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Kobo360 CEO Obi Ozor Joins World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leader Class of 2021

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Kobo360’s CEO and Co-founder, Obi Ozor, has today been honoured as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader 2021.

Through the Young Global Leader Program, Ozor will embark on a five-year leadership development journey that will help him reach the next level of impact, as he continues to build and scale his e-logistics company into a global brand.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders is an independent non-profit foundation bringing together diverse, dynamic, and globally representative leaders for a five-year, personalized leadership program.

With 1,400 members and alumni representing over 120 nationalities, YGLs head governments and Fortune 500 companies, are recipients of Nobel Prizes and Academy Awards, and serve as UN Goodwill Ambassadors.

With the purpose of creating a truly representative body, candidates are evaluated by a selection committee, which selects between 100 -150 new members each year out of thousands of publicly nominated candidates.

Launched in 2017, alongside Ozor’s co-founder Ife Oyedele II, Kobo360 is a global e-logistics technology platform that connects and advances cargo across Africa and beyond. With over seven years of logistics and supply chain experience, Ozor manages all key aspects of Kobo360 including operations, controlling investments, compliance risk management and product growth.

He has also been focussed on creating mass-employment for Africa through job creation, with Kobo360 working with over 50,000 trucks and drivers across the continent.

Prior to building Kobo360, Obi was the Operations Coordinator at Uber Nigeria as well as an Investment Banker at J.P. Morgan. 

Speaking on the milestone, Obi Ozor, Co-founder & CEO of Kobo360 said: “I am thrilled to be joining the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders program.

Being recognised by such a prestigious organisation gives me faith that the work we’re doing at Kobo360 is indeed making an impact, not just in Africa, but globally. Building Kobo360 from the ground up, and introducing a technology-enabled platform in a space that already had existing ways of doing things was not the easiest.

We still have a long way to go, but we are in it for the long haul! At Kobo360, we have created an African Logistics industry where technology is at the forefront of business, and I am looking forward to collaborating with other Young Global Leaders across the world, in different sectors of business, to tackle global challenges.”

Backed by international and African investors including Goldman Sachs, Y Combinator, International Finance Corporation [IFC], Asia Africa Investment & Consulting and TLcom Capital, Kobo360 has raised over $35m and scaled across 7 countries on the continent.

To date, the company’s tech-enabled platform has connected over 50,000 trucks and drivers, who have delivered 2.9 Billion tonnes of cargo to over 1,000 SMEs and large enterprises, such as DHL, Maersk, Unilever, Medlog and OLAM

“The YGL Class of 2021 is comprised of thoughtful and courageous leaders who will shape a more sustainable and inclusive post-pandemic era,” said Mariah Levin, Head of the Forum of Young Global Leaders.

A leader in the African logistics and technology ecosystem, Obi boasts several accolades including CNBC All Africa Business Leaders Awards 2019 ‘Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Young Business Leader of the Year’. Most recently, he was named as one of Fortune Magazine’s 40 under 40 ‘Global Leaders in Technology for 2020’.

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Kingsley Adonu’s Journey: A Tale of Hard Work and Dedication in the Telecom Industry

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In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, success is often attributed to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication and hard work. Kingsley Adonu’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to these qualities, paving the way for him to become a valuable partner with MTN, a leading global telecommunications company.

Adonu’s story begins with a humble background, where he cultivated a strong work ethic from an early age. His relentless pursuit of excellence caught the attention of industry leaders, setting the stage for a career marked by determination and resilience.

One of the key factors that propelled Adonu to success was his unwavering commitment to learning and staying ahead of industry trends. He immersed himself in the dynamic world of telecommunications, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape. Adonu’s continuous pursuit of knowledge not only enhanced his expertise but also positioned him as a visionary in the field.

As he climbed the career ladder, Adonu faced numerous challenges, but his tenacity and commitment to overcoming obstacles set him apart. His ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities made him a standout professional in the telecom sector.

Adonu’s pivotal moment came when he aligned his efforts with MTN, a global telecom giant known for innovation and cutting-edge technology. Recognizing Adonu’s track record of hard work and dedication, MTN saw a valuable partner in him. The partnership marked a significant milestone in Adonu’s career, opening doors to new possibilities and avenues for growth.

The success of Adonu’s collaboration with MTN can be attributed to his strategic vision and innovative thinking. As a partner, he played a crucial role in steering the company toward continued success, contributing to its expansion and influence in the telecommunications market.

Kingsley Adonu’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the telecom industry. His story underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for continuous improvement. Adonu’s ascent to becoming an MTN partner is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the dynamic world of telecommunications.

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Meet Kingsley Adonu

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In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, there are visionaries who not only navigate the business landscape but redefine it. Meet Kingsley Adonu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate that stands as a beacon of excellence and diversity in the global business arena.

Kingsley Adonu is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder of the SMobile Group, a conglomerate synonymous with excellence and diversity. As the Chief Executive Officer, he has steered the group to remarkable heights, overseeing a spectrum of businesses that span across Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Hospitality, Water Production, Agriculture, Technology, E-commerce, Energy, Sports, Entertainment, Education, Health, Logistics and Financial Services, with branches extending globally to UK, USA, China, South Africa, and Canada.

Under Kingsley’s astute leadership, SMobile Group has emerged as a major partner for MTN, evident in the impactful presence of the SMobile brand in the telecommunications landscape. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have positioned the group as a dynamic player in multiple industries.

Beyond the boardroom, Kingsley Adonu is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to making a positive impact in communities. His philanthropic efforts extend beyond business, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the responsibility of successful individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

Kingsley’s influence is not confined to national borders; he has actively participated in numerous international telecom conferences, further enriching his understanding of global industry trends and fostering valuable connections with industry leaders worldwide.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kingsley Adonu continues to inspire and lead the SMobile Group towards new horizons, blending business acumen with a passion for positive societal change.

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MyShopLauncher (MSL) Launches to Empower African SMEs with Revolutionary E-Commerce Platform, Unparalleled Support

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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MyShopLauncher
MyShopLauncher team at the launch of the eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

Today marks a significant milestone as MyShopLauncher proudly announces its official launch, bringing forth a groundbreaking e-commerce platform designed to redefine the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. 

According to statista, the revenue in the E-commerce market in Africa was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2028 by in total 15 billion U.S. dollars (+48.88 percent).  

After the sixth consecutive increasing year, the indicator is estimated to reach 45.72 billion U.S. dollars and therefore a new peak in 2028. 

MyShopLauncher
L-r: Akintunde Opawole, head of Product; Tochukwu Udunwa, Product Marketing Manager, and Susan Agbor, Head of Marketing, all from MyShopLauncher, during the launch of eCommerce platform for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.

A Vision Fueled by Empathy 

Founded two years ago, MSL’s inception was rooted in the recognition of the struggles faced by African merchants managing their businesses manually.  

The MSL team embarked on a journey that involved extensive conversations with entrepreneurs, surveys, and rigorous testing of theories.  

This painstaking process led to the development of a product that not only offers a no-code e-commerce storefront free of charge but also reflects a genuine commitment to the welfare and growth of SMEs. 

More Than a Platform: A Caring Community 

At the heart of MSL’s mission is a desire to forge connections that extend beyond business transactions. Beyond providing no-cost storefronts, MSL is dedicated to creating real bonds with business owners, offering support, guidance, and the tools needed for success.  

This commitment goes beyond the conventional, embodying a genuine care and concern for the thriving of SMEs in Africa. 

MSL’s Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) – A Platform with Heart: 

  • No-Cost Storefront: MSL offers a no-code e-commerce storefront, empowering merchants without any upfront charges. 
  • Customer Centricity: Beyond transactions, MSL is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each business owner. 
  • Educational Support: MSL provides free access to educational resources and coaching to accelerate the growth and development of SMEs. 
  • Real Connections: MSL fosters genuine connections, creating a community where business owners are not just clients but valued partners on the path to success. 

In an era where commerce often feels transactional, MSL stands apart as a platform with heart, a platform driven by the vision to uplift, empower, and support African SMEs. As we launch, we invite entrepreneurs to experience not just a product but a community—a community that cares deeply about their success. 

“At MSL, we believe that the success of SMEs is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding aspirations, and providing unwavering support. Our platform is not just a tool; it’s an extension of our commitment to the dreams and growth of African business owners.” — Akintunde Opawole , Head of Product of MyShopLauncher. 

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