OUR MISSION

Empowering African SMEs for Prosperity through Franchising

At the heart of Africa Franchise Center (AFC) lies a bold and unwavering mission: to empower African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for prosperity through the transformative power of franchising. We believe that franchising is not just a business model, but a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development across the continent. Through our dedicated efforts, we are committed to providing African entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future for African SMEs, one franchise at a time.

Meet Our Advisory Board:

Get to Know the Distinguished Experts Guiding AFC's Strategic Direction and Vision.

Peter Moyanga

President, Franchising Association of South Africa

Brent Omdahl

Former US Commercial Counselor in Nigeria

Pat Utomi

Founder and CEO,
Centre for Value in Leadership

Anayo Agu

Co-Founder/Success Strategy & Business Transformation Adviser, Seeds of Greatness Institute

Antoine Zammarieh

Franchisee of Burger King In Nigeria and operator of WOW Creamery subsidiary of Iceberry Russia

Founders Profile

Meet visionaries driving franchise revolution in Africa

Dr. Paul Dozie Arinze

Co-founder,
Africa Franchise Center (AFC)

Dr. Paul Dozie Arinze is a Nigerian serial entrepreneur, author, veteran corporate executive, and patented inventor.
Paul’s backgrounds are in business communication, international law, and management. He was an executive in multinationals such as ExxonMobil and British Gas, where he led business units such as in corporate communications, strategy, innovation, policy, ESG, and government affairs, over a 20-year corporate career.

Previously, Paul had advised the president of the Nigerian Senate, and chaired the petroleum sector body engaging government on foreign direct investment in Nigeria for two terms. He was instrumental to the outcome of key legislation, regulatory institutions, and investment frameworks.
The author of three books and several papers on energy and investment, Paul is a thought leader with a passion for investment in Africa particularly in energy, ESG, growing businesses, and digital media.

Emma Esinnah

Co-founder & Director
Africa Franchise Center (AFC)

Emma Esinnah is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in marketing, finance, investment management, communication, and business development. He currently serves as the Country Director for Curves International in Nigeria, leading the growth and development of the Curves Ladies-Only Fitness brand across the country. He is also chairman of Naviga Investment Services Ltd, a multipurpose investment vehicle.

Prior to joining Curves International, Emma had a distinguished career in banking for nearly two decades. He held many positions including Regional Bank Head, Group Head of Marketing & Communications, and Special Assistant to the Chief Executive. He has attended some of the best business schools in the world including Oxford Business School, INSEAD, Kellogg, Wharton, Chicago Booth, Tuck, etc.
His training reflects in his strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver exceptional results.

AFC's Impact

Discover How AFC's Initiatives Are Making a Difference in the African Business Landscape.

At Africa Franchise Center (AFC), our commitment extends beyond just words – we take pride in our tangible impact on the African business landscape. Through our strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we have catalyzed positive change and fostered growth opportunities for SMEs across the continent. From providing access to training and capacity-building programs to advocating for policy reforms that support franchising, AFC’s initiatives are driving real, measurable results.
Explore our success stories, testimonials, and case studies to see firsthand how AFC is shaping the future of African entrepreneurship and contributing to sustainable economic development. Join us on our journey as we continue to make a lasting impact and empower businesses to reach new heights of success.