Conversations and Plugs

Most African businesses fail because of systems they don’t see. Tax is one of those systems. What actually powers an economy? Beyond payments, lending, and the visible layers of business, there is a quieter system shaping who operates, who scales, and who survives: tax and compliance infrastructure. In this episode, we sit with Caine Wanjau, founder of DigiTax and former CTO at Twiga, to unpack th...

Africa has no shortage of creators. What it lacks are systems that pay them . In this episode of Conversations & Plugs , we sit down with Cedric Nzomo content strategist, systems builder, and one of the quiet architects behind Africa’s creator economy to unpack what actually turns content into income. We talk about: Why most creators stay busy but broke The difference between content, distribu...

Anne Muhia walked away from a cushy CFO post at the height of COVID, opened a neighbourhood butcher shop, and—armed with TikTok and a handful of automation tools—turned chaos into community. Tap any timestamp to jump straight to the insight you need: 00:00 Intro – Why “Unprepared” Wins 01:12 Quitting the CFO Desk 04:25 Startup Heartbreak (3-year sales cycle, 4 M KES price tag) 07:45 Distribution-A...

Episode Description: Adelle Onyango doesn’t just tell stories, she disrupts systems. In this powerful episode, she shares how grief, rage, and radical softness shaped her departure from mainstream radio and her journey into building pan-African platforms. Expect hard truths on tokenism, gender politics, content as currency, and what it means to create from scars, not for claps. 🎙️ Highlights: Why...

One year ago, we hit record — not fully ready, but fully willing. In this special reflection episode, your hosts Wangu Joy and Clifford Kinyua look back at the stories, guests, and raw moments that shaped Season 2 of Conversations and Plugs . ✨ We talk: Why small beginnings matter The guests who changed our mindset — from BBM cake hustles to billion-shilling dreams What it means to lead with auth...

She didn’t wait for permission from anyone Full Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Conversations & Plugs , we sit down with media disruptor and digital storyteller Lynn Ngugi . She shares the raw truth of going unpaid for two years, quitting mainstream media, and still showing up to tell the stories that matter. 🎙️ If you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or visionary build...

In this episode of Conversations & Plugs , we chat with Dan Aceda—activist, musician, architect, and founder of Semabox. We discuss how activism and business intersect and how his passion for social change influences his entrepreneurial journey. Dan also shares his thoughts on the future of African podcasting, the importance of IP protection for creatives, and the infrastructure needed to nurt...

Join Moses Kemibaro, founder of Dot Savvy and renowned digital strategist, in this compelling episode as he unveils the keys to mastering content creation and digital innovation for African businesses. Moses dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey, practical strategies to amplify your brand's visibility, and how to successfully pivot amid technological shifts like social media and AI. Gain...

In this episode, we sit down with Brendah Mwirichia , the visionary Founder and CEO of Peak & Dale Group , one of Africa's leading independent tech marketing agencies. In this insightful conversation, Brendah shares her journey from a tech enthusiast to a pioneering entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of leveraging local talent and crafting solutions tailored for African markets. We delv...

In this episode of Conversations & Plugs , we sit down with Dr Zena Onsongo, one of the three visionary doctors behind Sante Reva, the others are Dr Wambui and Dr Sally, to explore how they’re pioneering a preventive healthcare model in Kenya. Learn why they believe in shifting from reactionary medicine to proactive wellness and how this approach can transform communities, cut long-term costs,...

How does African storytelling and community-driven play shape our future leaders? In this Conversations & Plugs episode, we chat with Zainab Nasser, founder of Play Academy, about why early childhood development might be Africa’s best-kept secret for sparking innovation. From debunking myths about “kids just being kids” to showing how caregivers can champion local narratives, Zainab reveals ho...

In this episode of Conversations and Plugs , Maria Nkumba shares her journey of resilience, purpose, and growth. From her humble beginnings to breaking barriers, Maria opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and the passions that drive her. If you’re looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a story that resonates, this conversation is for you.! Episode Highl...

Close your eyes and picture a vibrant Kenyan buffet: fresh chapatis, fragrant pilau, and artfully arranged desserts, each dish telling a story. Now meet the storyteller, Esmeralda De Souza-Obwaka, the force behind Spez, a business born from a single home kitchen experiment and grown into a culinary brand delivering magic to corporate boardrooms and beyond. In this episode, we uncover how Esmeralda...

In our premiere episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Brendah Mwirichia , the CEO of Peak & Dale Group , one of Africa's leading independent tech marketing agencies. Brendah shares her remarkable journey from being a tech enthusiast to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur. We delve into: Empowering African Businesses : How leveraging local talent and crafting solutions tailored for Afr...

In this special episode of Conversations & Plugs , hosts Cliff and Wangu sit down to reflect on the powerful lessons and themes from our first season. Join us as we dive deep into discussions about how purpose fuels resilience , drawing inspiration from guests like Kevin Mutiso , who emphasized anchoring your entrepreneurial journey with a clear vision. Discover the importance of community as...

In this episode of Conversations & Plugs , we sit down with Peter Nduati, a serial entrepreneur who has built nine businesses across five sectors. From overcoming the challenges of four political regimes to navigating the devastating impacts of COVID, Peter’s story is one of resilience, pivoting, and purpose. We dive into his philosophy on building politically agnostic businesses, finding purp...

Ever wondered how a deep love for music can transform into a groundbreaking business that reshapes an entire industry? Meet Mackinlay Mutsembi, the mastermind behind the Nairobi Horns Project, as he takes us on a journey from the vibrant streets of Mombasa to the global stage. On this episode of Conversations & Plugs, Mackinlay opens up about the passion, grit, and innovation that turned his m...

In this deeply moving episode of "Conversations and Plugs," we sit down with Ted Josiah, a trailblazer in Kenya's music scene and the creative force behind the brand JokaJok. Ted shares his profound journey of turning pain into purpose, revealing how he navigated the immense challenges of loss, single parenthood, and starting over. This isn’t just a story of entrepreneurship; it’s a...

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Wanjiru Mambo, a visionary driving change in Africa’s agricultural sector. In this episode of “Conversations and Plugs,” Wanjiru discusses her groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, aiming to make Africa self-sufficient in food production. Discover how innovative farming techniques and local empowerment are key to transforming the continent’s fo...

Join us in this profound episode of “Conversations and Plugs” as we sit down with Martin Kiarie, a trailblazer in Africa’s digital landscape. Martin shares his unique insights into the entrepreneurship journey, from personal tribulations to professional triumphs, and addresses the often-overlooked challenges of being placed on a societal pedestal. Key Highlights: Journey Through Adversity: Explore...

Dive into the compelling world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Kevin Mutiso on this episode of "Conversations and Plugs." Kevin, a pioneer in digital lending, discusses how he has integrated his passion for societal improvement into a successful business model. This episode, titled "The Power of Purpose," offers invaluable insights into the synergy between entrepreneuri...

Dive into the real, relatable journey of Wandia Gichuru, the powerhouse behind Vivo Fashion Group, on this episode of ‘Conversations and Plugs’. From the initial spark of an idea to building a brand that champions African women, Wandia shares her personal and professional ups and downs. Discover her unique approach to blending passion with fashion, and how she’s making a tangible impact on the con...

Get ready to embark on a journey through the dynamic world of African entrepreneurship with Conversations & Plugs ! In our debut episode, hosts Cliff and Wangu reveal the inspiration behind the podcast and their mission to spotlight the untold stories of African business visionaries. Why should you tune in? Because we're diving deep into the real challenges and incredible triumphs of entre...