Adefemi Akinsanya Joins CNN International to Host New Africa-Focused Business Show

British-born Nigerian journalist Adefemi Akinsanya has joined CNN International as the host of a new multiplatform programme, Africa Inc., a business-focused series that will spotlight African companies, entrepreneurs and industries shaping the global economy. The appointment marks a major career milestone for the award-winning broadcaster, who joins the international news network from Arise News.

CNN announced that Africa Inc. will showcase how businesses across the continent are competing and thriving internationally, highlighting sectors including technology, manufacturing, hospitality, finance and entertainment. Rather than presenting Africa as an emerging market, the programme aims to portray the continent as an increasingly influential force driving global commerce, innovation and consumer trends.

The half-hour television programme is scheduled to premiere on August 29, 2026, with four additional episodes to air through late 2026 and into 2027. In addition to the main programme, CNN will broadcast bi-monthly Africa Inc. segments across its international television network, supported by digital and social media content on its online platforms. The series is sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.

Akinsanya joins CNN after serving as an International Correspondent and Anchor at Arise News in Lagos. During her journalism career, she has also worked with Reuters, Al Jazeera, Sky News and TRT World, 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 2023 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and holds a degree in International Politics from King’s College London.

Speaking on her appointment, Akinsanya said she was excited to launch the programme at a time when Africa’s economic story is attracting growing international attention.

She said the continent is witnessing innovation, resilience and ambition that are transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact, adding that she looks forward to bringing those stories to CNN’s worldwide audience.

CNN International’s Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, Ellana Lee, described Akinsanya as a strong addition to the network, saying her experience and storytelling skills would help deliver insightful coverage as Africa assumes a more influential role in the global economy.

Media analysts say the launch of Africa Inc. reflects growing international interest in Africa’s business landscape, particularly as the continent experiences rapid expansion in technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, creative industries and entrepreneurship. The programme is expected to feature interviews with business leaders, innovators and policymakers while exploring investment opportunities and the challenges facing African economies.

For Akinsanya, the move to CNN International represents another significant step in a career that has seen her report from some of the world’s biggest news events. Her appointment also strengthens Nigerian representation on the global media stage, with Africa Inc. set to provide international audiences with in-depth reporting on the continent’s evolving economic story.