Next Africa

Jennifer Zabasajja, a passionate foodie from Johannesburg, visits Akoko, a West African restaurant in London gaining Michelin's attention. She discusses the power dynamics between celebrity influence and culinary accolades. Kate Krader, Bloomberg's food editor, explores the surge of interest in African cuisine, highlighting its rich cultural significance and unique flavors. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by African chefs in the fine dining scene and how Michelin recognition is changing the game for these culinary artists.

Listen to the 'Here's Why' podcast:  -  on Apple: https://apple.co/3Lg3RGn  -  on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LiIX9q  -  or Anywhere: https://bit.ly/3xYsHHy.     Each episode of 'Here's Why' uses experts at Bloomberg to explain one news story in just a few minutes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energies companies from across the world are rushing to exploit huge oil discoveries off the coast of Namibia. Total, Shell and Galp all have plans for projects - which could start as early as this year - transforming the southern African state into a global energy power.  Bloomberg’s Paul Burkhardt joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what the discovery could mean for Namibia. You can read the story now on Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-18/african-outpost-gets-ready-to-become-world-s-newest-oil-hotspotSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Paul Kagame is likely to win reelection in Rwanda on Monday: he rarely wins less than 95% of the vote. But despite opposition figures being barred from standing against him, and human rights bodies raising concerns about the country - Kagame remains a key ally for western leaders. Neil Munshi and Simon Marks join Jennifer Zabasajja to talk about their latest profile of Kagame, and the how opposition within the country is trying to organise - and ask whether 30 years after the genocide if the country's impressive economic recovery comes at the cost of a free and fair democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Arica's growing fruit exports have been a rare bright spot in a stagnant economy. Now they are in peril as well. The near-collapse of the state rail and ports company means 20-hour truck trips are needed to get fruit to export markets before they spoil. Ntando Thukwana joins Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss the threat to an industry that's one of the country's biggest employers.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenya’s President made a surprise U-turn and withdrew his controversial finance bill which would have raised more than $2bn in taxes. Widespread protests led to the storming of parliament leaving some killed and many more injured - so why have Gen Z been leading the protests - and what does this mean for the future of President Ruto - who put so much capital on bringing down Kenya’s debt. Bloomberg’s Bella  Genga  updates us from Nairobi on a tumultuous week for KenyaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg’s energy reporter Paul Burkhardt discusses the potential of solar power in Africa to combat the energy crisis. The podcast explores the challenges, benefits, and economic opportunities of solar energy in countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt. It highlights the importance of investing in the solar industry to address electricity access disparities and climate change, emphasizing the need for local manufacturing and renewable energy projects.

With the price of copper hovering around record highs thanks to the demand for the green transition - Zambia and the DRC want to seize an opportunity to capitalize on this and rebuild their economies.At DRC Mining week in Lubumbashi, copper is high on the agenda - and Bloomberg’s William Clowes speaks to us from the conference. Plus Matthew Hill in Zambia explains why President Hakainde Hichilema is betting big on copper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet plays a central role in modern life, so much so that living without it is unfathomable for some. But that's been the reality for a number of Africans this year as several countries on the continent battle to stay connected despite damage to crucial cables. This week, host Jennifer Zabasajja and reporters Ramah Nyang in Nairobi and Loni Prinsloo in Johannesburg dig into the problem's roots and examine potential solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is its worst performance since Nelson Mandela led the ANC to power in 1994. In South Africa, the African National Congress has lost its majority in parliament. The party has begun talks with rivals to form a government. In this special episode of the Next Africa Podcast, host Jennifer Zabasajja and Bloomberg Government reporter S’thembile Cele discuss what this means for the future of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.