Heroes amongst us 🦸🏾♀️🦸🏾♂️
#180: A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. - Joseph Campbell
Hello Venturer,
DC Comics, makers of Justice League, has effectively conveyed the narrative of what defines a true hero to multiple generations. Many have grown up believing that heroes are superhumans adorned in unique costumes with capes, a notion the current generation wholeheartedly embraces.
Transitioning from fiction to reality, we come to understand that heroes aren't born with supernatural powers or bestowed with extraordinary abilities. Instead, a hero is someone who dedicates their life to a greater cause. They may not be inherently braver than an ordinary person, but they exhibit courage for an extended five minutes longer.
Africa boasts numerous heroes reshaping the continent's global economic stance. While it might be challenging for some to pinpoint these heroes, Africa's Business Heroes, the philanthropic arm of the Jack Ma Foundation, has identified and amplified the impact of 50 African heroes over the past five years through the ABH Prize Competition.
In this edition of the VA Newsletter, we celebrate Africa's innovation and excellence showcased at the ABH 2023 Grand Finale, recently held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Ishioma Imokhai-Bello,
Staff Writer.
What’s New?
Celebrating African innovation and excellence at the ABH 2023 Grand Finale
Launched officially in 2019, the ABH competition has evolved into a significant platform, featuring 50 finalists and distributing an impressive $1.5 million per edition, totaling approximately $7.5 million. Read more.
Empowering the African entrepreneur: Key takeaways from ABH Summit 2023
For two days last week, the 23rd and 24th of November, Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) hosted entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, the media, and delegates from different countries at its 5th Anniversary Summit and Grand Finale. Read more.
Seven lessons we learned from Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger, left behind a legacy of wisdom and insight that has inspired generations of investors, entrepreneurs, and thinkers. Read more.
My Pivot Journal: Iwalola Sobowale’s journey from Law to UX research
Iwalola’s journey shows the power of embracing change, exploring diverse opportunities, and finding one’s strengths in solving real-world problems. Read more.
Is MultiChoice’s decision to transform GOtv into a streaming platform a prudent move?
MultiChoice, the leading pay-TV operator in Africa, is evolving its digital terrestrial television (DTT) service, GOtv, into a streaming platform. Read more.
Nigeria’s transport sector is in a recession
Since May 29th, when Bola Tinubu scrapped Nigeria’s costly petrol subsidies, prices have stayed at an all-time high of N617. The Federal Government claimed it was saving billions of dollars from that move. Read more.
Is CIIE paving the way for more African products in China?
China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government have been hosting the world’s only import-themed expo annually since 2018, the “China International Import Expo” (CIIE). Read more.
Kenya’s startup bill is poised to be a catalyst for economic development
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has announced that the Startup Bill 2022, aimed at creating jobs for Kenyan youth and offering tax breaks to startups, will be officially signed into law by April 2024. Read more.
Khalil Halilu is on a quest to cultivate a problem-solving mindset among Nigerians.
Halilu’s vision for Nigeria is bold. He plans to unleash the potential of its youth and women as innovators and problem-solvers. Read more.
Here are three big stories from Africa’s business and policy landscape you (probably) didn’t miss but should keep in mind this week: Read more.
BizHive Entertainment
The New Wave of Nigeria’s Soft Power
Soft power - To attract, persuade, influence, and shape preferences through culture. Nigeria has effectively done this through entertainment. Our music, films, and content transcend borders, commanding global attention. As master storytellers, we are leveraging new technologies to amplify our cultural influence.
Read our latest magazine issue to learn more.
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