Hello Venturer,
Do you ever get anxious in your sleep, tossing and turning in the night as the weight of pending decisions or looming tasks refuses to let you rest? I find that any time I have a lot of work to do or a big decision to make, I get sleep anxiety. Sleep anxiety is a feeling of fear or stress about falling asleep or staying asleep. I toss and turn till I am awake and get the job done. But that's just me.
Renowned French Poet Paul Valery once said, "The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up." this sentiment doesn't seem to align with everyone, as Liberia's new President Joseph Boakai is sleeping through his tenure.
On January 22nd, President Boakai assumed the presidency in Liberia, making him the nation's oldest incumbent head of state. However, concerns have arisen regarding his capability to lead effectively as he seems to have a habit of dozing off during public meetings.
This week, we explore Liberia’s new dilemma.
Boluwatife Areola
Content Developer, Ventures Africa
What’s new?
Joseph Boakai: Can Liberia’s “sleepy” new president wake up the economy?
On Monday, January 22nd, Liberia swore in Joseph Boakai as its new president. Boakai, whose critics call “Sleepy Joe”, had scraped a 50.64% to 49.36% win against George Weah, the former football star, in November’s run-off elections. Read more.
My pivot journal: Kenechukwu Nwankwo’s journey from architecture to product management
Kenechukwu Nwankwo had a promising career as an Architect. But he realized that he didn’t enjoy it as much as he thought he would. He wanted to try something different and more fulfilling. Here is Kenechukwu’s pivot journal.
What could happen when the CBN increases benchmark lending rates in February?
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to convene its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on the 26th and 27th of February. Read more.
5 Interesting TED Talks by Africans
In 2007, Africa hosted its first TED global event in Arusha, Tanzania. It was a highlight because the world’s biggest thought leadership conference had finally touched base in Africa 23 years after its launch. Read more.
High-growth sub-sectors to watch in Africa’s booming entertainment industry
African entertainment has been experiencing a meteoric rise. In 2023, the creative industries caught the attention of institutional investors, who poured money into the industry. Read more.
Weekly Economic Index: DAVOS 2024, shell exits Nigeria Dangote refinery ready for distribution
Here are the top three events in Africa and the global business space from last week that you probably missed but should keep in mind this week. Read more.
How Valentine Okoli turned an overnight hunger into an innovative fuel
Valentine Okoli decided to solve this problem by creating an ‘instant’ Abacha —a processed form which consumers can prepare in three minutes. This innovation won him the grand prize at Channels TV’s Fund It Forward show in 2023. Read more.
Getting funding in 2024
While Africa has attracted numerous investors over the years, it appears that enthusiasm is dwindling. In 2023, there was a significant 39% year-on-year decline in African startup funding. What’s the way forward for startups? Join us next Thursday, the 1st of February at Ventures Africa’s LinkedIn Live Audio Event to discuss “Getting Funding in 2024”. Click here to grab a seat.
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.
Our Weekly Collectibles
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Higher interest rates have brought America’s bankers both ruin and riches. Find out How America accidentally made a free money machine for banks.
History repeats, and rhythms rewind. Can Afrobeats escape the past in its global conquest? Find out in Afrobeats To The World: Nigerian History Is Repeating Itself.