Adefemi Akinsanya, a British-born Nigerian journalist, has joined CNN International as the presenter of a new multiplatform show, Africa Inc. The business-focused series will feature African companies, entrepreneurs and industries driving the global economy. The hiring is a big career milestone for the award-winning presenter, who joins the worldwide news network from Arise News.
Africa Inc. will exhibit how companies across the continent are competing and succeeding globally, covering industries such as technology, manufacture, hospitality, finance and entertainment, CNN said. The campaign intends to showcase Africa not as an emerging market but as a rising power in global business, innovation and consumer trends.
The half-hour TV programme will debut on August 29, 2026, with four more episodes to air through the end of 2026 and into 2027. CNN will also broadcast bi-monthly Africa Inc. parts on its international television network alongside the core programming, complemented by digital and social media content on its internet platforms. Dangote Industries Limited sponsors the series.
Akinsanya joins CNN from Arise News Lagos, where he served as International Correspondent and Anchor. She has also worked with Reuters, Al Jazeera, Sky News and TRT World during her journalism career, covering major global events including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the World Economic Forum in Davos and the 2026 G7 Summit in France. She is also a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2023 and holds a degree in International Politics from King’s College London.
Commenting on her appointment, Akinsanya said she was pleased to start the course at a time when the economic story of Africa has been getting more and more worldwide attention.
She noted that the continent is seeing innovation, resilience and ambition reshaping industries and generating opportunities with global significance and she is eager to share those tales with CNN’s worldwide audience.
Ellana Lee, CNN International Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, said Akinsanya was a strong addition to the network and her experience and storytelling talents would help produce informed coverage as Africa takes on a more influential position in the global economy.
Media analysts believe the creation of Africa Inc. reflects increased international interest in Africa’s commercial scene, particularly as the continent witnesses significant rise in technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, creative industries and entrepreneurship. The event will include interviews with corporate executives, inventors and officials and will look at investment potential and problems facing African economies.
It’s another stage in a career that has seen her report on some of the world’s biggest news events and Akinsanya is making the shift to CNN International. Her appointment also increases Nigerian representation in the world media landscape, with Africa Inc. poised to provide in-depth reporting to global audiences about the continent’s evolving economic story.
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