Into Africa

From rapid urbanization to persistent housing shortages, Africa’s cities are facing immense challenges—and emerging opportunities, including innovative mortgage models, government-backed projects, and rising investor interest in sustainable development. In this episode, Mvemba is joined by Thierno-Habib Hann, CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, to explore how innovative finance, strategic partnerships, and public-private collaboration are reshaping the continent’s urban future. Together, they examine the scale of Africa’s housing deficit, the barriers to affordability, and the emerging solutions driving sustainable urban development across the continent.

Dr. Daniel Cash, an Associate Professor in Law at Aston University and UN fellow, dives into the biases of major credit rating agencies against Africa. He explains the urgent need for the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) and its potential to reshape perceptions of African economies. The discussion highlights how credit ratings impact young people's futures, the limitations of GDP measurements, and the importance of a unique ratings perspective that reflects Africa's realities. Cash argues for institutional support to enhance Africa's financial standing globally.

The podcast unveils its exciting rebranding, focusing on Africa's vibrant youth and their critical role in shaping the future. Discussions highlight the urgent challenges faced by young people today and the necessity of new initiatives. The host, Catherine Nzuki, brings engaging insights to the forefront, emphasizing the projected demographic shift by 2050. Listeners can look forward to enlightening conversations that tackle contemporary issues and explore innovative solutions for the continent.

Steve Weissman, a seasoned foreign policy and campaign finance analyst, shares his riveting experiences as a professor in the Congo and later a congressional aide. He delves into how Cold War dynamics shaped U.S. relations with Africa and critiques the longstanding support for authoritarian regimes. Weissman discusses the challenges of advocating for human rights amid political turmoil, reflecting on the consequences of U.S. indifference and its historically inconsistent policies. His personal insights illuminate the tangled web of education, politics, and diplomacy in the region.

Catherine and Darrel dive into the world of internships in international policy. They share invaluable tips on crafting tailored resumes, acing interviews, and effective networking. Highlights include engaging with the African diaspora and building research skills through collaboration. Catherine’s personal journey and Darrel's reflections on his spring internship offer practical insights for aspiring interns. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your experience, this conversation is packed with actionable advice!

Tosi Mpanu-Mpanu, an economist and climate change specialist with 20 years of experience, dives into Africa's critical climate challenges. He highlights the continent’s low greenhouse gas contributions yet severe environmental vulnerabilities. The discussion covers Africa’s climate diplomacy, mutual cooperation among nations, and the implications of carbon credit agreements. Tosi also examines the balance between mineral exploitation and rainforest conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscoring the need for equitable solutions in global climate negotiations.

The Afropolitan will be taking a brief hiatus to re-envision its next steps. Stay tuned for an exciting new chapter!In the meantime, we're sharing our very first episode from October, which focused on how older people in Mali are consuming news on TikTok, and why this symbolizes the larger trends sweeping through the Sahel. In this episode, Catherine Nzuki is joined by Doussouba Konaté, the Country Director of Accountability Lab Mali. We unpack two of these shifts in the Sahel. First, growing anti-French sentiments in the region has led to language decolonization in Mali, in which a growing number of people would rather receive their news in Bambara, one of Mali’s national languages, over French. Secondly, growing internet access has connected people across Mali and has brought more visibility to the plight of Malians living in conflict-affected areas. However, as social media usage grows, so too does online misinformation and disinformation.

Udo Ilo, author of 'It Is Impossible: Influencing Change in Nigeria', is a leader in governance reform and a CEO at the Hague Institute of Innovation of Law. In this insightful discussion, he tackles the complexities of driving political change in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of collective advocacy and grassroots leadership. Udo shares how turning protests into actionable policy is crucial for progress. He highlights the need for community engagement and personal connections with policymakers to foster accountability and spark meaningful change.

Naa Laryea, a software engineer from Accra, shares her struggles with apartment hunting in a city facing a severe housing crisis. She reveals the absurdity of landlords demanding upfront rent for one to two years and the challenges this creates for young Ghanaians. Joining her is Nelson C.J., a West Africa correspondent, who discusses systemic issues and the advocacy efforts of the National Tenants Union in pushing for affordable housing. The conversation also highlights how investing in small cities could alleviate the pressure on major urban centers like Accra.

Dr. Solomon Dersso, an adjunct professor at the University of Cape Town and founding director of Amani Africa, discusses the pressing challenges faced by the African Union as it heads into the pivotal 2025 Summit. They explore the AU's role in trade, security, and political representation while grappling with internal divisions and leadership dynamics. Key issues such as the African Continental Free Trade Area's implementation and response strategies to regional conflicts in Sudan and the DRC highlight the complexities of unity and effectiveness within the organization.