Interviews - MarcoPolis Your local business media with a global reach Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:09:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Jayanth Murthy on Implementing Kaizen Principles Across Africa’s Emerging Markets /jayanth-murthy-on-implementing-kaizen-principles-across-africas-emerging-markets.htm Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:39:49 +0000 /?p=191208 In this comprehensive interview, Jayanth Murthy, CEO of Kaizen Institute for India and Africa, outlines how the organization specializes in operational excellence consulting and strategy execution support—bridging the critical gap between planning and implementation. Rather than offering traditional advisory services, the Institute takes a hands-on approach, focusing on continuous improvement methodology and delivering results at the frontline level.

Murthy emphasizes that Kaizen implementation is about “improvement without addition,� meaning companies can boost efficiency and performance using existing resources, without needing new investments. This focus on no-cost productivity improvement and waste elimination in business is central to their Lean transformation services.

The Kaizen philosophy is deeply rooted in Japanese principles like Muda (waste), Mura (inconsistency), and Muri (overburden), with a strong emphasis on Gemba-based process improvement—observing real work in real places. Through management consulting in India and Africa, Kaizen Institute has worked across diverse sectors including agriculture, healthcare, garments, manufacturing, and government.

With over 90 consultants from 11 countries, the firm operates as a “small multinational,� using structured methods like value stream mapping and real-time data to drive results. The company conducts weekly internal training reflections to sharpen skills, foster innovation, and promote business process standardization.

Murthy highlights that true transformation comes from involving frontline teams, encouraging a mindset of “learning to see,� and focusing on resource optimization in operations. In his words, empowering frontline teams and standardizing improvements are vital for resilience and sustainable growth.

Finally, as Kaizen expands in emerging markets like India, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, the company is seeking strategic partnerships to scale. Murthy underscores their core belief: efficiency must come before investment, and in a world overloaded with data, leaders must find the “vital few� insights that drive real change.

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Diaspora Homeownership in Ghana Made Easy: Spotlight Homes & First National Bank Break It Down /diaspora-homeownership-in-ghana-made-easy-spotlight-homes-first-national-bank-break-it-down.htm Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:55:56 +0000 /?p=191216 In this insightful segment of the interview, Mr. Kweku Welsing, CEO of Spotlight Homes, engages in a practical and informative conversation with Gilbert from First National Bank Ghana. The focus is on one of the most frequently asked questions by Ghanaians in the diaspora and international clients interested in the Show House project by Spotlight ...

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Seth Quaye on Building MAC Partners: Local Content, Engineering Excellence, and Mining Innovation /seth-quaye-on-building-mac-partners-local-content-engineering-excellence-and-mining-innovation.htm Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:13:48 +0000 /?p=191147 In this part of the interview with Seth Quaye, the CEO of MAC Partners, he offers a detailed overview of the company’s core business structure and its growing role in Ghana’s mining and engineering sector. Founded in 2014, MAC Partners Limited has evolved into a diversified group with four key areas of specialisation: aftermarket support ...

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Seth Quaye: Driving Ghana’s Mining Innovation Through Local Content and Engineering Excellence /seth-quaye-driving-ghanas-mining-innovation-through-local-content-and-engineering-excellence.htm Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:16:02 +0000 /?p=191134 In this interview, the MarcoPolis team sat down with Seth Quaye, the CEO of MAC Partners, a Ghana-based engineering and mining services company that has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in West Africa’s mining support services sector. Founded in 2014, MAC Partners has grown into a multi-disciplinary business specializing in aftermarket mining parts, EPC contracting, engineering construction, and mining industry training through its MAC Partners Training Institute.

Operating from its home base in Ghana, MAC Partners services major mining operations across Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Guinea, embodying its commitment to local content advocacy. Quaye emphasized the company’s focus on reducing long lead times for mining consumables by investing in local manufacturing—notably, a new production plant in Obuasi that transforms local rubber into mill lining and crusher backing compounds.

With a strong foundation in engineering excellence, the company adheres to four key values: continuous improvement, accountability, respect, and customer-centric service. Its tailored solutions approach ensures that no engineering project is treated with a one-size-fits-all mindset. This has made MAC Partners a trusted name in mine redevelopment projects, including its high-profile involvement in the AGA Obuasi mine and the full-scope rebuild of the Northern Ashanti Mines facility in Konongo.

On the technology front, MAC Partners leverages partnerships with firms in South Africa, Germany, and Sweden to introduce advanced tools such as diagnostics systems, AI-supported training, and robotic welding, particularly within its training and fabrication units. These innovations strengthen the company’s competitiveness and relevance across the mining engineering value chain.

Sustainability is emerging as a strategic focus, with local production efforts helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Ghana’s mining sector. While still developing a formal ESG policy, MAC Partners already aligns its operations with international sustainability standards, especially in collaboration with environmentally conscious clients.

The company is also active in corporate social responsibility (CSR), offering discounted training to local communities and supporting education initiatives in the Obuasi region. Quaye revealed that CSR and skills development for the mining sector are closely tied to MAC Partners� broader mission to be a “Local Content Ambassador� for the region.

Looking ahead, MAC Partners aims to become West Africa’s number one mining support company, expanding its physical footprint, resourcing its Burkina Faso office, and launching bases in Ivory Coast and Guinea. Through its Talent Acquisition Program, the company is investing in training the next generation of mining engineers in Ghana, with plans to scale this initiative further over the next five years.

Seth Quaye concluded with a strong message to fellow Ghanaian mining companies: the future of the industry lies in local manufacturing, technical collaboration, and transforming Ghana into a net exporter of mining technology and consumables. His leadership continues to drive MAC Partners toward its ambitious goal of being the leading mine support service company in West Africa.

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Inside Ghana’s Real Estate Boom: Spotlight Homes & First National Bank Empower Future Homeowners /inside-ghanas-real-estate-boom-spotlight-homes-first-national-bank-empower-future-homeowners.htm Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:07:13 +0000 /?p=191219 In this exclusive video interview, we sit down with Kweku Welsing, the visionary CEO of Spotlight Homes, and Mariam Dowuona, a senior representative from First National Bank Ghana, to explore the evolving landscape of real estate financing and homeownership in Ghana. Kweku Welsing introduces The Show House Project, a bold initiative by Spotlight Homes designed ...

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Silafrica’s Akshay Shah on MSME Support, Circular Packaging, and Sustainable Growth in Africa’s Packaging Industry /silafricas-akshay-shah-on-msme-support-circular-packaging-and-sustainable-growth-in-africas-packaging-industry.htm Sat, 07 Jun 2025 06:25:31 +0000 /?p=191132 In this exclusive interview, Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director of Silafrica, explores how the company is leading the way in sustainable packaging in Kenya and across Africa. As a founding member of KEPRO (Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization), Silafrica champions circular economy packaging, using post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial recycled materials (PIR) in over 36% of its output. The company partners with multinationals like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Heineken, and Unilever to deliver rigid plastic packaging, recyclable beverage crates, and IoT-enabled production systems (ThinkTracks). Shah also highlights the critical role of MSMEs in Africa’s packaging supply chain, outlining strategies to aggregate demand and finance packaging solutions for small-scale producers. From custom yogurt cup printing to cross-border reusable crate systems, Silafrica is redefining what it means to build a scalable, circular, and inclusive packaging industry in Africa.

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Ghana’s Real Estate Boom: A Conversation with Youssef Aitour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of i2 Development Ghana /ghanas-real-estate-boom-a-conversation-with-youssef-aitour-co-founder-and-managing-director-of-i2-development-ghana.htm Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:36:09 +0000 /?p=190684 Ghana's real estate sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic industries, driven by rapid urbanization, a rising middle class, and an increasing demand for both affordable and luxury housing. With an estimated housing deficit of 1.8 million units, the need for innovative solutions to bridge the gap between demand and supply has never been more urgent. Cities like Accra and Kumasi are witnessing significant residential and commercial developments, as both local and international investors recognize the country's potential.

One of the key factors contributing to the growth of Ghana’s property market is its political stability and adherence to the rule of law, which provide a secure environment for investments. Additionally, the diaspora’s growing interest in real estate investment, coupled with government initiatives aimed at encouraging property ownership, has further stimulated the sector.

Within this evolving landscape, i2 Development Ghana has positioned itself as a key player, bringing high-quality and strategically located real estate projects to the market. One of its flagship developments, Prestige, is a prime example of luxury and convenience, boasting an unbeatable location near Kotoka International Airport.

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Enhancing Resident Satisfaction: Mohammed Al Jaber on Measuring Success and Ensuring Cultural Alignment in Rafal’s Entertainment Solutions /enhancing-resident-satisfaction-mohammed-al-jaber-on-measuring-success-and-ensuring-cultural-alignment-in-rafals-entertainment-solutions.htm Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:35:00 +0000 /?p=190554 In this interview, Mohammed Al Jaber, Special Project Manager at Rafal Real Estate when asked by the MacroPolis team about key metrics that will be used to measure the success of entertainment amenities in boosting community engagement and resident satisfaction, and Rafal’s plan to ensure that international entertainment solutions resonate with Saudi Arabia’s culture. Mohammed ...

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Blending Luxury and Sustainability: Gaurrav K Magoo on Sheraton Kampala’s Unique Offerings /blending-luxury-and-sustainability-gaurrav-k-magoo-on-sheraton-kampalas-unique-offerings.htm Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:35:41 +0000 /?p=190550 In this exclusive interview, Gaurrav K Magoo, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, provides an inside look at the hotel’s core values, mission, and its unique position in Uganda’s hospitality industry. As a 42-room property, Sheraton Kampala offers a range of accommodations, from the Standard Room to the luxurious Presidential Suite, along with ...

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Inside Four Points by Sheraton Kampala with General Manager Gaurrav K Magoo /inside-four-points-by-sheraton-kampala-with-general-manager-gaurrav-k-magoo.htm Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:45:22 +0000 /?p=190546 In this insightful interview with Gaurrav K Magoo, the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, we explore how the hotel has redefined luxury hospitality in Uganda. With a 42-room property boasting categories like the Presidential Suite and an unmatched collection of whiskey and rum, Sheraton Kampala blends innovation with comfort. From the Caribbean restaurant and bar LFA on the rooftop to the temperature-controlled pool and state-of-the-art banquet venues, the hotel is designed to cater to both corporate clients and leisure travelers.

Gaurrav delves into the challenges and opportunities of post-COVID growth, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, local talent development, and green tourism. He also highlights the hotel’s numerous awards, including recognition from Uganda’s President’s Office for outstanding hospitality contributions. Looking ahead, Sheraton Kampala has ambitious plans for East African expansion, cementing its position as a leader in the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.

This interview provides a fascinating look at how Sheraton Kampala is shaping Uganda’s tourism landscape while staying true to its vision of honesty, comfort, and innovation.

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