Africa 4 Dummies

Would you cycle across countries for a cause? Join the A4D team as we talk to Ali Abdo, an Egyptian who’s cycling to the major climate change conference - COP 29 in Azerbaijan to spread awareness about African priorities on climate change.

(00:26) African News Segment

(03:05) Introduction

(03:46) Ali Abdo: Brief Introduction

(05:03) Ali Abdo's Story

(13:50) Ali's Guinness World Record-breaking Achievements

(22:15) What does Sustainability mean ?

(36:03) Climate Change Concerns

(43:26) The Risks of Overdependence on Hydroelectricity

(50:33) What African Youth can do 

(51:37) Conclusion

[Correction: During the protests in Mozambique at least 30 people have died & 66 injured]

African politics is full of name calling - the most slanderous ones are: “sellouts” or “puppets“. Mandela was accused of this and so was Mobutu - in this episode we discuss the complexities of these terms and what it means for future politics.

(00:10) African News Segment

(03:40) Introduction

(06:15) Spies and Allegations of Being Pro-Western

(13:00) Winnie Mandela’s Fall from Grace

(15:25) The Lasting Effect of Puppet-Calling in Politics

(28:20) The Controversy of Being Labeled Pro-Western

(35:35) African Leaders Using Their Status as Liberators

(42:01) What Should Young People Do Now?

(50:00) Conclusion

Dealing with mental health in Africa is difficult with most people. Especially men. In this episode A4D gathered different voices to speak on this and we analyzed the politics of it all.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, we strongly encourage seeking professional help and support

African helplines

Search this website to find helplines in your country: https://findahelpline.com/

Chapters

(00:12) African News Segment

(04:35) Introduction

(09:56) Taking Mental Health Seriously

(17:48) Cultural Guardrails

(32:00) Self-worth

(54:35) Opening Up To Friends

(59:30) Your Responses

Recently AI technology has been used to discover huge copper deposits in Zambia. In this episode, the A4D team discusses what’s at stake for Zambian people and the fast-growing AI industry.

(00:18) Recent News in Africa

(02:23) Main Discussion

(08:10) Zambian History Anchored by Copper

(11:30) Communist China

(16:38) First Railway Line

(21:05) AI Has Been Around Since The 60s

(29:50) What Can We Now Teach Kids In This New AI World?

(36:40) Rapid Fire

(47:20) Conclusion

(00:30) Introduction

(01:20) What the results say of this election

(06:50) MK Factor

(15:00) Perception of the GNU

(23:14) Minister of Home Affairs

(35:56) Secretary General of ANC

(41:03) Friction in the Government of National Unity

(50:32) Behind the scenes of Mandela's presidency

(58:20) Conclusion

In this episode the A4D speaks to one of the protesters in Kenya’s anti- finance bill Mutua Kiania. One week ago hundreds and thousands of young Kenyans rocked the streets of Nairobi and several other cities nationwide demanding the end of the infamous Finance Bill. Kenya’s Human rights commission reports 39 died as a result of the protests.

(00:05) Introduction

(01:20) Protestor

(02:10) What made you protest?

(12:55) How could car-tax be so upsetting?

(14:15) Politician demeaning young Kenyans

(19:06) Do Kenyans feel that their Democratic space is big enough for them to express their opinions?

(22:40) Experience of the actual protests

(27:42) What is different about these protests?

(31:08) One message for the people listening

(31:35) Conclusion

This week young Kenyans rocked the country with nationwide protests against a Financial Tax bill. Why ? Find out in this episode with Dr Westen Shilaho a Kenyan scholar at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. South Africa.

(00:05) Introduction

(01:40) What are the Kenyan protests about?

(07:40) What is the debt situation?

(13:40) What is the mood around storming Parliament?

(23:50) What are your comments on the abductions?

(34:20) Conclusion

[The views expressed by the guest in this podcasts do not necessarily represent the views of A4D podcast or any member of the A4D Team and will not be held accountable for them.]

Step into the vibrant landscape of South Africa with us in this captivating podcast series. As 30 million citizens cast their votes in the historic 7th general election on May 29, 2024, marking three decades since the end of apartheid, we delve deep into the heart of the nation's journey.

Join our insightful discussion with Keanen Isaacs, a researcher at South Africa History Online and currently pursuing a Master's degree at Witwatersrand University in Gauteng, South Africa.

The Presidents: Mandela, Mbeki, Zuma & Ramaphosa

Foreign Policy: From Mugabe to Isreal/Palestine

Election '24 Explained - ANC Coalition and the MK-Zuma Factor

(00:00) Intro

(01:06) The Electoral System & the Frontrunners

(04:06) About the ANC

(04:53) About the DA - Official Opposition

(05:19) About the EFF - Land Reform

(06:23) What will an ANC Coalition look like ? MK or EFF ?

(09:49) The small parties : Action SA, Rise Mzansi

(15:09) Is the DA a white party?

(17:35) Who are coloureds voting for ?

(19:27) Racial voting patterns and young voters

(21:58) The predictions (polling)

(26:42) Our Documentary

Step into the vibrant landscape of South Africa with us in this captivating podcast series. As 30 million citizens cast their votes in the historic 7th general election on May 29, 2024, marking three decades since the end of apartheid, we delve deep into the heart of the nation's journey.

Join our insightful discussion with Keanen Isaacs, a researcher at South Africa History Online and currently pursuing a Master's degree at Witwatersrand University in Gauteng, South Africa.

The Presidents: Mandela, Mbeki, Zuma & Ramaphosa

Foreign Policy: From Mugabe to Isreal/Plestine

South African Election '24: What you need to know

Excerpts:

Africa 4 Palestine YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5TiUhhm7cQ

African Students Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvh_QDn0azY

(00:00) Intro

(01:34) What is the post-apartheid South African foreign policy brand ?

(02:46) Mbeki- I am An African Speech

(08:31) Zuma's shift to the east

(09:09) Sudanese dictator - Omar Al Bashir let loose

(10:58) South Africa takes Israel to the ICJ

(12:50) A human rights foreign policy

(14:30) South Africa on Russia-Ukraine War

(22:00) Why was South Africa soft on Mugabe ?

(24:10) The Xenophobia question

(27:58) South Africa and Palestine historic ties

(29:28) Mandela on Isreal Palestine in 1990

(39:23) SA dealing in conflicts in Africa

(43:44) South Africa's African agenda at the UN Security Council

Step into the vibrant landscape of South Africa with us in this captivating podcast series. As 30 million citizens cast their votes in the historic 7th general election on May 29, 2024, marking three decades since the end of apartheid, we delve deep into the heart of the nation's journey.

Join our insightful discussion with Keanen Isaacs, a researcher at South Africa History Online and currently pursuing a Master's degree at Witwatersrand University in Gauteng, South Africa.

The Presidents: Mandela, Mbeki, Zuma & Ramaphosa

Foreign Policy: From Mugabe to Isreal/Plestine

South African Election '24: What you need to know

(00:00) Introduction

(1:25) What are all the presidents most known for ?

(07:03) What did Mandela actually do ? Is he a failure?

(13:41) If Mandela was president in the 1960s would he be different ?

(16:48) The Thabo Mbeki era : Black Middle Class and 2010 World Cup

(22:26) The Zuma era: White Capitalists & State Capture

(28: 28) Cyril Ramaposa: Veteran's Club

Happy Africa Freedom Day!

In this exhilarating episode commemorating Africa Freedom Day, the A4D Team recounts our remarkable interviews with two extraordinary individuals: Pvt. Moboola, a valiant soldier from World War II, and Ambassador Ngalande, a fearless freedom fighter who later rose to prominence as a diplomat.

As we reflect on the past, we ponder the question: Can we maintain a strong connection to our history while confronting the challenges of the present day? With the recent passing of Pvt. Moboola, who was 99 years old at the time of our interview, these conversations serve as invaluable time capsules for both current and future generations.

Furthermore, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion amongst ourselves: Can we take pride in our African identity today? Join us as we explore these themes and celebrate the resilience and heritage of Africa on this momentous occasion.

Skip to your favourite part below

(00:05)Intro

(04:47)Just Another Day

(05:50)Fighting visas & the Richest Man in Africa

(10:15)The History of African Union

(15:10)Their Biggest Achievement

(20:00)Africans we look up to

(25:56)Burna Boy & Rema

(29:12)Thabo Mbeki - African Renaissance

(32:40)Interviewing 2 sides of History

(33:21) How we interviewed an African WW2 veteran : Pvt Moboola

(51:30)African War Veteran PTSD

(53:10) A weird relationship with Freedom Fighters

(56:12) How we interviewed a freedom figher/dipolomat: Amb Ngalande

(59:42) A very passionate soul

(1:04:31)Conclusion

In this episode, join me, Zenge, as I sit down with Rwandan filmmaker and genocide survivorSamuel Ishimwe. Together, we uncover the roots of the Rwandan Genocide, hear Samuel's personal story, and explore how Gen-Z Rwandans understand this tragic event 30 years later. Get ready for a powerful journey of resilience, remembrance, and reflection.

A4D has also put put a documentary explaining Rwanda's story right here.

Samuel Ishimwe'sDocumentary on DW is here.

(00:00) Introduction

(02:55) The Roots of Genocide

(04:44) The pre-colonial Rwanda

(07:07) German colonialism and race fixing

(09:45) Belgians take over: exclusive Tutsi rule

(15:50) 1950s - Cold War, Catholics and Hutu supremacy

(18:29) the Hutu Revolution & Hutu Power

(23:20) Independence on Hutu Terms

(30:13) Before the Genocide: Habyarimana - the Politics & Economics

(35:27) The road to Genocide : hate radio & Interahamwe

(39:57) The Genocide

(46:00) My personal story

(55:31) How do Gen-Z Rwandans understand the Genocide

(01:01:10) Have you reconciled with your parents killers?

(01:03:27) What can we learn from Rwanda ?

Uncover the paradox of wealth and poverty in mineral-rich African nations. From pre-colonial times to today, explore the resource curse, colonial impact, and post-colonial booms. Discuss the role of the African state in mineral governance, illegal mining, and hear insights from Dr. Ben Radley, a political economist specializing in the DRC. Join us for a concise exploration of the complex dynamics shaping mining in Africa.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:03:35) What is the resource curse? Does it exist ?

(00:08:25) Were Africans mining before colonialism ?

(00:11:35) Colonial mineral extraction in Africa - example Belgian Congo

(00:17:15) Mining after independence (1960s), nationalisation and the lost glory days

(00:20:25) A copper version of OPEC ? CIPEC?

(00:22:55) Blaming the African state

(00:28:33) Liberalise and privatise

(00:30:40) The vilification of illegal miners (artisanal miners)

(00:36:27) Green tech & Leveraging the 'New Scramble for Africa'

(00:45:41) From Congolese mines to the Apple store: can Africa influence the supply chain?

(00:54:27) What is life like in Congolese mining communities ?

(01:01:18) How can we get it right ? Are they any success stories? (01:16:18) How to fight self-cynicism and afro-pessimism about African capabilities

Explore the stereotype of the "Big Man" in African leadership – adorned with honorary titles, accused of heavy corruption, and a face on the currency. But how accurate is this portrayal? Join us in conversation with former Vice President of Zambia, Nervers Sekwila Mumba, as we delve into the nuanced dynamics of power-politics in Zambia. Mumba shares his observations on the post-election state of democracy in Zimbabwe and Liberia, shedding light on the broader context of corruption in Africa. Challenge preconceptions and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding leadership on the continent.

(00:01:46) Who is Dr Nerves Mumba?

(00:05:45) Pulpit to Vice President

(00:11:45) The lowest point in your career

(00:16:46) How to deal with doubts

(00:21:38) Zimbabwe election

(00:32:16) is democracy failing

(00:39:42) Best model of governance

(00:43:55) Why ruling parties collapse after office

(00:48:52) Why leaders stay in power

(00:53:28) How corrupt are African rulers

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Linda Kasonde, former President of the Law Association of Zambia and founder of the Chapter One foundation. Gain valuable insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and triumphs of leading such a prestigious organisation. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the legal profession and social justice.

(0:00) Intro

(01:16) Who is Linda Kasonde

(03:59) Road to Law Association President

(07:25) Sexism

(15:46) Human rights endeavours

(20:32) Death Threats

(24:21) Africa's biggest human rights challenge

(28:17) Public Order Act

(30:24) Chapter One Foundation

(37:37) Constitution of Zambia

(47:17) Country with the best constitution.

(52:14) Fan Question

(55:16) What can Men do?

Join A4D and guest Femi Osunnuyi, Lead Pastor of City Church, Lagos, Nigeria, on a captivating journey through African Christianity. Explore how faith spread, untangle colonial tensions, and delve into influential African Christians. Navigate the complexities of LGBTQ, Africa, and Christianity in this thought-provoking discussion.

🎙️ Hosted by A4D: A4D and Pst Femi Osunnuyi lead insightful conversations, offering a holistic perspective on the intersection of Africa and Christianity.

👂 Tune in for a deeper understanding of faith, history, and identity in Africa. Subscribe, share, and embark on this enlightening exploration! 🌟

(0:00) Introduction

(02:03) Existence of Christianity Pre-Colonialism

(25:40) Christianity and Colonialism

(54:52) Key African figures

(01:01:53) How Africans can deal with complex Christian history

(01:09:06) LGBTQ, Christianity and Africa

Part 2

In this episode we discuss big changes in Sino-African relations that shape the current political and eceonomic nature of their relationships today with Dr Emanuel Matambo, Research Director at Centre for Africa China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg.

We touch on how China is evolving  from its relationship with Africa from state-centric to a market driven one by Chinese capitalists and their tensions with African entrepreneurs.

We also talk about the  post-covid context by discussing China's  economic slowdown and its affect on Africa; once a characterized by non-interference in domestic affairs and big spending with little checks in an almost Santa Clause manner to a  more austere, stricter  and more cautious China especially on things like debt-restructuring - which often means  making debt owed by poorer countries more manageable such as extending how  long a country can pay back.

Finally we look at whats ahead and whether we'll see a China more involved in African politics and milarites.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction (1:12) African agency? Can Africa choose ? (3:30) Opaque loan deals

(7:59) Private Chinese companies in Africa & their tensions (12:50) Why is China more austere, is the Santa Clause era over ? (19:17) What can we learn from China in Africa and can Africa get a better financial deal ?

(31:06) China's increased political and miltary involvement Check out the new book at Centre for Africa China Studies (CACS)at the University of Johannesburg.

This is a two part episode on China Africa relations.

Over the last 30 years China's presence in Africa has grown faster than ever. From providing what seemed to be an endless stream of cash in aid, loans, and infrustructure, it has now become an alternative financing arrangement  to the west. This has obviously got people talking, China says they provide Africa with better options and respect Africa's sovereignty - " Win Win" as they call it.

On the other hand the west says China, with its lack of transparency and lack of democratic norms make it a predatory country with its projects laced in bad debt on poor countries. Basically they claim China is not good for Africa.

But whats the African perspective ?

We discuss this with Dr Emmanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies (CACS) at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Audio Excerpts :

New China TV- Robert Mugabe (former President of Zimbabwe) expresses gratitude to China at China-Africa summit.

Financial Times - John Bolton(National Security Advisor -NSA to Donald Trump, former US president) accuses China and Russia of ‘predatory practices’ in Africa.

On the 23rd of August Zimbabweans went to the polls to elect their next president and parliamentarians for the next five years. In this second episode on the Zimbabwean elections we discuss voter intimidation and how fair this election will be. We also discuss the youth vote and the challenges women politicians like Elisabeth Valerio and Fadzayi Mahere faced in the run up to this elections.

We discuss these topics with a Zimbabwean voter Dr Chipo Dendere who is an academic based in Wellesley College in Massachusetts in the USA.

On the 23rd of August 2023 Zimbabweans will vote for their next president and parliament. There are 11 presidential candidates but its widely considered to be a two-horse race between veteran opposition figure Nelson Chamisa, 45 and President Emmerson Mnangagwa (nicknamed the crocodile) aged 80 seeking a re-election after taking over from Robert Mugabe in 2017. The American professional boxer Floyd Mayweather also made an appearance this election season!

Find out why and more as we unpack this election with Dr Chipo Dendere, a Zimbabwean academic from Wellesley College in Massachusetts, US.

The east African country of Djibouti has 7 foreign military bases from countries east and west, some of which are rival superpowers. The US alone has 29 military bases in Africa whilst France has 15. Do they all want to just keep Africa safe? ....The last few years have seen a military race in Africa between rival and aspiring super-powers. But how about the people?

In this episode we discuss the irony of Africa's numerous military bases and its abundance of natural resources yet remains largely underdeveloped.

In this 2 part Episode we sat down with Security and Geopolitics expert Fidel A. Owusu, CEO of DefSec Analytics Africa - a Defence and Security Consultancy based in Accra, Ghana.

On the 26th July 2023 Niger, often regarded as stable was the latest country in Africa to have a military coup. It seems coups are back in fashion as in the last 3 years Chad, Burkina Faso, Guinea (Conarky), Mali and Sudan have all had military takeovers - with Mali and Burkina Faso having two in that same time and one attempted in Guinea-Bissau. The Sahel (border region of north and sub-Sharan Africa) has seen a rise in military coups and each of the successful coups have all followed an 'out with the French (former colonial power) and in with the Russians' policy.

In this 2 part Episode we sat down with Security and Geopolitics expert Fidel A. Owusu, CEO of DefSec AnalyticsAfrica - a Defence and Security Consultancy based in Accra, Ghana.

To assist please visit www.eyeonesudan.net

Since 15th April Sudan has been embroiled in a power struggle between two Generals. So far at least 700 people have been killed and hope for Sudan’s democracy after the ousting of longtime authoritarian leader Omar Al Bashir seems as bleak as ever.

The A4D team discusses this with Dr Nisirin Elamin, Assistant Professor in the Africa Programme at the University of Toronto.

Since 15th April Sudan has been embroiled in a power struggle between two Generals. So far at least 700 people have been killed and hope for Sudan’s democracy after the ousting of longtime authoritarian leader Omar Al Bashir seems as bleak as ever.

The A4D team discusses this with Dr Nisirin Elamin, Assistant Professor in the Africa Programme at the University of Toronto.

In recent weeks the south-eastern African countries of Mozambique and Malawi have been hit by the longest cyclone on record, Cyclone Freddy. This cyclone has seen over 400 people dead, many landslides and millions worth of damage. With cyclone Idai in 2017 and cyclone Kenneth in 2019 claiming thousands of lives and billions in damages the annual cyclone seasons are getting more and more devastating. Whats happening and whats being done to help ?

We discuss this with our special guest Alexina Phiri. Originally Malawian, she is an experienced lawyer, human rights activist and a UK diplomat with the FCDO (Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office ) who helped organise the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, UK.

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN - Ethan Tomas

On the 25 February Nigeria will be electing its 14th president. As incumbent Muhammadu Buhari's second and final four year term as president comes to close he is barred from having more than two terms. 18 people (1 woman) are vying  to succeed him at Aso Rock (presidential residence).

In this four-part episode we talk to Desmond Okumbor, a PhD candidate at Oxford University in Political Science and an SDG Research Fellow. Key topics we discus include the four-front runner candidates, the power of the youth vote, the state of the economy and in the last one we look at how this election could determine Nigeria's foreign policy.

IN THIS EPISODE

We discuss foreign policy in this episode.Nigeria's economy, population and miltary makes it a lynchpin of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). In this final Episode we briefly discuss where Nigeria's next leader might take Nigeria internationally.

We end by looking at Google Trends of front-runner candidates.    

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN- Ethan Tomas

On the 25 February Nigeria will be electing its 14th president. As incumbent Muhammadu Buhari's second and final four year term as president comes to close he is barred from having more than two terms. 18 people (1 woman) are vying  to succeed him at Aso Rock (presidential residence).

In this four-part episode we talk to Desmond Okumbor, a PhD candidate at Oxford University in Political Science and an SDG Research Fellow. Key topics we discus include the four-front runner candidates, the power of the youth vote, the state of the economy and in the last one we look at how this election could determine Nigeria's foreign policy.

IN THIS EPISODE 

We discuss the economy in this episode.With a $440 billion GDP Nigeria is Africa's largest economy. However in the last year Nigeria's GDP growth has reduced and a few weeks ago a botched attempt to redesign the currency has lead to a cash shortage and widespread protests. Cash is key as 57% of Nigeria is in the informal economy (e.g food marketeers). 

How will this affect the vote ?

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN- Ethan Tomas

On the 25 February Nigeria will be electing its 14th president. As incumbent Muhammadu Buhari's second and final four year term as president comes to close he is barred from having more than two terms. 18 people (1 woman) are vying  to succeed him at Aso Rock (presidential residence).

In this four-part episode we talk to Desmond Okumbor, a PhD candidate at Oxford University in Political Science and an SDG Research Fellow. Key topics we discus include the four-front runner candidates, the power of the youth vote, the state of the economy and in the last one we look at how this election could determine Nigeria's foreign policy.

IN THIS EPISODE

In this episode we discuss old leaders and young voters as well as ethnicity.With 70% of Nigerians being under 30 we ask why are all front runners over 60? We also discus how movements like #EndSARS could tell us how young people could be influencing the rise of Peter Obi. We also discuss ethnicity religion  and power rotation.  

Correct ages if presidential front-runners :

Atiku Abubakar's age is 76 and not 70 as stated. 

Bola Tinubu is 70. 

Peter Obi is 61. 

Rabiu Kwnakwaso is 66.

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN- Ethan Tomas

On the 25 February Nigeria will be electing its 14th president. As incumbent Muhammadu Buhari's second and final four year term as president comes to close he is barred from having more than two terms. 18 people (1 woman) are vying  to succeed him at Aso Rock (presidential residence).

In this four-part episode we talk to Desmond Okumbor, a PhD candidate at Oxford University in Political Science and an SDG Research Fellow. Key topics we discus include the four-front runner candidates, the power of the youth vote, the state of the economy and in the last one we look at how this election could determine Nigeria's foreign policy.

IN THIS EPISODE 

This episode will profile the four front-runners.With the largest population in Africa at 213 million and over 90 million registered voters this is a highly anticipated election and also a very unpredictable election as the two traditional parties face not one but two disrupter parties. Indeed, in addition to the rulling All Progressive Congress (APC) fielding Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Congress (PDP) fielding Atiku Abubakar the disruptors are the Labour Party led by Peter Obiand the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN Ethan Tomas 

In this episode we discuss the complexities of Africa's relationship with African Americans and the wider African ancestral diaspora. 

Our special guest is a young African American entrepreneur who at age 19 decided to pack up and move to Tanzania. Mark Victorian whose YouTube channel is ''Mark Meets Africa'has set up various business ventures in and around Dar Es Salaam. He is currently establishing a community centre for arriving diaspora Africans.

In this episode you'll find out why African Americans choose to move to Africa, the pros and cons to moving to Africa as a person of African decent as well as an unfiltered understanding of Pan-African challenges. 

Music: I AM AN AFRICAN - Ethan Tomas

(282) Mark Meets Africa - YouTube

Five years ago, this month the world's oldest president at age 94 was overthrown by his own military in a stage-managed coup after 37 years at the helm of power. This 2-part episode revisits the perceptions and realities of life during the controversial Zimbabwean president Robert Gabriel Mugabe's rule and what has happened since?

Was he a liberation hero or an intellectual tyrant? Was he an anglophile or a black nationalist?  We ask questions about the Gukurahundi massacre/genocide and the land reform programme.  Finally, we ask...is Zimbabwe better now 5 years since Mugabe?

This is all answered by our guest Dr Chipo Dendere. A Zimbabwean academic from Wellesley College in the US who has testified before US Congress on Zimbabwean Sanctions.

Also in the episode are ordinary Zimbabweans from diverse backgrounds sharing their perspective on Mugabe's Zimbabwe and the aftermath.

Music:

Gomba - Hope Masike

Cheuka - Victor Kunonga, Wilfred Mafrika Nyamasvisva

Zimababwe - Kintar Remix - SANDHAUS, KOBAIEN, Sound of Bam, Kintar

Five years ago, this month the world's oldest president at age 94 was overthrown by his own military in a stage-managed coup after 37 years at the helm of power. This 2-part episode revisits the perceptions and realities of life during the controversial Zimbabwean president Robert Gabriel Mugabe's rule and what has happened since?  

Was he a liberation hero or an intellectual tyrant? Was he an anglophile or a black nationalist?  We ask questions about the Gukurahundi massacre/genocide and the land reform programme.  Finally, we ask...is Zimbabwe better now 5 years since Mugabe? 

This is all answered by our guest Dr Chipo Dendere. A Zimbabwean academic from Wellesley College in the US who has testified before US Congress on Zimbabwean Sanctions. 

Also in the episode are ordinary Zimbabweans from diverse backgrounds sharing their perspective on Mugabe's Zimbabwe and the aftermath.

Music: 

Gomba - Hope Masike 

Cheuka - Victor Kunonga, Wilfred Mafrika Nyamasvisva

Zimababwe - Kintar Remix - SANDHAUS, KOBAIEN, Sound of Bam, Kintar  

Doing Business in Africa Special Season Ep 3

Meet Yebo Ngulube! A young upstart who along with a group of friends started his own construction firm at 23. Soon after finishing his degree in civil engineering, he went on to have several apprenticeships and eventually went on his own starting Urban Space Construction. With ambitions to be a industry disrupter by bringing tech to construction, his firm has featured on national TV in Zambia.   

In this episode we also talk about the pros and cons of building a house vs buying a house. Additionally, with homeownership rates in Africa being very low; South Africa- 35%, Kenya - 15% and Nigeria - 25% we also ask whether all Africans should really aspire to be homeowners.

Doing Business in Africa Special Season  Ep 2

In the second instalment of our African Aviation episode we take stock of aviation sector developments that could bring the cost of flying in Africa down. Here we explore Ethiopian airlines growing hubs across the continent and how it could reduce ticket prices and whether or not more airlines means cheaper tickets. We also ask why Africa lacks low cost carriers (LCC's)  and why flying is still a privilege. 

For those intrested in becoming a pilot, an air attendant or an aeronautical engineer listen up as we count the costs on what it will take to achieve this.

Join the A4D team as we answer these questions with an expert African aviation Puthego Mojapele, a familiar face on South African media on anything aviation, he also runs his own charter company from South Africa and beyond.

Doing Business in Africa Special Season  Ep 2

In the last 10 years African cities have seen a huge facelift in aviation infrustructure, with COVID 19 adversely impacting the sector is this all in vain? 

In this first instalment of our two part aviation episode we also ask : Why are new  terminals and new airports springing up across African cities and towns? Why are countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, Senegal and Uganda investing huge amounts in reviving their national airlines? 

Join the A4D team as we answer these questions with an expert African aviation Puthego Mojapele, a familiar face on South African media on anything aviation, he also runs his own charter company from South Africa and beyond. 

As people got news of Queen Elizabeth II's death on 9th of September 2022 a debate on how we should think about Africa's relationship with the British monarchy reignited. From cherishing the Queen's relationship with African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah  to holding her responsible for the British Empire atrocities this episode features diverse opinions on how Africans relate to the longest reigning British monarch ubiquitously referred to as 'the Queen'. 

Join the A4D team as we take a trip through identity, post-colonial complexities and how we must understand the British monarchy today with Dr Weston K Shilaho, Kenyan author of 'Political Power and Tribalism in Kenya'  who is a Senior Research Fellow at Institute for PanAfrican Thought and Conversation (IPATC) at the University of Johannesburg. 

Music: Jamestown Joint by Ethan Tomas

What does it mean to be an African today? Is race a qualifier, birth, culture, history etc?

How do Gen Z Africans define themselves and how do they relate to Africa's contrasting depictions in popular movies like Black Panther to negative media stereotypes of famine and war.

Join the A4D team with our special guest Yunia from Wanderings & Musing as we answer and discuss these cultural topics with a touch of history and statistics.

The poem in this episode is an excerpt from a speech by former South African President Thabo Mbeki to the South African parliament on the passing of South Africa's new constitution on 8th May 1996. The first comprehensive post-Apartheid constitution.

Feel free to leave a comment to let us know what you want to see more of!

What does it mean to be an African today? Is race a qualifier, birth, culture, history etc? 

How do Gen Z Africans define themselves and how do they relate to Africa's contrasting depictions in popular movies like Black Panther to negative media stereotypes of famine and war. 

Join the A4D team with our special guest Yunia from Wanderings & Musing as we answer and discuss these cultural topics with a touch of history and statistics. 

The poem in this episode is an excerpt from a speech by former South African President Thabo Mbeki to the South African parliament on the passing of South Africa's new constitution on 8th May 1996. The first comprehensive post-Apartheid constitution.  

Feel free to leave a comment to let us know what you want to see more of!

In this episode the A4D team explain the recent events in the eastern  provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and ask why it always seems to fall back into conflict and whats being done to fix it. 

In the recent months there has been a resurgence of armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At least 90 people died due to armed conflict in May according to the Kivu Security Tracker. Additionally, 3 UN peacekeepers were among dozens killed in late July amid protests against the UN peacekeeping force in the region. 

There are hundreds of armed groups in this region but the M23 armed group has seen the biggest gains in a decade and has caused a huge diplomatic spat between the  DRC and neighbouring Rwanda. 

Each side is accusing each other of supporting an ethnic based rebel group and so far two African peace processes are in operation but will there actually be peace ? 

Kivu Security Tracker | Crisis Mapping in Eastern Congo

Music: Migrant des rêves - Fally Ipupa ft. Youssou N'Dour

After a short hiatus, we are back!

On the 9th of August Kenyans will select their Governors, legislative decision-makers and the next President and Vice-President. 

The next president of east Africa's largest economy will either be the son of it's first vice president, the veteran politician- Raila Odinga (age 77) or its current Deputy President William Ruto (age 55) who styles himself as a 'hustler' due to his lack of being in a political dynasty. 

Expert Guest: Sylvanus Wekesa (PhD) a researcher at King's College London's(KCL) Africa Leadership Centre (ALC). 

We discuss the who's who in this election and how it impact's the pressing issues from youth disinterest in the election, Kenya's corruption problem, rising cost of living to its foreign policy in relation to Ukraine, Congo and Chinese debt. 

Music: Twende Twende by Eric Wainaina ft Oliver Mtukudzi 

Everyone has heard about China in Africa but what happens when African countries recognise Taiwan? Does China care? In fact why should Africans care ? 

Taiwan has been losing friends in Africa but the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) not only recognises them but also lobbies for their recognition in the United Nations. Find out why this is the case and how many other African countries deal with the well known China-Africa relations when it comes to Taiwan. 

Join the hosts Zenge and Nathan with Zeng-Ee (Darill) Liew, a Malaysian PhD candidate at Surrey University who specialises in East Asian international relations. As an avid scholar he has also featured in the Journal of Global Faultlines. 

Music: Gambia by Sona Jobarteh 

Doing Business in Africa Special Season  Ep 1

In this new season the A4D team brings you various guests across Africa’s business sector to share insight on what it’s like to do business in Africa. 

In this episode, we speak to the Managing Director of Blacksmith Capital Zambia, Mujo Simakoloyi as we bust some myths about youth entrepreneurship and the ‘hustle culture’.

Song: Tondo - Disclosure 

What exactly is Metaverse, is there money to be made and what’s in it for Africa? 

Find out in this episode with Sultan Quadri, a Lagos based tech analyst and journalist who is the Editor-in-Chief of fact-checking outlet People’s Check. His work on young people and Africa’s tech start-ups have appeared in media platforms including Stears Business, Quartz Africa as well as The Guardian Nigeria among others.

Music : Water No Get Enemy - Violaaa, Pat Kalla

Find out as the A4D Team talks to our special guest Dr Awol Allo, senior lecturer in International Law at Keele University and contributor to Al Jazeera. 

Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region has been at the centre of a conflict with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government since 2020.

Although the Tigray forces (Tigray Liberation People’s  Forces - TPLF) were seen to be on the verge of taking Addis Ababa, Abiy Ahmed on 28 November 2021 announced victory over Tigray.

[The views expressed in this episode belong to the guest and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Africa 4 Dummies ]

Song : የኔ አለም - Yene Alem by YONZIMA

"Travel apartheid", "vaccine apartheid" and "Omicron". Ever wondered what this was all about? Join the A4D team in this episode as we discuss the implications of Covid politics and its narratives as the world reacted to the Omicron variant and just what exactly this means for Africa.

Song: Sponono  - Kabza De Small, Wiz Kid, Burna Boy Casper Nyovest, Madumane 

Audio Sources:

BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfwoROrBiVE&t=3s

Al Jazeera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3LSzVtDfL4&t=5s

CGTN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrWY1Nw7gQg&t=24s

CNN Fareed Zakaria GPS: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3z1LYhfMy6hnxwH0UdFISF?si=4628bd54ab8e4d4b

France 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jL_-eSy7JE&t=23s

Bloomberg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOsg-N4IImI

Global Justice Now:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e97XFM2WmQ0&t=133s

Many more African young people are trying their luck at getting rich in gambling, but at what cost? Speaking to a Global Health researcher and expert from the University of Manchester, Mr Byron K Y Bitanihirwe the A4D team discuss the side effects, causes and solutions on Africa’s youths in gambling.
ALSO INSIDE: A short interview with a Ugandan in his 20s (name withheld) reflecting on his gambling experiences.

Song: Good Morning Riddim - Sarz

Over 100 years ago in what is now Namibia, a genocide saw 80% of the Herero and 50% of the Nama ethnic populations killed by German colonialists. 

Often known as Germany’s first Holocaust, the Africa 4 Dummies team talks to Prof Henning Melber from the Nordic-Africa Institute and member of SWAPO (Namibia’s ruling party) on how Germany and Namibia are dealing with their past and why youths should care about it.

Music: Ras Sheehama - Shohela Oshaile Shaya

Asking an expert

Everyone has heard of the IMF,  but what exactly is it and why should Africans care about it? The Africa 4 Dummies Team discusses these and other issues like Special Drawing Rights (SDR) with International Development and Financial Law expert  Professor Daniel Bradlow from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Prof Daniel Bradlow's article:

How Africa can seize the moment and start resetting its relationship with the IMF (theconversation.com)

To learn more about how citizens can participate in financial accountability in these banks check out the links below :

The IMF at a Glance

Special Drawing Rights (imf.org)

Frequently asked questions | African Development Bank - Building today, a better Africa tomorrow (afdb.org)

Accountability Mechanisms

independentaccountabilitymechanism.net

Other Independent Accountability Mechanisms | African Development Bank - Building today, a better Africa tomorrow (afdb.org)

Song: Point and Kill by Little Simz & Obongjayar

In this episode Nathan and Zenge discuss Nathan’s paper on how agricultural industries in Europe and South Africa create a “dangerous, degrading and dirty“ environment for  African migrants seeking greener pastures.

[Disclaimer]

To avoid any contradiction this is episode 8 and not episode 3 as might have been stated in this podcast. 

Song: Harare by  Bongo Maffin 

Amidst the debate over debt sustainability, the rising cost of living and concerns over political violence as well as an ever-present pandemic,  the southern African country of Zambia heads to the polls on the 12th August 2021. 

Instead of talking to experts, this time the Africa 4 Dummies Team decided to talk to ordinary Zambians about their views ahead of this General Election.

Co-produced by Claude Hang-Belemu

Song: Jay Rox- Area 

When democracy does not bring prosperity.

About 10 years ago the Arab Spring occurred, which saw long-term authoritarian leaders in North Africa and the Middle East ousted from power,  starting with President Ben Ali of Tunisia in 2011. Since then Tunisia has been largely seen as the most successful country in its transition into democracy. However, after  President Kais Saied abruptly sacked the Prime Minister and dissolved Parliament last week the Africa 4 Dummies Team asks if this democratic success story is a myth?

This is explained by our special guest Abdullah Al-Wandawi, an International Relations graduate and former  intern of the Middle East Eye  media organization.

Music: Ya Lili by Balti

Speaking to Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh (author, Oxford scholar, activist and rapper) hosts Zenge and Nathan discuss his new book ‘The New Apartheid’, Jacob Zuma and much more.

Find out more about Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh here: https://sizwempofuwalsh.com/

Music: Beautiful People by Chike 

Africa’s Black Market: Covid19 Vaccines 

As most of Africa goes through its third wave of the Covid19 pandemic, senior researchers Richard Chelin (Institute of Security Studies Africa ) and Dr Craig Moffat (Good Governance in Africa organisation) speak to the Africa 4 Dummies team about the flourishing black market for Covid19 Vaccines.

Link to article: https://issafrica.org/iss-today/fake-covid-19-vaccines-seized-in-sa-just-the-start-for-africa

Link for WHO facts on Vaccination: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines

Song: Sazile by Kato Change, Winyo and Suraj 

Disclaimer. The Africa 4 Dummies team does not intend to contradict any authority local or international in any jurisdiction on any matters concerning the Coronavirus 19 Vaccination programs. Any further medical information must be found on the World Health Organisations platforms.

Recently South Africa has seen civil unrest after the sentencing and jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. In this episode hosts Zenge and Nathan and a special guest Nishka Pillay (a politics grad ) from South Africa discuss and analyse the recent events.

Co-produced by Mwiza N

Music : Bongeziwe Mabandla - Ndokulandela

Join hosts Zenge and Nathan as they discuss what being black means inside and outside Africa with 3 guests (Lory, Mwiza and Fatouma ) from diverse African backgrounds.

Music: Fatoumata Diawara

Ft a quote from Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche (France 24 interview)

Much has been said about the New Scramble for Africa but what's Africa actually doing about it?