Interviews

imported 2024-03-17 17:43:07

Silafrica’s Akshay Shah on MSME Support, Circular Packaging, and Sustainable Growth in Africa’s Packaging Industry

June 7, 2025

In this exclusive interview, Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director of Silafrica, explores how the company is leading the way in sustainable packaging in Kenya and across Africa. As a founding member of KEPRO (Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization), Silafrica champions circular economy packaging, using post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial recycled materials (PIR) in over 36% of its output. The company partners with multinationals like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Heineken, and Unilever to deliver rigid plastic packaging, recyclable beverage crates, and IoT-enabled production systems (ThinkTracks). Shah also highlights the critical role of MSMEs in Africa’s packaging supply chain, outlining strategies to aggregate demand and finance packaging solutions for small-scale producers. From custom yogurt cup printing to cross-border reusable crate systems, Silafrica is redefining what it means to build a scalable, circular, and inclusive packaging industry in Africa.

B5 Plus Ghana: Leading Steel Manufacturer Transforming West Africa’s Construction Industry

April 23, 2025

In this insightful interview, Lalit Hemnani, Director of Sales and Marketing at B5 Plus Ghana, sheds light on the company’s pivotal role as a leading steel manufacturer and supplier in West Africa. He discusses B5 Plus’s diverse product offerings—including high tensile steel, galvanised and stainless steel, iron rods, and prefabricated structures—and explains how the company supports major infrastructure projects such as the Accra Mall, Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, and mining operations across Ghana and the ECOWAS region. The conversation highlights B5 Plus’s commitment to quality, on-time delivery, and customised fabrication for clients in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and beyond. Hemnani also outlines their digital transformation strategy, emphasizing the use of AI-powered sales tools, B2C e-commerce platforms, and social media marketing to boost visibility and engage new markets. The interview further touches on B5 Plus’s dedication to sustainability, through solar-powered production, and CSR initiatives, including free oxygen supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic and community welding training programs.

Ghana’s Real Estate Boom: A Conversation with Youssef Aitour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of i2 Development Ghana

February 3, 2025

Ghana’s real estate sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic industries, driven by rapid urbanization, a rising middle class, and an increasing demand for both affordable and luxury housing. With an estimated housing deficit of 1.8 million units, the need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between demand and supply has never been more urgent. Cities like Accra and Kumasi are witnessing significant residential and commercial developments, as both local and international investors recognize the country’s potential.

One of the key factors contributing to the growth of Ghana’s property market is its political stability and adherence to the rule of law, which provide a secure environment for investments. Additionally, the diaspora’s growing interest in real estate investment, coupled with government initiatives aimed at encouraging property ownership, has further stimulated the sector.

Within this evolving landscape, i2 Development Ghana has positioned itself as a key player, bringing high-quality and strategically located real estate projects to the market. One of its flagship developments, Prestige, is a prime example of luxury and convenience, boasting an unbeatable location near Kotoka International Airport.

B5 Plus and Mukesh Thakwani: Pioneering High-Quality Steel Production in Ghana

January 22, 2025

In this exclusive interview, Mukesh Thakwani, the visionary Founder and CEO of B5 Plus, delves into the company’s transformative journey and its significant contribution to the steel manufacturing industry in Ghana and West Africa. Since its inception, B5 Plus has been at the forefront of delivering high-quality steel products, including TMT bars, angle bars, galvanized steel, and reinforcement rods, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the construction, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Mukesh Thakwani’s unwavering commitment to the “Made in Ghana” vision has not only reduced reliance on imported steel but has also positioned B5 Plus as a beacon of industrial growth and self-reliance in the region.

With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and adherence to international quality standards, B5 Plus has expanded its product line to include custom-fabricated steel solutions, catering to both local and international markets. Mukesh Thakwani shares how the company has successfully navigated challenges such as the influx of cheap steel imports and high operational costs while advocating for policies that support local steel manufacturers. Through strategic investments, state-of-the-art facilities, and partnerships, B5 Plus has emerged as a key player driving economic development and creating employment opportunities across West Africa.

Join us as Mukesh Thakwani discusses his vision for the future of steel production, the role of STEM education in empowering the next generation of innovators, and B5 Plus’s plans to further enhance its contributions to Ghana’s industrialization and regional integration. This conversation highlights the determination, leadership, and strategic foresight that have made B5 Plus a cornerstone of the steel industry in Ghana and beyond.

Inside Four Points by Sheraton Kampala with General Manager Gaurrav K Magoo

January 15, 2025

In this insightful interview with Gaurrav K Magoo, the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, we explore how the hotel has redefined luxury hospitality in Uganda. With a 42-room property boasting categories like the Presidential Suite and an unmatched collection of whiskey and rum, Sheraton Kampala blends innovation with comfort. From the Caribbean restaurant and bar LFA on the rooftop to the temperature-controlled pool and state-of-the-art banquet venues, the hotel is designed to cater to both corporate clients and leisure travelers.

Gaurrav delves into the challenges and opportunities of post-COVID growth, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, local talent development, and green tourism. He also highlights the hotel’s numerous awards, including recognition from Uganda’s President’s Office for outstanding hospitality contributions. Looking ahead, Sheraton Kampala has ambitious plans for East African expansion, cementing its position as a leader in the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.

This interview provides a fascinating look at how Sheraton Kampala is shaping Uganda’s tourism landscape while staying true to its vision of honesty, comfort, and innovation.

Rafal Real Estate’s 3,500-Unit Residential Project: Creating Sustainable, Engaging Communities in Riyadh

December 17, 2024

In this exclusive interview, Mohammed Al Jaber, Special Project Manager at Rafal Real Estate, shares insights into Rafal’s ambitious vision for shaping Riyadh’s future through innovative co-living projects and sustainable housing developments. Al Jaber discusses Rafal’s landmark initiatives, including the Alegria project in the AlNarjes district and the creation of a 3,500-unit residential community in partnership with the National Housing Company (NHC) and CITIC Construction.

Rafal’s strategy focuses on building vibrant communities by integrating modern entertainment solutions, fostering community engagement, and aligning with Vision 2030. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, highlighting the use of green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and long-term ecological balance. Al Jaber also elaborates on the role of global entertainment partners, ensuring cultural alignment to meet local needs while boosting quality of life and driving economic development.

This conversation offers a deep dive into Rafal’s forward-thinking approach, balancing innovation, regulatory compliance, and adaptability to create spaces that resonate with Saudi Arabia’s evolving real estate landscape.

Redefining Affordable Housing in Ghana : The JL Properties Ghana Approach to Urban Development

December 13, 2024

In this insightful interview with Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay of JL Properties, one of Ghana’s leading indigenous developers, shares its bold vision for addressing the housing crisis through innovative approaches to affordable housing and social housing. With ambitious projects like 600 two-bedroom apartments across multiple locations, including Roman Bridge and North Airport, the company exemplifies the potential of inner-city development to redefine urban housing in Ghana.
We explore JL Properties’ real estate expansion plans, which extend beyond Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, and its strategic solutions such as flexible payment systems and an in-house mortgage program tailored to the local market. The interview also delves into the company’s diversified ventures, including integrated farming and infrastructure development, all aimed at promoting sustainable growth.
This conversation provides a compelling perspective on the challenges of housing affordability and showcases JL Properties’ efforts to balance innovation, profitability, and community impact in Ghana’s evolving real estate development landscape.

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