Two articles have opened a can of worms and shaken Africa’s tech ecosystem to its core. Both put Flutterwave, Africa’s highest-valued startup, under the spotlight.
Another one. When I watched the Wells Fargo video campaign I laughed so hard I don't know why though. Another exciting angle to learn about how to be proactive in corporate communications. Thanks for the lessons shared.
Great read overall and very good insights especially with regards the examples from Monzo and Wells Fargo. However, and this may make me appear like the Devil's advocate, from a PR POV and given the Nigerian context, the vague or opaque response as you put it, is the best recourse.
It is important to place in perspective the nature of the expose and the response from the tech community when it was released. Given the controversial nature of DH and his style of journalism, the story was bound to be polarizing with holes being poked around and I think FW capitalized on that in drafting their response. While there was indeed public outcry, there was in equal measure a reserve of sympathy for FW given that it is the biggest success story in African tech.
I find it interesting from FW that there was no admission of wrongdoing. Perhaps this is because they are taking the infamous "legal steps" and want to avoid specifics that may come back to haunt them.
Another point that is instructive to note is that the examples of Monzo and Wells Fargo which you provided are not situated in Africa. There's the balance of having to do what is expected, versus the reality.
An example that comes to mind is FemCo and allegations of financial impropriety with #EndSARS donations. To provide accountability, they published a detailed account of how funds where disbursed on Notion which was circulated wide. Did that end the matter though? No. Instead, people doubled down, poking holes and finding sinister things to say, DH being one of the standout leaders of that mob. Now I understand that FemCo isn't a part of the tech ecosystem but the story highlights an uncomfortable truth with PR: always share/say less than necessary.
Better to have no salt in your beans than too much.
Well said! Interesting take on Wells Fargo too — didn’t know that happened. Raising eyebrows at Nigerian banks that do the same thing. Lol.
Another one. When I watched the Wells Fargo video campaign I laughed so hard I don't know why though. Another exciting angle to learn about how to be proactive in corporate communications. Thanks for the lessons shared.
Great read overall and very good insights especially with regards the examples from Monzo and Wells Fargo. However, and this may make me appear like the Devil's advocate, from a PR POV and given the Nigerian context, the vague or opaque response as you put it, is the best recourse.
It is important to place in perspective the nature of the expose and the response from the tech community when it was released. Given the controversial nature of DH and his style of journalism, the story was bound to be polarizing with holes being poked around and I think FW capitalized on that in drafting their response. While there was indeed public outcry, there was in equal measure a reserve of sympathy for FW given that it is the biggest success story in African tech.
I find it interesting from FW that there was no admission of wrongdoing. Perhaps this is because they are taking the infamous "legal steps" and want to avoid specifics that may come back to haunt them.
Another point that is instructive to note is that the examples of Monzo and Wells Fargo which you provided are not situated in Africa. There's the balance of having to do what is expected, versus the reality.
An example that comes to mind is FemCo and allegations of financial impropriety with #EndSARS donations. To provide accountability, they published a detailed account of how funds where disbursed on Notion which was circulated wide. Did that end the matter though? No. Instead, people doubled down, poking holes and finding sinister things to say, DH being one of the standout leaders of that mob. Now I understand that FemCo isn't a part of the tech ecosystem but the story highlights an uncomfortable truth with PR: always share/say less than necessary.
Better to have no salt in your beans than too much.
Interesting find. Can't count the amount of times I've learned a thing or two whenever I read your articles. Good job Mr Adeleke
Nice one David. Learnt the strategic role of communications in a startup.
Fantastic write-up! In some cases, silence is not golden.
Another insightful read, thank you David