Y! Announces Bold New Direction As Magazine Re-Brands To Y! Africa, Sean Obedih Joins As Editor-At-Large; Franka Asindi Is Editorial Director

As young Africa takes its place in the spotlight, and the continent does same on the world stage, the editors at Y! have announced a bold new direction for the magazine. The magazine is re-focused as Y! Africa. Y! Africa will explore and expand the boundaries of what it means to be African in this generation.

The magazine also announced that respected Nigerian editor Franka Asindi is the new Editorial Director. Award-winning entrepreneur and influential voice in the young start-up eco-system, Obedih joins the team as editor-at-large.

“We have spent the past three years channelling the ideals that define a new generation, challenging the status quo with covers from our 'Anger Issue' to our 'Occupy' issue, engaging with the best of young Africa from Ethiopia to Morocco, giving lift to events that are defining the continent's narrative from the World Economic Forum's SHAPE Africa to the Africa Union's 5th Anniversary,” says its editor-in-chief, Chude Jideonwo. “With the continent's demographic bonus of young people, it is time for a platform that is focused on the continent's young population, and that points with confidence to the future for Africa. That imperative informs this strategic push.”

The first edition of Y! Africa hits the market in March 2014. It will be available across the continent; its content will focus on West, East and Southern Africa, with a nod towards the rich contemporary trends in North Africa. It will achieve this through a network of reporters in the three regions of its primary focus.

“Y! is centred on the ideas and issues that matter for a generation of Africans – from runaway employment to the explosion of start-ups,” said Jideonwo on the content that will define Y! Africa. “The magazine will express this focus via providing relentless insight on business, technology and governance – telling the important stories, providing crucial insight for those looking to invest in Africa and young Africans understanding a rapidly transforming continent; and spotlighting those who are making a reality of the new Africa narrative.”

“No other media organization on the continent has the bonafides of Red Media Africa with regard to youth media,” says Asindi. “Y! has always been at the forefront for Africa's rising story, inspiring generations along with its sister brands including The Future Awards Africa. I look forward to joining its mission of engagement and empowerment.”

Asindi is a trained accountant with a rich media experience that spans business, tourism and fashion – she has managed Nigeria Energy Intelligence, TreasureAfrik, Family, Beauty Box, EbonyLife TV Magazine and Complete Fashion, where she set a standard for lifestyle publications in Nigeria before she left the country. She is publisher of Blanck, and consults for a number of media platforms including OK! Nigeria.

Obedih, from Rwanda is an award-winning entrepreneur and one of the leading authorities on the growth of young Africa. Obedih's expertise lies in thought leadership writing and linking large companies to innovative start-ups through Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) vehicles to drive revenue growth, gain competitive advantage, and manage the risk of disruptive competition. He regularly delivers conferences and workshops to share his ideas on entrepreneurship, open innovation, technology, financing growth and creating viable businesses. A graduate of the University of Buckingham, he is Founder of Sobek Ventures and Co-founder of Founders Hive, an organisation that brings directors, entrepreneurs and investors together with the aim of accelerating the growth of start-up businesses.

Details and more information are available via [email protected], or 234 817 300 0001.

About Red Media Africa
Red Communication is a PR & Communication firm under the parent company, RED. An innovative media group focused on Africa, RED's vision is to excite and empower an evolving generation through the media's limitless possibilities. Built across tools and platforms, its Communication Division holds Red Communication, Red Marketing and Small & Medium, and YouthConnect; and its Content Division holds the Y! brands, including Y! TV, Y! Magazine, YNaija.com, Teen Y!, Y! 2015, the Y! Tech 100 and the Y! Annual Black Ball/Y! 100 Most Influential List. It also anchors a development firm, The Future Project Africa, which co-presents Africa's leading youth platform, The Future Awards Africa, and other projects including the Nigeria Symposium for Young & Emerging Leaders and The Future Enterprise Support Scheme.