The Institute for International Studies (IfIS) of MGIMO
11 episodes
9 months ago
The Africa Dialogues podcast explores the big stories and trends transforming the continent today, told by decision-makers, thinkers and doers. We bring you fresh perspective and new ideas on topics driving the continent’s development, from investment and agriculture to energy and innovation, with particular focus on Russia-Africa cooperation.
The podcast is hosted by the Institute for International Studies (IfIS) of MGIMO University to create a space for important conversations between Africa and Russia.
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The Africa Dialogues podcast explores the big stories and trends transforming the continent today, told by decision-makers, thinkers and doers. We bring you fresh perspective and new ideas on topics driving the continent’s development, from investment and agriculture to energy and innovation, with particular focus on Russia-Africa cooperation.
The podcast is hosted by the Institute for International Studies (IfIS) of MGIMO University to create a space for important conversations between Africa and Russia.
Today’s guest is Mikhail Lyapin, Founder at Patron Kenya, Managing partner at the business development consulting company Exotic.vc and Author of the telegram channel about business in Africa - @Mzungugram. During our discussion, Mikhail and I touched upon the face of modern Russian business in Africa today, why he chose East Africa as the starting point for his business, why high-level agreements don't always lead to real benefit for business working on the ground and what to know when beginning your journey doing business in Africa.
Timecodes
1:55 The art of doing business in Africa
6:15 What different sub-regions and countries have to offer in terms of business opportunity
8:13 About the concept of the Kenyan hustler nation
12:49 How protocols, documents and other results of the Russia-Africa Summit presented themselves on the ground in Africa
14:20 Moving from planning to action
16:30 How the need for IT and software independence led to the success of “My Office”in Africa
17:30 The main roadblocks when trying to launch your business in Africa
19:17 Why the Russian way of doing business doesn't work in Africa
21:10 How technical restrictions and artificial conditions gave way to M-Pesa’s groundbreaking success
24:15 Why Africa is the next India and how laptops will solve the continent’s IT gap
The Africa Dialogues
The Africa Dialogues podcast explores the big stories and trends transforming the continent today, told by decision-makers, thinkers and doers. We bring you fresh perspective and new ideas on topics driving the continent’s development, from investment and agriculture to energy and innovation, with particular focus on Russia-Africa cooperation.
The podcast is hosted by the Institute for International Studies (IfIS) of MGIMO University to create a space for important conversations between Africa and Russia.
