Best Subsaharan Podcasts (2025)

1
Rethinking South-North cooperation across the Atlantic in a shifting global economy 31:12

7d ago31:12

31:12

Host Landry Signé and Dr. Karim El Aynaoui, executive president of the Policy Center for the New South, discuss the rapid shift toward transactional relationships between countries in the South and North that may prove difficult for less stable countries in the New South to navigate. Macroeconomic stability and independent monetary policy are funda…

1
Why do some African countries perform better for their citizens than others? 27:25

21d ago27:25

27:25

Foresight Africa host Landry Signé discusses the findings of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s newest governance index with Nathalie Delapalme, the Foundation’s CEO. Countries that have continued to make progress, she says, have done so by putting equal emphasis on all four dimensions of governance: human development, sustainable economic opportunity, se…

1
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a game changer for both African and global economies 22:52

1M ago22:52

22:52

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) provides a blueprint for the continent to overcome development challenges through intra-African trade that is economically and environmentally sustainable. On this episode of Foresight Africa, host Landry Signé talks with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, who shares his vision of how the wo…

1
Nobel laureate in economics explains why African societies are ready for rapid economic development 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

Foresight Africa podcast host Landry Signé speaks with James Robinson, 2024 Nobel Laureate in economics and University Professor at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, about the critical importance of societal institutions in driving economic prosperity in Africa and the imperative of homegrown solutions in unlocking the con…

1
National Geographic Explorers discuss African filmmakers’ role in conservation, economic development, and storytelling for Africa 46:09

2M ago46:09

46:09

Landry Signé speaks with National Geographic Explorers Noel Kok and Pragna Parsotam-Kok about their work to create a network of African conservation filmmakers to highlight African voices and engage African audiences. Kok and Parsotam-Kok are co-founders and executive directors of Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers (NEWF). Show notes and tra…

1
New AGI Director Pierre Nguimkeu calls for a true African perspective in research and policy advice about Africa 17:57

3M ago17:57

17:57

In episode one of the fourth season of Foresight Africa podcast, host Landry Signe talks with the new director of the Africa Growth Initiative, Pierre Nguimkeu, who talks about his research priorities for AGI in the coming year. Show notes and transcript Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen on Appl…

1
Introducing Season 4 of Foresight Africa podcast 3:31

3M ago3:31

3:31

With 2030 on the horizon—the looming deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals, now is a critical time to assess the progress, gaps, and road ahead for the top policy and development priorities for Africa, U.S.-Africa relations, and the continent’s broader global partnerships. In season four of Foresight Africa podcast, host Landry Signé, seni…

1
Advancing tech, innovation, and AI governance in Africa 29:15

6M ago29:15

29:15

Rwanda has made impressive progress in driving inclusive digitalization across its economy. By harnessing data-driven insights, the country has empowered evidence-based policymaking, fostered innovation, and catalyzed digital transformation of Rwandan society. In this episode, host Landry Signé speaks with Crystal Rugege, managing director of Rwand…

1
The promise of free trade and integration across Africa’s nations 40:37

7M ago40:37

40:37

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create one market across the 55 countries of the African Union, promising free movement of goods, services, investment, people, and cooperation. In this episode, host Landry Signé speaks with Francis Mangeni and Andrew Mold, both experts on African trade and regional integration, about the st…

1
Why the climate crisis is a generational opportunity for Africa 31:22

7M ago31:22

31:22

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the continent of Africa faces, but with severe challenges come generational opportunities. In this episode, host Landry Signé interviews Vera Songwe, chair of the board of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and a Brookings Africa Growth Initiative nonresident senior fellow, about those opportun…

1
Angola’s innovative approach to managing debt distress 30:48

8M ago30:48

30:48

Angola has faced waves of economic uncertainty over the last decade—from oil price shocks in 2014 and 2023 to the spillover effects’ of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, Angola is determined to manage the ramifications to its economy. Host Landry Signé is joined by Angola's minister of finance, Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves de Sousa, to discuss…

1
What’s on the World Economic Forum’s agenda for Africa? 20:31

8M ago20:31

20:31

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Free Continental Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) are two examples of landmark efforts to positively transform the continent. Host Landry Signé is joined by Chido Munyati, the head of Africa at the World Economic Forum, to discuss how the program is supporting these unprecedented initiatives. Munyati shares t…

1
Addressing public procurement barriers will empower women-owned businesses in Africa 26:56

9M ago26:56

26:56

Public procurement is the system of laws and operational arrangements that allows the public sector, including the government, to purchase goods and services, with the aim to maximize social welfare and do public good. However, many African countries fail to address legal and social impediments women-owned businesses face when trying to participate…

1
Shifting the narrative on AI in Africa 24:30

9M ago24:30

24:30

Artificial intelligence’s acceleration has increased the need for data regulation and privacy protections globally. Chinasa Okolo joins host Landry Signé to discuss AI’s impact on the African continent and the continent’s current policy landscape. Okolo explains why a lack of policy and privacy protection is harmful, and how to design an inclusive …

1
A fairer credit rating system for African countries could save billions 44:17

10M ago44:17

44:17

Subjectivity and bias in credit ratings cost African countries up to $24 billion in interest and over $46 billion in foregone lending. On this episode, host Landry Signé is joined by Raymond Gilpin and Daouda Sembene to discuss their 2024 Foresight Africa piece “Making Africa’s credit ratings more objective.” Gilpin and Sembene discuss the reasons …

1
Expanding digital entrepreneurship in Africa 30:36

10M ago30:36

30:36

Africa has a growing problem: a large population of youth and working-age people with limited employment opportunities. She Leads Africa co-founder Afua Osei joins host Landry Signé to discuss the role entrepreneurs play in closing that gap. Highlighting the importance of technological access, the Africa diaspora and the outsourcing of digital tale…

1
African policymakers have the tools to make Africa globally competitive 30:09

11M ago30:09

30:09

Policymakers have the tools to make Africa globally competitive as a continent. With an increasingly young and underemployed population, there is a large gap between the continent’s current stasis and its potential for economic growth. Landry Signé is joined by Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, to discuss how proper investment…

1
New trends in Africa-Asia economic relations 30:59

11M ago30:59

30:59

Africa’s relationship with Asia has changed dramatically over the last few decades. From little economic integration in the early 1990s to the strong trade partnerships seen today, the regions are now strongly intertwined. The continents also face similar economic and development challenges and share colonial histories and cultural values. Host Lan…

1
Measuring African perspectives on democracy and governance 38:49

12M ago38:49

38:49

Africa experienced a wave of democratic unrest from 2020-23, with seven countries—Mali, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon—falling to military coups during this time. Why? Host Landry Signé and his guest Joseph Asunka. CEO of Afrobarometer, a pan-African survey research network, discuss Africans’ views on democracy and governance, …

1
What African countries risk if they don’t accelerate their digital transformation 33:37

12M ago33:37

33:37

African countries lag behind G20 nations in their digital infrastructure and risk falling behind in their economic development and exacerbating existing inequalities. Host Landry Signé and his guest Haroon Bhorat of Cape Town University—co-authors of new research on how to foster an inclusive digital economy in Africa—discuss the indicators of digi…

1
Africa’s opportunities for change and transformation 32:55

12M ago32:55

32:55

Aloysius Uche Ordu, director of the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) at Brookings, and Landry Signé, AGI senior fellow, discuss the vulnerabilities and opportunities facing nations on the African continent. From climate change to political instability, positive economic growth to increasing life expectancy, Ordu and Signé offer their perspectives on …

1
Conserving biodiversity from Angola’s water tower to Botswana’s Okavango Delta 42:51

1+ y ago42:51

42:51

Kerllen Costa, Angola country director of National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, tells the story of the flora and fauna of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, fed by rivers that cross international boundaries and originate in the “water tower” highlands of Angola. Costa explains how important a relationship with local people in the region is key…

1
Is gold mining part of the solution to climate change? 40:29

1+ y ago40:29

40:29

John Mulligan, climate change lead at the World Gold Council, talks with host Aloysius Ordu about the Council’s role in global gold markets, changes in those markets, and how gold mining can be part of the solution to climate change. Mulligan also looks ahead to the next global climate conference, COP28 in Dubai. Show notes and transcript Foresight…

1
Africa’s food security challenge 39:00

1+ y ago39:00

39:00

Danielle Resnick, a David M. Rubenstein Fellow at Brookings, discusses her research on food security challenges in Africa. She notes the compounding global and regional crises that have worsened the food security situation, but also describes the creative ways that some African governments are addressing the problem. “Food system transformation, Re…

1
How unequal health outcomes challenge economic growth in Africa 46:58

2y ago46:58

46:58

Belinda Archibong, a David M. Rubenstein Fellow at Brookings and professor at Barnard College, talks with host Aloysius Ordu about mental health and other health challenges facing youth in Africa. She explores the nexus between health and economic issues like productivity and growth, and shares her research on using technology to help address these…

1
Liberia’s agriculture minister on her vision for farming and food in Liberia 45:42

2y ago45:42

45:42

Jeanine Cooper, minister of agriculture for the Republic of Liberia, shares her transformative vision for agriculture in her country, one that is green, regenerative, appealing to youth, and promotes local consumption. A rice farmer herself, Minister Cooper also talks about the importance of that crop, and how Liberian agriculture is responding to …

1
A Nigerian entrepreneur shares her story of innovation and transformative leadership 40:34

2y ago40:34

40:34

Ada Osakwe, a Nigerian innovator and business leader, talks about her role as an innovative entrepreneur and transformative investor. Osakwe founded the Nuli Juice Company and Agrolay Ventures, and was named Forbes Woman Africa businesswoman of the year in 2021. Addressing the gender gap in boardrooms, Osakwe says that “women leaders must support o…

1
The world must deliver more climate finance for Africa 46:28

2y ago46:28

46:28

Bogolo Kenewendo, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions’ special advisor, Africa director, and former minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry of Botswana, discusses the African perspective on climate action, biodiversity, climate finance, and gender-responsive solutions. She emphasizes the need for adaptation and resilience in the agricult…

1
Learning from the people of Nairobi’s Mukuru slum 48:38

2y ago48:38

48:38

Angela Pashayan, professor and political scientist at American University, shares her experiences working with the Mukuru slum community in Kenya and the socioeconomic challenges the residents face. Dr. Pashayan highlights the importance of urban agriculture within the community, discusses the effects of climate change in urban slums, and notes pol…

1
How Sierra Leone is getting more girls into STEM 37:15

2y ago37:15

37:15

David Moinina Sengeh, minister of basic and senior secondary education and chief innovation officer in Sierra Leone, urges other African policymakers to invest in education, and offers insight on how AI can be leveraged for educational improvement. Minister Sengeh also talks about his new book, Radical Inclusion, and his music as a way to connect w…

1
Risks and opportunities of STEM education in Africa 35:23

2y ago35:23

35:23

In this episode of Foresight Africa podcast, Ruth Kagia, senior fellow at Results for Development and former country director for Southern Africa at the World Bank, discusses the risks and opportunities of STEM education in Africa. She explains ways that young girls and women can enter STEM-related fields and more broadly how to address “learning p…

1
How remittances and philanthropy meet development challenges in Africa 38:43

2y ago38:43

38:43

Una Osili, associate dean for research and international programs and Efroymson Chair in Philanthropy at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, explains the role that remittances and philanthropy play in meeting development challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The African continent, she says, has “a rich history of philanthropy,” an…

1
Was Nigeria’s presidential election fair? 31:56

2y ago31:56

31:56

Kasirim Nwuke, managing partner at Mirisak & Associates and former chief, green economy, technologies and innovation at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, examines Nigeria’s presidential election results, in which Bola Tinubu was declared the winner, and where challenges from contenders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar continue in Nigeria’s courts.…

1
In Uganda, opening political, economic, and social doors for women and girls 32:32

2y ago32:32

32:32

In this episode of Foresight Africa podcast, Winnie Kiiza, a Ugandan teacher and politician who served as leader of the opposition in Uganda’s Parliament, shares her story of growing up in a political family, entering politics herself, and advocating for policies that will open political, social, and economic opportunities for women and girls in Ug…

1
Africa’s global opportunity in rare earth elements 35:02

2y ago35:02

35:02

Gracelin Baskaran, a World Bank consultant and Bye-Fellow at Cambridge, discusses Africa’s rich natural resources, especially rare earth elements, and offers recommendations for how Africa’s nations can leverage these assets for the benefit of the continent. She also addresses South Africa’s economy and how climate change affects economic growth an…

1
A successful election in Nigeria would send a powerful message 30:03

2y ago30:03

30:03

Joseph Siegle, director of research at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, joins host Aloysius Uche Ordu for a conversation on Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election, on February 25, and other elections in Africa this year. Dr. Siegle explains the importance of Nigeria’s election, including the key role youths and civil society organizations…

1
Sudanese women advancing justice and equality since the 1920s 37:26

2y ago37:26

37:26

Rogaia Abusharaf, a professor of anthropology at Georgetown University Qatar, talks with host Aloysius Ordu about the leading role Sudanese women have played in movements for peace and justice from the early 1920s to the recent Sudanese revolution (2018-19). Dr. Abusharaf also describes her research on African migrations and the Intersectionality o…

1
Dispatches from Africa’s COP: Malagasy youth on Madagascar’s beauty and the climate risks it faces 46:29

2+ y ago46:29

46:29

Fenitra Jérémiah and Anja Radoharinirina, who both work for SAF/FJKM, an NGO in Madagascar, describe the incredible beauty of their country and the help they are providing to the communities most affected by climate change. Jérémiah and Radoharinirina share their positive impressions of the youth networking opportunities at COP27 and encourage more…

1
Dispatches from Africa’s COP: Ghanaian youth are joining climate action for survival 46:49

2+ y ago46:49

46:49

Nadia Owusu, convenor at the Local Conference of Youth Ghana, and MaryJane Enchill, deputy chief executive officer/head of communication at HATOF Foundation, share their takeaways from COP27, naming climate fund mobilization as a crucial outcome. Both climate activists discuss their work on climate justice and educating their communities on the imp…

1
Dispatches from Africa’s COP: Seychelles youth opt for climate capacity building 24:51

2+ y ago24:51

24:51

Victoria Alis, president of Oceans Project Seychelles, discusses vulnerabilities faced by ocean ecosystems in the Seychelles and measures some local NGOs in her town put in place in preparation for COP27. Alis lists local climate-related capacity building and mobilization of local youths as priorities for mitigation and adaptation of ocean health i…

1
Dispatches from Africa’s COP: Kenyan youths on the frontlines of climate adaptation 39:57

2+ y ago39:57

39:57

Beverly Musili, policy analyst at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, and Tomas Hurdsone, CEO of Youth Green Space Action, discuss the outcomes of this year's COP. Both view resolutions on loss and damage as a positive outcome, as well as the solidarity displayed by African youth. Looking ahead however, they highlight the n…

1
The future of podcasting in Africa 41:57

2+ y ago41:57

41:57

Josephine Karianjahi, co-founder and co-director of Africa Podfest, discusses the findings from her organization’s report on the present and future of audio storytelling in Africa. Among the report’s findings she discusses are the rising demand for podcasts by African youths in urban areas, the barrier to access due to the high cost of data, and th…

1
Making the future of African STEM female 50:19

2+ y ago50:19

50:19

Education experts Adefunke Ekine and Ayotola Aremu discuss the systemic biases African girls face that discourage them from pursuing an education in STEM and share strategies for increasing female enrollment in those topics, including embedding STEM in games, and exposing young girls to female role models, mentors, and teachers. Show notes and tran…

1
The role of regional economic communities in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area 43:34

2+ y ago43:34

43:34

In a discussion with Aloysius Uche Ordu, Andrew Mold, chief of regional integration for Eastern Africa at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, explores aspects of the continent’s economic integration agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that low estimates of intra-African trade can be misleading and e…

1
African Youth Survey reveals sustained optimism and shifting priorities 40:10

3y ago40:10

40:10

Industrialist and philanthropist Ivor Ichikowitz shares findings from the Ichikowitz Family Foundation’s “African Youth Survey 2022,” including the immense optimism of the region’s youth, a marked shift in perceptions of foreign partners, and increased concern over the impacts of climate change. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3RyRerS F…

1
Pursuing an education "Against All Odds" 44:48

3y ago44:48

44:48

Author and activist Betty Ogiel Rubanga joins host Aloysius Uche Ordu for a conversation on dreams, hope, hard work, learning, authentic leadership, poverty, and survival. She is the author of the memoir, Against All Odds: A memoir of Resilience, Determination and Luck Amidst Hardship for an African Girl Child in Her Passionate Pursuit for Educatio…

1
Re-approaching Africa’s economic integration agenda 44:57

3y ago44:57

44:57

Julius Kiiza, professor of political economy of development at Uganda’s Makerere University, discusses Africa’s regional integration efforts as well as the integral role of women and technology in the success of the endeavor. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3QCf715 Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subsc…

1
Young Ugandan climate activists on their work and vision 38:47

3y ago38:47

38:47

Two young Ugandan climate activists discuss their work on meeting the challenges of climate change in their country, their region, and continent-wide. Hilda Flavia Nakabuye, founder of Fridays for Future Uganda, and Morris Nyombi, CEO of Earth Volunteers, share why they became climate activists, explain the projects they lead, and discuss their mes…

1
What’s next for U.S.-Africa relations under the Biden administration? 40:27

3y ago40:27

40:27

Witney Schneidman, a Brookings Africa Growth Initiative nonresident fellow, assesses U.S.-Africa relations under the Biden administration, discusses how the next version of the African Growth and Opportunity Act might better support U.S.-Africa trade, and offers recommendations for enhancing U.S. trade and investment in the region. Show notes and t…

1
The resilience of African nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic 44:43

3y ago44:43

44:43

Despite the challenges facing Africa’s health systems, the region has been able to weather the COVID-19 pandemic comparatively well, largely due to its youthful population and its dedicated medical staff. Winnifred Groves, a Cameroonian/British registered nurse dedicated to the training and professional development of nurses, shares the experiences…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Subsaharan Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen