Into Africa

Mvemba is joined by Jakkie Cilliers, Head of African Futures & Innovation at the Institute for Security Studies, a South African think-tank. Jakkie and Mvemba discuss Africa’s potential growth in different global scenarios, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and challenges to intra-continental trade.

Mvemba is joined by His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The newly elected President came into office for the second time in May 2022 promising a more inclusive government and greater stability. They discuss the challenges his government faces, including countering Al-Shabaab, food scarcity during one of the worst droughts in decades, and a rising cost of living. This episode is a recording from a live event with President Mohamud, held at CSIS on September 16, 2022.

Mvemba is joined by Joshua Walker, Director of Programs at the Congo Research Group and Francesca Bomboko, Co-Founder and Director of BERCI, a public opinion research firm based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They unpack the results of CIC and BERCI's new national survey in the DRC. They analyze voter trends, the factors impacting President's Felix Tshisekedi's approval ratings, addressing the gap between civilians and their elected officials, the growth of Turkey as a key and popular player in the country.

Mvemba is joined by Josphat Kamanya, a Kenyan politician and entrepreneur. Josphat reflects on his run for local government, shares insights into the experiences of young and aspiring politicians, and explores the nature of politics in Kenya.

This week, Mvemba is joined by Mohammed Abdiker, Regional Director for East Africa and the Horn of Africa at the International Organization for Migration. The two delve into migration trends in countries across the Horn, and the economic, political, and environmental factors that continue to exacerbate forced displacement in the region. They unpack various initiatives and conferences aimed at addressing migration trends, both regional and international, and highlight their pitfalls and opportunities.

In this episode, Mvemba is joined by Caitlin Welsh, the Director of the Global Food Security Program at CSIS, and Melodine Jeptoo, Researcher and Coordinator at PlantVillage. PlantVillage non-profit research unit that uses AI technology, satellite systems, and field work to increase the yield and profits for millions of farmers in East Africa. They discuss the drivers of food insecurity in the region and explore how technology can be leveraged to build resilient food systems in East Africa.

This week’s episode, Dr. Zainab Usman joins Mvemba to discuss her new book, "Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-oil Economy." They re-examine the concept of the resource curse and explore the role of good governance and institutions in wielding natural resources for sustainable and equitable growth.

In this edition of Into Africa, Mvemba is joined by Karana Olivier, Côte d'Ivoire Chief of Party for Equal Access International, to discuss the spillover of violent extremism from the Sahel into the littoral states of West Africa— Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The two explore government and armed groups’ shared responsibility for unrest, as well as the effects of porous borders in the region, state fragility, and illicit transnational trade.

In this episode, Mvemba is joined by W. Gyude Moore (Center for Global Development) to explore challenges and opportunities for African countries in the latter half of 2022. They have a wide-ranging conversation covering instability in the Sahel, the strength of regional economic communities, bolstering food security on the continent, Russian influence, and more.

In this edition of Into Africa, Mvemba is joined by Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean pastor, activist, and the founder of the #ThisFlag protest movement. They explore the popularity of #ThisFlag in Zimbabwe and youth movements in Africa. Plus, they discuss corruption, poor governance, and the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe. This episode is dedicated to the memory of the late Alex Tawanda Magaisa.

What role does Africa's private sector play in the continent's inclusive growth? Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation in Togo, and Lucy Nshuti Mbabazi, Head of Africa Advocacy and Partnerships at The Better Than Cash Alliance, join Mvemba to discuss the rise of digital payments in Africa's spurred by COVID-19 restrictions. This episode explores the opportunities presented by the pandemic, the role of individual financial services, and how to drive the narrative away from a cash-strapped Africa and toward its leading mobile innovations.

Mvemba is joined by African investor and philanthropist Tony Elumelu to discuss the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s work in empowering youth entrepreneurs across the continent. They talk about the philosophy of Africapitalism, how African governments can build robust enabling environments, and the importance of eradicating dependency syndrome.

Rahama Wright, founder of social enterprise Shea Yeleen, speaks with Mvemba about all things entrepreneurship. They discuss Rahama’s journey from Peace Corps volunteer in Mali to the founder of a growing beauty company that sources key ingredients from the African continent. Rahama describes her philosophy around empowering both shea-producing African women and U.S.-based workers, and sheds light on her identity as a member of the African diaspora.

Ken Opalo (Georgetown) joins Mvemba to discuss the strength of public institutions across Africa. How do parliaments, courts, executive offices, and militaries impact the quality of governance? Ken and Mvemba focus on Malawi, Kenya, and Benin with implications for the rest of the region. Plus, Ken’s thoughts on localization of development funding and how U.S. policymakers should think different around enabling environments when it comes to foreign direct investment.

In this episode, Mvemba is joined by Amini Kajunju, Chief Operating Officer of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS) in Monrovia, Liberia. They discuss diaspora, identity, and ESJ’s work in education, training, and human development. Plus, what the hashtag #AdultingInLiberia means to Amini in the context of the country’s post-war development.

Mvemba is joined by Nathaniel Powell (@natkpowell) to discuss instability in the Sahel. In addition to covering some of the conflict’s history, Mvemba and Nathaniel talk about why France failed in Mali, how the United States can be a better partner to Sahelian countries, and how the Russia-Ukraine war is affecting the Sahel and Africa at large. Why France Failed in Mali, by Nathaniel Powell (War on the Rocks) - https://warontherocks.com/2022/02/why-france-failed-in-mali/

Mvemba is joined by Travis Adkins (U.S. African Development Foundation) for a conversation that spans a number of topics, including how Travis’ personal background has informed his professional trajectory; how Travis is taking the USADF from “the best kept secret” to one of the best foreign assistance agencies in the U.S. foreign policy toolkit; and how the USADF is directly funding African partners in 21 countries across the continent.

Mvemba Phezo Dizolele is joined by author Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr to discuss Ubuntu, the African concept of humanity, meaning “I am because we are.” They discuss Akunyili’s recent book, I Am Because We Are: An African Mother's Fight for the Soul of a Nation, which tells the story of her late mother Dora Akunyili who committed her life to fighting fraudulent drug manufacturing as the Director General of Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. They also discuss corruption in Nigeria, the growing discontent of young people, and friction between male and female political leaders. House of Anansi: I Am Because We Are: An African Mother's Fight for the Soul of a Nation

This is the first episode of the Into Africa podcast with new host Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, who joined the CSIS Africa Program as director and senior fellow in December 2021. Mvemba speaks with author Howard French about his newest book, Born in Blackness. They discuss French’s research process, the outsized role that São Tomé played in the modernity of the Western world, and how plantations—or, more accurately, prison labor camps—were the most important economic innovation of the modern age prior to the industrial revolution. French also describes the West’s centuries-long attempt to strip Africans of their identity, and how Africans and the diaspora are working together along identity lines to win back their rightful place. Born in Blackness (W. W. Norton & Company)

In Judd Devermont’s last episode as host, he is joined by Nnedi Okorafor (author), Patrick Gathara (journalist and cartoonist), and David Pilling (Financial Times) to discuss why and how the world should think differently about Africa.

What might an African strategy toward China look like, and what are implications for loans, debt management, African exports, and people-to-people flows? Judd Devermont is joined by Hannah Ryder (Development Reimagined), Cliff Mboya (China Africa Project), and Casey Schmidt (VoxCroft Analytics) to discuss African agency and policy formation toward Beijing. They also talk about Zambia’s opposition leader-turned-President Hakainde Hichilema, as well as Kenya’s faltering Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Background reading: From China-Africa to Africa-China: A Blueprint for a Green and Inclusive Continent-Wide African Strategy towards China – Development Reimagined Cliff Mboya Author Page – China Africa Project VoxCroft Analytics

What is the history of stolen African artefacts—such as the Benin Bronzes—and what can be done to rectify these wrongs? Judd Devermont is joined by Ciraj Rassool (University of Western Cape), Charlotte Ashamu (Yale University), and Barnaby Phillips (author of Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes), to discuss if restitution is enough, and why the growth of the museum industry in Africa is so critical. Plus, they discuss anti-government riots in South Africa and the #FixtheCountry movement in Ghana. Background readings: Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes - Barnaby Phillips District Six Museum - Cape Town, South Africa Charlotte Ashamu, Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage John Randle Center for Yoruba History and Culture Zinsou Foundation Book Bunk The commemorative state, human remains, and the question of missing-ness- Riedwaan Moosage, Ciraj Rassool, and Nicky Rousseau

African creatives are using online literary magazines to publish their work directly to the web—resulting in more visibility, wider audiences, and richer conversation. Judd Devermont is joined by Abdi Latif Dahir (New York Times), Ambassador Makila James, and content creator Derick Matsengarwodzi to discuss this trend. Guests also cover the unilateral ceasefire in Tigray and pro-democracy protests in eSwatini. eSwatini with Cebelihle Mbuyisa - Cebelihle Mbuyisa, Judd Devermont, Nicole Wilett The New Magazines and Journals Shaping Africa’s Literary Scene – Abdi Latif Dahir “What this generation wants”: African authors publishing direct to the web - Derick Matsengarwodzi

Judd Devermont is joined by Paul Nantulya (Africa Center for Strategic Studies), ret. Vice Admiral Michael Franken (AFRICOM), and Bonny Lin (Center for Strategic and International Studies) to discuss U.S. and Chinese government engagement with African security chiefs. Guests also cover the deployment of Rwandan and SADC troops in Mozambique and Burundian politics. Background Readings: Personal Ties: Measuring Chinese and U.S. Engagement with African Security Chiefs – Judd Devermont, Marielle Harris, & Alison Albelda Centering Civilian Protection in Northern Mozambique – Emilia Columbo and Kelly Moss Testimony Before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on: “China’s Military Power Projection and U.S. National Interests” – Paul Nantulya War in Resource-Rich Northern Mozambique—Six Scenarios – Francisco Almeida dos Santos

Judd Devermont is joined by Anouar Boukhars (African Center for Strategic Studies), Jason Warner (United States Military Academy in West Point), and Emily Estelle (American Enterprise Institute) to discuss the dangers of overemphasizing or underselling the ties between regional groups and global Jihadi networks. Guests also cover French President Macron's decision to draw down Operation Barkhane in the Sahel and the ADF's links to the Islamic state in Eastern Congo. Background Readings: A Course Correction for the Sahel Stabilisation Strategy - International Crisis Group The Islamic State in Africa: The Emergence, Evolution, and Future of the Next Jihadist Battlefront - Jason Warner, Ryan Cummings, and Ryan O'Farrell The Islamic State has ‘provinces’ in Africa. That doesn’t mean what you might think - Jason Warner Swapping jerseys: What changes when African extremists join the Islamic State? - Emily Estelle DRC: Designating the ADF - Jason Warner False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel - Judd Devermont Déby’s Dead. What’s Next for Chad and the Sahel? - Judd Devermont Rethinking Crisis Responses in the Sahel - Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Centering Civilian Protection in Northern Mozambique - Emilia Columbo and Kelly Moss The Logic of Violence in Africa’s Extremist Insurgencies - Anouar Boukhars Keeping Terrorism at Bay in Mauritania - Anouar Boukhars

Introducing 49, CSIS Africa Program's newest podcast, about the past, present, and future of U.S. policy toward sub-Saharan Africa. Hosts Judd Devermont, director of CSIS's Africa Program, and Nicole Wilett, Chief of Staff at the Open Society Foundations, discuss past U.S. successes and failures; offer policy recommendations for the Biden Administration; and share the best of the region's music, movies, food, and culture. One country at a time. The first episodes drop on Thursday, 15 July 2021.

What does a consequential U.S. strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa look like? Judd Devermont is joined by Zainab Usman (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace), Nicole Wilett (Open Society Foundation), and former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Chester Crocker (Georgetown University), to discuss a focused and pragmatic U.S. approach to the region. Guests also cover Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s leadership and the standoff between Twitter and the Nigerian government. Background Readings: Social Media Censorship Tracker - Surfshark False Choices: U.S. Policy toward Coastal West Africa and the Sahel - Judd Devermont

Several African leaders are setting the stage to hand over power to their sons. Judd Devermont is joined by Brett Carter (University of Southern California), Regina Sondo (Journalist), and Paul Melly (Africa Program at Chatham House) to discuss the implications of familial succession across sub-Saharan African. Guests also cover Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso's latest contested election win and the worsening Anglophone crisis in Cameroon. Background Readings: Biden’s Diplomats Should Boycott Discredited African Elections - Judd Devermont and Idayat Hassan. Africa's Political Dynasties: How Presidents Groom Their Sons for Power - Paul Melly. Cameroon’s Democratic Repositioning: Is the Republic Now a De Facto Monarchy? - Regina Sondo. Congo: Sassou Nguesso Wins Another Term but Still Faces Two Big Threats. - Brett Carter.

How can international actors achieve the balance between recognizing strides in economic performance and development while holding governments accountable for human rights abuses and regional interference? Judd Devermont is joined by Adotei Akwei (Amnesty International), Ida Sawyer (Human Rights Watch), and Michela Wrong (Author) to discuss how the Biden Administration, with its focus on democracy and human rights, should respond to these challenges. Guests also cover alleged crimes against humanity by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region and Paul Rusesabagina’s forced disappearance and arrest. Background Readings Ethiopia: The Massacre in Axum – Amnesty International Report Ethiopia: Eritrean Forces Massacre Tigray Civilians – Human Rights Watch The Dark Side of Rwanda’s Rebirth – Mvemba Phezo Dizolele Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad – Michela Wrong

President Biden's upcoming Summit for Democracy is one of the administration's flagship efforts aiming to renew its commitment to democracy at home and abroad. What are the key themes of the Summit and how do we ensure that African voices are not treated as sideshows? Judd Devermont sits down with Frances Brown (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace), Moussa Kondo (Accountability Lab), and Thandekile Moyo (Writer) to share recommendations for impactful deliverables. Other topics include Chad's military takeover following the death of President Idriss Déby and ZANU-PF's problematic amendments to Zimbabwe's constitution. Background Readings: Who will defend and protect Zimbabwe’s human rights defenders? – Thandekile Moyo The Global Expansion of AI Surveillance – Steven Feldstein America Needs a Democracy Summit More Than Ever – Frances Z. Brown et. al. Africa and the Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy – Judd Devermont

In several countries, gangs, militias, and self-defense forces have become part of the security landscape. What’s behind this trend and what are the consequences? Judd Devermont sits down with Comfort Ero (International Crisis Group), Leanne Erdberg Steadman (U.S. Institute of Peace), and David Africa (former South African intelligence officer) to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of “dirty deals” and the challenge of accountability involved in dealing with these groups. Guests also cover President Farmajo’s failed term extension bid in Somalia and the insurgency in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region. Background Readings Double-edged Sword: Vigilantes in African Counter-insurgencies- International Crisis Group A Savage Order: How the World’s Deadliest Countries Can Forge a Path to Security- Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld From Self Defense to Vigilantism: A Typology Framework of Community-Based Armed Groups- Dr. Lauren Van Metre (Resolve Network) Disengagement and Reconciliation in Conflict-Affected Settings- Leanne Erdberg Steadman

Disinformation operations in Africa are hidden in discretely coordinated social media campaigns. How can activists across the globe detect fake news and tackle these issues more coherently? In our 11th episode in partnership with African Arguments, Judd Devermont is joined by Elsie Eyakuze (The Mikocheni Report), Shelby Grossman (Stanford Internet Observatory), and Rose Jackson (Atlantic Council) to discuss the importance of people-to-people engagement in responding to disinformation. Guests also explore Covid-19 lockdowns in Nigeria and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu's deviation from her predecessor's policies. Background Readings: Ethiopian diaspora groups organize click-to-tweet Tigray campaigns amid information scarcity – Tessa Knight Prominent Ugandan news websites implicated in government-aligned social media campaign – Tessa Knight and Alyssa Kann The Politics of Order in Informal Markets: How the State Shapes Private Governance – Shelby Grossman Slanted Narratives, Social Media, and Foreign Influence in Libya – Shelby Grossman et. al. Blurring the lines of media authenticity: Prigozhin-linked group funding Libyan broadcast media – Shelby Grossman et. al. Atlantic Council Digital Forensic Research Lab Newsletter

America spends more money on Halloween candy than on UN peacekeeping operations each year. What is the true value of these missions and how much in financial contributions are required to earn a seat at the table? Judd Devermont sits down with Paul-Simon Handy (Institute for Security Studies), Kate Almquist Knopf (Africa Center for Strategic Studies), and Chandrima Das (Better World Campaign) to discuss the state of peacekeeping in Africa. Guests also explore democracy and protests in Senegal and the UN’s decision to close its peacekeeping mission in Darfur. Background Reading: Walking a Tightrope: The Transition from UNAMID to UNITAMS in Sudan - Daniel Forti Five reasons why America needs to pay its peacekeeping bill - Hardin Lang and Victoria Holt

Investigative journalism in Africa is entering a golden age. What trends underpin new access to and the dissemination of hidden information? Judd Devermont is joined by journalists Micah Reddy (amaBhungane), Peter Murimi (BBC Africa Eye), and Khadija Sharife (OCCRP) to discuss the realities facing media houses today. Other topics include the recent explosions in Equatorial Guinea and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana. Background Materials: I am Samuel Film - Directed by Peter Murimi Congo-Brazzaville Strongman Buys Secret Weapons Haul from Azerbaijan - Khadija Sharife and Mark Anderson BBC Africa Eye: The Baby Stealers - Peter Murimi, Joel Gunter and Tom Watson

How does populism manifest itself in sub-Saharan Africa in comparison to other regions? As part of a special live episode with a class at the University of San Francisco, Judd Devermont is joined by Kathleen Klaus (University of San Francisco), Chiponda Chimbelu (Deutsche Welle), and Danielle Resnick (International Food Policy Research Institute) to discuss factors that enable populist leaders to gain political sway in Africa. Guests also unpack the strengths and weaknesses of Kenya’s Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and discuss Zambian President Edgar Lungu’s decision to run for a “third term,” as well as what it means for the democratic trajectory of the country. Background Readings: Political Violence in Kenya: Land, Elections, and Claim-Making – Kathleen Klaus There’s a long, troubling history behind the Capitol attack – Kathleen Klaus and Aditia Malik Africa and the Biden Administration’s Summit for Democracy – Judd Devermont Populism in Africa, The Oxford Handbook of Populism – Danielle Resnick

How do African media outlets portray politics, economics, and cultural life in their own countries and in the broader region? Aanu Adeoye (The Continent), Moky Makura (Africa No Filter), and Yinka Adegoke (Rest of World) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on how increased media coverage on Africa and a focus on human-interest stories can foster unity and drive continental potential. Guests also discuss the impact of Tanzanian President Magufuli’s previous denial of Covid-19, and Africa’s path to economic recovery over the next few years. Background Readings: The country where Covid-19 doesn’t exist: Nothing to see here, says Tanzania’s president – The Continent Unfinished Business: Magufuli’s Autocratic Rule in Tanzania – Marielle Harris Africa’s diversified economies are set to rebound quicker than its extractive giants – Yinka Adegoke How African Media Covers Africa – Africa No Filter

How do we go beyond rhetoric that rarely translates into concrete and strategic action? In our 10th episode in partnership with African Arguments, Judd Devermont is joined by Deborah Malac (former U.S. Ambassador to Uganda), Maria Burnett (CSIS), and Michael Mutyaba (African Arguments contributor) to discuss recommendations for foreign partners and donors in holding autocratic regimes accountable—beyond strongly-worded statements. Guests also delve into Uganda’s repressive elections and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions displacing millions in Ethiopia. Background Readings: Uganda: How donors can go beyond “strongly-worded statements” – Michael Mutyaba (African Arguments) Repression as Voters Weigh Museveni’s 34 Years – Maria Burnett The Battle of Mekelle and Its Implications for Ethiopia – Judd Devermont

Central to the green revolution and technologies of the future, cobalt is found in some of the most conflict-stricken and unjust places on earth. What is the industry's current approach to responsible sourcing? Pamela Fierst-Walsh (U.S. Department of State), Mike Jobbins (Search for Common Ground), and Laurent Kasindi (Search for Common Ground) join Judd Devermont to highlight the benefits of a "do more good" over a "do no harm" approach to mineral mining. Guests also discuss recent attacks by the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC) in the Central African Republic, as well as the upcoming Somali presidential elections.

The growth of Chinese technology in Africa has sounded alarm bells in Washington and other foreign capitals. Beyond security and surveillance risks, what, if any, benefits exist for Africans? Judd Devermont is joined by Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew (U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission), Bulelani Jili (Harvard University), and Jeremy Goldkorn (SupChina and Sinica Podcast) to unpack the concerns surrounding Chinese involvement in the region’s tech sector, sharing recommendations for the Biden administration. Other topics include the fight for Covid-19 vaccines and ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule’s corruption charges. Background Readings: The Spread of Surveillance Technology in Africa Stirs Security Concerns - Bulelani Jili No immediate changes to U.S. China policy under Biden, including tariffs – Jeremy Goldkorn

What role do musicians play in politics and advocacy, especially during a health crisis? For this special anniversary episode, East Africa’s biggest pop band, Sauti Sol share their thoughts on the music industry’s adaptation to the pandemic, the state of Kenya’s health system, and efforts to remain outspoken about police brutality. Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (CSIS) also join Judd Devermont to discuss the state of Sudan’s political transition two years in and Mali’s interim government’s National Transitional Council appointment of musician Salif Keita. Background Reading Rethinking Crisis Responses in the Sahel – Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris

Welcome to the third season of the Into Africa podcast. As always, Judd Devermont has an exciting lineup of high-profile guests from around the world joining in to unpack African politics and policy and dig deeper into new topics. There's a lot to look forward to this year: Chinese tech in Africa, vaccine diplomacy, conflict minerals, and the reparation of African artifacts. We also plan to host webinar shows with U.S. universities and African think tanks. See you next week for our special anniversary episode featuring Kenyan afro-pop band, Sauti Sol!

How does multilateral diplomacy transform during a global pandemic? In our season finale, Judd Devermont is joined by Alex Rondos (European Union), Sanusha Naidu (Institute for Global Dialogue), and Susan Page (University of Michigan) to discuss relationship building in a pre- and post-pandemic world. Guests also examine key developments in the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, and expectations for the incoming Chair of the African Union, DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi. See you in the New Year for Into Africa's third season. Background Reading: The Battle of Mekelle and Its Implications for Ethiopia - Judd Devermont Rediscovering America: Why African Leader Tours Benefit U.S. Foreign Policy - Judd Devermont and Catherine Chiang

Covid-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital currency and mobile money platforms in Africa. How can innovations in FinTech lower the barriers to vital remittance flows? Judd Devermont is joined by Yomi Kazeem (Quartz Africa), Alexis Akwagyiram (Reuters), and Deepali Fernandes (IOM) to discuss the tug-of-war between innovation and regulation, high-tech solutions to expanding internet access across the continent, and the Trump Administration's opposition to the first African and first female Director-General of the WTO. Background Readings: The Trump White House is the last obstacle to a first African leader of the WTO – Yomi Kazeem The WTO DG Race: What Happens Now? – William Alan Reinsch Google is working on delivering super-fast internet in Africa with experimental light beams – Yomi Kazeem The Train is Leaving the Station: The Future of Digital Currency in Sub-Saharan Africa – Judd Devermont & Topaz Mukulu Regulators in Africa's big economies are scrambling to get on top of a spike in cryptocurrency trade – Yomi Kazeem How Bitcoin met the real world in Africa – Alexis Akwagyiram

The long-awaited results of the United States presidential election will shape the future of American democracy and U.S.-Africa policy for years to come. Are there lessons from sub-Saharan Africa that the U.S. should consider as it reflects on its electoral process? Udo Jude Ilo (Open Society Initiative for West Africa), Maria Sarungi Tsehai (#ChangeTanzania), and Jason Stearns (Congo Research Group) join Judd Devermont to discuss the elections, the future of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, DRC's tumultuous leadership struggle, and the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Background Materials: Race and Diplomacy: How does BLM resonate in Africa? – CSIS Africa Reacts to the U.S. Presidential Election – CSIS Nigeria: Learning from #EndSARS - A New U.S. Policy Toward Nigeria – Judd Devermont and Matthew T. Page A New Direction for U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa – Jason Stearns and Zachariah Mampilly A New U.S. Policy Framework for the African Century – Judd Devermont

The elderly and those living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are two populations growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere in the world. What challenges do these vulnerable groups face in the wake of Covid-19 and what opportunities exist for increased private sector engagement? Judd Devermont sits down with Rumbi Chakamba (Journalist), Nik Pereira (Africa Healthcare Network), and Nina Prieur (Prosper Africa) to explore U.S. investment in specialized care, Senegal's exemplary pandemic response, and a massive oil spill in Mauritius. Background Reading: How Senegal has set the standard on COVID-19 – Rumbi Chakamba Senegal's quiet COVID success – Deidre Shesgreen The Covid-19 Global Response Index – Foreign Policy The Strategic Significance of Africa’s Smallest Democracies – Judd Devermont A Wake-up Call: What Covid-19 Reveals about Elderly and NCD Care in Sub-Saharan Africa – Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Sisters care for home-based patients and the terminally ill in Botswana – Rumbi Chakamba

When it comes to election observation, there’s often one rule for the West and another for everybody else. But with a wave of democratic backsliding occurring around the world, now may be the time to disrupt the status quo and reimagine election observation missions. In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Ansbert Ngurumo (Journalist), Nic Cheeseman (University of Birmingham), and Jessica Moody (King’s College London) join Judd Devermont to discuss shifting electoral processes, election safety, and democracy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests also unpack the mounting suppression facing opposition parties and assess how this will affect upcoming presidential elections in Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire. Background Readings: Magafuli: An Epitome of Cowardice – Ansbert Ngurumo How to Rig an Election – Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas Ouattara's out, but whoever wins in Cote d'Ivoire, many won't be happy – Jessica Moody (African Arguments) How to hold elections safely and uphold democracy during Covid-19 – Nic Cheeseman (The Conversation) Africa Reacts to the First Presidential Debate and Trump’s Case of Covid-19 – CSIS

Energy development is at the heart of an inclusive African recovery from Covid-19, but how can we supercharge the region's power sector? Todd Moss (Energy for Growth Hub), Rose Mutiso (Energy for Growth Hub; Mawazo Institute), and Kate Steel (Nithio) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the future of Africa's energy sector, South Africa's struggling diplomacy in Zimbabwe, and key challenges facing African think tanks. Background Readings: A post Covid agenda for a 'zombie-free' recovery of Africa's power markets - Rose Mutiso and Todd Moss Pilot Database: Understanding the RACE metric - Jacob Kincer and Todd Moss Ted Talk: How to bring affordable, sustainable electricity to Africa - Rose Mutiso The crisis of African think tanks: Challenges and solutions - Brookings Institution About the Mazawo Institute - Mawazo.org Upcoming: Rose Mutiso's Ted Talk on climate justice and energy (Live on 10/10/2020)

Diplomatic engagement is at an all-time high across Africa. How can multilateral cooperation effectively address challenges such as Covid-19 and regional security? Judd Devermont is joined by Payton Knopf (USIP), Nilanthi Samaranayake (CNA), and Housam Darwisheh (Institute of Developing Economies) to discuss India, Japan, and the Gulf's approach to the continent, the current state of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the dispute over the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Background Readings: A Strategic Framework to Improve Coronavirus Response in Africa - Judd Devermont and Nilanthi Samaranayake How a Tiny Indian Ocean Island Could Force a US-UK Rift - Nilanthi Samaranayake What’s Ahead for the Horn of Africa in 2020 - Payton Knopf

China's footprint in Africa extends beyond infrastructure projects and financing. How significant are the relationships spun between Chinese elites and their African counterparts? In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Shinovene Immanuel (The Namibian), Lina Benabdallah (CSIS), and John Culver (Former National Intelligence Officer) join host Judd Devermont for a conversation on Chinese engagement with Africans. Guests also discuss Namibia's fishrot corruption scandal and politics in Algeria. Background Readings: Why Mali Needs a New Peace Deal - Judd Devermont and Marielle Harris Under the Radar: Summer Edition - Judd Devermont and Ryan Cummings The Spoils of the Fishrot (Part 1) - Shinovene Immanuel and Tutaleni Pinehas Swapo's 'golden children' - Shinovene Immanuel Shaping the Future of Power - Lina Benabdallah China loans Africa much less than you think - Lina Benabdallah (African Arguments)

The last 70 years of U.S.-Africa policy is underscored by a bipartisan legacy of continuity. How can it evolve to meet new challenges and realities? Ambassador Hank Cohen (Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland), and Dr. Adebayo Oyebade (Tennessee State University) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on the past, present, and future of U.S. policy toward Africa. Guests also discuss the implications of President Ouattara's candidacy for a third term in Côte d'Ivoire and Nashville's historic African diaspora. Background Reading: Under the Radar: Summer Edition - Judd Devermont and Ryan Cummings Foreign Intervention in Africa: From the Cold War to the War on Terror - Elizabeth Schmidt Foreign Intervention in Africa after the Cold War: Sovereignty, Responsibility, and the War on Terror - Elizabeth Schmidt US Foreign Policy in Africa and the 21st Century - Adebayo Oyebade US Policy Toward Africa: 8 Decades of Realpolitik - Hank Cohen A New U.S. Policy Framework for the African Century - Judd Devermont