FMM: Tell us about Premium Africa Holdings.
Premium Africa Holdings is an Africa focused investment holding company with assets and projects in Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone and UAE. We operate in the areas of Construction, ICT, Mining, Agribusiness, Fintech, Real estate, Energy and investment Consultancy. We describe our business journey as a consolidation of expertise and track records spanning a period of 10 years. Our vision is to be one of Africa’s most diverse companies with global footprints.
FMM: What are the initiatives for 2021?
2021 is quite a packed year for us, we have started implementation of our 1000 tractors for Africa Project, we have also commenced our Women in Construction Project across Africa. We are consulting for Liberia’s biggest housing project. we have collaborated with an Italian company, Studio Tecnico Appiani and The Swift Group from Ghana to initiate Rice Conferences in various African countries.
With regards to our UAE operations, we have opened a gold trade office in collaboration with Aku Mining and Zaza Metals. We are working with the Private office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to establish 12 African owned companies in the UAE through The African Business Giants project. We are also launching our Africa TV channel at the Dubai Expo in October.
FMM: You are a shareholder and Senior Vice President of Ezipay Africa. How has the pandemic caused you to pivot?
We started with the mission to help people transfer money swiftly in a secure and simple manner and to give them more accessible financial services through technology. I’m grateful and proud that we have been able to continue in staying true to our mission throughout all this time.
Some of the world’s biggest tech corporations, including the likes of Instagram, Shopify, and PayPal, have pivoted to become the corporations that they are today. Ezipay Africa has always been keen on pivoting, our growth strategy timelines were significantly shrinked and rapidly which required that we act quickly to enhance our infrastructure or risk losing our relevance due to system failures. Pivoting during a crisis is not very different from the norm, just that we never thought people would have to change their behaviors so drastically overnight. My observation is that our speed to achieve a pivot was much more dramatic and fast.
FMM: What are you most proud of?
Because of my commitment to investing in African economies and continuously projecting the continent’s economic potential, I have become a prominent voice in the global business community as a Pan African business icon. I have decision making responsibilities in international organizations and I also advise owners of some big ticket enterprises on the world. I love to serve and it makes me really proud that I am able to impact the world in such a positive way.
FMM: Premium Africa Holdings partnered with American music star Akon for his Akon Lighting Africa project in Liberia. What led up to this project? What are the plans for 2021?
Liberia has a huge deficit in energy, the Akon Lighting Africa renewable energy intervention has been successfully implemented in 13 other Africa countries. it was a match of solution and a need. After piloting a solar lighting project in Liberia, Akon Lighting Africa needed an implementation partner, Premium Africa Holdings got the nod base on our vast experience in new market development, in-depth understanding of Africa’s business environment and our success with PPP projects.
FMM: You were named among other young enterprising Ghanaian entrepreneurs as Top 50 Young CEOs of 2020. What does it take to be recognized for such a prestigious award?
Ghana has a highly competitive business environment and it positively impacts the entrepreneurship landscape. Competition pushes businesses and those individuals driving them to give off their best. As a young CEO, I strongly believe it is important to uphold leadership principles that ensure business growth and sustainability. Myself and all other young CEOs who made the cut had shown and continue to display commendable leadership qualities in business.
FMM: Tell us about the US$1M Hult Prize Startup Challenge. Why is this important to you?
The Hult Prize is a partnership between Hult International Business School, the United Nations Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton selects a challenge topic and announces a winner every September at an annual awards ceremony and Gala at the United Nations headquarters. Every year, the most promising impact startups pitch live in front of an audience of global influencers, international policy makers, investors and a distinguished world-class panel of judges for a US$1,000,000 winning prize. This project, which was recently adjudged the best social impact initiative in the world aligns with my core values, impact, innovation and youth development. it is important that business leaders across the world support such an initiative to ensure it is sustained. I mentor quite a number of youth through a social enterprise called the School of Africa Greatness, this mentoring project presents to me the realities of young people around the world, they have game changing ideas but lack access to technical and finance support. What you would appreciate about the Hult Prize challenge is that the processes leading to the Grande Finale is equally impactful, it equips participants with the requisite tools in developing their business ideas to attract investment. With a network of 3,000 university chapters and international headquarters located on five continents, the Hult Prize has been a global force supporting youth everywhere who seek to build their capacities in the world of entrepreneurship and to connect to the world of business.
FMM: You are a much sought after speaker. What events are in the works for the next 6-months?
I recently closed my bookings for 2021. It is indeed humbling to always be presented with an opportunity to share perspective on leadership and mostly Africa’s economic potential, I don’t take such engagements for granted. My speaking engagements for the next 6 months include; World Leaders Summit (Virtual), Topic- Investing In Africa. Global Business Forum Africa (Dubai), Topic- Impact Of Growth In Africa’s Digital Economy. UK- Liberia Investment Summit (London) ,Topic – Public Private Partnerships and Sierra Leone Rice Conference (Sierra Leone),Topic – Developing Rice Value Chain Through Collaborations.
I can be contact for speaking engagements through my Executive assistant Dr Joyce Edna Santos via drejsantos8@gmail.com or directly through faroukkhailann@gmail.com
FMM: Please share your social media links
Facebook – Farouk Africa Khailann
Linkedin- Farouk Khailann
Instagram – Farouk Khailann
Twitter- Farouk Khailann
