Transformers

Hosted by Core International

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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About the show

Transformers is a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of Africa's energy and natural resources future. We chat with mining, renewable energy, power, and oil and gas professionals and companies as they embark on transforming Africa’s natural resources for its economic development. Should you be keen on learning about the opportunities in Africa, or curious about how similar companies are operating in your field then this is the pod for you. We also ask our guests about their professional journeys. To partner with us or if you're doing business in this sector in Africa, and would like to be featured, reach out to us at pod@c-imm.com To get involved in our annual summit, please visit www.afnisummit.com

Listen to episodes

16 recent

March 2, 2026Episode 244 min

From Rainforests to Revenue: Lessons from Gabon

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we continue our series on Liberia's Climate Finance and Carbon Markets with the Special Envoy on Climate Action and CEO of the Carbon Market Authority, Hon. Jeanine Cooper. We're also joined by Senior Advisor to the President of Liberia on Investment Financing and Development, Christian Dunbar.The second instalment of this series looks at how Gabon, a Central African nation similar in population and ecology to Liberia, serves as a prime example of how forest protection can generate economic value. Covered in nearly 90% rainforest, Gabon’s forests are not only stunning ecosystems but also substantial carbon storage systems that absorb millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. For decades, Gabon prioritised forest protection over agriculture and rapid development. In 2019, Gabon signed a landmark agreement with the Central African Forest Initiative, supported by Norway. This agreement committed up to $150 million in payments over ten years, contingent on Gabon’s genuine emission reductions from deforestation. This was performance-based climate finance.This episode explores the historical context of Gabon, and how Liberia is utilising new mechanisms and structuring their forests to capitalise on developing the nation in a sustainable fashion.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

November 19, 2025Episode 151 min

Liberia’s New Currency: The Power of Climate Finance & Carbon Trading Series Episode 1

Send us Fan MailWe start a new 6 part Series on Climate Finance and Carbon Trading for Republic of Liberia. This series will explain what climate finance and carbon trading mean for Liberia’s economy, communities, and environment — through relatable stories, African precedents, and future-facing dialogue.When we think about money, we think about dollars, trade, and gold. But there’s a new kind of currency reshaping global economies — carbon. Around the world, countries are learning that clean air, forests, and oceans can create economic value. In this first episode, we ask: what does this mean for Liberia, a nation rich in forest, coastline, and promise?This episode and throughout the series will feature the Republic of Liberia's Special Envoy for Climate Action and the CEO of the Carbon Authority, Jeanine Cooper.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

June 23, 2025Episode 61 hr 35 min

AFNIS 2025 Preview: Liberia Back in Business

Send us Fan MailIn this special AFNIS 2025 preview episode, we are joined by 5 individuals who represent a cross section of Liberia's economy; Hon. William S. Hines, Deputy Minister For Operations Ministry of Mines and EnergyChristian Dunbar, Senior Advisor to President of the Republic of Liberia on Investment, Trade & Development, Hon. Jeanine M. Cooper, Special Envoy for Climate Action and Carbon TradingJordan Anoma, Entrepreneur & CEO of Celestial Mining Ltd.Fabio Lavelanet, Entrepreneur & CEO of Fabrar LiberiaWe have an in-depth discussion on the opportunities in Agriculture and Mining in Liberia, what barriers do Government and Investors face and ways to overcome them. As part of this year's AFNIS theme, we're looking at local businesses in our partner states, some of the most lucrative opportunities, and how to get started investing and conducting business. Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

June 5, 2025Episode 545 min

Africans for Africa: A sit down with Zenzi Awases : Part 1

Send us Fan MailContinuing our coverage on the innovative Africans for Africa Initiative, in this episode, we sit down with the Africans for Africa fund advisory board member, and President of WIM Namibia, Zenzi Awases.One of the first women in Namibia to study geology in her home country, Zenzi discovered diamonds and brought two areas into production from initially discovering them. We document her journey of how she got involved in the Mining sector, challenges she's faced and overcome and why she is supporting and participating in the Africans for Africa Initiative.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

May 29, 2025Episode 41 hr 15 min

AfDB Annual Meetings Special: Mobilising Domestic Capital for Africa's Mining sector

Send us Fan MailWe bring you a special episode this week. The Transformers Team hosted a sideline event at the African Development Bank's #AFDBAM2025 annual meetings. Africa's substantial mineral wealth presents a significant opportunity for economic transformation and industrialization across the continent. However, a critical barrier to realizing this potential is the limited access to domestic capital, particularly for the crucial upstream stages of mining, such as exploration and early project development.The conversation delved into actionable solutions to bridge this financing gap. As industry experts, the explored the barriers and opportunities in mobilising domestic capital for these early-stage projects, addressing why local financial institutions might be hesitant and how associated risks can be mitigated. The panel features the new president of the Regional Maritime Development Bank, Adeniran Aderogba, Tim Tokun, Managing Partner of Motimose Metals, Stephen Ross, CEO of Desert Metals and moderated by AfDB’s own Dr Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer - substituted by Core International's Head of Marketing & Strategy, Archibald Troko.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

May 8, 2025Episode 337 min

Africans for Africa: Reclaiming the Narrative, Rebuilding the Future

Send us Fan MailGuest: Tim Tokun, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Africans for AfricaIn this thought-provoking episode of the AFNIS Transformers Podcast, we sit down with Tim Tokun, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Africans for Africa Initiative - a bold movement that’s flipping the script on mining development in Africa.Africans for Africa isn’t just about raising funds - it’s about raising confidence, capital, and collective agency among Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.In this deep-dive conversation, Tim unpacks the origins of the initiative, its mission to build a borderless investment community, and the practical ways it’s unlocking African-led solutions to African challenges.Whether you're an investor, policymaker, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about Africa’s future, this episode will challenge your assumptions - and invite you into a growing community that believes Africa can fund its own future, on its own terms.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

March 25, 2025Episode 21 hr 16 min

Episode 10: ESG's role in Africa's Economic Development

Send us Fan MailESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are no longer optional—they are a strategic necessity for mining companies aiming for long-term success.This special episode of the Transformers podcast is the first in a series leading up to the AFNIS summit 2025. This episode features long-time #AFNIS supporter, Segilola Resources Operating Ltd., taking a deep dive into organisational approach to sustainability in the #goldmining sector. This includes:Environmental Stewardship – A comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate impact.Water Conservation – 85% of process water reclaimed for reuse.Energy Efficiency – Transitioning to CNG-powered systems to cut emissions.Community Engagement – Strengthening trust and ethical governance for a robust social license to operate.*********************Segilola Resources Operating Ltd. Team:Madhurii Sarkar Amoda - Community Development & Stakeholder ManagerOnwusa Benson Olayinka - Sustainability OfficerOluwaseun Fagesi - Human Resources ManagerDavid M. Mbrekpadiaha - HSE Coordinator - EnvironmentInterviewer:Felicia Dairo - CJID*********************Transformers is a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of Africa's energy and natural resources future. We chat with mining, renewable energy, power, and oil and gas professionals and companies as they embark on transforming Africa’s natural resources for its economic development. Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

August 30, 2024Episode 11 hr 1 min

Episode 9: How will the AMSG impact the African Mining Sector?

Send us Fan MailSeason 2 of Transformer's starts with a conversation with the Secretary-General of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, an intra-African organisation formed earlier this year to facilitate international cooperation in the minerals and mining sector among member African nations.This episodes topics include the purpose and functions of the AMSG, their founding members, initiatives, goals and their upcoming roundtable event on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

May 29, 2024Episode 853 min

Episode 8: Investor Spotlight - Financing Projects in Africa with CLG Securities

Send us Fan MailWith a career that includes facilitating transactions exceeding USD 5 billion across various sectors and developing landmark, award-winning deals, we are joined on this episode by Mr. Adeniran Aderogba, Founder of CLG Securities. Mr. Aderogba shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of financing projects in Africa. We delve into the innovative approaches that CLG Securities employs to navigate the complexities of the African market and secure successful outcomes for their clients. Mr. Aderogba also offers valuable advice for investors and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital for their businesses or projectsSupport the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.

May 20, 2024Episode 737 min

Episode 7: Steering Steron to success

Send us Fan MailIn our latest episode, we're joined by Abubakar Sadiq Omar, the esteemed Managing Director of Steron Mining Company Ltd. With over a decade of experience in the mining industry, Abubakar has played a pivotal role in steering Steron towards success and innovation since its inception in 2007. Under his leadership, Steron has become synonymous with excellence in exploration, licensing, and operational logistics.Throughout the discussion, Abubakar shares insights into his journey within the mining sector and the strategic mindset that has driven Steron's growth. We delve into the company's focus on lithium exploration and extraction, discussing the significant opportunities within mining in Nigeria. Abubakar also highlights Steron's commitment to community development, net-zero and climate goals.Support the showIf interested in being one of our guest on the show or would like to reach out to any of our guests then please email pod@c-imm.com.