If you are doing business across African markets, the real due diligence is cultural. The Culture is Currency Podcast, hosted by Frances Quarcoopome, is where that work happens. Through stories and lived experience, each episode unpacks the cultures, nuances, and contexts that shape what it takes to grow and build a business across the continent. What it means to build trust, move with authority, show up correctly, and be locally relevant in markets like Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and beyond.
Unpacking Entrepreneurship and Identity with Davida Selby
Davida Selby shares her journey of moving from the US to Ghana, building the KLA lifestyle brand, and navigating cultural differences in business and life. This episode offers insights into cultural nuances, business strategies, and the importance of understanding history and community in Africa.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Davita Selby and her journey
04:28 Growing up between Ghana and the US
07:46 Deciding to move back to Ghana in 2023
11:30 Building her brand and sourcing ingredients in Ghana
16:08 Cultural differences in business and staffing
20:33 Balancing professionalism and community in Ghana
25:51 Cultural shocks and motivation in Ghana
30:28 Travelers' experiences and first impressions
34:16 Historical and cultural education at Cape Coast
43:19 Advice for newcomers to Ghana and Africa
50:14 Future plans for expanding cultural experiences and markets
25 Aug 2026
Ekow Archer's Journey of sustainability across continents
In this episode, we explore the journey of Ekow Archer, a Ghanaian entrepreneur with extensive experience in both Ghana and the US. We discuss building his sustainable business, Clean Earth, navigating cultural differences, and opportunities in the environmental and industrial sectors in Africa.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Echo Archer and his background
02:00 Echo's journey from Ghana to the US and back
04:07 Overview of Clean Earth and its focus areas
06:50 Opportunities in water, environment, and sustainability in Africa
12:11 Cultural norms, trust, and relationship building in Ghana
19:56 Challenges of infrastructure and talent in African markets
29:51 The importance of long-term vision and people in business
40:02 Advice for African entrepreneurs and expanding globally
resources
Clean Earth - Official Website - https://www.cleanearth.africa (https://www.cleanearth.africa)
KNUST - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology - https://www.knust.edu.gh (https://www.knust.edu.gh)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekowa/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekowa/)
10 Aug 2026
Building a Global Ghanaian Brand: The Kaeme Journey with Freda Obeng Ampofo
In this episode, Freda, founder of Ghanaian skincare brand Kaeme, shares her journey of building a local industry, navigating cultural nuances, and scaling a business in Africa. Discover insights on resilience, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of self-belief for African entrepreneurs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Freda and Kaeme
02:08 Frida's Background: Ghana, US, and International Experience
06:48 The Inspiration Behind Kaeme and Writing the Ghanaian Narrative
11:42 Building Industry Infrastructure and Factory Challenges
15:26 The Resilience of Ghanaian Entrepreneurs
18:41 Cross-Continental Cultural Nuances and Business Challenges
24:36 Balancing Skills and Context for Diaspora Entrepreneurs
32:27 The Factory Journey and Industry Building
39:22 Giving Back and Supporting Future Entrepreneurs
41:23 Advice for African Entrepreneurs: Embrace Your World-Class
Potential resources
Kaime - Ghanaian Skincare Brand - https://kaime.com (https://kaime.com)
Shea Butter - Resource on Ghanaian Shea - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter)
African Industry Building - Insights and Resources - https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/07/20/how-african-entrepreneurs-are-building-industry-infrastructure/ (https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/07/20/how-african-entrepreneurs-are-building-industry-infrastructure/)
Guest links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredaobengampofo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredaobengampofo/)
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellokaeme/ (https://www.instagram.com/hellokaeme/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
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