Front of mind on Qonversations

In Dakar, a young self-taught engineer is changing the perspective of plastic waste. Francois Mbengue has developed a device that converts discarded plastic bottles into filament for 3D printers to produce o produce rulers, plant pots and hospital equipment.

At the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Muhammad Habib Husaini is quietly working on something with the power to change lives. The computer and communications engineering student has designed the NHED Smart Glove, an artificial intelligence–powered device that turns sign language into spoken words. The project began with a personal motivation. "The inspiration behind the NHED Smart Glove is actually my immediate younger sister. My immediate younger sister is born with the ability of not being able to talk," Husaini explained.

In a world where six-pack abs are flaunted more than six-point health plans, who are we really trusting with our well-being? Consultant Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeon, Dr Ali Ghanem, cuts through the noise in a candid conversation with Qonversations — unpacking the layered relationship between health, social media, influence, and longevity. Dr Ghanem, in an interview with Ismail Akwei, begins with a stark reminder: “Health is life.” He challenges the outdated definition of health as merely the absence of disease and instead argues for a reimagined standard — optimal functioning across body and mind. You may be disease-free, but if your cognitive function, mobility, or digestion isn’t thriving, you’re missing the very essence of life.

In the era of social media, post-COVID, and with mental health at the forefront, a shift is taking place in how people perceive well-being. As a new approach that looks beyond traditional medicine gains popularity, one voice stands out: Natalie Lefevre, a longevity expert whose journey from personal health struggles to keynote speaker and influencer has inspired many. “I believe we’re in a major paradigm shift,” Natalie explains. According to the health optimisation expert, who was misdiagnosed 18 years ago, conventional systems often fail to address the root causes of illness. Instead, she advocates for a proactive, investigative approach to health—one that emphasizes prevention, self-awareness, and personal responsibility.

With its fast speeds and revolutionary potential, 5G stands out as a noteworthy milestone in the field of technical growth.

However, in terms of implementing this technology, Africa remains far behind other regions. In 2021, the adoption rate of 5G in sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Africa was only 1%.

Today, I am thrilled to take you on a journey through a fascinating conversation I had with Claire Thomas, a guru in mental fitness and mindfulness coaching. Our discussion delved into the realms of empowering women, celebrating femininity, and discovering serenity in a whirlwind world.

Claire and I delved into the world of women’s empowerment and her work in guiding women across various corporate domains to amplify their strengths. We unearthed the societal pressures on women to adopt more masculine traits in their professional spheres, while men are encouraged to embrace their softer side. Claire stressed the significance of allowing women to embrace their feminine energy and achieve harmony in their lives.

Presidential elections in Africa have gone through many cycles since the 1950s when Ghana became the first country south of the Sahara Desert to gain independence from the British colony.

It is rare to see anyone below the age of 40 contesting for president in Africa due to laws that bar younger people and the lack of resources that could aid such ambitions.

Against the backdrop of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago’s Fine Cocoa Company is setting sail into the waters of China’s booming luxury market. Ashley Parasram, the founder of the fine-flavoured cocoa company behind the venture with China, delves into the “very exciting possibilities,” of a partnership that transcends boundaries in The Qonversation.

Parasram speaks of the allure of the Chinese market, the prospect of reaching a population of 100 million in Shanghai alone is tantalizing. The consistent and burgeoning demand from China can offset any challenges incurred by more volatile markets, such as the traditional consumer markets of the EU and US. “That consistency of market is a key component to leveraging the support you need”, Parasram explains.

With over 1 billion people expected to participate in elections worldwide across 76 countries, the UK’s own identity amidst these transformative times and a so-called “new world order” is questioned. In The Qonversation, long-time Labour party member and fundraiser Crispin Flintoff is asked about the likely date for the UK’s elections and explores the nation’s position on foreign policy issues in a post-Brexit, post-COVID, and a possible incoming Labour party leadership.

Over the UK prime minister’s first public appearances of the year, the news was awash with speculation as to Sunak’s forecast for a Spring or Autumn election, or as late as January 2025. As Flintoff predicted in his interview before Christmas, Sunak suggested Autumn, yet the continued absence of a set date could raise eyebrows at home and abroad.
As Britons reflect on the overarching theme of what the UK represents today, and what party and leadership they wish to be governed by, domestic politics and foreign policy need to prepare for the challenges posed by a rapidly changing global landscape. On the nation’s role in global politics, Flintoff speaks of the need to adopt a fresh approach. “I think the world order is breaking up, but we’re clinging on to it when we could be looking at ways to adjust.”

As Ghana gears up for the December 2024 presidential elections, the political landscape is undergoing a transformation, marked by the emergence of unique candidates and movements. Elliot Nuertey, a Ghanaian journalist gave Qonversations key insights about the upcoming elections, shedding light on the candidates, their backgrounds, and the novel approaches they bring to the table.

“This particular election area is very interesting”, Nuertey explains. “It is unique in the Fourth Republic of Ghana because for the first time, we have a candidate breaking away from their political party to form a political movement by himself.” Described as a leader of the “Movement for Change,” Alan Kyerematan, hailing from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), seeks to form a united government by recruiting officials from across Ghana’s political spectrum.