British-born Nigerian journalist Adefemi Akinsanya has joined CNN International as the host of Africa Inc, a new multiplatform feature series sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited. The program will examine the growth, influence, and global ambitions of African businesses across a range of industries.Akinsanya moves to CNN from Arise News, where she served as an international correspondent and anchor based in Lagos. Her previous professional experience includes roles with Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News, and TRT World, giving her extensive expertise in international reporting and broadcast journalism.
Africa Inc will highlight African companies that are competing successfully on the world stage and demonstrating the continent’s capacity for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth. Its coverage will span sectors including technology, hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment, and other areas where African businesses are expanding their reach and attracting international attention.Rather than presenting Africa merely as an emerging market, the series will portray the continent as an increasingly influential force in global commerce.
It will explore how African entrepreneurs and corporations are helping shape international business, technological innovation, investment patterns, and consumer trends.The half-hour program is scheduled to premiere in August, followed by four additional episodes airing throughout 2026 and into 2027. In addition to the main episodes, specially produced Africa Inc segments will be broadcast every two months on CNN International. Related digital and social media content will also be published through CNN.com, allowing the series to reach audiences across television, online, and social platforms.Commenting on her appointment, Akinsanya said she was excited to join CNN and launch Africa Inc at an important moment in the continent’s international development.
She noted that innovation, resilience, and ambition are transforming industries throughout Africa, creating businesses and opportunities with consequences that extend well beyond the continent. She added that she looked forward to bringing these stories to CNN’s global audience.Ellana Lee, CNN International Group’s senior vice president and global head of productions, also welcomed Akinsanya to the network. Lee said that Africa’s growing influence on the global economy made the series especially timely and expressed confidence that Akinsanya’s compelling reporting would deliver insightful coverage across CNN’s television, digital, and social channels.
Akinsanya was a 2023 fellow at Harvard University’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism and holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics from King’s College London. Her reporting career has taken her to some of the world’s most significant news events and conflict zones.She reported from the frontline of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, covering the refugee crisis and examining the role race played in the evacuation of people during the early stages of the war. In Nigeria, she covered the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
Her other assignments have included reporting on the 2024 United States presidential election, the World Economic Forum in Davos, and the 2026 G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains. This combination of international experience and regional expertise is expected to inform her work on Africa Inc as the series examines the people, companies, and ideas shaping Africa’s place in the global economy.
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