Next Africa

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.

A mutated strain of Mpox in Central Africa has been declared a public health emergency of international by the World Health Organisation. About 15,000 cases have been reported so far in the DRC - but at least 6 other African countries have reported cases - and Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have reported their first ever Mpox cases. Bloomberg Healthcare reporter Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja with the latest updates, and whether the international community is doing enough to support African countries in containing the outbreakSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The podcast dives into the shocking absence of a national ID system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reveals how corruption has hijacked funds meant for identification projects, leading to the construction of a $25 million shopping mall instead. Discussions highlight the struggles of citizens who lack access to essential services and the stark inequalities in a nation rich in resources but poor in governance. The podcast also underscores the urgent need for accountability and the implications of identity crises on personal rights.

In this enlightening discussion, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria shares insights on his ambitious reforms amid the nation's severe economic crisis. He addresses the staggering inflation and food shortages sparking protests. Tinubu explains the challenges he inherited and the delicate balance between leveraging Nigeria's oil wealth and tackling poverty. His government faces scrutiny over transparency and the complexities of fuel subsidies, prompting questions about the political will to drive lasting change.