Noreen Makosewe: Driving Africa’s Growth Through Strategy, Innovation, and Sustainable Business

February 19, 2025

Noreen Makosewe is a Kenyan entrepreneur, strategist, and investor focused on Africa’s economic growth.

She is the Founder & Managing Director of The Radical Leap Group and Co-Founder & Director of Terra Preta Group.

She specializes in business strategy, technology, and market expansion, helping businesses and governments scale across Africa and globally.

Born in Kenya, Noreen moved to the UK at 17 to further her education, studying Information Systems and Management at Greenwich University and later trained in Executive Coaching at Noble Manhattan.

In 2008, she founded The Radical Leap Group, a consultancy that helps businesses and governments with strategy, technology, and market expansion.

She advises CEOs, boards, and government bodies on scaling businesses, driving investment, and strengthening trade partnerships.

As Co-Founder & Director of Terra Preta Group, she is involved in sustainable business solutions across Africa.

The company works on market-driven solutions that promote sustainability, economic development, and job creation.

Noreen is deeply committed to Africa’s economic development, having founded Female Founders Africa, which helps women-owned businesses become investment-ready.

She also launched the Dream Accelerator Academy, an online resource hub for new entrepreneurs.

Her work focuses on job creation, business sustainability, and expanding African businesses into global markets.

Noreen believes that Africa’s future lies in strong business ecosystems, innovation, and global partnerships.

She is committed to helping businesses scale, create jobs, and drive economic transformation.

Through her companies and initiatives, she continues to shape Africa’s business landscape, ensuring that enterprises can compete on a global scale while promoting sustainable development.

New Investments

Johnvents Group Secures $40.5 Million Investment from BII to Boost Cocoa Processing in Nigeria

February 19, 2025

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Johnvents Group, a prominent Nigerian agribusiness and manufacturing conglomerate, has received a $40.5 million investment from British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor.

The investment is set to enhance the operations of Premium Cocoa Products Ile-Oluji, a key subsidiary of Johnvents Group, enabling it to reach its full annual production capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes of cocoa.

As the world’s fourth-largest cocoa producer, Nigeria has significant untapped potential in the global cocoa market.

However, challenges related to processing inefficiencies and sustainability practices have hindered the country’s ability to maximize exports.

Johnvents Group aims to address these challenges by utilizing the newly secured funding to modernize its production processes and strengthen its sustainability and traceability initiatives, ensuring compliance with global standards for ethical sourcing.

A core aspect of this investment is the company’s ambition to achieve 100% traceable cocoa by 2027, with at least 90% of its supply certified.

This strategic move is expected to boost production efficiency, increase Nigeria’s export competitiveness, and provide economic benefits to local cocoa farmers by fostering fair trade and sustainable farming practices.

Benson Adenuga, Coverage Director and Head of Nigeria Office at BII, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in overcoming key obstacles in Nigeria’s cocoa industry:

“We are pleased to support Johnvents Group in addressing critical barriers to growth in the sector. This investment will benefit local farmers, strengthen Nigeria’s trade position, and enhance the country’s global presence through increased exports,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, emphasized the UK’s commitment to sustainable investments in Nigeria.

“The UK is proud to support high-quality, sustainable investments that create jobs and foster mutually beneficial partnerships across Nigeria,” Baxter noted.

John Alamu, Group Managing Director of Johnvents Group, described the investment as a pivotal step in strengthening Nigeria’s agribusiness sector:

“This funding for our Premium Cocoa Products Ile-Oluji facility marks a major advancement in our goal to build a sustainable and globally competitive cocoa industry. It will enhance our processing capabilities, empower thousands of farmers, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Alamu remarked.

“We are delighted to partner with ISA to support the development of solar energy in Africa,” said Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50. “This partnership will help to accelerate the deployment of solar energy in Africa and improve the lives of millions of Africans,” he added.

Day: February 19, 2025