Africa Business Communities

[CEO Interview] Olakunle Aderemi, CEO, Foreign Direct Investment Opportunity in Nigeria Exhibition, London, UK

Olakunle Aderemi is CEO, Foreign Direct Investment Opportunity in Nigeria Exhibition (FODION), London, UK.

His interview with Africa Business Communities:

Would you please introduce Global Ethnics?

Global Ethnics UK Ltd. is a PR & Marketing Company. We organize Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities in Nigeria (FODION) Exhibition. The platform is about driving foreign investment into Nigeria and also giving Nigerian businesses the opportunity to showcase their products abroad and establish foreign links and partners.

In which industries does Global Ethnics operate and who are your clients?

Our clients cut across all industries and focus on SMEs, which is the main driver of every economy.

What are the USP’s of your business?

We link foreign businesses with State Governments, private businesses, Government agencies and SMEs.

What did you do before you set up Global Ethnics?

I have spent many years in the banking industry. I was with Eko International Bank (now Sky Bank Plc) in Lagos, HSBC Bank UK and EON also UK.

What other activities are you involved in when youre not running Global Ethnics?

I am the Secretary of the Nigerian Community in Birmingham (United Nigeria Welfare Association, Birmingham). I am also the founder of Midlands African Awards and publisher of High Society International Magazine. We are currently working on our Foreign Investment Magazine, due out last quarter of 2015.

What can be done by the Nigerian Government to stimulate its business environment?

Government could cut or reduce red tapism – it’s a thief of time and energy. Also improve technology and focus on turnaround time.

Do you think women entrepreneurs typically have a harder time accessing loans through traditional bank channels?

If this is the case, it should not be. Business and loan decisions are determined by your business plan and the practical viability of the business. There shouldn’t be any preference for any gender when it comes to business/loan decisions.

What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of your company for 2015? Our target for 2015 is to improve on our performance in 2014. We plan to come out with an investment publication, which we are working on, and also engage in fruitful partnerships.

What expectations do you have for Nigeria’s economy in 2015?

I am careful in my expectations but remain optimistic for the right changes. I would not be expecting any overnight miracles.

Which African countries will perform best in 2015?

Ghana is on my mind. They have sorted out their electricity issues and that is quite a step ahead.  Zimbabwe is doing well too. Their gold is attracting international attention.

Nigeria! Our new government seems to have given the international community hope and a healthy enthusiasm that is good for business.

www.linkedin.com/profile

www.fodion.co.uk

 

Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's and high-end professionals in Africa. Are you interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com

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