Transformers

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continue our series on Liberia's Climate Finance and Carbon Markets with the Special Envoy on Climate Action and CEO of the Carbon Market Authority, Hon. Jeanine Cooper. We're also joined by Senior Advisor to the President of Liberia on Investment Financing and Development, Christian Dunbar.The second instalment of this series looks at how Gabon, a Central African nation similar in population and ecology to Liberia, serves as a prime example of how forest protection can generate economic value. Covered in nearly 90% rainforest, Gabon’s forests are not only stunning ecosystems but also substantial carbon storage systems that absorb millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. For decades, Gabon prioritised forest protection over agriculture and rapid development. In 2019, Gabon signed a landmark agreement with the Central African Forest Initiative, supported by Norway. This agreement committed up to $150 million in payments over ten years, contingent on Gabon’s genuine emission reductions from deforestation. This was performance-based climate finance.This episode explores the historical context of Gabon, and how Liberia is utilising new mechanisms and structuring their forests to capitalise on developing the nation in a sustainable fashion.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe start a new 6 part Series on Climate Finance and Carbon Trading for Republic of Liberia. This series will explain what climate finance and carbon trading mean for Liberia’s economy, communities, and environment — through relatable stories, African precedents, and future-facing dialogue.When we think about money, we think about dollars, trade, and gold. But there’s a new kind of currency reshaping global economies — carbon. Around the world, countries are learning that clean air, forests, and oceans can create economic value. In this first episode, we ask: what does this mean for Liberia, a nation rich in forest, coastline, and promise?This episode and throughout the series will feature the Republic of Liberia's Special Envoy for Climate Action and the CEO of the Carbon Authority, Jeanine Cooper.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn this special AFNIS 2025 preview episode, we are joined by 5 individuals who represent a cross section of Liberia's economy; Hon. William S. Hines, Deputy Minister For Operations Ministry of Mines and EnergyChristian Dunbar, Senior Advisor to President of the Republic of Liberia on Investment, Trade & Development, Hon. Jeanine M. Cooper, Special Envoy for Climate Action and Carbon TradingJordan Anoma, Entrepreneur & CEO of Celestial Mining Ltd.Fabio Lavelanet, Entrepreneur & CEO of Fabrar LiberiaWe have an in-depth discussion on the opportunities in Agriculture and Mining in Liberia, what barriers do Government and Investors face and ways to overcome them. As part of this year's AFNIS theme, we're looking at local businesses in our partner states, some of the most lucrative opportunities, and how to get started investing and conducting business. Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailContinuing our coverage on the innovative Africans for Africa Initiative, in this episode, we sit down with the Africans for Africa fund advisory board member, and President of WIM Namibia, Zenzi Awases.One of the first women in Namibia to study geology in her home country, Zenzi discovered diamonds and brought two areas into production from initially discovering them. We document her journey of how she got involved in the Mining sector, challenges she's faced and overcome and why she is supporting and participating in the Africans for Africa Initiative.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWe bring you a special episode this week. The Transformers Team hosted a sideline event at the African Development Bank's #AFDBAM2025 annual meetings. Africa's substantial mineral wealth presents a significant opportunity for economic transformation and industrialization across the continent. However, a critical barrier to realizing this potential is the limited access to domestic capital, particularly for the crucial upstream stages of mining, such as exploration and early project development.The conversation delved into actionable solutions to bridge this financing gap. As industry experts, the explored the barriers and opportunities in mobilising domestic capital for these early-stage projects, addressing why local financial institutions might be hesitant and how associated risks can be mitigated. The panel features the new president of the Regional Maritime Development Bank, Adeniran Aderogba,  Tim Tokun, Managing Partner of Motimose Metals, Stephen Ross, CEO of Desert Metals and moderated by AfDB’s own Dr Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer - substituted by Core International's Head of Marketing & Strategy, Archibald Troko.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailGuest: Tim Tokun, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Africans for AfricaIn this thought-provoking episode of the AFNIS Transformers Podcast, we sit down with Tim Tokun, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Africans for Africa Initiative - a bold movement that’s flipping the script on mining development in Africa.Africans for Africa isn’t just about raising funds - it’s about raising confidence, capital, and collective agency among Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.In this deep-dive conversation, Tim unpacks the origins of the initiative, its mission to build a borderless investment community, and the practical ways it’s unlocking African-led solutions to African challenges.Whether you're an investor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about Africa’s future, this episode will challenge your assumptions - and invite you into a growing community that believes Africa can fund its own future, on its own terms.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are no longer optional—they are a strategic necessity for mining companies aiming for long-term success.This special episode of the Transformers podcast is the first in a series leading up to the AFNIS summit 2025. This episode features long-time #AFNIS supporter, Segilola Resources Operating Ltd., taking a deep dive into organisational approach to sustainability in the #goldmining sector. This includes:Environmental Stewardship – A comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate impact.Water Conservation – 85% of process water reclaimed for reuse.Energy Efficiency – Transitioning to CNG-powered systems to cut emissions.Community Engagement – Strengthening trust and ethical governance for a robust social license to operate.*********************Segilola Resources Operating Ltd. Team:Madhurii Sarkar Amoda - Community Development & Stakeholder ManagerOnwusa Benson Olayinka - Sustainability OfficerOluwaseun Fagesi - Human Resources ManagerDavid M. Mbrekpadiaha - HSE Coordinator - EnvironmentInterviewer:Felicia Dairo - CJID*********************Transformers is a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of Africa's energy and natural resources future. We chat with mining, renewable energy, power, and oil and gas professionals and companies as they embark on transforming Africa’s natural resources for its economic development. Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailSeason 2 of Transformer's starts with a conversation with the Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, an intra-African organisation formed earlier this year to facilitate international cooperation in the minerals and mining sector among member African nations.This episodes topics include the purpose and functions of the AMSG, their founding members, initiatives, goals and their upcoming roundtable event on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailWith a career that includes facilitating transactions exceeding USD 5 billion across various sectors and developing landmark, award-winning deals, we are joined on this episode by Mr. Adeniran Aderogba, Founder of CLG Securities. Mr. Aderogba shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of financing projects in Africa. We delve into the innovative approaches that CLG Securities employs to navigate the complexities of the African market and secure successful outcomes for their clients. Mr. Aderogba also offers valuable advice for investors and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital for their businesses or projectsSupport the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn our latest episode, we're joined by Abubakar Sadiq Omar, the esteemed Managing Director of Steron Mining Company Ltd. With over a decade of experience in the mining industry, Abubakar has played a pivotal role in steering Steron towards success and innovation since its inception in 2007. Under his leadership, Steron has become synonymous with excellence in exploration, licensing, and operational logistics.Throughout the discussion, Abubakar shares insights into his journey within the mining sector and the strategic mindset that has driven Steron's growth. We delve into the company's focus on lithium exploration and extraction, discussing the significant opportunities within mining in Nigeria. Abubakar also highlights Steron's commitment to community development, net-zero and climate goals.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailThis week, we're joined by Ishaq Bolarinwa the CEO of Anfani Ltd, an entrepreneur with a rich background in engineering, project management, and business development within the energy sector. After working with industry giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron, Ishaq ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding Anfani, a groundbreaking renewable energy brokerage platform focused on increasing access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions for businesses in sub-Saharan Africa.Throughout the discussion, Ishaq shares insights into his journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and the inspiration behind founding Anfani. We delve into Anfani's mission to address the challenges of clean energy access and financial inclusion in Africa, exploring how the platform facilitates partnerships between financial and energy providers to offer high-quality renewable energy solutions to enterprises.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we're thrilled to have Mark Kenwright join us, a seasoned Exploration geologist with over 28 years of experience in the mining industry. Mark's extensive career spans various countries and continents, overseeing projects in Mozambique, Mali, Guinea, Nigeria, the UK, Iran, and beyond. With a remarkable track record, Mark has authored JORC compliant reports for IPOs on major markets and completed numerous Feasibility Studies for Mining operations, making him a valuable source of insights and experiences from the field.Throughout our conversation, we delve into Mark's career journey, exploring how he began in the mining sector and his most exciting projects to date. We then transition into technical aspects, discussing the importance of data gathering by countries, decision-making criteria for selecting exploration jurisdictions, and the process of preparing CPRs and FS for companies listed on major markets. Join us as we gain valuable insights into the African mining sector and the evolving role of geologists in shaping its future.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn this deep dive into AFNIS, Suleiman Zakari, Partner & Director of CORE & AFNIS, shares invaluable insights into the summit's origins, evolution, and overarching goals. From discussing the role of CORE to exploring AFNIS's unique approach and its emphasis on deal-making for economic development, energy transition, and sustainable growth, this episode offers a comprehensive understanding of the AFNIS Platform.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode,  we enjoy a compelling conversation recorded for the Nigeria Investment Trade Event in London. Dr. Abbas, delves into the fascinating realm of Nigeria's Natural Gas potential for hydrogen. As the world navigates the transition to cleaner energy solutions, Nigeria's role in harnessing the power of natural gas for hydrogen production takes center stage.With a rich background that spans over a decade in both industry and academia, Dr. Abubakar Abbas brings a wealth of experience and passion for research in Enhanced Oil Recovery, Enhanced Gas Recovery, Natural Gas Processing, and more.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailOn this week's episode, we explored Omid Ameri's journey from banking to the mining sector, Woodcross' journey into Uganda, their mining assets and refinery project. As well as the recent legislation banning the export of Uganda's tin concentrates, finally we have a discussion on the sustainable development practices implemented by Woodcross Resources.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].

Send us Fan MailIn this compelling episode of "AFNIS Transformers," we explore the potential of wind power as a catalyst for sustainable energy development in Africa. Our featured guest, Uchenna Ibe, a chartered engineer and renewable energy expert, shares insights from his 15-year journey, spanning global clean energy leaders like Iberdrola and RWE to his current role at Saudi Aramco.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email [email protected].