"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg

Africa’s Geopolitics: Governance, Corruption and Global Influence

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Feb 7, 2024

Discussions include Africa as the potential 'next China,' corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership. Geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean, global Islamist movements, and migration trends towards China are also explored. The importance of strong local governance to avoid civil war and kleptocracy is emphasized.

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INSIGHT

Africa's Potential

Africa is the only continent currently undergoing demographic expansion, projected to double in population by 2050.
This growth fuels hopes of Africa becoming the "next China," a new frontier for global capitalism and double-digit economic growth.

ANECDOTE

Ethiopia's Promise and Pitfalls

Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country, was once hailed as the "Asian Tiger of Africa" due to its rapid growth, exceeding even China's at one point.
Unlike Nigeria, Ethiopia has a long history of native rule and a deep civilizational pride, unlike many artificially drawn African states.

INSIGHT

Challenges of Artificial States

Arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers contribute to low state capacity, ethnic conflict, and corruption in many African states.
Large, diverse states like Nigeria and Ethiopia offer economic benefits of scale but face challenges in governance and stability.

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In this episode, Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss Africa as the potential "next China," its corrupt governments, and Botswana's leadership example. They also touch on the Indian Ocean's geopolitical significance, what it means for the global Islamist movements and migration trends towards China, and the need for strong local governance to avoid pitfalls like civil war and kleptocracy. If you need an ecommerce platform, check out our sponsor Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/momentofzen for a $1/month trial period.

Live Players is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: https://www.turpentine.co/

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LINKS:

Samo’s Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:25) What's happened in Africa over the past 20 years

(05:26) Nigeria and Ethiopia without the civil war.

(08:30) Make the new states of Africa become wealthy

(10:00) Botswana as an example of a well-run presidential democracy

(12:40) Diamond mining in Botswana and partnership with De Beers

(15:20) Nigeria's Economic growth

(22:24) Sponsor - Shopify

(23:59) Bullish case for Africa rests more on the development projects of Ethiopia

(35:44) Africa's importance in the broader geopolitical struggle among great powers

(41:10) Lessons from South Africa's deep history

(49:05) On countries becoming decolonized and independent and becoming sustainable

(54:11) Challenges faced by the regions of Africa

(56:28) Wrap

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.