Next Africa

What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg audience survey.As Russia’s BRICS summit in Kazan comes to end, the Kremlin was keen to demonstrate that attempts to isolate Putin after the invasion of Ukraine have failed. On this week’s episode, Senior Reporter Henry Meyer, and Government Reporter S’thembile Cele join Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss the summit and Russia’s relationship with Africa - and what Russia and African leaders want and need from each other. You can follow stories from the region with the Next Africa podcast, you can subscribe hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The worlds youngest country, South Sudan, depends on its oil revenue to fund the country, but a blocked pipeline in war torn Sudan to it’s north - has stopped the flow oil and the ability of much of the country to function. Simon Marks joins Jennifer Zabasajja to talk through his reporting from the region, and the despair from South Sudanese citizens feeling abandoned when’s the worlds attention is elsewhere, You can catch up on all the latest stories in the region in the Next Africa newsletter. Sign up for it here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three months after deadly protests on the streets of Kenya, the country is facing more political instability. Deputy president  Rigathi Gachagua faces being removed from office by lawmakers, after being accused of violating the constitution and formenting division in the country. East Africa Bureau chief Helen Nyambura joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how Kenyans are reacting to this latest crisis, and why the country continues to face instability    You can catch up on all the latest stories in the region in the Next Africa newsletter. Sign up for it here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catastrophic weather events from floods and storms to extreme heat are becoming more common as the climate continues to change, but the impacts are being felt worse among disadvantaged communities. A new report from the World Bank has shown that South Africa's townships are on average 6 to 8 degrees celcius hotter than wealthier suburbs in the same cities. Ntando Thukwana joins Jennifer Zabasajja to talk about her reporting on this story - and what the South African government needs to do to try and help You can follow more stories from across the continent with the Next Africa News letter - you can subscribe hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest person and a powerhouse in the refinery sector, shares insights on his ambitious new refinery in Nigeria. He discusses how this project aims to cut the country's dependence on fuel subsidies, potentially transforming the economy. The conversation explores the complex dynamics of Nigeria's fuel subsidy dilemma, touching on historical protests and its political implications. Additionally, Dangote reveals his personal ambitions, including financial strategies and investment interests that extend beyond refining.

Coffee prices are continuing to rise as weather events continue to hit supply. In Uganda farmers are receiving as much as 7000 shillings ($1.89) per kilo - but the windfall is also attracting an unprecedented crime wave.   On this episode of the Next Africa podcast, Soft Commodities reporter Mumbi Gitau joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what’s behind the rising prices, and why it’s not all good news for the region’s farmers.   You can read more on the rise in crime on Uganda’s coffee farms here - and you can subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter for moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Bloomberg revealed this week, the Turkish government is in talks with Somalia over a potential rocket launch site in East Africa. So why is Africa attractive to the Space Industry and what’s holding the continent back from making the most of the space sector to boost its economies? Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Bloomberg reporter Bruce Einhorn, from the Business of Space newsletter, and our Johannesburg based technology reporter Loni Prinsloo to find out whether the African space economy is really ready for launch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 9th Forum on China and Africa gets underway in Beijing, African leaders could find a partner that's less willing to open the checkbook than before.  Bloomberg's Neil Munshi and Peter Martin join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what China wants from African investment and how a struggling economy at home means it wants bigger returns on investment - which may end up saddling countries on the continent with more unaffordable debt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks since the Mpox outbreak was declared a global health emergency, cases have already been seen far beyond Africa. Scientists and public health officials are now asking whether this could have been avoided - and why we need to look again at how we treat tropical disease in Africa. Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja to give the latest on the response, what’s happening with vaccines and why children, who account for most of the deaths, will have to wait longer for a vaccine.   Read all the latest coverage on Mpox on Bloomberg NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The price of gold has hit another record high, partly driven by demand from central banks that see it as a way of protecting themselves from economic and geopolitical turbulence. Africa's central bankers have been among the buyers, as they see the precious metal as a valuable shield in an uncertain world. Bloomberg’s Ray Ndlovu joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain the renewed interest in gold, and how long the trend might last.  Read Ray's reporting on Bloomberg hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.