As the world celebrates International Women’s Day this month, the film and television industry is revealing itself as a powerful arena of gender transformation, and a highly effected vehicle for empowering women. This especially the case in Africa, where women occupy several leadership roles in the industry.

These roles are pivotal, as they set the tone for the sector at large, influencing the content being created, as well as the attitudes of the young audiences exposed to the material being created by the continent’s next generation of young filmmakers.

This industry’s transformed leadership is well positioned to accelerate action even further and to continue building a creative industry where women feel free to express themselves and their views of the continent and its culture.

In the vanguard of this trend is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) a pan-African network of training institutions training the next generation of African filmmakers. With training academies in Lusaka, Zambia, as well as Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya, the MTF provides fully paid, year-long courses in the fundamentals of film and TV production, with women well represented in every cohort.

Not only do women make up a high proportion of each year’s class, but they also win accolades in prominent film festivals as well as seeing their works premiering on major content platforms.

Most recently, Everything Light Touches – co-directed by woman MTF West Africa Academy graduate Elma Baisie – premiered on the Africa Magic Showcase channel. In East Africa, woman director Lynn Gitau – an MTV East Africa Academy graduate – partnered to create Somewhere in Kole, which premiered on the Maisha Magic Plus channel.

In every one of the MTF Africa territories, academy directors actively work to empower young woman filmmakers.

“We promote women filmmakers in numbers and in terms of creative support,” says MTF Southern Africa Academy director Chris Puta. “Women students consistently make up around 50% of our cohort intake. But I believe what is most important is that they are given license to express themselves as writers, directors and producers. This is how women’s voices enter the mainstream.”

“We believe in empowering women in the film industry through training, mentorship, and opportunities,” says MTF West Africa Academy Director Atinuke Babatunde. “We give them all the skills they require to make a statement in the industry. And that is exactly what they are doing.”

Proof of this is the recognition MTF women alumni are earning on the film festival circuit. MTF West Africa graduate and producer-director Adeola Andrea Peregrino won first prize at the LEAP Africa USAID Film contest, and second prize at the IOM Film Contest for her film Poached, as well as being selected for the Africa International Film Festival, and as a finalist at the Edo State Festival.

“MTF is committed to seeing women pursue careers in film and TV,” says MTF Academy East Director Victoria Goro. “Besides upskilling young women filmmakers, we believe a highly effective way to encourage girls and young women to get into film is to inspire them by seeing great work by young women.”

Shining examples of this inspirational work are the achievements of East Africa MTF graduate Doreen Kilimbe’s film Midnight Bride, which won Best East African Film at the Uganda Film Festival, the Audience Award at Zambia’s Sotambe Film Festival, Best International Award at the Kalasha Film and TV Awards, and Best Actress at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Also making an impact was MTF Southern Africa Academy alumnus Tekla Nakale, won the best scriptwriting award for the film Ataman at the Multichoice Namibia Film Festival.

African women filmmakers are also taking charge of their own destiny in the industry by becoming involved in industry forums and even rising to leadership roles. In Namibia, MTF graduate Esther Beukes was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Board for the Namibia Film Commission.

In Botswana, former MTF student Serena Mmifinyane took time off from her work as a creative director at TV and film company N&M Productions to establish the Women in Film Guild Botswana, which is affiliated with Women in Film & TV International (WIFTI). In 2022, she was voted onto the WIFTI Board of Directors, and in 2023 became secretary of the global organisation.

“I am proud of what I have been able to achieve in the film sector,” said Mmfinyane. “But the hundreds of other young women who have come through MTF Academies have all made great strides in our industry. Their achievements exemplify the talent and drive of Africa’s women filmmakers, and how training can be a catalyst to accelerate gender empowerment across our continent.”

Sycamore (www.Sycamore.ng), a Nigerian fintech with over N10 billion in assets under management, today announced two strategic developments that position it for its next growth phase.

The company has secured a license from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate as a fund/portfolio manager and has appointed former ARM Securities Managing Director Oluwagbenga Magbagbeola to lead its asset management arm. This SEC license places Sycamore among a select group of regulated investment firms in Nigeria’s competitive financial sector.

Sycamore Group CEO Babatunde Akin-Moses said, “Securing our SEC license represents the culmination of years of building institutional-grade compliance systems that protect investor interests. With this regulatory foundation and Oluwagbenga’s proven investment expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver performance and security to investors navigating Africa’s complex market conditions.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Co-founder and CCO Onyinye Okonji noted, “This milestone reflects our commitment to operating at the highest standards of financial governance. Our team underwent a rigorous evaluation process, during which regulators examined our governance structures, risk management frameworks, and client protection mechanisms.”

Oluwagbenga Magbagbeola joins Sycamore with 17 years of capital markets experience, spanning roles at ARM Securities, FBNQuest Securities, and Profund Securities. At ARM Securities, Magbagbeola led the development of investment strategies that consistently performed against market benchmarks during challenging economic cycles, including Nigeria’s recent periods of currency volatility and inflation.

“Joining Sycamore allows me to bridge traditional capital markets expertise with fintech innovation at precisely the right time,” said Magbagbeola. “The SEC license creates a regulatory framework for what many Nigerians are already seeking – protected pathways for investment diversification during economic uncertainty.”

Empowering its institutional approach is Sycamore’s cutting-edge technology infrastructure. Mayowa Adeosun, co-founder and COO, explained, “Our proprietary investment platform represents years of innovation in applying financial technology to local market conditions.”

“We’ve leveraged artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse market trends and optimise portfolio allocations across multiple asset classes, resulting in more responsive investment strategies tailored to Nigeria’s dynamic market conditions,” Adeosun added.

The company’s recently upgraded mobile app transforms how clients manage their investments. Through an intuitive dashboard, investors can now access institutional-grade portfolio analytics that provide clear visibility into performance, risk exposure, and growth opportunities.

A standout feature is the new Multi-Currency Wallet, which directly addresses clients’ needs for currency diversification by allowing users to hold and invest funds across USD, EUR, GBP, and NGN. This capability, backed by Sycamore’s SEC-licensed status, provides investors with a regulated channel for managing currency exposure.

In an era where workplace safety is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of organizational success, Zoracom has taken a proactive step to ensure the well-being of its workforce. The company recently conducted an extensive Safety Talk focused on proper ladder usage, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of workplace safety. This initiative underscores Zoracom’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and productivity within its organization and beyond.

The session, held as part of Zoracom’s ongoing safety education program, aimed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent ladder-related accidents. Falls from ladders are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, often resulting from improper usage, lack of awareness, or negligence. By addressing these issues head-on, Zoracom is not only protecting its team but also setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow.

The Critical Importance of Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is far more than a regulatory requirement—it is a moral and operational imperative. A safe work environment ensures that employees can perform their duties without fear of injury, leading to higher morale, increased productivity, and reduced downtime. Moreover, a strong safety culture reflects an organization’s commitment to its most valuable asset: its people.

For Zoracom, safety is a core value that permeates every aspect of its operations. The company believes that a healthy team is a productive team, and this philosophy drives its continuous efforts to educate and empower its workforce. The recent Safety Talk on ladder usage is a testament to this commitment, providing employees with practical tools to mitigate risks and maintain a secure workplace.

Key Lessons from the Ladder Safety Training

The Safety Talk covered several essential aspects of ladder safety, each designed to address common pitfalls and promote best practices. These lessons are not only relevant to Zoracom’s team but also serve as valuable guidelines for any organization that prioritizes safety.

1. Inspect Before Use
One of the most critical steps in ladder safety is conducting a thorough inspection before use. Employees were reminded to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, loose rungs, or bent parts. A damaged ladder is a hazard waiting to happen, and using one can lead to catastrophic accidents. By taking a few moments to inspect the ladder, workers can identify potential issues and avoid unnecessary risks.

2. Use the Right Ladder for the Task
Not all ladders are created equal, and using the wrong ladder for a task can have serious consequences. The training emphasized the importance of selecting the appropriate ladder based on factors such as height, weight capacity, and type. For instance, a step ladder might be suitable for low-height tasks, while an extension ladder is necessary for reaching greater heights. Choosing the right tool for the job is a simple yet effective way to enhance safety.

3. Maintain Three Points of Contact
A fundamental rule of ladder safety is maintaining three points of contact at all times. This means keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder. This technique ensures stability and reduces the likelihood of losing balance. Employees were encouraged to practice this habit consistently, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls.

4. Place the Ladder on a Stable Surface
The stability of a ladder depends largely on the surface it rests on. The training highlighted the importance of placing the ladder on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface. Uneven or unstable ground can cause the ladder to shift or tip over, putting the user at risk. By ensuring a secure foundation, workers can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.

5. Avoid Overreaching
Overreaching while on a ladder is a common mistake that can lead to falls. Instead of stretching too far, employees were advised to reposition the ladder to maintain a safe and stable posture. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safety.

Zoracom’s Holistic Approach to Workplace Safety

Zoracom’s commitment to safety extends beyond individual training sessions. The company has implemented a comprehensive safety program that includes regular workshops, safety audits, and the provision of high-quality safety equipment. This holistic approach ensures that safety remains a top priority at all levels of the organization.

The recent Safety Talk on ladder usage is just one example of Zoracom’s proactive efforts to create a secure work environment. By equipping employees with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe, Zoracom is not only protecting its workforce but also enhancing overall productivity and morale.

Expert Guidance for Organizations

For organizations looking to improve workplace safety and implement effective safety protocols, Zoracom offers expert guidance and tailored solutions. Whether it’s conducting safety training, optimizing workflows, or providing customized safety equipment, Zoracom is dedicated to helping businesses create secure and efficient workplaces.

To learn more about Zoracom’s safety solutions or to schedule a consultation, visit their website at www.zoracom.com or contact them directly via the link: https://lnkd.in/dScqaibV.

A Call to Action for Safer Workplaces

Zoracom believes that workplace safety is a shared responsibility. The company encourages businesses and individuals to join the movement for safer workplaces by prioritizing safety education, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of care and responsibility.

By sharing experiences, tips, and insights, we can collectively build safer, healthier, and more productive work environments. Zoracom invites everyone to participate in this important conversation using the hashtags #SafetyFirst, #LadderSafety, #Zoracom, #WorkSafety, and #SafeWorkflow.

About Zoracom
Zoracom is a leading provider of workplace safety solutions and workflow optimization services. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and employee well-being, Zoracom empowers organizations to create secure, efficient, and thriving workplaces.

Quote from John Nwachukwu, Zoracom’s Top Executive:
“At Zoracom, we believe that safety is not just a policy—it’s a promise to our people. By equipping our team with the right knowledge and tools, we are not only preventing accidents but also building a culture of trust and excellence. A safe workplace is the foundation of a successful organization, and we are committed to leading by example.”

Access Bank PLC (www.AccessBankPLC.com) successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to drive solutions for accelerating intra-African trade and unlocking the continent’s economic potential. The conference tackled critical challenges, including limited access to capital, market information gaps, trust deficits between trading partners, and the urgent need for modernised trade infrastructure.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for discussions by highlighting the critical barriers hindering trade across Africa. He emphasised the urgent need for financial sector collaboration to facilitate seamless access to capital and foster a business environment where African enterprises can scale and compete globally.

“We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that ‘Made in Africa’ is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation,” Ogbonna stated.

With Africa’s population projected to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as the most significant free trade initiative since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. By fostering economic integration, AfCFTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics across the continent, creating a unified market that enhances industrialisation, boosts employment, and strengthens Africa’s global competitiveness. Recognising this transformative opportunity, H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, emphasised the urgency of fully implementing the agreement to unlock its immense benefits.

“The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa’s industrialisation and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalising the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive,” Mene stated.

Also, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders. She reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to championing trade finance solutions and infrastructure investments that will unlock Africa’s trade potential.

“At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realise its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade,” Awani remarked.

The conference featured an insightful testimonial from Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the IFC/World Bank Group, who pointed out the pivotal role of trade finance in enabling cross-border transactions and supporting financial inclusion. She underscored the long-standing partnership between IFC and Access Bank in fostering Africa’s economic resilience.

Several high-level panel discussions explored strategies to overcome trade barriers and enhance market access through innovative solutions. Experts from leading institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, OWP Partners, Fiducia International, and more, examined how infrastructure improvements, digital solutions, and policy harmonisation could drive economic growth and boost intra-African trade.

Dr. Marc Auboin from the World Trade Organization (WTO) shared key insights on how digital transformation is reshaping Africa’s supply chain landscape, creating efficiency and unlocking new global market opportunities. Tanya Dos Santos-Ford from GIBS Business School also led a session on sustainable trade practices, emphasising the need for environmentally responsible economic growth strategies.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to intra-African trade and economic transformation. Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Chemaf International FZE (DR Congo), and Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia) were honoured for their impact on SMEs and women-led trade enterprises. Bulkstream Limited (Kenya) and Electricidade de Moçambique (Mozambique) received awards for advancing intra-African trade, while Tennant Metals South Africa Pty Ltd was recognised as an Emerging Leader in Trade.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was awarded the Climate Finance Leadership Award, while Afreximbank received the Champion of Intra-African Trade Award. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) were celebrated for their roles in economic transformation and infrastructure finance, respectively. The prestigious African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their significant contributions to Africa’s economic progress.

As the conference ended, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting trade finance, fostering regional integration, and championing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses across Africa.

A new IT services company, Smart Hands Africa, has been launched to meet rising demand for skilled IT professionals across the African continent. As part of its establishment, Smart Hands Africa has also announced a strategic joint venture with ITArmi, a global provider of on-demand IT expertise operating in 167 countries.

This partnership will see Smart Hands Africa – spearheaded by seasoned local IT professional Anton Jacobsz – become ITArmi’s official presence in Africa, facilitating seamless technology deployment and support for OEMs, distributors and resellers across the continent.

According to Jacobsz, CEO at Smart Hands Africa and ITArmi Africa, local organisations are in dire need of flexible, scalable and highly skilled IT resources to drive digital transformation. “Smart Hands Africa, powered by ITArmi, is set to play a key role in this process, providing fast, on-demand access to proven IT professionals, thus enabling businesses to scale their IT projects efficiently across the continent.”

Addressing the African IT skills gap

Jacobsz explains that Smart Hands Africa’s service model has been designed to provide an agile, cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment companies and fixed-term contracts. Through ITArmi’s platform, businesses gain access to a network of vetted IT professionals whose skills and previous project ratings are readily available.

“Our approach ensures that IT channel partners, including OEMs, distributors and resellers, can quickly deploy experienced professionals for projects in one or multiple African countries,” he adds. “With a team encompassing an expert architect capable of designing comprehensive solutions, and a seasoned project manager with over 30 years of experience in African IT deployments, we offer end-to-end service delivery.”

Key services and benefits

Smart Hands Africa’s comprehensive service offering includes:

• Project planning and execution – Full-service management, from drafting Statements of Work (SOWs) to final deployment;
• Logistics as a service – Handling shipping, import duties, VAT complications and Importer of Record (IOR) processes;
• Engineer as a service – Deployment of skilled engineers for on-site or remote installation and maintenance; and
• Ongoing managed services – Ensuring continuous IT support post-installation.

While ITArmi has already delivered IT projects in numerous African countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and more, the partnership with Smart Hands Africa will expand and streamline its service reach across the continent.

Leading a recruitment drive to strengthen Africa’s IT workforce

As part of its launch, Smart Hands Africa is calling on IT professionals across Africa to join its growing network of over 1,800 engineers already signed up on the platform globally.

The company is actively seeking independent contractors and IT specialists with expertise in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, Microsoft Azure and cloud migration. Additionally, channel partners with excess IT talent can leverage Smart Hands Africa to deploy their resources more effectively, generating additional revenue.

Smart Hands Africa’s current offering encompasses data augmentation, integration and cloud solutions; DevOps and IT service management; SecOps, security and compliance; outsourcing and managed services; monitoring and reporting; ERP; and computer services, amongst others. The organisation is able to assist customers and partners at any point in their smart cloud journey.

“Our vision is to be Africa’s leading IT service partner, bridging the skills gap and enabling seamless technology deployment,” concludes Jacobsz. “Through this joint venture with ITArmi, we are committed to empowering IT channel partners with the expertise needed to accelerate growth, enhance service delivery and drive digital transformation across the continent.”

To join the Smart Hans Africa talent pool, please click here. For more information, please visit www.smarthandsafrica.com.