
Next Africa
125 episodes — Page 2 of 3

Why Ethiopia’s Giant Dam has Left Egypt and Sudan Angry
Ethiopia has inaugurated Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam, a colossal feat of engineering that could power homes and industries across East Africa. But the dam is also deepening a years-long dispute with Egypt and Sudan over the flow of the Nile. On this week’s episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer is joined by Bloomberg’s Ethiopia Reporter Fasika Tadesse and our Cairo based reporter Tarek El-Tablawy to discuss what Ethiopia hopes the dam will achieve economically and how downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan may respond. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Botswana Survive the Lab-Grown Diamond Boom?
Botswana became one of the richest countries in Africa because it's the world's biggest producer of diamonds by value -- but with lab-grown gems soaring in popularity, the sparsely-populated desert nation is facing a social and economic existential crisis President Boko has pledged to diversify the economy away from its over-reliance on a single resource, but the changes may have come too late. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Matthew Hill and Botswana-based reporter Mbongeni Mguni join Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss their latest reporting from the region, and what the impact of the diamond slump looks like on the ground in Botswana. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Africa’s Music Festivals Compete On The World Stage?
It’s the summer festival season, and while Europe and North America are seeing declining sales and smaller tours - Africa’s festival scene is on an upward trend. Eswatini’s Bushfire Festival, and Tanzania’s Sauti Za Busara are growing, bringing jobs, tourism and support for Africa’s music industry. On this week’s episode, Tiwa Adebayo speaks to Maputo based correspondent Tavares Cebola, who’s been reporting on the summer festival season. They discuss whether the African music industry is able to capitalise on its global popularity and how the region's growing younger middle class are fueling the festival industry. Jennifer Zabasajja will return next week. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil Workers Recount Yearslong Detention in Equatorial Guinea
Two South African oil workers who had been detained in Equatorial Guinea prisons for two years have spoken to Bloomberg about their ordeal. Peter Huxham and Frik Potgieter were arrested on drug-trafficking charges and detained in short order in February 2023, days after a South African court ordered the seizure of a yacht linked to Equatorial Guinean Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, known as Teodorin. In this special episode of the Next Africa Podcast they talk about their arrest, what it’s like inside Equatorial Guinean prisons and how they feel now they are back with their families in South Africa. And Bloomberg’s Energy reporter Paul Burkhardt speaks to Jennifer Zabasajja about the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Equatorial Guinea, the role of the Vice President, and what this means for international investment in OPEC’s smallest member.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Africa’s Ultra Luxury Hotels Are Booming
A private island off the coast of Tanzania, where guests pay around $50,000 a night for an exclusive-use villa, catamaran and helicopter transfers within a protected marine reserve is the latest frontier in Africa’s booming luxury hospitality market. Bloomberg’s Prinesha Naidoo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what's behind the boom in ultra luxury tourism, who’s benefiting and whether the economic boost is sustainable. You can read Prinesha Naidoo's piece here, and for more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's Driving The Protests Over The Ivory Coast Presidential Election?
Opposition parties are protesting in Abidjan after court rulings blocked key opposition figures from standing in October’s presidential election. The decisions paved the way for 83 year-old President Alassane Ouattara to seek a controversial fourth term. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Abidjan-based reporter Kamailoudini Tagba joins Jennifer Zabasajja and talks about what’s behind the process, how President Ouattara is regarded in Ivory Coast and what hopes there are for fair and peaceful elections in October.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could President Trump Recognise Somaliland’s Independence?
Somaliland, which proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991, is willing to offer the US a military base at the entrance to the Red Sea and critical-minerals deals in its quest for international recognition as a sovereign state. On this week’s episode - Bloomberg’s Simon Marks joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain the history behind Somaliland and its independence claim, and whether this new plan to try and get US recognition will succeed.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why African Banks Are Playing Hardball On Debt
African development banks are locked in a dispute with African nations like Ghana and Zambia over deals to restructure their debts. As the countries finalize debt relief agreements with foreign lenders under the G20’s Common Framework, banks like Afreximbank and TDB are pushing back against deals forcing them to take losses saying it puts the future of African investment at risk. Bloomberg Reporter Matthew Hill joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what’s behind the dispute, what the bank’s leaders have been saying and whether a deal will eventually be doneFor more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have US Tariffs Thwarted South Africa’s G20 Presidency?
G20 finance ministers met in Zimbali in South Africa this week, but even with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent skipping the event - Donald Trump's trade policy dominated discussions at the expense of President Ramphosa’s agenda. In this episode Jennifer Zabasajja speaks to South Africa Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago about the impact of the global trade war, and Bloomberg Economist Yvonne Mhango joins Jennifer to explain how the latest moves on tariffs are affecting countries in Africa.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can West Africa Capitalize On The Growing Demand For Coffee
Demand for coffee is growing globally - but despite much of it being grown on the continent, very little is roasted locally to be sold and drunk there. West African Entrepreneur Hadi Beydoun wants to change that. In this week’s special episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja heads to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast to meet Hadi, the founder of Café Continent, to find out how he’s planning to bring homegrown, home-roasted coffee to the African market. Then Bloomberg’s Soft Commodities reporter Mumbi Gitau gives her analysis of the state of the global coffee market and Africa’s place in it. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will The US End The War Between Congo and Rwanda?
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to bring an end to conflict in eastern Congo, where millions of people have died and multitudes have been displaced over the past three decades. But fighting continues and scores of armed groups continue to control parts of the region. In this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Congo reporter Michael Kavanagh joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how this deal came about now, what role the US and access to minerals played in the talks and what hope this deal has of leading to a lasting peace For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How US Aid Cuts Has Left The Fight Against HIV In Crisis
Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, has told Bloomberg that US cuts to foreign aid have left the global fight against HIV in crisis. Bloomberg healthcare reporter Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what the reality is on the ground for HIV treatment in Africa, a continent that is home to 75% of all people living with the virus, and where alternative sources of funding could come from. You can read Winnie Byanyima’s interview with Mishal Hussain here, and for more stories from the region you can sign up to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Kenyans Are Back on the Streets: Protests, Corruption, and a Crisis of Trust
A year since deadly protests against the Kenyan government saw more than 60 people killed, Kenyans are again taking to the streets to protest police brutality. These protests, triggered by the death of a kenyan activist in police custody, come as the IMF arrive in the country to assess Kenya's attempts to tackle corruption. On this week’s episode East Africa Bureau Chief Helen Nyambura joins Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss what’s behind these new protests, and whether President Ruto can actually tackle corruption and do a deal with the IMF to turn the economy around. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US Tax With Big Consequences For Africa
US President Donald Trump is proposing a 3.5% tax on remittances by non-citizens as part of the Republican tax bill currently working through the Senate. On today’s episode of the Next Africa podcast we look at why this proposal could have major repercussions for African economies, particularly Nigeria, one of the world’s biggest recipients of remittances. Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Dr Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, the founder of New York based 8B Education Investments, and hears how this makes America less attractive to Africa’s brightest students, and Nigeria Bureau Chief Anthony Osae Brown explains how reliant Nigeria is on remittances especially ofF the back of USAID cuts. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Billion-Dollar Potential of African Sport in the Diaspora
The return of the Unity Cup after 21 years electrified London’s Brentford Stadium, drawing record crowds and reigniting diasporan pride. With planning already underway for the 2026 edition, the tournament is more than just a celebration of African football. It’s emerging as a catalyst for global connection and economic opportunity. This week, host Tiwa Adebayo sits down with Bloomberg reporters Olatomiwa Tobi and Nduka Orjinmo to explore how sport is becoming a powerful force in uniting African communities abroad, as well as a billion-dollar opportunity for brands willing to invest. (Regular host Jennifer Zabasajja returns next week.) For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inside Story Of Ramaphosa's Encounter with Trump
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Washington last week to ease tensions amid a barrage of criticism from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spread false claims that there’s a genocide against White people in Africa’s most industrialized economy. Ramaphosa was intent on focusing on trade relations — the US is the country’s second-largest trading partner after China — but the US leader quickly turned the meeting into an interrogation. Bloomberg's South Africa Government Reporter S'thembile Cele was in the room and recounts the full story of the face-to-face Oval Office meeting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Africa Takes Centre Stage at The Qatar Economic Forum
The future of Africa's economic progress, security and stability has been a key topic at this year's Qatar Economic Forum , an event powered by Bloomberg. How can the continent assert itself on global stage and superchage growth against an uncertain backdrop? On this week's episode Jennifer Zabasajja brings you the best of this year's discussions featuring a deep dive into sovereign investment, a look at some of the region's most exciting start-ups and expert commentary on the roles of sustainability and AI in Africa's growing investment landscape. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigerian Investors Bet On Nollywood For Blockbuster Returns
Nollywood is bringing a touch of West Africa to the Cannes Film Festival. My Father’s Shadow is making history as the first Nigerian Film to be an Official Selection at the Festival - showing the rising prominence of Nollywood on the world stage. And investors are starting to take notice. On today’s episode, Jennifer Zabasajja talks to our Nigeria Bureau Chief, Anthony Osae-Brown about the growing popularity of Nollywood, how Netflix and Amazon brought new investment to the industry and why asset managers are now starting to take notice.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Sudan Blames The UAE For Port Sudan Drone Strikes
Armed drones struck the airport and harbor in Sudan’s main coastal city Port Sudan, escalating a deadly conflict between the North African nation’s army and the Rapid Support Forces militia. Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF and has cut off diplomatic ties and withdrawn its ambassador. The UAE firmly denies any involvement. On this episode, Bloomberg’s Nairobi based reporter Simon Marks joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why this escalation opens up a new front in the two year long civil war, and what evidence there is that the UAE is backing the RSF.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Russia Recruiting Young African Women To Make Drones?
With influencer ads and high-profile marketing campaigns, Russia’s global outreach program is operating across Africa, offering young women work-study opportunities in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Fliers and promotional materials for the program feature images of smiling young African women working as technicians and waitresses. However, reports in international media suggest that the reality of working in Alabuga is far grimmer than the version being marketed. On this week’s episode, Senior Reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explore whether the scheme’s claims hold up under scrutiny and how Interpol is investigating allegations that the program amounts to human trafficking. Instead of providing genuine job opportunities, it may be placing young African women at risk in a war zone. You can read Antony’s reporting on the Alabuga Start programme here.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IMF Spring Meeting 2025: What the Global Slowdown Means for Africa
At the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC - the trade war and its impact on the global economy is the centre of attention, and putting more pressure on the African governments trying to negotiate deals with the fund. Ghana and Zambia have turned their economies around with IMF help — but Kenya, Mozambique and Senegal find themselves having to try and negotiate new IMF programmes at a time when there’s less help to be found. On this episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Bloomberg’s Matthew Hill, to find out what’s on the negotiating table, and how a trade war is making life harder for African governments already stuck between angry citizens and a restrictive IMF For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs, Trump, and the Stakes for Lesotho
Lesotho was hit with the highest U.S. tariffs on the African continent, a 50% levy on its exports, before President Donald Trump paused the move for 90 days. The kingdom’s trade minister is warning that if those duties go ahead, Lesotho could face a liquidity crisis. Trump announced this month that tariffs of at least 10% will apply to most imports, with even steeper rates targeting goods from around 60 countries, all in a push to curb what he calls unfair trade imbalances.Lesotho is now hoping to launch high-level talks with Washington.On today’s episode, Jennifer Zabasajja speaks with Maarten Van Doesburg, Head of Economics at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, about what could be at stake in those negotiations — and what Trump might really want in the long run. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Formula One Finally Come Back To Africa?
Formula One cars last raced in Africa in 1993, but now a concerted effort from investors and governments are trying to bring the races back to the continent. Bloomberg’s Senior Africa Reporter has been looking at the proposals bidding for a new a licence and talks to Jennifer Zabasajja about what’s being planned, who’s paying for it, and whether we really will see an African race on the Formula One circuit any time soon For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flash Episode: Assessing The Impact Of Trump’s Tariffs On Africa
President Trump imposed the steepest American tariffs in a century as he steps up his campaign to reshape the global economy. Many African countries have been hit with the so-called reciprocal tariffs including a 31% levy on South Africa and 50% on Lesotho. Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what the impacts of these tariffs will be on African Economies - and what the global trade war could mean for hopes of growth. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Polo Became the Sport of Business Kings in Nigeria
Some call it the sport of kings or the passport to the world, and in Nigeria Polo has become a business essential. In Lagos, government ministers and business leaders play side by side while the sport gets sponsorship from global giants such as Coco Cola. Bloomberg reporter Tiwa Adebayo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how Polo became such a part of corporate culture in Nigeria, and how much business is taking place on the polo field rather than in the board room For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why West African Cocoa Farmers Aren’t Yet Benefiting From High Prices
Global cocoa shortages are finally set to ease this season, as harvests improve and demand falls, creating a surplus for the first time in three years. But even with Cocoa hitting record high prices, the industry is taking time to recover, and debt and the need to honour contracts at cheaper prices mean farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast - the world's biggest cocoa producing countries- aren’t yet seeing much benefit from the rising price. Bloomberg Soft Commodities reporter Mumbi Gitau has just returned from Ghana and Ivory Coast, and joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain what the recovery looks like at the cocoa farms, the pressures the industry is still facing and what it means for the price of our chocolate bars. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Africa’s Economies Survive Global Economic Turmoil
Two budgets on different sides of the continent this week show the struggle African countries are facing when it comes to growing their economies. In Ghana, the new administration promised 10% spending cuts plus a higher tax on gold revenue, and in South Africa the much-delayed budget -- and its VAT hike -- still needs to find a way through parliament. With the global economy dealing with multiple conflicts and a chaotic trade war, what’s the outlook for growth in Africa in 2025? Jennifer Zabasajja sits down with Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango to break down the headlines from these key budgets and find out what the global turmoil means for Africa. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'Disaster' Impact Of USAID Cuts On Africa
One of President Trump’s first actions after beginning his second term in office, was to take aim at USAID, which doled out $40 billion in foreign assistance each year. Last week the administration cancelled 90% of its funding awards - the bulk of which are focused on projects in Africa such as tackling HIV and tuberculosis as well as responding to poverty and famine. In this special episode of the Next Africa Podcast we go across the continent as Jennifer Zabasajja speaks to Bloomberg reporters Nduka Orjinmo, Simon Marks and Janice Kew to hear about the impact these cuts are having on the ground and what might fill the gap that the US has left behind. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Nigeria’s Central Bank Revive The Country’s Dying ATMS?
Nigeria’s Central Bank is allowing banks to increase the amount they charge for withdrawals at ATMs in a bid to tackle cash scarcity at lenders in the country. Nigerians are increasingly turning to cash agents who use card terminals to provide cash, for a high commission. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Nduka Orjinmo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why these cash agents are so popular and whether the moves by the Central Bank will actually make any difference on the ground. You can read Nduka’s reporting here.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can South Africa’s G20 Stand Up To President Trump
The first G20 summit on African soil has started in Johannesburg this weekend, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refusing to attend the foreign ministers meeting. With President Trump’s new administration picking fights with allies and bringing Russia back in from the diplomatic cold, is multilaterialism still alive and will the G20 presidency meet South Africa’s ambitious goals? Bloomberg senior reporter Antony Sguazzin joins Jennifer Zabasajja to outline what’s at stake, and what role other players like China and the EU have if the US steps back from Africa. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can Africa Profit From Soaring Gold?
With global tensions high amid a growing trade war, investors have been continuing to push gold to record high prices, pushing towards the $3,000 mark. With Africa producing a quarter of the world’s supply, will the demand for the precious metal see some of that wealth reach the continent? In this episode, Jennifer Zabasajja speaks to Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow at the South Africa Mining Indaba, and he explains why he thinks the only way is up for gold - and what that means for investment in Africa. Plus, Bloomberg’s Ray Ndlovu joins from Bulawayo to explain why Zimbabwe’s gold backed currency just isn’t keeping pace with the rising price. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Take Aim at South Africa
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he won’t attend a G20 summit in Johannesburg later this month, after Donald Trump slammed South Africa over a new land law. The president's top ally Elon Musk has long trafficked in conspiracy theories about the Black-majority government seizing White farmers' land and committing a "genocide" against them. To discuss how Pretoria found itself in Trump's sights, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Bloomberg’s Deputy Managing Editor for Africa Neil Munshi - and columnist and political commentator Justice Malala. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Rwanda Overstepping In Congo?
A Rwanda-backed rebel group effectively captured the vital eastern DRC city of Goma, after a lightning offensive this week that reportedly included support from Rwandan troops.On this week's episode, Bloomberg reporters Simon Marks and Michael Kavanagh, who’s covered the region for 20 years , join Jennifer Zabasajja to explain who the key players in the conflict are, what chance there is for a ceasefire and the risk this could spread into a wider regional conflict.For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Trump's WHO Withdrawal Is Bad News For Africa
The World Health Organization called on the US to reconsider President Donald Trump’s decision to exit the agency, suggesting the move could undermine global health security. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s health and consumer reporter Janice Kew joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain how planned departure would leave the WHO scrambling to replace its top donor, and how losing that funding could put the work that the WHO carries out on containing diseases such as HIV, polio and Ebola as well as a recent outbreak of lethal Marburg virus at riskFor more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How the South African Mining Tragedy Unfolded
South African rescue workers retrieved 78 bodies from a disused gold mine in Stilfontein where hundreds of illegal extractors have been involved in a months-long standoff with the authorities. Civil rights groups said at least 100 people died from starvation after the mine was sealed off by the security forces to deny those underground access to food to force them to the surface. Bloomberg’s S’thembile Cele has been on the ground at the Buffelsfontein mine and joins Jennifer Zabasajja, to explain who the miners were, why the government was so keen to crack down on illegal mining - and how the operation ended in such tragic circumstances. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is West Africa’s ‘Detty December’ really boosting local economies?
'Detty December' is a phrase which refers to the annual pilgrimage of tourists and diasporans to Nigeria and Ghana during the festive period. It's a movement which has attracted global attention this year as thousands, including international celebrities, flocked to the region to soak up the sun and celebrations. 2024's revelry though has been set against a difficult economic backdrop of rising inflation and depreciating currency. Bloomberg's Tiwa Adebayo who recently returned from Lagos tells Jennifer Zabasajja why some locals aren't sharing in the jubilation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does ECOWAS have a future in West Africa?
West African leaders gave Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso six months to reconsider a withdrawal from the regional economic bloc in a final attempt to avoid its fracture. But with the military-led, Russia-aligned countries setting up their own bloc - the Alliance of Sahel States - is the future of West Africa more one of disunity than unity? Bloomberg’s West Africa Reporter Katarina Hoije joins Jennifer Zabasajja to explain why the countries want to leave ECOWAS and what the future looks like for West Africa diplomacy For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why South Africa's Townships Suffer Worse From Climate Change
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.

Can Africa’s Richest Person Revive Nigeria’s Economy
As his new refinery begins gasoline production in Nigeria, Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote spoke exclusively to Bloomberg news. On this week’s podcast, Nduka Orjinmo joins Jennefier Zabasajja to look at who Dangote is, how he built his wealth - and why he thinks his gigantic refinery could help end the country's reliance on fuel subsidies.You can watch the full interview here and read more of Nduka’s Nigeria coverage here. - and you can subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter for even more:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-24/dangote-s-monster-refinery-fuels-fight-over-gasoline-subsidiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Record Coffee Prices Are A Double-Edged Sword
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.