Best Cocoa Disaster Podcasts (2025)

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Can Africa reverse the trend of No Contest Elections? 14:53

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5h ago14:53

14:53

Election wins for incumbents in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, where key opposition figures were banned from standing, have raised warnings over the state of democracy in a number of African nations. One academic has warned of the rise of ‘democratic dictators’ which could create fertile ground for coups. On this week’s episode, senior reporter Yinka Ib…

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What DeepSeek’s Competitive Edge in Africa Means for the AI Race 18:29

9d ago18:29

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Chinese tech companies Huawei and DeepSeek are teaming up to offer cloud computing and AI services. And they’re pitching African startups on using their offerings over their Western competitors like OpenAI in a bid to get an early foothold in the African tech scene. In a special episode from Bloomberg’s Big Take and Next Africa podcasts, reporters …

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Replay: How To Stop Africa's Brain Drain 14:23

14d ago14:23

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We wanted to bring you one of our favorite episodes from the last few months. Each year, up to 12 million young Africans enter the workforce, but only about three million formal jobs are available. So many Nigerians have left Africa's most populous country in recent years, the Yoruba term "japa" -- or escape -- has become shorthand for young people…

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How Africa Is Cashing In On Booming Gold Prices 14:37

22d ago14:37

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A spectacular gold-market boom is spurring a push by African nations — where the ground is rich in the precious metal — to extract more revenue. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s precious metals reporter Jack Ryan and our Africa Mining and Metals correspondent William Clowes join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what’s behind the rising gold price, …

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Why Nigeria and South Africa Could Leave the ‘Dirty Money’ List 16:12

29d ago16:12

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South Africa and Nigeria are poised to exit a global financial watchdog’s “gray list” as soon as this month, marking a change in fortune for two of the continent’s biggest economies. On this week’s Next Africa podcast, Bloomberg’s Africa Economics and Government Editor Monique Vanek and reporter Ben Bartenstein join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain ho…

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Why China Is Winning Over Africa 15:21

1M ago15:21

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In parts of Africa, public opinion on China is more favorable than in many other regions, according to an Asia Society survey released this month. That enthusiasm contrasts sharply with Beijing’s standing in the West and some of Asia, where views have soured dramatically. In this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Asia columnist Karishma Vaswani and Afric…

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Why Ethiopia’s Giant Dam has Left Egypt and Sudan Angry 14:51

2M ago14:51

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Ethiopia has inaugurated Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam, a colossal feat of engineering that could power homes and industries across East Africa. But the dam is also deepening a years-long dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the flow of the Nile. On this week’s episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer is joined by Bloomberg’s Ethiopia Reporte…

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Can Botswana Survive the Lab-Grown Diamond Boom? 15:17

2M ago15:17

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Botswana became one of the richest countries in Africa because it's the world's biggest producer of diamonds by value -- but with lab-grown gems soaring in popularity, the sparsely-populated desert nation is facing a social and economic existential crisis President Boko has pledged to diversify the economy away from its over-reliance on a single re…

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Can Africa’s Music Festivals Compete On The World Stage? 13:40

2M ago13:40

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It’s the summer festival season, and while Europe and North America are seeing declining sales and smaller tours - Africa’s festival scene is on an upward trend. Eswatini’s Bushfire Festival, and Tanzania’s Sauti Za Busara are growing, bringing jobs, tourism and support for Africa’s music industry. On this week’s episode, Tiwa Adebayo speaks to Map…

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Oil Workers Recount Yearslong Detention in Equatorial Guinea 17:11

2M ago17:11

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Two South African oil workers who had been detained in Equatorial Guinea prisons for two years have spoken to Bloomberg about their ordeal. Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter were arrested on drug-trafficking charges and detained in short order in February 2023, days after a South African court ordered the seizure of a yacht linked to Equatorial Guine…

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Why Africa’s Ultra Luxury Hotels Are Booming 14:24

3M ago14:24

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A private island off the coast of Tanzania, where guests pay around $50,000 a night for an exclusive-use villa, catamaran and helicopter transfers within a protected marine reserve is the latest frontier in Africa’s booming luxury hospitality market. Bloomberg’s Prinesha Naidoo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what's behind the boom in ultra lux…

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What's Driving The Protests Over The Ivory Coast Presidential Election? 14:39

3M ago14:39

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Opposition parties are protesting in Abidjan after court rulings blocked key opposition figures from standing in October’s presidential election. The decisions paved the way for 83 year-old President Alassane Ouattara to seek a controversial fourth term. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Abidjan-based reporter Kamailoudini Tagba joins Jennifer Za…

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Could President Trump Recognise Somaliland’s Independence? 15:50

3M ago15:50

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Somaliland, which proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991, is willing to offer the US a military base at the entrance to the Red Sea and critical-minerals deals in its quest for international recognition as a sovereign state. On this week’s episode - Bloomberg’s Simon Marks joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain the history behind Somaliland and …

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Why African Banks Are Playing Hardball On Debt 16:23

3M ago16:23

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African development banks are locked in a dispute with African nations like Ghana and Zambia over deals to restructure their debts. As the countries finalize debt relief agreements with foreign lenders under the G20’s Common Framework, banks like Afreximbank and TDB are pushing back against deals forcing them to take losses saying it puts the futur…

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Have US Tariffs Thwarted South Africa’s G20 Presidency? 14:37

4M ago14:37

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G20 finance ministers met in Zimbali in South Africa this week, but even with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping the event - Donald Trump's trade policy dominated discussions at the expense of President Ramphosa’s agenda. In this episode Jennifer Zabasajja speaks to South Africa Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago about the impact of t…

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Can West Africa Capitalize On The Growing Demand For Coffee 13:30

4M ago13:30

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Demand for coffee is growing globally - but despite much of it being grown on the continent, very little is roasted locally to be sold and drunk there. West African Entrepreneur Hadi Beydoun wants to change that. In this week’s special episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja heads to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to meet Hadi, the found…

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Will The US End The War Between Congo and Rwanda? 15:54

4M ago15:54

15:54

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to bring an end to conflict in eastern Congo, where millions of people have died and multitudes have been displaced over the past three decades. But fighting continues and scores of armed groups continue to control parts of the region. In this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Congo reporter Michael…

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How US Aid Cuts Has Left The Fight Against HIV In Crisis 14:37

4M ago14:37

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Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, has told Bloomberg that US cuts to foreign aid have left the global fight against HIV in crisis. Bloomberg healthcare reporter Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what the reality is on the ground for HIV treatment in Africa, a continent that i…

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Why Kenyans Are Back on the Streets: Protests, Corruption, and a Crisis of Trust 13:34

4M ago13:34

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A year since deadly protests against the Kenyan government saw more than 60 people killed, Kenyans are again taking to the streets to protest police brutality. These protests, triggered by the death of a kenyan activist in police custody, come as the IMF arrive in the country to assess Kenya's attempts to tackle corruption. On this week’s episode E…

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A US Tax With Big Consequences For Africa 14:38

5M ago14:38

14:38

US President Donald Trump is proposing a 3.5% tax on remittances by non-citizens as part of the Republican tax bill currently working through the Senate. On today’s episode of the Next Africa podcast we look at why this proposal could have major repercussions for African economies, particularly Nigeria, one of the world’s biggest recipients of remi…

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The Billion-Dollar Potential of African Sport in the Diaspora 13:52

5M ago13:52

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The return of the Unity Cup after 21 years electrified London’s Brentford Stadium, drawing record crowds and reigniting diasporan pride. With planning already underway for the 2026 edition, the tournament is more than just a celebration of African football. It’s emerging as a catalyst for global connection and economic opportunity. This week, host …

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The Inside Story Of Ramaphosa's Encounter with Trump 16:51

5M ago16:51

16:51

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Washington last week to ease tensions amid a barrage of criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spread false claims that there’s a genocide against White people in Africa’s most industrialized economy. Ramaphosa was intent on focusing on trade relations — the US is the country’s seco…

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Africa Takes Centre Stage at The Qatar Economic Forum 17:10

5M ago17:10

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The future of Africa's economic progress, security and stability has been a key topic at this year's Qatar Economic Forum , an event powered by Bloomberg. How can the continent assert itself on global stage and superchage growth against an uncertain backdrop? On this week's episode Jennifer Zabasajja brings you the best of this year's discussions f…

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Nigerian Investors Bet On Nollywood For Blockbuster Returns 14:12

6M ago14:12

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Nollywood is bringing a touch of West Africa to the Cannes Film Festival. My Father’s Shadow is making history as the first Nigerian Film to be an Official Selection at the Festival - showing the rising prominence of Nollywood on the world stage. And investors are starting to take notice. On today’s episode, Jennifer Zabasajja talks to our Nigeria …

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Why Sudan Blames The UAE For Port Sudan Drone Strikes 12:14

6M ago12:14

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Armed drones struck the airport and harbor in Sudan’s main coastal city Port Sudan, escalating a deadly conflict between the North African nation’s army and the Rapid Support Forces militia. Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF and has cut off diplomatic ties and withdrawn its ambassador. The UAE firmly denies any involvement. On this ep…

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Is Russia Recruiting Young African Women To Make Drones? 13:24

6M ago13:24

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With influencer ads and high-profile marketing campaigns, Russia’s global outreach program is operating across Africa, offering young women work-study opportunities in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Fliers and promotional materials for the program feature images of smiling young African women working as technicians and waitresses. However, repo…

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IMF Spring Meeting 2025: What the Global Slowdown Means for Africa 17:46

6M ago17:46

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At the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC - the trade war and its impact on the global economy is the centre of attention, and putting more pressure on the African governments trying to negotiate deals with the fund. Ghana and Zambia have turned their economies around with IMF help — but Kenya, Mozambique and Senegal find themselves having to tr…

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Tariffs, Trump, and the Stakes for Lesotho 13:55

7M ago13:55

13:55

Lesotho was hit with the highest U.S. tariffs on the African continent, a 50% levy on its exports, before President Donald Trump paused the move for 90 days. The kingdom’s trade minister is warning that if those duties go ahead, Lesotho could face a liquidity crisis. Trump announced this month that tariffs of at least 10% will apply to most imports…

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Will Formula One Finally Come Back To Africa? 15:08

7M ago15:08

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Formula One cars last raced in Africa in 1993, but now a concerted effort from investors and governments are trying to bring the races back to the continent. Bloomberg’s Senior Africa Reporter has been looking at the proposals bidding for a new a licence and talks to Jennifer Zabasajja about what’s being planned, who’s paying for it, and whether we…

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Flash Episode: Assessing The Impact Of Trump’s Tariffs On Africa 12:32

7M ago12:32

12:32

President Trump imposed the steepest American tariffs in a century as he steps up his campaign to reshape the global economy. Many African countries have been hit with the so-called reciprocal tariffs including a 31% levy on South Africa and 50% on Lesotho. Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what …

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How Polo Became the Sport of Business Kings in Nigeria 16:20

7M ago16:20

16:20

Some call it the sport of kings or the passport to the world, and in Nigeria Polo has become a business essential. In Lagos, government ministers and business leaders play side by side while the sport gets sponsorship from global giants such as Coco Cola. Bloomberg reporter Tiwa Adebayo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how Polo became such a par…

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Why West African Cocoa Farmers Aren’t Yet Benefiting From High Prices 14:18

7M ago14:18

14:18

Global cocoa shortages are finally set to ease this season, as harvests improve and demand falls, creating a surplus for the first time in three years. But even with Cocoa hitting record high prices, the industry is taking time to recover, and debt and the need to honour contracts at cheaper prices mean farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast - the world'…

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Can Africa’s Economies Survive Global Economic Turmoil 15:58

8M ago15:58

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Two budgets on different sides of the continent this week show the struggle African countries are facing when it comes to growing their economies. In Ghana, the new administration promised 10% spending cuts plus a higher tax on gold revenue, and in South Africa the much-delayed budget -- and its VAT hike -- still needs to find a way through parliam…

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The 'Disaster' Impact Of USAID Cuts On Africa 21:44

8M ago21:44

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One of President Trump’s first actions after beginning his second term in office, was to take aim at USAID, which doled out $40 billion in foreign assistance each year. Last week the administration cancelled 90% of its funding awards - the bulk of which are focused on projects in Africa such as tackling HIV and tuberculosis as well as responding to…

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Can Nigeria’s Central Bank Revive The Country’s Dying ATMS? 15:01

8M ago15:01

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Nigeria’s Central Bank is allowing banks to increase the amount they charge for withdrawals at ATMs in a bid to tackle cash scarcity at lenders in the country. Nigerians are increasingly turning to cash agents who use card terminals to provide cash, for a high commission. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Nduka Orjinmo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to…

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Can South Africa’s G20 Stand Up To President Trump 13:03

8M ago13:03

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The first G20 summit on African soil has started in Johannesburg this weekend, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refusing to attend the foreign ministers meeting. With President Trump’s new administration picking fights with allies and bringing Russia back in from the diplomatic cold, is multilaterialism still alive and will the G20 presidency…

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Can Africa Profit From Soaring Gold? 14:39

9M ago14:39

14:39

With global tensions high amid a growing trade war, investors have been continuing to push gold to record high prices, pushing towards the $3,000 mark. With Africa producing a quarter of the world’s supply, will the demand for the precious metal see some of that wealth reach the continent? In this episode, Jennifer Zabasajja speaks to Barrick Gold …

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Donald Trump and Elon Musk Take Aim at South Africa 15:07

9M ago15:07

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he won’t attend a G20 summit in Johannesburg later this month, after Donald Trump slammed South Africa over a new land law. The president's top ally Elon Musk has long trafficked in conspiracy theories about the Black-majority government seizing White farmers' land and committing a "genocide" against them. To …

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Is Rwanda Overstepping In Congo? 17:17

9M ago17:17

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A Rwanda-backed rebel group effectively captured the vital eastern DRC city of Goma, after a lightning offensive this week that reportedly included support from Rwandan troops. On this week's episode, Bloomberg reporters Simon Marks and Michael Kavanagh, who’s covered the region for 20 years , join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain who the key players …

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Why Trump's WHO Withdrawal Is Bad News For Africa 12:26

9M ago12:26

12:26

The World Health Organization called on the US to reconsider President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the agency, suggesting the move could undermine global health security. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s health and consumer reporter Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how planned departure would leave the WHO scrambling to replace…

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How the South African Mining Tragedy Unfolded 15:47

10M ago15:47

15:47

South African rescue workers retrieved 78 bodies from a disused gold mine in Stilfontein where hundreds of illegal extractors have been involved in a months-long standoff with the authorities. Civil rights groups said at least 100 people died from starvation after the mine was sealed off by the security forces to deny those underground access to fo…

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Is West Africa’s ‘Detty December’ really boosting local economies? 15:43

10M ago15:43

15:43

'Detty December' is a phrase which refers to the annual pilgrimage of tourists and diasporans to Nigeria and Ghana during the festive period. It's a movement which has attracted global attention this year as thousands, including international celebrities, flocked to the region to soak up the sun and celebrations. 2024's revelry though has been set …

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Does ECOWAS have a future in West Africa? 13:36

11M ago13:36

13:36

West African leaders gave Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso six months to reconsider a withdrawal from the regional economic bloc in a final attempt to avoid its fracture. But with the military-led, Russia-aligned countries setting up their own bloc - the Alliance of Sahel States - is the future of West Africa more one of disunity than unity? Bloomberg’…

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How the downfall of Assad threatens Russia’s role in Africa 15:05

11M ago15:05

15:05

The swift collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria threatens a key Russian airbase in the country that Moscow has depended on to project influence throughout Africa. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Simon Marks and Katarina Hoije join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why these bases are so crucial to operations in Africa - and whether the regi…

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How to Stop Africa’s Brain Drain 14:54

11M ago14:54

14:54

Each year, up to 12 million young Africans enter the workforce, but only about three million formal jobs are available. So many Nigerians have left Africa's most populous country in recent years, the Yoruba term "japa" -- or escape -- has become shorthand for young people desperate to put their skills to use. After President Biden’s visit to Angola…

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Is Democracy In Retreat in Africa? 16:26

11M ago16:26

16:26

2024 has seen elections all across the continent of Africa, but incumbents lost or saw their majorities shrink -- as in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal and South Africa -- in a sign of growing disillusionment with leaders around the continent. Political commentator, author and Bloomberg columnist Justice Malala described this year of elections as ‘har…

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Gold Mining CEO Freed After $160 Million Deal 13:39

11M ago13:39

13:39

Resolute Mining CEO Terry Holohan and two other employees have been released from detention in Mali, just days after the gold mining company agreed to pay about $160 million to resolve a tax dispute with the government. On this week’s episode, our West Africa reporter Katarina Höije, and our Africa mining and metals reporter William Clowes join Jen…

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How Africa Is Riding The Crypto Wave 14:35

12M ago14:35

14:35

Bitcoin notched another record high this week, climbing above $93,000 for the first time, with traders exuberant over President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetorical support for crypto. In Africa governments are looking nervously at the growing numbers of young people trading and investing in the token. Bloomberg reporters Bella Genga in Nairobi and Emel…

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Will Donald Trump’s Presidency Change The US Relationship With Africa? 14:04

12M ago14:04

14:04

What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg audience survey. Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes. Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States for the second time -- but with an American First agenda, and trade wars on the horizon, wha…

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Why Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Has His Sights On East Africa 15:16

12M ago15:16

15:16

What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg audience survey. Gautam Adani, the indian billionaire, is investing billions in East African infrastructure projects, from powerlines and ports to to airports - but in Kenya, his deals have been suspended by a court, as protesters are worri…