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Every African Should Feel Free to Move Around Africa to Explore Business Opportunities – Rotimi Olawale

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By Dolapo Aina

Rotimi Olawale is a Nigerian entrepreneur who is into agrobusiness with interests in coffee, cassava and other agriculture-related focus. He has been expanding into some African countries like Rwanda and Zambia. Dolapo Aina sat down with Rotimi Olawale in Kigali; Rwanda on Thursday, the 24th of June, 2021 to discuss his foray into other African countries, African business integration on the Continent and other issues. Do read the excerpts of the interview.

What brings you to Rwanda?

I am Olawale Rotimi Opeyemi and I am the founder and CEO of JR Farms Limited. And presently, I am in Kigali, Rwanda. JR Farms is into agrobusiness and currently, the company operates in four countries namely; Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia and The Netherlands. We have three areas of operation which are food processing, agro-commodity trading and agro-consultancy. In Nigeria, we are into cassava processing and coffee retailing. In Rwanda, we are into coffee exportation (and this has been ongoing for four years.) Also, in Rwanda, we have a new project which is in partnership with FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) which is to invest in youth-led agrobusinesses in Rwanda; to inspire and support them in order for them to be able to scale their businesses. In Zambia, we have the livestock project ongoing. And in The Netherlands, we have the coffee activities and mobilising investments from Europe back to Africa.

In Rwanda, we export coffee and work in the coffee sector. We are looking at scaling our projects to other activities across the agriculture chain.

Why Rwanda?

Basically, when we came here, we were looking for a country where things are quite organised. Where the environment is enabling and Rwanda met our desires and ticked all the boxes we wanted. We all know that the environment is enabling, the basic infrastructure and amenities are available to facilitate business growth and sustainability. And the ease of doing business is also very commendable. To register your business, to get the bank account open, to file your taxes etc. all this are digital and to export is quite fast and seamless. The operationability of business here in Rwanda is encouraging because the embargoes you would usually expect from African countries have been removed. The enabling environment is a major reason. Also, the quality of the coffee is great. Also, the farmers are well organised into cooperatives which makes it very easy to source the coffee because the farmers have put themselves into clusters of cooperatives (we all know that the government is giving them a lot of support). This high-level organisation among the farmers makes it easy for you to source coffee because they can put their small and individual farms together to become large volumes.

So, you don’t have to begin to deal with individual farmers who have one hectare or even less. They can put them together in a cooperative and you buy in volumes. This makes support easier and traceability easier too. Because in a case where you want to trace the origins of the coffee, once you are dealing with a cooperative, traceability is easy. Also, in a case, where you want to do some interventions e.g., trainings and support activities of the farmers to improve the production of coffee; it is also easy because you know where it is coming from and you know what they are doing and you know how they have formed themselves. These are key pointers that have inspired us to stay in Rwanda, just like every other business who have come to set up in Rwanda.

You commenced operations since 2018. How has it been so far? No regrets?

No regrets at all. It has been an enjoyable journey so far. And over the years, we have constantly continued to work here even in the midst of the covid pandemic, we still had exports moving. So far, it has been encouraging and inspiring. And that is why we have been intensifying the new project we have which is the Green Agribusiness fund.

What is the Green Agribusiness Fund all about?

The new agribusiness fund is a new project of JR Farms which is designed to invest in youth-led agribusinesses in Rwanda. We commenced the pilot in 2020 in partnership with FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation). We have move to the next stage by extending the project to Uganda and Nigeria. Our sojourn into Rwanda has been good so far and we have no worries and concerns about the country. We know that the needed structures are in place and things are working. And in the near future, things would be sustained.

As an upwardly mobile young Nigerian and African who decided to set up shop in Rwanda, what would you tell other Nigerians back home who are into farming about the opportunities in Rwanda?

I believe every African should feel free to move around Africa to explore business opportunities (it is not only about Nigerians or Rwandans.) We came to Rwanda and we did not only stay in Rwanda, we have extended to Zambia. So, I think Africans should learn to expand and move around freely. The same way I have been able to move from Nigeria to Rwanda and Zambia, Zambians should also be able to move from Zambia to Rwanda and Rwandans should be able to move to Zambia. Let’s integrate. I was glad to read some days ago, that Ghana was partnering with the government of Rwanda to establish a chocolate processing factory in Rwanda. This for me is quite inspiring because this is the kind of Africa we should have, strengthening bilateral relations through economic ties not only political ties. If Ghana has a stake in Rwanda economically, they would be promoting each other, because the cocoa would come from Ghana and then, the processing is done in the factory in Rwanda. Then, Rwanda would be able to access the East African market in the production line. That means that by the time this production commences, Rwanda does not need to import chocolates anymore. Another angle is that because of the East African Community, you can export to Kenya, Uganda and other countries without any trade embargo.

These are key things and indicators that we should be proud of as Africans and we should be doing. Ghana and Rwanda have set an example of what should be happening. We should not close our borders. We should not fight each other. The example set by Ghana and Rwanda is a very significant move; from West Africa to East Africa. It is building stronger economic ties. For example, now, the source would be Ghana for the raw cocoa and it would be sent to Rwanda where it would be processed. For me, it is not only about coming to Rwanda, it is about Africans moving around and integrating to do business on the African Continent.

Dolapo Aina writes from Kigali, Rwanda

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Leatherworld: A Masterclass in Enduring Excellence

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Leatherworld defines what it means to be classy. And it has confidently taken the higher road. For more than three decades, it has not merely sold furniture — it has demonstrated what class truly means in business: integrity in craftsmanship, consistency in service, and vision in growth. And as its name, “Leatherworld” implies, it is a world of its own.

Founded in 1994 to meet the demand for high-quality furniture in Nigeria, Leatherworld began as a retail outlet focused on premium pieces through partnerships with Italian luxury brands. However, it has now upped its ante, spreading its tentacles with showrooms in Victoria Island and Lekki Lagos, and also in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory.

At a time when durability was often sacrificed for cost and quick turnover, the company made a deliberate decision: it would never compromise quality to cut corners. That principle has remained its compass ever since.

This is indeed the story of Leatherworld. For over 30 years, it has defined what luxury furniture means in Nigeria. It is not just a brand, it has consistently stood for one core principle: quality that lasts.

The company’s commitment to seasoned hardwood, aged for up to seven years before production, speaks to a patience that is rare in modern manufacturing. Indeed, its furniture is designed not for seasons, but for decade

Its growth has been matched by recognitions and honours from far and wide. Notable among some of these awards and recognitions are; international honours such as the Quality Summit New York International Award for Excellence (2013) to multiple awards from reputable organisation such as; the Nigerian National Assembly 2004 Awards, Furniture and Allied Products Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Award (2008), Interior Designer Association of Nigeria, IDAN, Award (2012). Indeed, Leatherworld’s name has become synonymous with leadership in interior décor and furniture manufacturing.

But beyond awards and expansion, it is its customer loyalty that tells the real story. For many clients, the Leatherworld experience begins long before the furniture is delivered.

The brand has earned respect across borders. But class is not proven by trophies alone. It is revealed in everyday interactions. Customers consistently describe professional staff, meticulous delivery teams, and after-sale technical support that is “second to none.”

From custom requests handled with speed and care to full-room assemblies executed with precision, Leatherworld treats service as part of the product itself.

Many customers attest to owning Leatherworld pieces for over 30 years — still structurally sound, still comfortable, still elegant. In a marketplace often flooded with disposable options, that kind of longevity is not accidental; it is intentional. This explains why the customers of Leatherworld attests to the durability and high quality of its products.

“I really enjoyed my shopping experience,” says Anita Ajah, who visited the Lagos showroom. “Their customer service was unlike anything I have experienced in Nigeria.”

Diana Ufuah shares a similar sentiment. “Leatherworld is the very best in terms of quality. I bought a sofa there and it is extremely comfortable and durable. What I also find intriguing is their customer service. My family and I were treated like royalty while shopping.”

It is a recurring theme – professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail.

Oluwole Adekoya describes the experience as “first-class quality furniture reasonably priced,” recommending the brand to anyone “with a dimension for taste.”

Kunle Adegbite highlights the end-to-end service: “I found exactly what I was looking for. Not only were the choices incredible, the service was outstanding. I requested their operations team to assemble my living room and they were quick, professional, and executed it beautifully. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Chioma Okonkwo, a long-standing client is more effusive in her review: “You only get bored with the same furniture but the thought of the new price you will pay keeps you loving your FOREVER furniture from Leatherworld!”

Those testimonies indeed speak volumes. Still, Leatherworld has not dithered from its vision to revolutionise the furniture and interior design industry in Nigeria and West Africa. And its message is simple: quality furniture is not a cost — it is an investment. You choose once. You choose well. You buy for life.

Leatherworld’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the elegance of Florence and the opulence of Nigerian culture — a fusion that respects global sophistication while celebrating local identity.

Its collections range from classical and neo-classical to contemporary and simple-line designs, ensuring that individuality is never compromised.

In doing so, the company has positioned itself not just as a seller of furniture, but as a curator of lifestyle — crafting pieces that define spaces for scholars, business leaders, families and discerning homeowners alike.

In business, class is consistency when no one is watching. It is honouring promises made decades ago. It is building products that outlive marketing campaigns. It is choosing long-term reputation over short-term gain.

In a competitive industry where shortcuts are tempting and compromise is common, Leatherworld has shown that real class lies in endurance — of materials, of service, of vision and of trust.

And in doing so, it has not only furnished homes across Nigeria and West Africa; it has furnished an example of how a company can grow, lead, and still remain grounded in excellence.

Bimbo Alashe, as the founder and CEO of Leatherworld Furniture Company, leads the international furniture retailing assemblage and manufacturing company in Nigeria. The company offers top quality leather furniture and accessories in wood, glass, marble, and other authentic and elegant materials, establishing a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and design.

She is one of the most formidable entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Beyond building her company, she sits on the board of several companies and serves as a mentor to a number of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, sharing her experience and insight to help others grow.

Her story is not the typical one of a person who grows from old money. Alase had to create her story herself, making her way from the rough early days of owning a small mini-store to the point where she became a mega business owner through determination and persistence.

When Leatherworld was established, it entered the furniture space to redefine luxury and class. The business created an opportunity for her to explore her love for creativity, guided by a straightforward vision — to make high-quality furniture available to everyone.

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Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Felicitate with Muslim Ummah, Nigerians at Eid-el-Fitr

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By Eric Elezuo

The three frontline political leaders in Nigeria; President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi, have in separate messages call for the strengthening of security, sustenance of the spirit of goodwill imbibed during Ramadan as well as kindness among Nigerians as the Muslim Ummah celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr.

The messages are in response to the successful completion of the 30-day fasting – a period of dedication, sacrifice, spiritual renewal and stocktaking – which end birth the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Leading the avalanche of messages, President Tinubu, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reiterated the need to lead a pious life seasoned by empathy and unity among humankind.

He noted that though the Ramadan season is over, but the lessons of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion, which the period is known, must consistently be the watchword of every Nigerian.

The message is captured in details below:

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasize piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

In the same vein, former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigerian and across the world on the successful completion of the mandatory Ramadan fasting, and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

A press statement signed by the media office of the former Vice President, admonished Muslims to remain steadfast in piety by maintaining peace and in charitable causes.

According to Atiku, the completion of the obligatory fasting in the noble month of Ramadan should lead to more commitment to the injunctions of Almighty Allah.

“The completion of the Ramadan fasting is a call to duty that ensures we sustain the good deeds that the noble month requires of us.

“We must ensure that the lessons of the month are not lost on us and that the celebration of today is a reminder to the people, especially Muslims, to follow in the tradition of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in seeking closeness to God through worship and maintaining peace,” Atiku said.

He further called on the government to take it more seriously, stressing that “the protection of the lives and property of citizens is a divine decree and the sole responsibility of every government.”

Atiku similarly enjoins the privileged in the society to keep providing charity to the less privileged as this would go a long way in ensuring that the rising tide of economic downturn does not weigh too heavily on the poor.

“A greater number of people are being crushed by the economic downturn and global events in the past three weeks have further exacerbated the situation. It is incumbent on the wealthy to be more compassionate by taking up the responsibility of charity to help cushion the effect of the burden on the poor,” Atiku said.

Also lending his voice the congratulatory messages, Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, urged Nigerian Muslims to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan going forward even as the 30-day fast has officially ended.

“I join you with heartfelt joy as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the blessed festival that marks the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan.

“This occasion is a profound reminder of the power of faith, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to Almighty Allah.

“Throughout Ramadan, you have fasted, prayed, given charity, and drawn closer to God, embodying values that inspire not only the Muslim ummah but every person of goodwill. These lessons of compassion, humility, patience, and solidarity must not end with the month; may they continue to guide our hearts, our actions, and our shared life as Nigerians.”

Many other prominent Nigerians and institutions have also identified with the Muslims in celebration, drumming the lesson of service, patriotism, piety and above unity of purpose to the hearing and learning of all and sundry.

The Eid-el-Fitr is the grand finale of the Muslim 30-day fasting period, popularly known in Islam as Ramadan. It is a yearly spiritual exercise.

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TEF Entrepreneurship: Tony Elumelu Foundation Sets March 22 to Announce 2026 Cohort

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The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs will announce the 12th cohort of the flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

In 2026, the Foundation will empower a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs across all its entrepreneurship programmes:
1,751 entrepreneurs through Heirs Holdings Group: Heirs Energies, Transcorp Power, Transcorp Hotels, and United Capital; 1,049 entrepreneurs in partnership with the European Commission, OACPS, BMZ and GIZ; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with Sèmè City Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with DEG, the German Development Agency; 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with the IKEA Foundation, UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited and the Dutch Government; and 100 entrepreneurs in partnership with UNDP and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.

Applications to the flagship programme were received from over 265,000 young Africans, representing all 54 African countries, underscoring Africa’s vibrant entrepreneurial sector and the funding challenge for entrepreneurs. The new cohort will join the TEF Alumni community of more than 24,000 entrepreneurs.

The selection process is conducted by Ernst & Young, ensuring an independent and rigorous assessment of applicants.

Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, access to world-class business management training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and entry into a powerful network of investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training on our proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 selected entrepreneurs. Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated $4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through our support for African entrepreneurs, TEF has lifted 2.1 million Africans above the poverty line, and positively impacted more than 4 million African households, with 46% of supported entrepreneurs being African women.

Ahead of the upcoming announcement, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, reiterates his unwavering belief in the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs:

“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs and solve the challenges of our continent. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we believe that empowering entrepreneurs is the most sustainable path to Africa’s economic transformation.

I look forward to announcing and congratulating the 2026 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs and look forward to witnessing the impact they will create across our continent.”

The general public is invited to join, virtually.

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