Into Africa

Dr. Constantine Manda, co-founder of the Impact Evaluation Lab at ESRF and Assistant Professor at UC Irvine, discusses the importance of making impact evaluation skills accessible to all Tanzanians. He explains how the IE Lab tailors training for local policymakers and engages communities in health initiatives. From boosting COVID-19 vaccine uptake through innovative SMS strategies to combating misinformation via radio, Dr. Manda shares inspiring approaches for enhancing public health and fostering informed decision-making across Tanzania.

The ONE Campaign, originally founded as Debt AIDS Trade for Africa (DATA) in 2004, is a global advocacy organization dedicated to driving investments and creating economic opportunities in Africa. Over the past 20 years, ONE has continually evolved to address the continent’s most pressing challenges, ensuring its work remains relevant and impactful. ONE advocates for justice and equity in Africa’s global relationships. At its core, the organization is committed to advancing Africa’s own vision—the continent as an equal player on the world stage.In this episode of Into Africa, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO and President of the ONE Campaign, discusses how the organization leverages public, private, and non-profit partnerships to create opportunities of sustainable development on the continent.

Three West African countries - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso - have finalized their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Another thing they have in common? All three countries are under junta rule after military coups that took place in recent years. They have since formed their own union - the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Why have these three countries exited ECOWAS, and is this a crisis point for the regional bloc? Catherine Nzuki is joined by Beverly Ochieng, Senior Analyst for Francophone Africa at Control Risks, and a Senior Associate with the CSIS Africa Program, to unpack these questions and more. They discuss the state of politics and security in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso (1:30); why the leaders of these military juntas are popular at home and across Africa (4:40); what drove the decision to exit ECOWAS and what this means for unity in the region (7:37); how the AES is using arts, culture, and media to self-legitimize; (20:00); how the pan-African, decolonial rhetoric of the leaders of AES is translating into their governance choices (24:11); if the AES confederation is strong enough to weather rough international winds on their own (28:49); the state of Africa’s legacy institutions today and how responsive they are to shifting regional politics and the collapsing post-WWII order (37:15).

Yinka Adegoke, editor of Semafor Africa, shares insights on Africa's changing media landscape and its role in shaping global perceptions. He discusses the transition from foreign narratives to authentic African storytelling in media, highlighting the rise of social media and local outlets. Adegoke also explores how modern African storytellers in music and film are reshaping cultural perceptions. Additionally, he emphasizes the potential of technology and the need for better governance to enhance investment perceptions in the continent.

In this lively discussion, Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo, a fellow at Brookings and an expert in AI governance, dives into the growing AI landscape in Africa. She highlights DeepSeek's innovative approach to making AI affordable for startups. Misconceptions about AI development are debunked, while the importance of ethical standards and local representation in AI safety measures is emphasized. Dr. Okolo also urges the need for benchmarks that reflect Africa’s unique diversity and promotes the ethical treatment of workers in AI training.

Dr. Afyare Elmi, a political scientist and research professor at the City University of Mogadishu, dives deep into Somalia's complex political landscape. He discusses the controversial shift toward a centralized governmental system under President Mohamud and its impacts on clan dynamics and insecurity. Elmi highlights the ongoing struggles with al-Shabaab, the need for innovative counterterrorism strategies, and the importance of external mediation for peace. Additionally, he touches on economic improvements and the continued challenges of corruption and governance.

Andrew Friedman, a Senior Fellow with the CSIS Human Rights Initiative, and Samuel Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, dive into the fallout from the U.S. aid freeze. They analyze how USAID’s funding disruption is impacting essential services like HIV treatment and driving a debate on aid dependency. Itodo highlights youth mobilization efforts amidst these challenges, with a focus on recent constitutional changes lowering political age requirements in Nigeria. The conversation blends hope and urgency for a future with less reliance on aid.

On any given day, there are 2,500-3,000 United States Army personnel in Africa undertaking a variety of engagements with their African counterparts.The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) was established in October 2007, making it just over 17 years old—close to the age of majority. AFRICOM undertakes security exercises, civil affairs initiatives, and key leader engagements, among other activities. AFRICOM represents the third ‘D’—Defense—of U.S. foreign policy pillars, with defense and security being the most visible pillar across the continent. This has made AFRICOM the primary face of U.S. engagement for many African governments. This approach or reality has its advantages and drawbacks.Niger is perhaps the most telling case. The massive U.S. military presence in the country reflected the prominent role that defense and security objectives play in U.S.-Africa relations. The expulsion of U.S. forces from Niger in 2024 due to a disagreement over a military coup d’état diminished U.S. standing in the Sahel. Despite these challenges, AFRICOM plays an important role in ensuring the viability of the Global Fragility Act in the littoral states and Mozambique. AFRICOM's dual role as a security actor and partner in development creates both opportunities and tensions in U.S. engagement with African states. Joining Into Africa is Brigadier General Rose Lopez Keravuori, Director of Intelligence (J2) at U.S. Africa Command. Brigadier General Keravuori will discuss AFRICOM's accomplishments, the challenges it has faced, and its evolving role in U.S.-Africa relations. This event is made possible by the generous support of Open Society Foundations.

The December festive season in Nigeria, commonly referred to as ‘detty December’ have captured the world’s attention. Lagos alone brought in $71.6m in tourism revenue in December 2024, according to the Lagos State Government. How are locals faring with the influx of tourists in a tough economy?Catherine Nzuki is joined by Oluwatomisin Amokeoja, a journalist with Forbes Africa, to give an overview of ‘detty December’ in Lagos. They unpack what ‘detty December’ is (1:58); where the term originates (3:40); and how it has grown into such a big phenomenon that pulls in celebrities, tourists, and diaspora members (known colloquially as the “I Just Got Back” or IJGBs) (5:59); and what the December celebrations look like for locals (7:54).Peter Imouokhome, a development economist and consultant based in Lagos joins the podcast to unpack the economics of ‘detty December’. They discuss the causes of the ongoing economic crisis in Nigeria (10:40); its impact on locals (16:29); how the cost of living crisis has led to protests (20:00); and how Nigeria can balance the economic benefits of tourism with its unintended negative effects on locals (25:50).

Julian Pecquet, the United States correspondent for the Africa Report, delves into pressing U.S.-Africa relations amid significant geopolitical challenges. He discusses the deteriorating situation in the Sahel and the implications of Rwanda’s actions in the DRC. The conversation highlights South Africa's shifting political landscape and the complexities surrounding Mozambique’s election-related violence. Pecquet emphasizes the need for a practical U.S. approach that addresses these crises and leverages Africa's strategic significance.