Front of mind on Qonversations

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.

In an era dominated by technological advancements, the expansion of internet access in high growth or developing countries is heralded as a gateway to a myriad of opportunities. The positive aspects, such as exposure to new ideas and enhanced educational opportunities, are to be celebrated. However, as with any transformative change, there are potential pitfalls that must be addressed to ensure a balanced and safe integration into the digital age, risk specialist and cybersecurity investor Matthew Martin tells The Qonversation.
Embracing the digital realm opens doors to a wealth of knowledge and global connectivity. According to a Martin, “it’s exposure to new ideas. It’s being connected to the world and really understanding what’s going on around you.” The optimistic view extends to the belief that increased connectivity contributes to a more educated population, fostering growth and progress.
The argument is compelling – a connected society boasts increased educational opportunities. The world becomes a classroom, and information is readily accessible at one’s fingertips. This, in turn, empowers individuals and communities to partake in the global conversation, breaking down geographical barriers to knowledge.
Yet, amidst the promise lies a cautionary tale, especially for developing countries and local communities venturing into the uncharted territories of widespread internet access. Martin acknowledges that the dangers of social media are well-known to the West, but the risks and impact are particularly high in developing countries.
To counteract potential pitfalls, Martin suggests the implementation of comprehensive educational campaigns “I think there has to be educational campaigns”. Particularly in regions like Africa, where internet connectivity is “expanding out into the rural areas to get people connected, it should also come with an awareness campaign” about online safety. The analogy drawn by Martin is powerful – just as one wouldn’t hand a car to someone without teaching them to drive, the internet should come with a set of guidelines and training courses.
An alarming concern raised is the exploitation of the internet by extremist groups in developing countries for recruitment purposes. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of equipping individuals with the tools to defend themselves against such threats. It is argued that without proper preparation, the joy of internet access could be overshadowed by the rise of extremist problems, posing a serious risk to the fabric of society.
While the benefits of internet expansion in developing countries are significant, a balanced approach is crucial. It is not enough to merely provide access; efforts must be directed towards empowering individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape safely. By implementing educational campaigns and fostering digital literacy, developing nations can harness the full potential of the internet without succumbing to its potential hazards.

During an interview discussing women’s health and workplace dynamics, an expert provided insights, into emerging frameworks and trends in different regions offering valuable perspectives on how they might shape the work environment in the future.

When asked about frameworks concerning health, fertility treatments and menopause, Laetitia Saint Maur, who has taken her commitment to women’s well-being to the next level by founding a digital platform focused on women’s health, shared a fascinating overview of evolving regulations. While acknowledging room for improvement, the expert highlighted progress taking place in countries.