Next Africa

Helen Nyambura, East Africa Bureau Chief, dives into the heart of Kenya's turmoil as protests erupt once more over police brutality and corruption. She analyzes the tragic death of an activist in custody that reignited public outrage and scrutinizes President Ruto's promises to combat corruption. The discussion also touches on the vital role of the IMF's involvement in reshaping Kenya's economy amidst diminishing trust in the government. Listeners gain insights into the youth's fight for justice and the broader implications for governance in the nation.

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 remittances.  Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by  Dr Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, the founder of New York based 8B Education Investments, and hears how this makes America less attractive to Africa’s brightest students, and Nigeria Bureau Chief Anthony Osae Brown explains how reliant Nigeria is on remittances especially ofF the back of USAID cuts.  For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Tiwa Adebayo sits down with Bloomberg reporters Olatomiwa Tobi and Nduka Orjinmo to explore how sport is becoming a powerful force in uniting African communities abroad, as well as a billion-dollar opportunity for brands willing to invest. (Regular host Jennifer Zabasajja returns next week.) For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 second-largest trading partner after China — but the US leader quickly turned the meeting into an interrogation. Bloomberg's South Africa Government Reporter S'thembile Cele was in the room and recounts the full story of the face-to-face Oval Office meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Qatar Economic Forum highlights Africa's economic progress and investment potential. Discussion centers on a strategic shift towards Middle Eastern investment and the importance of local institutions. Innovative African startups are showcased as they adapt to global challenges. The podcast reveals the difficulties local private equity firms face with declining foreign funding and emphasizes innovative funding solutions for startups. Finally, tensions in U.S.-South African relations are explored, addressing broader economic implications.

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 Bureau Chief, Anthony Osae-Brown about the growing popularity of Nollywood, how Netflix and Amazon brought new investment to the industry and why asset managers are now starting to take notice.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon Marks, a Bloomberg reporter based in Nairobi, brings his expertise on the Sudanese civil war to the discussion. He reveals how recent drone strikes on Port Sudan have intensified the conflict, with Sudan accusing the UAE of supporting rival forces. The conversation delves into the strategic importance of Port Sudan and the humanitarian crises prompted by the violence. Marks highlights the challenges of verifying claims against the UAE while shedding light on the region's escalating famine and ongoing struggles for peace.

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, reports in international media suggest that the reality of working in Alabuga is far grimmer than the version being marketed. On this week’s episode, Senior Reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explore whether the scheme’s claims hold up under scrutiny and how Interpol is investigating allegations that the program amounts to human trafficking. Instead of providing genuine job opportunities, it may be placing young African women at risk in a war zone. You can read Antony’s reporting on the Alabuga Start programme here.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 try and negotiate new IMF programmes  at a time when there’s less help to be found.  On this episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Bloomberg’s Matthew Hill, to find out what’s on the negotiating table, and how a trade war is making life harder for African governments already stuck between angry citizens and a restrictive IMF For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, with even steeper rates targeting goods from around 60 countries, all in a push to curb what he calls unfair trade imbalances.Lesotho is now hoping to launch high-level talks with Washington.On today’s episode, Jennifer Zabasajja speaks with Maarten Van Doesburg, Head of Economics at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, about what could be at stake in those negotiations — and what Trump might really want in the long run. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.