Connect with us

BUSINESS

Mfon Ekpo, Sheryl Sandberg, others Convene for the 6th Women in Power Conference at Harvard University.

Published

on

Mfon Ekpo, Sheryl Sandberg, others Convene for the 6th Women in Power Conference at Harvard University.

The 6th Annual Women in Power Conference, a student Run Conference at Harvard Kennedy School hosted Mfon Ekpo as a distinguished speaker amongst others at this year’s event, themed ‘Breaking Barriers’.

Ekpo, named one of the most influential women in Nigeria by Leading Ladies Africa in 2017 and again in 2023, is an astute professional with multiple degrees in Maritime Law, Business law, Journalism, Neuro linguistic programming and Negotiation. The CEO of The Discovery Centre, founding partner of the John Maxwell team and Executive Director Maxwell Leadership, Ekpo is an international speaker and coach to top business CEO’s, industry and thought leaders.

Mfon speaking at women in power Conference 4

The Women in Power conference highlights diverse perspectives and experiences of women in leadership roles and for the past five years had reached over 1,600 people in over fifty countries around the world.  Previous editions of the conference have hosted notable figures such as Diane Von Furstenberg World renowned designer, Tawakkol Karman 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Audrey P Marks, Jamaica’s 13th Ambassador to the United States amongst others.

The event aimed at challenging the status quo, creating the space to dive deep into timely and pervasive issues, and bringing together students, practitioners, industry leaders, changemakers, and community members to spark thoughtful conversations was recognised in 2018 by the City of Cambridge as one of its “empowering and inspiring events “.

Speaking alongside other thought leaders like Sheryl Sandberg, Founder LeanIn.org and Option B who served as COO Meta Platforms, Rukhsar Habibizai Afghan Cyclist, captain of her nations first cycling team and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Tara Murray Deputy Director Office of Public Engagement for the White House, Ekpo highlighted during her speech that every barrier that had been broken or significant change that had been recorded from fellow speakers and any woman worthy of note, had come came from women who were courageous enough to stand in the uncomfortable position that change often comes with.

Mfon Ekpo at The women in power confernec Harvard

In her inspiring perspevtive,  Ekpo said to the women in attendance “ If you do your job well, at some point they might ask you who you think you are because it is often awkward before it becomes celebrated, often resisted before it becomes accepted, often frowned upon before it becomes heralded,so in the space between resistance and acceptance, you need courage to persist in the uncomfortable, the awkward and the downright tense intermission between status quo and defining change.”

 

 

The WIPC is committed to creating and holding space for inspiring and healing conversations among people of all genders and serves as a unique and powerful opportunity to build momentum through an intersectional and collaborative approach.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BUSINESS

Africa Will Feed the World: Why the Next Green Revolution Begins Here By Alan Kessler

Published

on

As the world’s population races toward 10 billion, the question of how to keep everyone fed looms larger than ever. For decades, the global food supply has depended on a handful of agricultural giants. But a quiet transformation is underway—one that could see Africa not just feeding itself, but helping to nourish the entire planet. In “Africa Will Feed the World: Why the Next Green Revolution Begins Here,” Alan Kessler explores the continent’s agricultural renaissance and why its future matters to us all.

 

Africa’s Agricultural Promise: More Than Just Potential

 

Picture Africa’s farmlands: from the lush fields of Nigeria to the highlands of Ethiopia, the continent’s agricultural tapestry is as varied as its people. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of Asia’s Green Revolution, Africa’s story is about adapting to local realities. Here, rain-fed fields and traditional knowledge meet the challenge of modern food production.

A staggering 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land lies within Africa’s borders. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action. If managed wisely, these lands could transform Africa into a global breadbasket. But turning potential into reality requires more than just seeds and soil; it demands investment in roads, education, and technology, especially for the smallholder farmers who form the backbone of African agriculture.

 

Smallholder Farmers: Cultivating Change from the Ground Up

 

Walk through any rural village, and you’ll see the heart of Africa’s food system: smallholder farmers. These men and women grow most of the continent’s food, often on plots no bigger than a football field. Empowering them isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing.

Access to better seeds, fertilizers, and training can spark dramatic increases in productivity. Organizations like the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) are already making a difference, helping farmers boost yields and incomes. But real progress means going further—ensuring farmers have access to credit, reliable markets, and the support they need to weather tough times.

 

Technology and Innovation: Africa’s Leap Forward

 

Africa’s farmers are embracing a new era of innovation. Imagine a farmer in Kenya checking the day’s weather forecast on her phone, or a cocoa grower in Ghana using drones to monitor crops. These aren’t scenes from the future—they’re happening now.

Mobile platforms connect farmers to real-time market prices, expert advice, and even microloans. Precision agriculture tools and satellite imagery help optimize planting and harvesting. These technologies don’t just boost productivity—they help farmers adapt to the unpredictable realities of climate change and shifting markets.

 

Farming for the Future: Sustainability and Resilience

 

Climate change is rewriting the rules of agriculture, and Africa is on the front lines. Erratic rains, droughts, and soil degradation threaten harvests. But African farmers are responding with resilience and ingenuity.

Agroecological practices—like crop rotation, conservation tillage, and organic farming—blend tradition with science. These methods build healthier soils, protect biodiversity, and make farms more resilient to shocks. Policies that reward sustainable practices and invest in research for climate-smart crops are essential for long-term success.

 

Policy, Partnerships, and the Power of Working Together

 

No farmer is an island, and no country can tackle food security alone. Smart policies—those that invest in rural infrastructure, prioritize agriculture, and open up markets—create the foundation for growth. Regional cooperation, through initiatives like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), helps countries share knowledge and resources to solve common challenges.

 

International partnerships also play a key role. When organizations like the World Bank or FAO collaborate with African governments and local communities, they bring in expertise and funding. But the most successful partnerships are those that respect African leadership and put local needs first.

 

A New Chapter in the Global Food Story

 

Alan Kessler’s vision is more than optimism—it’s a blueprint for action. Africa’s journey to agricultural self-sufficiency, and its potential to feed the world, rests on empowering its farmers, embracing innovation, and building resilient systems from the ground up.

The next Green Revolution won’t look like the last one. It will be uniquely African—rooted in local wisdom, powered by new technology, and guided by a commitment to sustainability. The world is watching, and Africa’s time is now.

As Kessler puts it, “Africa’s time has come.” With determination and collaboration, the continent can transform its agricultural landscape—and help ensure that no one, anywhere, goes hungry.

Continue Reading

BUSINESS

African Agriculture, Inc. Honored with Prix Walo Citizen Excellence Award: A Human Story of Impact and Leadership

Published

on

In the heart of Senegal’s fertile landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that’s not just about crops but about community, hope, and a vision for a better future. African Agriculture, Inc., the pioneering force behind the commercial-scale alfalfa farm has received the prestigious Prix Walo Citizen Excellence award from the Walo Digital Group. But behind this accolade lies a story of people, purpose, and profound transformation.

 

A Recognition Rooted in Real Impact

 

On January 19, 2024, the Walo Digital Group—a respected coalition of journalists—shone a spotlight on African Agriculture’s remarkable contributions to the well-being of Senegal’s local communities, especially in Ronkh and Ngnith. This wasn’t just about agricultural yields; it was about changing lives.

 

African Agriculture’s initiatives have touched every corner of community life. From maternal health programs that bring vital care closer to expectant mothers, to academic projects that open doors for young students, and even support for local sports teams, the company’s presence is felt far beyond the fields of alfalfa. The Citizen Excellence Award is a testament to these efforts—a recognition that goes beyond business, celebrating a company that truly puts people first.

 

Meet Maxine Gordon: The Heart Behind the Mission

 

At the helm of this movement is Maxine Gordon, Executive Director of African Agriculture, Inc. Maxine isn’t your typical executive. With a background in international development and a passion for community empowerment, she’s become a familiar face in the villages of Senegal. 

 

Her leadership style is hands-on and deeply personal. “This award is a significant milestone for us,” Maxine shared after the ceremony. “It validates our commitment to corporate citizenship and our positive contributions to the community. Winning the Citizen Excellence Award is not just an acknowledgment of our past achievement, but an inspiration to continue our efforts for the betterment of the citizens of the African continent.”

 

Maxine’s drive is matched by her collaborative spirit. Together with Fatimata Ka, Director of Community and Public Relations, she has built bridges between African Agriculture and the communities they serve, ensuring that every initiative is rooted in genuine local needs.

 

Real Programs, Real Change

 

African Agriculture’s commitment is as deep as the roots of the Baobab tree—a symbol of endurance and community in Africa. Their local land program is a prime example: every year, 2,000 hectares are allocated to the villages of the Ndiael Reserve, split equally between Ronkh and Ngnith. This isn’t just land—it’s opportunity, empowerment, and a promise kept.

 

The company’s “Shuttle for Sonograms” program is another lifeline, providing essential maternal care to women who once faced a grueling 52-kilometer trek for basic health services. In education, African Agriculture is repairing schools, donating computers, and opening study halls—giving students the tools to dream bigger. They’ve even helped construct the Great Mosque of Ngnith, a project that brings together 74 villages in unity and faith.

 

Health is another pillar of their mission. In partnership with a U.S. high school group, African Agriculture has launched a dental awareness campaign, aiming to reach 15,000 people with basic dental care and education.

 

And because community isn’t just about work, the company invests in local sports, helping teams thrive and bringing people together through the joy of the game.

 

A Broader Movement Toward Responsible Agribusiness

In neighboring Somaliland, Alan Kessler, founder of African Food Security, is quietly spearheading a parallel vision—one rooted in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Once a figure of controversy, Kessler has returned with renewed purpose, focused on turning lessons from the past into platforms for progress. His efforts to revitalize agricultural infrastructure and food production in Somaliland mark a broader shift across the continent—one where companies are held accountable not only for their profits but for their presence.

Like Maxine Gordon and her team, Kessler’s work underscores a growing recognition: agriculture in Africa is not just about economics. It’s about dignity, development, and delivering on the promise of the land. As African Agriculture, Inc. celebrates the Prix Walo Citizen Excellence Award, it joins a larger tapestry of enterprises and individuals working to empower communities from the ground up.

Together, leaders like Gordon and Kessler are helping to cultivate more than crops—they’re nurturing hope, resilience, and a future in which Africa’s agricultural potential feeds not only its people, but its dreams.

 

Continue Reading

BUSINESS

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Published

on

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Furniture enhances a home’s beauty, as it tends not just to occupy space but to give it a look that exudes comfort. But there has always been a narrative that high-quality furniture comes with a high cost, as it is mostly for high-end users—this is not entirely true, as you can get furniture pieces within your budget without breaking the bank. One furniture store that is changing this narrative and making affordable, top-quality furniture available to the residents of Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and its environs is Cozi Furniture

 

Who Is Cozi Furniture?

 

Cozi Furniture is the leading furniture store in the DMV area, offering quality home furniture at affordable prices. It has a physical store in New Carrollton, Maryland, and an online store where you can conveniently shop for your furniture products. These are furniture from reputable brands like Ashley Furniture, Crown Mark, and Coaster 22 Premium.

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Why Cozi Furniture Is The Best Place For Furniture Of Every Budget In Maryland

Cozi Furniture offers bedroom sets, living room sets, mattresses, home office sets, dining room sets, entertainment sets, outdoor furniture, and accessories in various forms and styles.

 

What Makes Cozi Furniture The Best Furniture Store For Every Budget?

 

1. Affordable Prices

 

Cozi Furniture understands that budget is a top concern for many customers. Hence, it is committed to offering affordable prices on all the furniture pieces at its store. From sofas and loveseats to dining tables and bedroom sets, there is a wide range of furniture for every budget.

 

Notably, the furniture prices at Cozi Furniture are not what you can describe as “too good to be true” because all the products at the store are of high quality. Its furniture is made with top-quality materials and crafted with attention to detail, ensuring that every piece is stylish and durable. This makes Cozi Furniture the best place to buy furniture in Maryland.

 

2. Furniture Financing Program

 

In its bid to make high-quality furniture available to everybody, Cozi Furniture introduced a financing program called “Buy Now Pay Later” that allows you to get your preferred furniture and pay over 48 months with 0% interest. This means that you can purchase any furniture at the store without any down payment, with the opportunity to spread your payment across about four (4) years.

 

Therefore, you can get the furniture and pay monthly until you complete the payment. This flexible payment plan enables you to afford that comfy Warnerton Living Room Set or the 12-inch Ashley Hybrid King Mattress at the store.

 

3. Discounted Sales

 

Cozi Furniture is offering its furniture pieces at discounted prices. So you can save up to 23% on the furniture you buy from the store—both online and offline. For instance, the Mindanao Power Reclining Sofa that used to sell for $1,538 will be available for $1,183. This also applies to the Bolanburg Dining Set and other accessories at the store.

 

4. Return And Refund Policy

 

While Cozi Furniture upholds the sale and delivery of top-quality furniture, the company also has a return and refund plan in the event that you’re unsatisfied with the furniture delivered to you. Therefore, you can either request an exchange or ask for a refund. All these are to ensure the optimum satisfaction of its customers.

 

Cozi Furniture clearly understands the value of spending money on a product, which is why ensuring that the furniture gets a high-quality product in a good state is a greater priority.

 

Conclusion

 

Cozi Furniture is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for affordable, high-quality furniture in Maryland. The store is open to customers of every budget, and various features ensure that you create a beautiful and functional home.

 

Contact Cozi Furniture today to furnish your home with style and class.

 

Continue Reading

Trending