Author: Uzoma Oguh

Driving Sustainable Agriculture in Nigeria: ETK’s Strategic Visit to SCL Farms in Abuja.

  • 15th May, 2025
  • < 1 min reading

Recently, ETK and SCL Future Food Systems met in Abuja to discuss support for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.

The meeting was part of our ongoing work to promote meaningful collaboration between Brazil and Nigerian agribusinesses. During the meeting, the ETK team was hosted for a tour of SCL Farms, located in the Kwali area near the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria.


Led by ETK São Paulo-based Director of Sustainability Brent Barnette and Michael Odeh, Senior Project Manager at ETK Nigeria, the visit provided meaningful insights into the ways that SCL Future Food Systems is committed to food security, crop development, soil preservation, climate-smart livestock management, efficient water usage and conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices across its over 100-hectares site in the country’s capital territory.

The visit highlighted ETK’s ongoing commitment to supporting key commercial partnerships focused on sustainable agriculture, job creation, food security, and economic growth.

ETK has provided project management oversight and institutional capacity strengthening to strategic partners in Nigeria for nearly a decade, working to ensure the successful implementation of transformative projects in sustainable agriculture across Nigeria.

We are excited about the opportunity to build on our existing partnerships in Nigeria, and we are committed to creating new opportunities for collaborations in sustainable agriculture between our partners in Brazil and our ongoing work in Nigeria.

Strengthening Systems: ETK Oversees Farm Mechanisation Project for 6,000 Young Africans

  • 12th May, 2025
  • < 1 min reading

On May 6, 2025, the ETK Nigeria team, alongside senior colleagues from ETK United Kingdom, conducted a project monitoring visit to the ISSAM (Improving Smallholder Farmers’ Access to Small-Scale Agricultural Mechanization Services) project in Nigeria, implemented by TracTrac MSL in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The ISSAM project is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural mechanization value chain by equipping over 6,000 young adults, primarily young women and individuals living with disabilities, with the entrepreneurial skills needed to become Mechanisation Service Providers (MSPs).

Led by Michael Odeh, Head of ETK Nigeria’s Project Management Office, the visit formed part of ETK’s regular monitoring and oversight responsibilities, highlighting our role as the Institutional Strengthening Partner for the ISSAM project.

This visit was part of our regular monitoring and oversight responsibilities, reflecting ETK’s important role as the Institutional Strengthening Partner for ISSAM project.

As a pan-African consulting firm focused on the development of the continent through trade and investments, ETK supports businesses, development organisations, and governments by delivering tailored market entry, growth, and implementation strategies across Africa.

Our continued strategic support ensures that projects are not only successfully implemented but built for long-term sustainability and meaningful impact.

At ETK Group, we remain committed to providing support to projects and initiatives that improve livelihoods, strengthen systems, and empower communities across Africa, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to the continent’s development journey.

Navigating Volatile Markets: Key Takeaways from ETK Recent Webinar on International Trade

  • 28th April, 2025
  • 2 min reading

In today’s volatile global trade environment, understanding trade tariffs and navigating market shifts are important for global business success

On April 24, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a timely conversation on how businesses can navigate the shifting international trade landscape.

The webinar opened with our expert speakers Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE and Fergus McReynolds exploring how digital innovations are transforming trade across Africa. Fergus pointed out the fascinating shift happening across the continent:

“We’re actually skipping a generation in terms of trade technology and moving towards paperless trade and digital-first trade corridors.” This according to him could define international trade over the next decade.

As the session unfolded, the conversation turned to the role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) amid global market volatility. Fergus emphasised:

“FTAs aren’t gone, but we will see more block-to-block agreements rather than bilateral deals.”

However, he also warned that with rapid geopolitical shifts, businesses can’t afford to forget the benefits that FTAs offer, even when immediate crises, like new U.S. tariffs, dominate the headlines.

When it came to practical advice for SMEs entering politically volatile regions, Bolaji Sofoluwe shared grounded strategies such as the need for businesses to:

  • Regularly use frameworks like PESTLE analysis to assess export and markets risks.
  • Revalidate contracts and incoterms to reflect current realities in their export markets.
  • Keep communication lines open with buyers as this transparency is essential.

According to her businesses need to “Have an open conversation with their importers. Look again at your contract terms, and insurance costs. Many savvy buyers will expect renegotiation in times like these.”

As we neared the end, the spotlight shifted to how industry associations and support agencies can be a lifeline to businesses in the current market volatility.

Fergus explained how organisations like the Chartered Institute of Exports and International Trade offer real-time updates, training, and advisory services tailored to each business’s unique trade journey.

“Managing volatility now means accepting it as the new normal, and staying informed, nimble, and prepared.”

Finally, Bolaji left us with a reminder full of wisdom and realism:

“If you find yourself overwhelmed by volatility, remember, 80% of the world still trades under WTO rules. Find your pockets of stability.”

If you missed our webinar on “Decoding International Trade Tariffs” you can now catch up on key insights from our expert speakers, including strategies for SMEs, the future of trade agreements, and how to stay competitive amidst rising geopolitical risks here:

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Bolaji Sofoluwe Honoured with MBE for Championing African Trade

  • 18th April, 2025
  • < 1 min reading

On April 16, our Managing Director, Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, attended her investiture at Windsor Castle, where she was formally awarded her Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

This honour not only recognises Bolaji’s personal achievements but also highlights the strength of leadership rooted in purpose and impact.

At ETK Group, we are proud of Bolaji’s recognition for her outstanding contributions to:
✨Sustainable business growth
✨ Empowering female entrepreneurs
✨ Strengthening international trade, especially across Africa and the UK

For over two decades, Bolaji has been a force connecting businesses in Africa with global trade opportunities, empowering and supporting women to lead and scale, and guiding entrepreneurs towards global success.

For us at ETK, Bolaji’s recognition isn’t just a celebration of one woman. It’s a win for Africa-UK relations, a win for women in trade, and a beacon of hope for every entrepreneur daring to dream beyond borders.

You can find more information about some of Bolaji’s works and activities beyond ETK Group here: https://bit.ly/3S5FcYe

Côte d’Ivoire: Africa’s Economic Powerhouse to Watch in 2025

  • 4th February, 2025
  • 2 min reading

Despite global economic shocks, Côte d’Ivoire has remained resilient, emerging as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and positioning itself as a major driver of trade and investment in West Africa.
According to the International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook 2024, the country is projected to sustain 6.4% economic growth in 2025, driven by:
✅ Strong macroeconomic fundamentals
✅ A dynamic private sector fueling innovation and investment
✅ A young and skilled workforce driving productivity
✅ Global leadership in cocoa and raw cashew exports

Key Economic Indicators for Côte d’Ivoire
💰 GDP: $86.9 billion (2023)
📈 Projected Growth: 6.4% in 2025
👥 Current Population: 32.7 million (Median Age: 18.3 years)
📡 Internet Users: 11.23M (38.4% penetration)
🏙️ Urbanised population: 49%
📡 Internet Users: 11.23 million (38.4% Internet Penetration)
📱 Mobile Connections: 43.59 million (149.1% of the population)
📲 Social Media Users: 7.00 million (2024)
🔥 Top Social Platforms: Facebook (7M), X (221.6K), Instagram (1.10M),
LinkedIn (1.30M).

Major Trade Partners:
Imports: China, Nigeria, France, India, United States
Exports: Netherlands, United States, Switzerland.

Why Côte d’Ivoire is a Market to Watch?

✅ A Regional Economic Powerhouse: Contributes over a third of WAEMU’s GDP and 60% of its agricultural exports.

✅ Booming Agriculture: World leader in cocoa & cashew nuts, with massive opportunities for local processing and export.

✅ High-Potential Mining & Energy Sector: Rich in gold, manganese, nickel, and bauxite, in addition to untapped oil and gas reserves.

✅ Infrastructure & Trade Hub: Home to Sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest port and a fast-growing transport network.

✅ Expanding Consumer Market: Rising demand for fish, poultry, and processed agricultural products.

✅ Business-Friendly Environment: Recognised by the World Bank for ongoing economic and regulatory reforms.

From its leadership in agriculture and mining to a booming consumer market and improving business climate, Côte d’Ivoire presents exciting opportunities for businesses looking to invest, trade, and expand in West Africa.

At ETK Group, we specialise in helping businesses expand into Africa’s high-growth markets, offering market entry strategies, investment insights, and local partnerships.

Let’s connect and explore how we can support your expansion into West Africa.

Sources: Data Reportal, IMF

Expanding Horizons: How UK Businesses Can Succeed in Emerging Markets

  • 25th January, 2025
  • < 1 min reading

ETK Group managing director, Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, recently shared her expert perspective on the future of international trade and the many opportunities for UK businesses in high-growth markets, particularly across Africa.

In an interview with Entrepreneur United Kingdom, Bolaji highlighted the key sectors driving growth and the strategic approaches businesses need to thrive globally in 2025.

From health tech and agribusiness to fintech and renewable energy, Bolaji explored how UK companies can successfully navigate new markets by leveraging cultural intelligence, local partnerships, and sustainable trade practices.

Click here to read the full insights 

Bolaji Sofoluwe, Honoured with MBE in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List

  • 31st December, 2024
  • < 1 min reading

ETK Group managing director, Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours List for 2025 in recognition for her outstanding contributions to sustainable business growth, female entrepreneurship, and international trade.

This prestigious recognition reflects Bolaji’s relentless commitment to creating opportunities and breaking barriers for businesses and entrepreneurs. Through her work, she has not only championed innovative and inclusive growth strategies but also forged international partnerships that have opened doors to new trade and commerce opportunities.

Under Bolaji’s leadership, ETK Group has successfully executed projects across more than 34 African countries over the past 14 years, facilitating trade and investment exceeding £1 billion. During this period, we have supported businesses across diverse sectors, including aviation, financial services, health tech, oil and gas, agriculture, luxury goods, fashion and beauty, and manufacturing.

Congratulations, Bolaji!  Your recognition is well-deserved and an inspiration to us all at ETK Group.

Also, a big congratulations to everyone honoured in this year’s list for their outstanding contributions to the growth and success of both the public and private sectors.

Click the link to see the full New Year Honours List 2025:
https://lnkd.in/eiyaU8S8

Bolaji Sofoluwe Named Finalist for Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2024

  • 14th November, 2024
  • < 1 min reading

ETK had the honour of joining the incredible UK entrepreneurial community at the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards & Community.

ETK Managing Director, Bolaji Sofoluwe, was shortlisted as a finalist in the Global Entrepreneur of the Year category, a powerful demonstration of her remarkable leadership and ETK Group’s ongoing mission to create a global impact.

But this celebration was about more than awards. It was a reminder of the transformative force of entrepreneurship.

Collectively, the finalists represented businesses that generate £2.9 billion in turnover and provide 20,000 jobs, an extraordinary contribution to the UK economy.

At ETK Group, this recognition highlights our core values: resilience, innovation, and the bold pursuit of empowering businesses to confidently navigate global markets.

To every winner and finalist, congratulations. Your dedication inspires us all.

We are proud to share this space with you! Here’s to driving continued impactful growth together.

Bolaji Sofoluwe named among UK’s Top 100 Influential Africans for the Second Consecutive Year

  • 25th October, 2024
  • < 1 min reading

Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE

ETK Group Managing Director Bolaji Sofoluwe has been named in The Powerlist 2025 for the second year in a row!

This prestigious recognition, published by Powerful Media in partnership with J.P. Morgan, spotlights the top 100 influential individuals of African, African-Caribbean, and African-American heritage in the UK, across business, technology, science, and the arts.

Bolaji expressed it best:

“I am honoured to be named in The Powerlist 2025 for the second year running, alongside such incredible individuals. This recognition would not have been possible without the relentless dedication and support of my team at ETK Group. This award is a reflection of all that we’ve accomplished together.” Bolaji Sofoluwe


Also, huge congratulations to everyone who made it onto this year’s PowerList!

Let’s celebrate these trailblazers shaping the future! 🚀

Powerlist2025

Photo Credit 📷 https://lnkd.in/dsBWgfrk

The African Diaspora…A Force Driving Africa’s Growth and Prosperity!

  • 8th September, 2024
  • < 1 min reading

Africans in the diaspora have made and continue to make a remarkable impact on the continent.

With an estimated 200 million people of African descent living outside Africa according to the World Economic Forum—over 1.5 million of them in the UK— the connection to their roots remains strong despite living thousands of kilometers away from the continent.

From sending remittances to investing in their home countries and contributing to the overall development of the continent, the African diaspora plays a very important role in the continent’s prosperity.

According to the United Nations, remittances to Africa have doubled in the last decade, surpassing $100 billion in 2022—exceeding both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)!

Recently, CNN‘s Eleni Giokos spoke with ETK managing director Bolaji Sofoluwe and other diaspora business leaders on how they’re maintaining strong ties to Africa while contributing to its growth.

Watch Bolaji’s interview starting at 15:35 minutes here: https://bit.ly/3Mxwi2X