

Next Africa
Bloomberg
Each week, Jennifer Zabasajja provides a deep dive into the business stories that shape Africa. Join Jennifer and our Bloomberg reporters as they lift the lid on the news driving the continent.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2024 • 15min
How the downfall of Assad threatens Russia’s role in Africa
The swift collapse of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime in Syria threatens a key Russian airbase in the country that Moscow has depended on to project influence throughout Africa. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Simon Marks and Katarina Hoije join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why these bases are so crucial to operations in Africa - and whether the regimes they are supporting have a plan B, if russia leaves them behind For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 2024 • 15min
How to Stop Africa’s Brain Drain
Each year, up to 12 million young Africans enter the workforce, but only about three million formal jobs are available. So many Nigerians have left Africa's most populous country in recent years, the Yoruba term "japa" -- or escape -- has become shorthand for young people desperate to put their skills to use. After President Biden’s visit to Angola celebrating infrastructure investment - could the west be doing more to help Africa make the most of it’s talent rather than losing it to places like the UK, US and Canada? Author, journalist and Bloomberg columnist Ciku Kimeria joins Jennifer Zabasajja to talk about her latest piece on the issue, why so many people are choosing to leave and what future she hopes her young daughter will grow in to For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28, 2024 • 16min
Is Democracy In Retreat in Africa?
2024 has seen elections all across the continent of Africa, but incumbents lost or saw their majorities shrink -- as in Botswana, Mauritius, Senegal and South Africa -- in a sign of growing disillusionment with leaders around the continent. Political commentator, author and Bloomberg columnist Justice Malala described this year of elections as ‘hard to watch’. On this episode he joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why he found it so hard, and if there’s any signs of hope for Democracy on the continent For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 21, 2024 • 14min
Gold Mining CEO Freed After $160 Million Deal
Resolute Mining CEO Terry Holohan and two other employees have been released from detention in Mali, just days after the gold mining company agreed to pay about $160 million to resolve a tax dispute with the government. On this week’s episode, our West Africa reporter Katarina Höije, and our Africa mining and metals reporter William Clowes join Jennifer Zabasajja with the story Subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 15, 2024 • 15min
How Africa Is Riding The Crypto Wave
Bitcoin notched another record high this week, climbing above $93,000 for the first time, with traders exuberant over President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetorical support for crypto. In Africa governments are looking nervously at the growing numbers of young people trading and investing in the token. Bloomberg reporters Bella Genga in Nairobi and Emele Onu in Lagos join Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss how Bitcoin is being used across the continent, and why regulators want more control. You can follow stories from the region with the Next Africa newsletter, you can subscribe hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 2024 • 14min
Will Donald Trump’s Presidency Change The US Relationship With Africa?
What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg audience survey.Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States for the second time -- but with an American First agenda, and trade wars on the horizon, what could his presidency mean for US/Africa relations, a continent already far from the top of the US’s strategic priorities? Deputy Managing Editor for Africa Neil Munshi and Africa and Middle East Reporter Peter Martin join Jennifer Zabasajja, to assess what this second Trump presidency could mean for Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 31, 2024 • 15min
Why Indian Billionaire Gautam Adani Has His Sights On East Africa
What would YOU like to hear about on Bloomberg? Help make shows like ours even better by taking our Bloomberg audience survey.Gautam Adani, the indian billionaire, is investing billions in East African infrastructure projects, from powerlines and ports to to airports - but in Kenya, his deals have been suspended by a court, as protesters are worried about what the takeovers might mean for jobs. So? P R Sanjai, a senior Bloomberg reporter in Mumbai, and Helen Nyambura, our East Africa bureau chief joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain exactly who is Gautam Adani, and why East Africa is such an important region for one of India’s richest people. You can follow stories from the region with the Next Africa podcast, you can subscribe hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 24, 2024 • 16min
Has The BRICS Summit Brought Russia and Africa Closer?
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.

Oct 17, 2024 • 14min
How a Blocked Oil Pipeline Has Left South Sudan’s Economy In Tatters
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.

Oct 10, 2024 • 14min
Why has Kenya’s Deputy President Been Impeached?
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.


