Limitless Africa

TRUE Africa
  • 4.9 (19)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Limitless, the podcast series that  asks the questions which matter to Africa. Are tech start-ups the answer to Africa's unemployment problem? Can we stop fake news from spreading on the continent? How do we raise a generation of football stars?  These are just some of the topics we’ll be tackling. And we’re not looking for simple answers. Just as Africa’s potential is limitless, so are the possible solutions to any challenges the continent faces. During each podcast episode, we’ll be asking three very different subject experts to give their take on each question. This will come as no surprise but they don’t always agree. Made possible with a grant from the U.S. Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 11H AGO

    What can African entrepreneurs learn from the American mindset?

    "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.

    15 min
  2. Ben Kincaid - “Africa has an opportunity to rise as an industrial superpower.”

    4D AGO

    Ben Kincaid - “Africa has an opportunity to rise as an industrial superpower.”

    “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.

    33 min
  3. The next generation of mines bringing value to Africa

    FEB 9

    The next generation of mines bringing value to Africa

    “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.

    15 min
  4. Olugbenga Ogunbowale - "If there is something that Africa can learn from America, it's that abundance mindset."

    FEB 5

    Olugbenga Ogunbowale - "If there is something that Africa can learn from America, it's that abundance mindset."

    "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.

    33 min
  5. How a US exchange program fostered a generation of entrepreneurs

    FEB 2

    How a US exchange program fostered a generation of entrepreneurs

    "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.

    15 min
  6. Caitlin Burton, Zipline Africa - "Africa wants jobs and technology and entrepreneurship."

    JAN 29

    Caitlin Burton, Zipline Africa - "Africa wants jobs and technology and entrepreneurship."

    "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.

    38 min

  7. JAN 26

    The drones saving lives in Africa

    "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.

    14 min
  8. Mika Hajjar - "The world of entrepreneurship in Africa and that of Silicon Valley are converging"

    JAN 22

    Mika Hajjar - "The world of entrepreneurship in Africa and that of Silicon Valley are converging"

    "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.

    23 min
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Trailers

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to Limitless, the podcast series that  asks the questions which matter to Africa. Are tech start-ups the answer to Africa's unemployment problem? Can we stop fake news from spreading on the continent? How do we raise a generation of football stars?  These are just some of the topics we’ll be tackling. And we’re not looking for simple answers. Just as Africa’s potential is limitless, so are the possible solutions to any challenges the continent faces. During each podcast episode, we’ll be asking three very different subject experts to give their take on each question. This will come as no surprise but they don’t always agree. Made possible with a grant from the U.S. Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    TRUE Africa
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TRUE Africa
  • Show Website
    Limitless Africa

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