Black and Borderless

How Meryanne Loum-Martin Built a Place of Belonging for Black Travelers in Marrakech | Ep 13

Meryanne Loum-Martin didn’t just build a hotel, she built a new way of experiencing place. From her early days as a lawyer in Paris to creating Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech, her journey is one of intuition, bold decisions, and cultural vision. In this episode, we explore hospitality as more than business, as storytelling, identity, and connection. We also dive into deeper conversations around diaspora, belonging, and how Black communities across the world relate to each other. This is a thoughtful, layered conversation about building, identity, and legacy. Follow Black & Borderless for more global conversations.

How Sinde Chekete Is Rebranding Benin for the World | Ep. 13

Benin wasn’t always on the global tourism radar. But today, that’s changing. In this episode, Sinde Chekete shares how Benin is redefining its global image — from cultural storytelling to diaspora engagement and digital visibility. We explore the strategy behind attracting visitors, reconnecting Afro-descendants to their roots, and positioning Benin as a key destination in West Africa. This is a conversation about identity, perception, and the power of narrative. Follow Black & Borderless for more global conversations.

How Loic Mackosso is Building Big in Africa’s Most Overlooked Region | Ep. 12

Central Africa is often left out of the global conversation around Africa’s growth. But according to Loïc Mackosso, that’s not because of a lack of opportunity — it’s a narrative problem. In this episode, we speak with the founder of Aries Energies about his journey from advising foreign investors to becoming one himself, building projects in energy and mining across the region. We explore what it really takes to navigate these markets, the role of local knowledge, and why Central Africa could be one of the continent’s most important investment frontiers. This is a conversation about perception, power, and possibility. Follow Black & Borderless for more stories at the intersection of Africa and the diaspora.

How Ada Osakwe Is Boldly Expanding Her Health-Conscious Pan-African Food Brand | Ep. 11

Ada Osakwe didn’t just want to discuss Africa’s food systems — she wanted to rebuild them. After a career in investment banking, the African Development Bank, and public policy, she founded Nuli Foods — a fast-casual brand rooted in locally sourced ingredients and healthier African food options. What began in Lagos is now expanding into Washington, DC. In this episode, we explore what it means to build an African brand for global scale — from supply chains and sourcing to diaspora expansion and competing with international giants. This is a conversation about business, identity, and the future of African enterprise. Follow Black & Borderless for more stories at the intersection of Africa and the diaspora.

Barkue Tubman-Zawolo on Why Going to Africa Is the Only Real Way to Connect | Ep.10

In this episode, Barkue Tubman-Zawolo reflects on her journey from Liberia to the U.S. and back again, her work at Essence, and her mission to bridge the continent and the diaspora through culture and commerce. She shares candid insights on economic inclusion, diaspora tensions, and why Africa’s future depends on ownership, exposure, and cross-border collaboration. Press play and follow Black & Borderless for more stories shaping the global African narrative.