Going to Court Over Land Can Cost You Years 19:10 How Long Do Land Cases Take in Nigeria? 20:33 What Is a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)? 23:45 What Documents Do You Need to Process a C of O? 24:16 Why Every Property Must Have a History of Ownership 24:32 Why "Trust Me" Is the Biggest Mistake Land Buyers Make 25:02 Which Property Documents Actually Matter to the Government? 27:44 How Fraudsters Fake Family Ownership to Sell Land 28:29 How Fake Landowning Families Scam Buyers 28:40 The Newspaper Land Scam That Fooled Thousands 30:29 Can You Buy Land From a Traditional King? 31:52 What Approvals Do You Need Before Building in Lagos? 35:03 Why Lagos Tests Your Soil and Water Before Construction 36:22 Why Building Regulations Matter More Than You Think 36:46 Why Some Developers Continue Building After Government Sanctions 37:23 Why Lagos Residents Report Illegal Buildings 37:35 How Strict Is Lagos State Building Control? 37:49 What Happens If Your Building Fails Government Inspection? 49:45 The Golden Rule for Paying Money During Property Transactions 51:54 Where Are the Best Property Investment Opportunities on Lagos Mainland? 57:47 Why Lagos Mainland Property Can Be 20% Cheaper 58:27 How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in Lagos? 1:04:05 Why You Should Budget More Than Your Building Estimate 1:04:24 The Hidden Cost of Choosing Cheap Building Materials 1:06:19 Why Accountability Is Better Than Trust in Real Estate 1:06:37 What Real Estate Can Learn From International Accountability Systems 1:07:00 How Do You Calculate the Cost of Building a House? 1:11:13 Engineers vs Artisans: Who Should Build Your House? 1:15:27 How the Rising Dollar Increased Building Costs in Nigeria ⸻ Subscribe for more conversations on business, money, investing, entrepreneurship and the Nigerian economy. #RealEstate #Nigeria #PropertyInvestment #LagosRealEstate #LandScam #PropertyInNigeria #RealEstateNigeria #CertificateOfOccupancy #DeedOfAssignment #FranklyBusiness #FolajomiIbrahim #Investing #BusinessPodcast #Lagos #Construction

    Before You Buy Land in Nigeria, Watch This | The Complete Real Estate Guide

  4. Jun 21

    Japa Won’t Make You Rich — The Truth About Migration, Wealth & Nigeria’s Broken Investment System | Femi Rogers

    Everybody wants to leave Nigeria. Japa. Escape. Start over abroad. But what if everything you believe about migration, wealth, and “the West as heaven” is wrong? In this episode of Frankly Business Podcast, serial entrepreneur and real estate developer Femi Rogers breaks down the uncomfortable truth about money, migration, and wealth creation across Nigeria and the United States. From building businesses across two continents to managing real estate investments in Houston and Lagos, Femi shares rare insights on why many people leave Nigeria expecting wealth… but struggle to build it abroad. We discuss: Why “Japa” does not automatically equal financial success The illusion of wealth vs real wealth creation Why many immigrants get trapped in debt cycles abroad Why diaspora investors don’t trust Nigeria’s investment system The transparency crisis in Nigerian real estate Why Nigeria struggles to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) How remittances from the diaspora are quietly sustaining the economy Why smart investors think differently about money, leverage, and credit Lessons from the Igbo apprenticeship system and early financial education The real valuation logic behind Nigerian real estate pricing Why no smart investor leaves money idle in the bank Femi also shares personal experiences: From employing over 100 staff in Nigeria… to starting again in America… to navigating real estate development across Houston and Lagos. This is not motivational talk. This is a reality check on wealth, systems, migration, and survival economics. If you are in the diaspora, planning to japa, investing in Nigeria, or trying to understand global wealth systems — this conversation will challenge your assumptions. ⸻ CHAPTERS 00:00 Trailer & Introduction 03:29 Is Japa Really Worth It For Nigerians? (The Harsh Reality) 06:32 What Is the Reality of Living and Working Abroad? 09:28 Why Immigrants Struggle Financially Abroad & The Tax Truth 12:32 How Do Rich People Use Debt and Credit Differently? 13:20 Buying Property in Nigeria: My First House in Wuse, Abuja 13:35 Real Estate Mistakes: The Story Behind My First Property Deal 21:58 Is It Easier to Make Money in Nigeria or Abroad? (ROI Compared) 27:05 Why Are Lagos Property Prices and Valuation So Unrealistic? 27:39 How Do You Calculate Property Value in Nigeria? 28:56 What Is a Good Cap Rate in Nigerian Real Estate? 30:23 Why is Nigerian Real Estate So Untransparent? (The Data Problem) 30:56 Why Do Sellers Wait to Sell Higher Than the Real Value? 31:37 How the US Property Market Submits and Tracks Real Prices 31:59 Why You Cannot Inflate Prices in Shrewd Data Markets 32:10 Why Don’t Diaspora Investors Trust Nigeria? 33:57 How to Verify Property Ownership in Nigeria (The Alausa Problem) 34:22 Are Remittances Better Than Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)? 34:50 Why Investors Avoid Nigerian Markets & Demand Transparency 35:06 How Can Nigerians Abroad Safely Invest Back Home? 35:44 What Are Nigeria’s Current Economic Reforms Doing? 36:21 Dealing with the Early Growing Pains of Economic Reform 39:08 How People Become Billionaires Daily in a "Bad" Economy 40:07 How Does Corruption Affect Investment in Nigeria? 40:25 Navigating the Reality of NNPC Allocations in the Past 40:47 Why Past Economic Opportunities Deprived Everyday Nigerians (Nigeria Economic Reforms) 42:10 What Is the Igbo Apprenticeship System & Money Management? 46:13 Why Do Successful Businessmen Think Differently About Banks? 50:34 How Savvy Operators are Globalizing Their Businesses 52:20 Why ₦1bn Builds 1 House in Nigeria But 5 Houses in the US 52:35 Making 30% Returns in Nigeria vs. 50% Returns Abroad 59:49 Why Do the Wealthiest People Always Invest in Real Estate? 1:03:37 How Does Lack of Transparency Affect Investment? 1:06:32 Buying Property Abroad: Getting a Deed in 3 Hours in the US 1:15:41 Building a Business with 100+ Staff: Mindset and Humility 1:26:26 How Do Successful Businessmen Think About Networking? 1:27:03 Starting Small: Moving From Furniture to Oil & Gas 1:27:24 How to Build Systems so Your Business Takes Care of Itself Subscribe for more conversations on money, business, and Africa’s economic future. Frankly Business Podcast

    Japa Won’t Make You Rich — The Truth About Migration, Wealth & Nigeria’s Broken Investment System | Femi Rogers

  5. May 16 ·  Video

    The Truth About Business, Power & Survival “Nigeria Should Structure Corruption” | Keji Giwa

    What if corruption in Nigeria isn’t disappearing anytime soon… but simply becoming more organized? On this explosive episode of Frankly Business, Keji Giwa — founder of Shortlet.ng and Giwa Gardens — shares one of the most controversial business takes we’ve ever heard on the podcast: “Nigeria should structure corruption.” But that’s only the beginning. In this conversation, Keji breaks down: - Why the shortlet market is dying - Why Nigeria doesn’t truly have 200 million customers - How greed is damaging the real estate industry - Losing over ₦400 million to theft - The systems he built to stop internal fraud - Diaspora money and investment opportunities - Building West Africa’s largest water park - The future of tourism and leisure in Africa - The harsh realities of building businesses in Nigeria This episode is raw, honest, uncomfortable, insightful — and necessary. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, founder, creative, or young African trying to understand how business really works in Nigeria… this conversation will challenge your thinking. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 03:04 Why The Shortlet Market is Dead 03:20 Why People Are Getting out of the Shortlet Market 03:56 Demand and Supply for Shortlet Market 04:15 Housing Deficit in Nigeria 04:30 Affordable Housing is a Myth 05:28 How I Built Shortlet.ng 05:55 How I Became The Godfather of Shortlet 06:00 Watch This Before Starting Shortlets or AirBnB in Nigeria or Africa 07:10 How Shortlet Started 11:25 I made $3k to $4k from 1 Shortlet Apartment in a Month 11:50 Get 20 Days Occupancy in Your Shortlet 12:00 Shortlet Started in Osapa London 12:30 Overpricing Killed The Shortlet Industry in Nigeria 12: 50 Hotels vs AirBnB and Shortlet 13:04 N800k per night Apartment in Lagos is too Expensive 15:42 Correction Phase of Real Estate in Nigeria - Real Estate Bubble Burst 17:45 Affordable Housing is the Job of The Govt 19:00 Affordable Housing is Impossible in Lagos 21:00 How To Build Affordable Homes 21:35 Housing Bubble in Nigeria 24:30 Nigeria has two Economies (Corruption Economy vs Market Economy) 25:30 Watch This Before Starting a Leisure Business 26:09 Know This Before Starting A Luxury Business in Nigeria 30:00 There is no Real Estate Bubble in Nigeria 31:25 Understanding The Economy of Corruption 32:25 How Politicians Launder Money with Real Estate 32:48 Why We need to Legalize Corruption in Nigeria 33:38 How My Staff Stole N400m from My Business 34:42 How I caught Staff Theft and The System That Works 37:00 How I Built Giwa Gardens 37:20 Doing Business in Nigeria 38:40 How To Stop Staff From Stealing From You 40:00 Systems for Staff Theft 44:30 Nigeria Doesn't have 200m Market we only have 200m people 45:30 Why They Need To Stop Giving VISAs to the Best of Nigerians 47:00 Is Ikoyi a slum 49:23 Why Corruption Should Be Legal in Nigeria 54:00 Dealing with Scarcity Mentality 56:30 $500 Diaspora Tax in Nigeria 58:32 Integrity is the Only Currency That Doesn't Depreciate 59:00 How To Get Money From Investors For Your Real Estate Project 1:01:40 Avoid Impatient Capital For Your Real Estate Project 1:02:00 Dealing With Press Crisis For Your Business 1:07:40 Detty/Dirty December Economy 1:09:45 How Three Crowns Milk Started 1:12:00 I Built Giwa Gardens For $30m Subscribe to Frankly Business for powerful conversations with Africa’s most ambitious founders, operators and business leaders. #FranklyBusiness #KejiGiwa #NigeriaBusiness

    The Truth About Business, Power & Survival “Nigeria Should Structure Corruption” | Keji Giwa

  6. May 2 ·  Video

    I Missed a 10,000x Startup… After Investing Early in Paystack | Abasiama Idaresit

    In this episode of Frankly Business, I sit down with Abasiama Idaresit — one of Africa’s pioneering digital entrepreneurs, early-stage investor, and CEO of Wild Fusion Holdings. From launching one of Nigeria’s first digital marketing agencies in 2010 to investing early in companies like Paystack, Big Cabal Media, and Casava, Abasiama has been at the forefront of Africa’s tech and media evolution. But not every decision went right. He shares the story of a painful investment mistake — pulling out early from a startup that went on to deliver over 10,000x returns. We break down: * The early days of digital marketing in Africa * Building and scaling Wild Fusion across Nigeria, Ghana & Kenya * His transition from operator to investor * The biggest mistakes founders and investors make * How to identify real opportunities in Africa’s tech ecosystem * Lessons from backing companies like Paystack and Big Cabal This is a masterclass in business, investing, timing, and long-term thinking. If you’re building, investing, or thinking about Africa’s future — this episode is for you. ⸻ Subscribe for more conversations on business, finance & opportunity Follow Frankly Business Podcast for insights that actually matter

    I Missed a 10,000x Startup… After Investing Early in Paystack | Abasiama Idaresit

  7. Jan 31

    From Walmart to Wakanow: How Bayo Adedeji Is Fixing Africa’s Travel Problem | $50M Raised

    From Walmart to Wakanow. In this episode, Bayo Adedeji, CEO of Wakanow, shares how he transitioned from working at Walmart to building one of Africa’s leading travel tech companies — raising over $50 million along the way. We also unpack why flights are expensive in Africa and what must change Why are flights so expensive in Africa — especially during Christmas and peak travel season? In this explosive conversation, Bayo Adedeji (CEO of Wakanow) breaks down the real economics behind African flight prices… and the journey that took Wakanow from near-collapse to a $50M global travel empire operating in 30+ countries. From Walmart to Wakanow, from selling shoes and fries, to leaving a $300,000 Amazon job, Bayo shares the brutal truth about: ✈️ Why African flights cost a premium How travel companies survive in tough markets ️ What it REALLY means to build in Africa Why “projecting poverty” kills investment deals Entrepreneurship vs intrapreneurship (and why both matter) How Wakanow rebuilt trust and scaled globally This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on business, travel, money, customer behaviour, and the reality of surviving in Africa’s toughest industries. This… is Frankly Business. Where Africa’s biggest minds come to talk money, business, and the future. WATCH TILL THE END — every minute is pure gold. Chapters below Drop your thoughts in the comments — we read everything. ⸻ ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (Clear, Searchable, SEO-Friendly) (If you want, I can refine these after seeing the exact runtime.) 00:00 — Intro: Africa’s Flight Crisis 01:42 — Why are African flights so expensive? 05:10 — The hidden economics of airlines in Africa 08:25 — Christmas & festive season: why prices skyrocket 11:02 — Wakanow’s early struggles and near-collapse 14:50 — Why Bayo left a $300K Amazon job 18:33 — From Walmart to Wakanow: the untold journey 21:40 — Selling shoes, fries & beach houses: the hustle story 25:55 — How Wakanow raised $50M and expanded to 30+ countries 30:11 — Entrepreneurship vs Intrapreneurship 33:08 — “Stop projecting poverty” — his viral investment philosophy 37:42 — Why African founders must think differently 41:15 — Customer behaviour: the truth nobody talks about 45:59 — Speed, execution, and decision-making 50:22 — Travel, tourism & the African opportunity 54:40 — Advice for young entrepreneurs and employees 59:10 — Final message: Build. Don’t beg.

    From Walmart to Wakanow: How Bayo Adedeji Is Fixing Africa’s Travel Problem | $50M Raised

  8. Jan 31

    She Raised $600k in 24 Hours — Here’s What Most Founders Get Wrong About Funding

    Most founders think funding is about pitch decks. They’re wrong. In this episode, we sat down with Ife Durosinmi-Etti, Founder and CEO of Herconomy, to unpack how she raised $600,000 in 24 hours, attracted over $5 million in commitments, and what most founders misunderstand about funding. We talk about crowdfunding on Instagram, visibility and credibility, the real cost of running tech companies, and why only 4% of women globally have raised over $1 million. This conversation goes beyond motivation — it breaks down how community, problem-solving, and alignment with global challenges (SDGs) can unlock grants, capital, and long-term growth. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or building in Africa, this episode will change how you think about money, access, and opportunity. women entrepreneurship, startup funding, how founders raise money, women in business, venture capital, fundraising for startups, crowdfunding instagram, african startups, women founders, herconomy, ife durosinmi etti, franky business podcast, grants for startups, tech startups africa, gender funding gap, women led startups, how to raise capital, startup grants, community led startups, funding for women #StartupFunding #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AfricanStartups #FranklyBusiness

    She Raised $600k in 24 Hours — Here’s What Most Founders Get Wrong About Funding
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About

The Frankly Business Podcast is a platform for clear, intelligent conversations on business, finance, and the economy across Nigeria and Africa. Hosted by Frank Fagbo, a business media professional with deep experience in markets and economic reporting, the show features founders, CEOs, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping Africa's digital and economic landscape. We break down fintech, macroeconomic trends, regulation, digital payments, startup funding, capital markets, and the strategies behind Africa's fastest-growing companies. Our goal is simple: to make complex ideas accessible and give you insight into how top operators think and execute. This channel serves founders, investors, professionals, and anyone interested in African business, financial markets, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Frank Fagbo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Frank Fagbo
  • Show Website
    Frankly Business Podcast

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