By Esther Olaoluwa |
CNN International has appointed Nigerian journalist Adefemi Akinsanya to host Africa Inc., a new multiplatform series examining how African companies are expanding their businesses and influence globally.
The appointment, announced on August 5, 2026, comes as CNN expands its coverage of Africa’s growing role in the global economy. Short segments of the series began airing the same day, while the full 30-minute programme is scheduled to premiere on August 29 and continue through 2027, with additional episodes planned.
Akinsanya, who joins CNN from Arise News, will anchor the series from Lagos. The programme will also feature bi-monthly segments and digital content across CNN.com and the network’s social media platforms.
Focusing on Africa’s Global Business Footprint
Africa Inc. will examine developments across technology, manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment, with production teams already filming in multiple African cities.
The series is sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.
Akinsanya said the programme comes at a significant moment for Africa as businesses and industries across the continent gain greater international visibility.
“I’m thrilled to be joining CNN to launch Africa Inc. at such an exciting time for Africa’s international story,” she said.
“Across the continent, we’re seeing innovation, resilience, and ambition transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact. I’m looking forward to bringing these stories to CNN’s audience.”
Akinsanya’s International Journalism Experience
Akinsanya has built an international journalism career spanning Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News and TRT World.
She has reported from the frontlines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and covered Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests and the 2024 United States presidential election.
In 2023, she was selected as a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.
Her appointment adds to CNN’s focus on telling stories about Africa’s economic and business transformation from within the continent, with Lagos serving as the base for the new series.
Ellana Lee, CNN International Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, said Akinsanya’s storytelling experience would strengthen the programme’s coverage across the network’s platforms.
“We are delighted to welcome Adefemi to CNN,” Lee said.
She added that as Africa becomes increasingly influential in the global economy, Akinsanya’s storytelling would help Africa Inc. provide coverage across CNN’s television, digital and social platforms.
The first short segment of Africa Inc. aired on August 5, while the full half-hour programme is set to premiere on August 29.
Through the series, CNN is positioning African businesses, entrepreneurs and industries at the centre of conversations about the continent’s growing economic influence and its place in the global marketplace.
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