Episode 177 with Jo Maiden, founder and CEO of SOKO Kenya, a trailblazing ethical fashion manufacturer driving social and environmental impact from the heart of rural Kenya. Jo is a visionary entrepreneur transforming the global fashion landscape by proving that high-quality, sustainable production can thrive in Africa and uplift communities in the process.

Founded in 2009, SOKO Kenya employs over 150 local workers and partners with global fashion brands to deliver garments made with purpose, not just profit. The company integrates solar power, rainwater harvesting, and waste repurposing into its operations all while providing fair wages, healthcare access, and pension schemes to its workforce. Beyond the factory, Jo’s Stitching Academy and Kujuwa Initiative have created pathways out of poverty through vocational training and menstrual health education for thousands of women and girls across Kenya.

In this conversation, Jo shares how she built a values-driven factory from the ground up, why Africa is the future of ethical manufacturing, and what it takes to challenge the norms of fast fashion.

What We Discuss With Jo Maiden

• Jo’s decision to launch SOKO Kenya and her vision to use fashion as a vehicle for social and economic change in Africa.
• How SOKO Kenya is redefining ethical fashion by combining high-quality production with fair wages, community investment, and environmental sustainability.
• The role of local manufacturing in Kenya’s rural economy and how SOKO Kenya is creating dignified employment opportunities for women and youth.
• How sustainability is embedded into every layer of SOKO Kenya’s operations
• SOKO Kenya’s collaborations with international fashion brands and what it takes to build trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Education for Economic Resilience: What It Takes to Build Lasting Education Systems in Africa? Make sure to check it out!

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Connect with Terser:
LinkedIn - Terser Adamu
Instagram - unlockingafrica
Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with Jo Maiden:
LinkedIn - Joanna Maiden
Twitter - @SOKOKenya_jo

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

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Episode 176 with Dr Samuel Kembou, Global Co-Lead for Learning and Evidence at the Jacobs Foundation, a Swiss-based philanthropy advancing the learning and development of children worldwide. With a presence in Africa for over 35 years, the Foundation is known for its long-term commitment to strengthening education systems through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed policymaking.

Dr Kembou plays a central role in ensuring that data, learning, and research translate into practical, scalable solutions for education reform. He is a passionate advocate for placing evidence at the heart of decision-making, so that education systems not only deliver better outcomes for learners today but are built to adapt and thrive for generations to come.

A respected leader in global education and development, Dr. Kembou brings sharp insight into how African countries can harness the power of learning systems to drive economic resilience and sustainable growth. His work at the Jacobs Foundation reflects a bold vision: that by investing in what works, we can transform the future of education across the continent.

What We Discuss With Dr Kembou

• Why Dr. Samuel Kembou believes education is one of the most powerful tools for driving long-term economic growth and social resilience.
• The role of rigorous research and data in shaping effective education policies and improving classroom outcomes across African countries.
• The vision and impact behind the new $80 million co-funding mechanism in Ghana, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education, World Bank, and other key actors.
• How African countries can lead the global conversation on education innovation and help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
• The importance of multi-sector collaboration—including governments, philanthropies, and civil society in transforming education ecosystems.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss The Future of Farming: Using Tech, Finance, and Human Networks To Connect African Farmers to Global Markets? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser:
LinkedIn - Terser Adamu
Instagram - unlockingafrica
Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with Dr Kembou:
LinkedIn - Samuel Kembou, PhD
Twitter - @Foundation_JF

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter

Episode 175 with Desmond Koney, CEO and Founder of Complete Farmer, a Ghanaian agritech company which empowers African farmers to conduct their work in a much more sustainable and profitable way. Complete Farmer provides farmers with AI and data-driven technology to allow for "precision agriculture" so farmers can optimise their resources. The platform connects farmers with global markets, creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.

Desmond shares his insights on how Complete Farmer is bridging the gap between traditional farming and modern technology, tackling the challenges of soil degradation, over-reliance on chemicals, and food insecurity. He discusses the company's mission to improve farming efficiency, promote sustainability, and support rural communities across the continent.

Desmond also highlights the impact of Complete Farmer’s platform on both smallholder farmers and food companies, driving economic transformation and creating a more transparent and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

What We Discuss With Desmond

• The role of data-driven insights in optimising farming operations, increasing yields, and improving resource management for smallholder farmers across Africa.
• The impact of Complete Farmer’s platform in connecting farmers to global markets, creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.
• How Complete Farmer’s AI and precision agriculture models help farmers make informed decisions.
• The role of agritech companies like Complete Farmer in reshaping Africa’s agricultural landscape and ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.
• How Complete Farmer is addressing critical challenges like soil degradation, over-reliance on chemicals, and food insecurity through technology and sustainable farming practices.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Generational Wealth: How African Families Are Navigating Wealth, Succession and Investment Across Africa? Make sure to check it out!

Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps!

Connect with Terser:
LinkedIn - Terser Adamu
Instagram - unlockingafrica
Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with Desmond:
LinkedIn - Desmond Koney
Twitter - @CompleteFarmer

Do you want to do business in Africa? Explore the vast business opportunities in African markets and increase your success with ETK Group.

Connect with us at www.etkgroup.co.uk or reach out via email at info@etkgroup.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and bonus material - Unlocking Africa Newsletter