Zenith signs landmark deal with BBC global news

From left: Warren Harding, Regional Director: Africa, BBC Global News
Yewande Adewusi, Head of Commercial Partnerships, West & Central Africa, BBC Global News Charlie Villar, Chief Operating Officer, BBC Global News Dennis Olisa, Executive Director, Zenith Bank PLC Isla Macleod, VP for Sub Shaharan Africa, Europe & CEE, CIS, BBC Global News Adamu Lawami, Group Head, Corporate Banking, Zenith Bank PLC Felix Morka, Senior Manager, Corporate Banking, Zenith Bank PLC

In a deal that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of Africa, Zenith Bank has been announced as the sponsor of the BBC’s Talking Business Africa, catapulting the brand into millions of homes across the world via BBC World News and BBC.com. Talking Business Africa, one of BBC World News’ weekly flagship programmes, is presented by Africa-based and award-winning journalist, Lerato Mbele-Roberts, and is changing the African narrative by showcasing the continent’s thriving marketplace.

The multi-platform series brings global audiences insights into the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic fortunes, meeting and profiling the people who’ve created jobs, not just for themselves, but for others too.  From the leaders of large multinational companies through to individual entrepreneurs just starting out, Talking Business Africa finds out how they got there, what motivates them and the challenges they face.

Speaking at a special event at Zenith Bank’s headquarters in Lagos to mark this landmark deal, Jim Ovia, Chairman and CEO of Zenith Bank said: “Having built a successful brand like Zenith Bank based on trust and innovation, it was important for us to partner with a media organisation that reflected our values, which is why we’ve chosen the BBC, amongst others. By sponsoring Talking Business Africa, we hope to inspire Africans into business and encourage people across the world to do business with us. ”

Charlie Villar, Chief Operating Officer of BBC Global News said: “Africa’s growth surge can be accredited to its many entrepreneurs and business leaders all over the continent. We’re delighted to partner with Zenith Bank to change the African narrative by continuing to showcase the continent’s successful and high-profile personalities to global audiences.” Each month, on BBC World News, Talking Business Africa brings viewers special reports and interviews from the innovators and thought leaders making an impact in Africa and on the global stage in industries such as agriculture, fashion and design, energy, tourism, education, transport and manufacturing.