Adefemi Akinsanya Joins CNN From Arise News

CNN International has appointed Nigerian journalist Adefemi Akinsanya to host a new multiplatform business programme, Africa Inc., marking her move from Arise News to global broadcaster.

The network announced the appointment on  Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and said short segments of the series would begin airing immediately. The full 30-minute programme is scheduled to premiere on August 29 and will run through 2027, with additional episodes planned. Bi-monthly television segments and digital content will also be distributed across CNN.com and the network’s social media platforms.

Akinsanya will anchor the programme from Lagos, while production teams are already filming across several African cities. The series is sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.

Speaking on the new role, Akinsanya said the timing was significant for Africa’s global economic story.

“I’m thrilled to be joining CNN to launch Africa Inc. at such an exciting time for Africa’s international story. Across the continent, we’re seeing innovation, resilience, and ambition transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact. I’m looking forward to bringing these stories to CNN’s audience,” she said.

Before joining CNN, Akinsanya worked with Arise News and had previously reported for Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News and TRT World.

Her reporting career has included coverage from the frontlines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests and the 2024 United States presidential election. She was also a 2023 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University.

CNN International Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, Ellana Lee, said the broadcaster was pleased to welcome Akinsanya to its international team.

“We are delighted to welcome Adefemi to CNN. As Africa continues to play an increasingly influential role in the global economy, Adefemi’s impactful storytelling will ensure that Africa Inc. provides insightful coverage across CNN’s TV, digital, and social platforms,” Lee stated.

According to CNN, Africa Inc. will focus on sectors including technology, manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment, with the aim of documenting how African companies are expanding beyond the continent and competing on the global stage.

The first short segment aired on August 5, while the half-hour debut of the programme is set for August 29.