InsiderPR In Conversation With Business Insider Africa
Adekunle Agbetiloye is a Senior Reporter at Business Insider Africa where he covers stories on the African economy, technology, energy transition, and climate change.
What specific topics or discussions within your beat are currently drawing your attention, and what drives your interest in them?
I cover stories on the African economy, technology, energy transition, and climate change, each beat with its attractive side.
Africa is a blessed continent when we think of its natural and human resources. Its natural wealth holds critical importance for the future of global systems, while its human capital is essential for shaping the future of work. This can't be overlooked, as the narrative is one of evolution, constantly shifting and progressing.
Amidst these changes, the effects of climate change on the continent have become pronounced. Despite contributing minimally to global warming, Africa bears the brunt of its effects. However, it is beautiful to see people turning climate risks into business opportunities. In Nigeria for instance, Planet 3R repurposes waste into eco-friendly fashion products.
Larger companies are also embracing corporate sustainability to reduce the negative environmental impact resulting from their operations.
On another front, we see how technology is disrupting Africa at a rapid pace, from revolutionising the financial sector to transforming agriculture, a cornerstone of its economic growth. In agriculture, where 35% of Africa's GDP is derived and half of its population is employed, startups are deploying cutting-edge technologies like drones and automated irrigation systems to tackle sectoral challenges.
Looking ahead, how do you anticipate these discussions evolving over the next year, and what specific developments are you eager to see unfold?
I hope to see the dynamic between Africa and wealthier Western nations shift away from the "He who pays the piper dictates the tune" narrative. It's time for Africa to fully harness its resources for economic growth and development, without being exploited by foreign interests. I would like to see more stories about bilateral opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships flourishing.
I am also looking forward to major companies embracing sustainability operations and investing more in climate tech. There are so many climate innovators across the continent who can help us adapt to the realities of climate change.
I am eager to see increased investment flowing into Africa, particularly into tech startups in the agriculture sector. As mentioned earlier, the sector contributes 35% of Africa's GDP and employs about half of its population. Agriculture has long been the backbone of many African economies, and it's time for more investors to recognise the potential of AgriTech and support its growth.
In your opinion, what are some conversations underreported or overlooked aspects within your beat that you think deserve more attention?
One underreported aspect that deserves more attention is the discussion surrounding carbon tax and carbon pricing in the context of climate control efforts.
While there is growing recognition of the need to address climate change, discussions focused on carbon tax and related mechanisms for pricing greenhouse gas emissions are not as widespread.
This may partly be due to its nascent nature on the continent. Only South Africa has a working carbon tax policy on the continent.
Also, the perceived complexity of carbon tax policies could contribute to the lack of media coverage of carbon tax policies.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges or misconceptions people have about your beat?
One of the major challenges is the unavailability of timely and accurate data across countries in Africa. We need data for thorough and insightful reporting, but often, data on certain topics can be limited, incomplete, or outdated.
Most of the data available to journalists comes from foreign sources, and they stir criticism from Africans sometimes.
Also, tracking the words of government officials, which are sometimes laden with false claims or statistics is challenging. Officials exaggerate numbers or propagate propaganda for temporary praise, which can mislead the public. We often have to dedicate extra time to verifying such news before reporting.
What are some key sources or resources you rely on to stay informed and ahead of developments within your beat?
I get news ideas from outlets such as Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC, AFP, and CNN. For social media updates, I rely on Twitter, where I follow verified profiles of government officials, reputable organisations, and industry leaders for official statements.
I also keep track of publications from organisations like the World Bank, IMF, and AfDB.
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