Afripreneur
Up Close & Personal with Phillip Scott, Founder of YouTube’s Most Watched Black News Channel
Phillip Scott, Founder at The African Diaspora News Network (Source: Kellen Coleman)
Kellen: You started YouTube as a hobby and for free for years while having a job and a family. Did you ever imagine it would have blossomed into being what you have now?
Phillip: No, it wasn’t in my mind that our platform would grow into what you see today. I knew we would grow if I would be open to new ideas but not at this level.
Kellen: Numbers show you are the most subscribed to Black News network on YouTube, does YouTube give you any special privileges or awards?
Phillip: We have received a Silver Play Button award for obtaining 100K subscribers and a Gold Play Button award for obtaining 1M subscribers. Anyone that hit those levels of subscribers can obtain those awards. But an award directed at being a successful Black platform. No, I haven’t had that type of recognition.
Kellen: With your new app and website it appears your messages are more direct and uncensored did you feel you were being silenced on other social media platforms?
Phillip: Social media platforms aren’t what they used to be. Back when I started as long as you didn’t use racial slurs, post violence or do something bad to children, you were fine online. Today social media companies are heavily censored and at the end of the day it’s their platforms. I felt we need our own place to speak where no one can remove our opinions.
Kellen: It’s said your content can be seen on various networks including Roku, Itunes, and others around the world, how do you keep track?
Phillip: We try to keep up by checking our various networks for the analytics just to get a scope of what countries and demographics are consuming our content.
Kellen: Why do you think your channel is so successful, and what do you do that others aren’t?
Phillip: I believe our success comes from taking many risks. Some people aren’t willing to invest money or risk failing. I also believe our success comes from having the proper team as well. As you grow your team is very important in helping you achieve the goals at hand. We also made sure to dedicate to a daily show and being at the same level as mainstream media platforms.
Kellen: African based news networks struggle to get the audience you have, what advice would you have for them and would you consider partnering?
Phillip: I would say for African channels to target a younger audience. The African continent average age is 25. Younger people are more on smartphones and care about modern Africa. Young African people care about foreign nations taking the resources for free, they care about their politics and want to live no different than the rest of the world. You can’t get a young African audience focusing on what the older generation cares about.
Kellen: You have come a long way from filming in the bathroom and kitchen table, you have a beautiful studio setup would you encourage others to invest in their studio?
Phillip: I always say that no one will invest in you until you invest in yourself first. Always be willing to take a risk by investing your time, money and partnering with others. I felt that having a studio similar to what you will see on television would bring our platform respect. I have achieved the respect due to our reporting and efforts.
Kellen: How has your message been received by Africans in the states and Africans on the continent?
Phillip: Yes our message is received on both continents. We made sure to also employ our sisters and brothers from the continent as well to help us.
Kellen: What can Africans on the continent do to support your network?
Phillip: The best way to support us is to watch all our content and share it with 5 people they know.
Kellen: Your company is registered in Kenya, but you have Kenyan and Nigerian in your DNA any plans on having a company in Nigeria, and what can Nigeria do to help you with that?
Phillip: I plan on visiting Nigeria when international travel opens back up. I would also consider having a studio in Nigeria if everything works right with a great team in place.
Kellen: You have several contributors from around the world, more than some larger networks twice your size, how do you recruit and manage not just personalities but payroll?
Phillip: I can’t give our secret to picking people. But I will say I have a great idea on who would fit well for our platform. Some people could be great but not for our platform. We select people based on previous work and work ethic.
Kellen: Do you see yourself living full time in Africa, and if so which country(s)?
Phillip: My goal is to live on the African continent at least 80% of the year. Having business I will still have to travel to the US. As for country, I’m still deciding at the moment.
Kellen: What impact do you think cryptocurrency and NFTS will have on your business?
Phillip: When it comes to cryptocurrency it’s new so for us we will always move with the times. Maybe with time we can use cryptocurrency as a payment method.
Kellen: How important is it to have a great wife in doing business?
Phillip: I can tell you from experience that a woman can take you high as the heavens or take you to the pit of hell. As a man a wife that’s a blessing also will help you be successful. Having a supportive spouse makes the hard jobs easy and also help come up with ideas for growth.
Aiesha Bailey is the Founder of OCIR, an app developed and designed to help special needs children in schools. OCIR is a shared APP for special needs children 4 + some adults, their primary carers and educators. This APP has been designed to help users navigate their life learning and education in a safe way that fits around the skills they have, rather than forcing them to interact in ways that do not suit them.
Her reason for developing this app was because her child was non-verbal in a mainstream school and his only communication was grinding his teeth. So, as a mother, she got anxious and decided to have coffee mornings with other families to feel if this is an app worth having and that they would pay for. To her surprise they loved it and Aisha has a few of them featured on her podcasts.
Aiesha also does workshops to encourage parents with their well-being so that they do not feel isolated. The lasting testimony of this app is her son who has gone from non-verbal to a confident, contented and clever child and student who excels in lessons and enjoys socialising with all ages. Essentially, OCIR is a communication tool to improve the emotional well-being and psychological mental health of youngsters with special needs. Aiesha believes a purchase of this app is a donation that goes back towards the school.
Users
The app supports children with autism, Aspergers, anxiety, ADHD and speech delay. It has therapists for parents and carers as they have anxiety, maybe mental health issues and/or need someone to talk to who faces similar challenges.
Requirements
When special needs youngsters, children and young adults are affected by their condition, it is not always easy for them to communicate what they are feeling. Equally the time, occasion or person may not approach nor make it safe for them to express their feelings. These are the people OCIR was created to support.
Functions
Visualisation is an important aspect of how special needs people communicate. OCIR’s strength is that it is visual and allows users to interact and express emotions and how they feel in the moment through pictures, symbols, images and different emojis.
Equipment
The OCIR app can be used on various electronic devices, desktop computers, tablets, smart mobile phones or smartwatches.
Statistics
The information gathered is personalised for individuals. The data can be collected for reports, for monitoring, identifying trends and evidential purposes. All data is kept confidential and presented clearly in a pie chart to help support the child.
Working together
When users engage with the OCIR app to express themselves, it is linked to the same platform as parents, teachers, guardians and carers, which allows communication in real time. Any issues can be observed and addressed immediately. Anyone responsible for users’ welfare can view any triggers and respond accordingly.
Shared experience
The real time interaction is one of OCIR’s best features because it can minimise the worry when children are outside the home and takes the pressure away from users having to remember the incident at a later time. The OCIR app also provides and maintains a bonded experience between users, educators and the responsible adult as required.
Features
The OCIR app has many features and links to pre-recorded therapy sessions, weather forecasts, sleep and activities for children/users and parents.
To find out more, can you please contact me at info@ocir.co.uk
Female Techpreneur today announced the second edition of the Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos, an evening of in-depth discussions and networking taking place on Thursday 30th May 2024 at the GAIA House, V.I Lagos. Nigeria. Designed specifically for female Tech founders, experts, and ecosystem partners, this event is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or a rising star in the tech industry, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration at this event.
Since its inception in 2018, Female Techpreneur has been building a community of women with the goal to funnel more women into the tech ecosystem by creating opportunities for mentorship and networking. The all female evening event on the entrepreneurial scene is set to be the cornerstone of inspiration, empowerment, and connection for over 100 women-led business owners. Hosted by Tech entrepreneur and founder of Female Techpreneur Bukky Babajide, this one-day event will focus on the theme: “Navigating the evolving ecosystem to thrive”.
The event will feature an engaging keynote address from Mope Abudu, Managing Partner at AfriGloCal VC with over two decades of experience at the intersection of law, governance, and corporate leadership. The panel session and fireside chat will feature leading female founders and investors like Olatowun Candide-Johnson, Lexi Novitske, Bisi Akintayo, Chizor Malize, Oz-Omazino Eguh, Kemi Oyesola who will share their own entrepreneurial journeys. You will be motivated by how their hard work and resilience have helped them to push through the barriers and challenges of running a successful business.
Commenting Bukky Babajide Founder of Female Techpreneur said: “I am delighted that the Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos is back and that we will be hosting another incredible lineup of speakers and entrepreneurs in the room. Female Techpreneur want to encourage female tech entrepreneurs to launch and scale their businesses, to challenge themselves and connect with others and are looking forward to welcoming female founders, and innovators to the lounge this May.”
The full event agenda promises a diverse range of topics catered to the evolving needs of female entrepreneurs. From innovative strategies to sustainable growth practices, attendees can expect a comprehensive programme aimed at enhancing their business acumen and personal growth.
To find out more about the event and to book your tickets visit Female Founders’ Lounge – Lagos.
Afripreneur
Africa’s Business Heroes takes 40 Entrepreneurs to China, extends 2024 Application Deadline
Africa’s Business Heroes (Image: Supplied).
Between April 20-27, the Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa in Hangzhou, China. Participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangzhou and have returned to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
During their visit, the ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders. US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French HERE.
Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues HERE.
-
Press Release2 days agoAFEX Ranks 5th on FT Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2024
-
Afripreneur19 hours agoAiesha Bailey launches OCIR App to support special needs youngsters
-
Business Home2 days agoPayRetailers announces its expansion to Africa strengthening its presence in emerging markets
-
Press Release2 days agoThe Gender Mainstreaming for Climate Entrepreneurship
-
NGOs - SDGs2 days agoGEANCO Foundation and Archewell Foundation Announce Mental Health Initiative for Nigerian Youth