Into Africa

Latest Episodes:

It's an Infodemic! Jun 25, 2020

Show notes

How do we separate fact from fiction? What is the best way to tackle misinformation about the virus? In our seventh episode with African Arguments, Ambassador Dawn Liberi (Former U.S. Ambassador to Burundi), Lee Mwiti (Africa Check), and Antonio Zappulla (Thomson Reuters Foundation) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the rapid spread of misinformation in Africa and the dangerous implications of government crackdowns on the press during the pandemic. Guests also examine Burundi’s turbulent transition following the death of President Nkurunziza and Kenya’s faltering economy. A note to our listeners: this episode was recorded on June 12th and some of the fast-moving developments in Burundi may not be reflected in the episode.

Background Reading:

Kenya Tops Angola as Sub-Saharan Africa’s No. 3 Economy - Bloomberg
3 African leaders: The smart step to fight the virus - CNN
Egypt forces Guardian journalist to leave after coronavirus story - The Guardian
FACTSHEET: Coronavirus and the Covid-19 outbreak - Africa Check
What's Crap on WhatsApp? - Africa Check and others

There’s an App for That Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

Africa is undergoing a digital transformation, helping the region to weather some the pandemic's negative consequences. What opportunities exist to accelerate Africa's adoption of digital and mobile technologies? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid (African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy), Ilana Cohen (GSMA), and Greg Cohen (Asoko Insight) to discuss the Covid-19 challenge and GSMA’s report, “Digital Solutions for the Urban Poor.” Separately, Judd, Greg, and Ilana also review President Museveni’s approach to the pandemic and developments in Madagascar.

Background Reading:

Work in the Age of Covid-19 May 28, 2020

Show notes

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect the future of business, trade, and investment in sub-Saharan Africa? How important will technology and automation be for economic development in the region? Guests Laird Treiber (State Department), Chukwuka Onyekwena (Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa), and Vijaya Ramachandran (Center for Global Development) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the new world of work. Guests also analyze South Africa and Nigeria’s responses to the pandemic.

Background Reading

South Africa’s Bold Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic – Judd Devermont and Topaz Mukulu
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the Nigerian economy – Chukwuka Onyekwena and Mma Ekeruche
Nigeria's Tech Sector May Be Booming, but Where Are the Women? – Vijaya Ramachandran and Blessing Omakwu
Can Africa Be a Manufacturing Destination? Labor Costs in Comparative Perspective – Vijaya Ramachandran et al.
Philanthropy and the Humanitarian Crisis in Northeast Nigeria – Judd Devermont

Viruses and VEOs May 14, 2020

Show notes

How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect African governments’ ability to respond to violent extremism in the region? Will groups exploit the health, economic, and political crisis brought on by the pandemic? In this security-focused episode, host Judd Devermont is joined by Bulama Bukarti (Tony Blair Institute), Emilia Columbo (CSIS), and Will Brown (The Telegraph, CSIS) to discuss the violence in northern Mozambique, Boko Haram’s attack on Chadian soldiers in late March, and Covid'19's implications for the security landscape.

Background Reading:

Extremist Groups Stepping up Operations during the Covid-19 Outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa – Emilia Columbo and Marielle Harris
Supporting Mozambique’s Response to the Growing Insurgent Threat in Cabo Delgado – Emilia Columbo
How Jihadi Groups in Africa Will Exploit COVID-19 – Bulama Bukarti
As the World Is Distracted, Boko Haram Terrorists Strike a Key Western Ally – Will Brown

The Shape of Africa to Come Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

Experts project that the next few years will be pivotal for Africa's growth and influence. What policies should African governments and their partners focus on to positively shift the region’s trajectory? Jonathan Rosenthal (The Economist), Erin Sikorsky (National Intelligence Council), and Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies) join Judd Devermont to discuss forecasting and the continent's projected growth and development. Guests also explore the widespread abuses by security forces during Covid-19 enforced lockdowns and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s decision to step down.

Background Reading:

Africa First! Igniting a Growth Revolution - Jakkie Cilliers
The African Century (The Economist special report) - Jonathan Rosenthal
Global Trends: The Paradox of Progress (2017 report) - National Intelligence Council

Never, Ever, Explain Satire Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

Can humor be leveraged to spark political change? Bruce Wharton (former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe), James Wan (African Arguments), and Nkechi Nwabudike (The Other News) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the role of satire in African media, politics, and diplomacy. Guests also discuss the government of Zimbabwe’s comments on Covid-19 and the challenge of holding free and fair elections during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is our sixth episode in partnership with African Arguments.

Background Reading:

Surviving COVID-19: Fragility, Resilience and Inequality in Zimbabwe - African Arguments
Pandemic at the Polls - Judd Devermont
Satire: BP praised for ambition to destroy Africa but potentially a bit slower - James Wan
Writing about “that kind of country” in a time of coronavirus - Jess Auerbach

In Hot Water Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

Rising temperatures across the globe will have profound consequences for Africa’s oceans and the people that are dependent on them for their livelihoods. How can countries work together in order to mitigate the effects of climate change? Max Bearak (Washington Post), Nina Forgwe (British High Commission in Cameroon) and Whit Saumweber (CSIS) join host Judd Devermont to discuss local and international community responses. Also, guests review how governments are reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming year for the diplomatic initiative: G7++ Friends of Gulf of Guinea Group.

Background Reading:

A Crisis in the Water is Decimating This Once-Booming Fishing Town by Max Bearak and Chris Mooney
COVID-19 Is an African Political Crisis as Much as a Health and Economic Emergency by Judd Devermont and Eric Olander

Partner of Choice Mar 19, 2020

Show notes

African militaries are working with the U.S., China, Russia, and others in order to address their security concerns. In an increasingly crowded space, are Africans looking for a partner of choice or a choice of partners? Host Judd Devermont sits down with Katie Bo Williams (Defense One), Ryan Cummings (Signal Risk) and Jonah Victor (Author) to discuss African views on U.S. and foreign security assistance. Guests also review Malian President Keita’s negotiations with extremist leaders and the wave of vigilante violence in Zambia.

Background Reading

African Security: An Introduction - Jonah Victor and John Siko
Speaking with Vampires: Rumor and History in Colonial Africa - Luise White
Social media claims about Zambia gas attacks linked to riots, lynchings - AFP

In Courts We Trust? Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

What is the role of the courts in ensuring that elections are free and fair? Are African courts becoming more independent? In our fifth episode with African Arguments, Jimmy Kainja (academic), Marti Flacks (former NSC Director for Africa), and Carl LeVan (American University), join Judd Devermont to explore recent developments in how elections are conducted. Guests also discuss the nullification of election results in Malawi and Kenya, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé’s fourth term and more.

Background Reading

Malawi court orders fresh elections. What now? by African Arguments
The Game Has Changed: Rethinking the U.S. Role in Supporting Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa by Judd Devermont
The opposition playbook for discrediting elections and its risks by African Arguments
How to Rig an Election by Nic Cheeseman

The Future of African Studies Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

Africa plays a major role in world affairs and will gain in prominence in the coming decades. How should the U.S. support African studies programs to develop the next generation of Africa experts? This special episode was recorded live at The Elliott School of International Affairs. Judd Devermont is joined by Ambassador Reuben Brigety II (The Elliot School); Jennifer Cooke (The Elliot School’s Institute for African Studies) and Professor Mohammed Camara (Howard University) to discuss the future of African studies. Also, Trump’s travel ban on Nigeria, Sudan, Eritrea, and Tanzania and President Ramaphosa’s new role as African Union Chair.

Background Reading:

Trump trashes Nigeria and bans its immigrants. Nigerians love him for it. – Adaobi Nwaubani, The Washington Post

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