AfriCan Geopardy: Recent Episodes
African Geopardy
AfriCan Geopardy is a fun, witty, and authentic way of talking about the ocean, and African geopolitics, with an added twist of bursting stereotypes about Africa. We are two AfriCan gals who have PhDs - we know our onions.
In the latest episode of AfriCan Geography, we discussed "Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth" with Ms Kashimana Tsumba. She is a maritime lawyer specialising in resolving disputes related to charter parties, crewmen's wages, collisions, and marine insurance contracts. Ms. Tsumba advises ship owners and insurers and is actively involved in enforcement proceedings for LMAA arbitrations. Our discussion covered the opportunities inherent in Nigeria's blue economy and the legal, strategic, operational, and infrastructural challenges of harnessing its potential. Ms Tsumba also touched on what can be done differently to ensure the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria's ocean economy.Thank you for tuning in.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explored the "changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa" with Prof. Freedom Onuoha, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Coordinator of the Security, Violence, and Conflict (SVC) Research Group at the university. Prof. Onuoha's research interests include aspects of national and transnational security threats, with an emphasis on terrorism, violent extremism, insurgency, maritime security, violent conflict, organized crime, peacebuilding, and state fragility. During the discussion, Prof. Onuoha shed light on the various ways in which the evolving patterns of terrorism in the Sahel region could compromise maritime security in Africa, citing examples from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, and other states. He also discussed the increased threat posed by the use of drones by terrorist groups and outlined measures that coastal states and their partners could take to mitigate these looming dangers.Thank you for listening.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Ife Okafor-Yarwood, discusses the "politicisation of unsustainable fisheries practices in Africa". Her reflection is driven by what she views as the "Chinalisation" of threats to sustainable fisheries in Africa, which she believes undermine collective efforts towards sustainable fisheries. The discussion explores numerous instances where EU and European companies and vessels have contributed to unsustainable fishing practices and by extension, the depletion of fish stock on the continent.
For policymakers and implementers on the African continent, the focus should be strengthening the laws, empowering enforcement agencies, improving monitoring, control, and surveillance capability, and collaborating with their neighbours.
If you are interested in learning more about the issues raised, you may check the following sources:
- Greenpeace, (2021). Major European companies linked to food insecurity in West Africa - Greenpeace Africa
- Oceana, (2021). Oceana-Summary6-22
- CFFA, (2023). 'It takes two to tango' – EU fishing partnerships agreements must become more attractive to partner countries — Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (cffacape.org)
- Okafor-Yarwood I., and Belhabib D. (2020). The duplicity of the European Union Common Fisheries Policy in third countries: Evidence from the Gulf of Guinea - ScienceDirect
In the latest episode of African Geopardy, we discussed the topic of "Women and Youths in Diplomacy: Realities from the African Continent" with Ambassador Khouloud Ben Mansour. She is the African Union Youth Ambassador of Peace for North Africa (Tunisia) and a UN Women Young Women Peacebuilders Program graduate, where she received training in conflict theories, analysis, and gender-sensitive conflict analysis. Our conversation focused on the critical role that women and youths in Africa play in diplomacy and, more specifically, in working towards peace and security on the African continent. We explored their challenges and how their skills can be better utilised in working for peace on the continent. Ambassador Khouloud spoke passionately about these issues, and having her on our podcast was an absolute joy.We hope you enjoy listening to it. #AfriCan
In this February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "State Action At Sea in Cote d'Ivoire: Success Stories and Opportunities for Improvement" with Mr Abroulaye Fofana, the Permanent Secretary of the Inter-ministerial Committee for State Action at Sea, SEPCIM-AEM. Mr. Fofana, under the authority of the Prime Minister, oversees the coordination of missions for about fifteen agencies, both civilian and military, operating or having an interest at sea. During the discussion, we discussed the institutions implementing State Action at Sea, their successes, opportunities for improvement, and much more. Happy listening!
In the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss what it means to holistically address maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with Senior Captain Charles Bamele, the Operational Coordination Director for State Action at Sea, Cote d'Ivoire. Additionally, we explore the successes and challenges of the Yaounde Architecture since the signing of the Yaounde Agreement in 2013 with Navy Capt. Atonfack Guemo, the technical adviser to the Minister of Defence, the Head of the Communication Division, and the spokesperson for the Cameroonian Armed Forces.Enjoy!
In this December episode of AfriCan Geopardy, I take a moment to reflect on our journey throughout 2023 and share our aspirations for the upcoming year, 2024.I want to express my gratitude to all our incredible listeners who have been an integral part of the AfriCan Geopardy family. Your ongoing support and engagement have been truly invaluable. Thank you!
In this episode of African Geopardy, we delve into "Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Making a Case for the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF)" with our esteemed guest, Captain Mohammad Saghir Shettima. Captain Shettima, a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Navy, serves as the Commanding Officer for FOB Igbokoda and is a seasoned maritime security consultant. If you're unfamiliar with the CMTF concept and wish to gain a clearer understanding, especially in the context of drawing insights from the multinational joint task force combating insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin, then don't miss this episode. You may have wondered how the CMTF would work when the provisions of the Yaounde Agreement have not been fully implemented; we've got you covered. Just press play and hear Captain Shettima share his valuable insights.
Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy! In this episode, we delve into "Harnessing the Blue Economy opportunities in Africa" with our guest, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu. She brings a wealth of expertise as Kenya's Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy. Ambassador Karigithu previously served as the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. She holds the Advisor on Blue Economy position in the President's Executive office. While the Blue Economy presents significant opportunities for Africa, particularly in shipping and maritime transport, it also presents challenges. Join us as Ambassador Karigithu shares insights and outlines a path forward. Happy listen and have a great month ahead.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Strengthening Regional Maritime Security in a phase of Competing Geopolitical Interests" with Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, a highly accomplished executive director with extensive expertise in maritime law, security, and international relations. Dr Ali, who holds a PhD and the rank of Navy Captain (Retired), is currently the Executive Director of the Centre for Maritime Law and Security Africa (CEMLAWS Africa) and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies Accra.Our discussion touches upon various aspects that directly relate to the current realities in the Gulf of Guinea. We explore the regional and international dynamics and consider the necessary steps for achieving positive change.Enjoy!
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explore the path to a more secure and prosperous future for the Gulf of Guinea countries by discussing "Improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea" with the remarkable Ambassador Florentina Ukonga.
As a distinguished career diplomat, Ambassador Florentina Adenike Ukonga (MFR) brings a wealth of experience. She served as the Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) from June 2015 to April 2023. Before that, she was Deputy Executive Secretary-Political Affairs at the GGC from May 2007 to May 2015. But her expertise doesn't stop there! Before her tenure at the GGC, she was the Under-Secretary for African Affairs in Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing crucial relations with African nations and inter-governmental organizations from April 2004 to November 2006. During our discussion, Ambassador Ukonga sheds light on the threats to maritime security, their drivers and impact and the remarkable progress thus far. That's not all – she reveals the key roles that national and regional governments and international partners can play in ensuring the region's lasting security and sustainable development.
Thanks for listening.
"Fisheries closed season in Ghana, what is it and how does it affect fisherfolk?"
In our newest episode, we delve into the important topic of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its implications for fisherfolk. Today (1st of July), as Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire commence their closed season for artisanal and industrial fisheries, we are thrilled to feature Mr Nana Kweigyah as our guest. Mr Nana Kweigyah is the current National President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), representing canoe and gear owners in Ghana's four coastal regions. With a background as a small-scale fisher and a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Nana Kweigyah has devoted his life to advocating for the active involvement of fishers, particularly canoe owners, women, and youth, in fisheries governance and management. During our discussion, we explore the reasons behind implementing the fisheries closed season, assess its limitations and impacts, and offer recommendations for alternative approaches. We emphasise the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and ensuring equity and justice in fisheries management to prevent fisherfolk from being further marginalised and vulnerable to criminal networks. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its effects on the lives of fisherfolk.
In this month's thrilling episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "Climate Crossroads: Unraveling the Connection between Irregular Migration and Climate Change in Africa." with the incredible Ambassador Dr Namira Negm, the First Director of the African Migration Observatory. She is at the forefront of harmonising national strategies and equipping African states with comprehensive knowledge of migration through data collection and analysis. Prepare to be captivated as we explore the fascinating connection between climate change and internal and external migration. We dive deep into the actions taken by the African Union and its partners while also exploring approaches that can avert the impending impact of climate change on migration.
Have a great day and weeks ahead.
In this month's episode of AfriCan Georpardy, we are excited to introduce Dr Okafor-Yarwood's research as part of the Pew Marine Fellowship. The interview is led by her colleague, Dr Noleen Chikowore, a sustainable development lecturer at the University of St Andrews.Over three years, Dr Okafor-Yarwood will receive $150,000 to investigate the impact of fisheries closures in Ghana on nearby communities and to develop locally appropriate and sustainable conservation strategies based on local ecological knowledge in West Africa.This research is crucial because current marine conservation approaches often disregard the needs of vulnerable communities. With limited government resources to provide alternative livelihoods for those affected by such policies, it is essential to explore all options to ensure fair and just policies.In a recent development, Cote d'Ivoire has announced the implementation of a closed season for the artisanal, industrial, and tuna industries starting from July 2023.Thank you for tuning in, and we apologize for the delayed publication and audio quality.Thanks for listening and your patience, as this month's episode comes quite later.
In the March episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Imagining the world that could be: Planting the seeds of decolonial futures" with Mr Aasif Bulbulia, a researcher from Johannesburg, South Africa, who is currently studying towards an MA in Education Policy Studies through Stellenbosch University. He is passionate about exploring the intersections between decoloniality, education, liberation theology and future studies. Decolonial future is not a concept with a single definition. However, it can mean a future where different ways of knowing to co-exist and are not strictly defined by the eurocentric knowledge hierarchies and way of being... In discussing what a decolonial future could look like, key advice for observers and those that would like to support the process includes but is not limited to the following:Listen!Pay attention!Support those putting in the work of building decolonial futures.Listen! Reflect!! Share!!!
In the February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "Know thyself" with Ms Angel Smeijer, an Integral Leadership coach. She helps individuals and teams gain clarity and awareness to help them achieve their higher goals. She is also an HR leader with experience leading the HR function in tech scales and start-ups.This topic is important because the AfriCan continent has the highest percentage of entrepreneurs globally at 22%. At the same time, the continent holds some of the highest percentages of failed ventures in the first year -- 54% at the continental level, 75% in Ethiopia, and Rwanda, 74% in Ghana, 67% in DRC and Zimbabwe and 33% in Nigeria.This episode outlines what African entrepreneurs (and our listeners) can do to ensure they are not part of the failed entrepreneurship statistics.Thank you for listening.
Happy New Year!Welcome to the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy.In this episode, we had an insightful conversation with Ms Cynthia Chigwnya, the AfriCan Union Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa. We discussed her aspirations, the challenges of executing her role, the success stories and what can be done differently. Ms Cynthia Chigwenya is a Political Researcher and currently serves as the African Union's Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa, advocating for the adoption and implementation of National Action Plans on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) in SADC. She promoted YPS priorities at the expert discussion on 'Key Outcomes of the 2022 EU-AU Summit,' spoke at the 6th-anniversary of UN Resolution 2250, and recommended the AU's Peace and Security Council to proactively partner with youth in tackling insurgencies in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Cynthia works as a Programme Coordinator for Political Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German political foundation. She previously held research positions in the South African Parliament and the National Genocide. This is an episode not to be missed, especially if you are keen to learn more about how youths contribute to peace and security on the AfriCan continent and their challenges.Thank you for listening.
In the December episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood reflects on the year we have had by going over the topics we have discussed throughout the year.We want to thank our listeners and guests for the support they have given us throughout the years, and we look forward to your continued support.AfriCan!
Welcome to the November episode of AfriCan Geopardy. Have you ever wondered about the relationship between fish and terrorism? Listen to this episode to find out more.
Here, we discuss "fishing and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basi: Exploring Boko Haram's economy of violence" with Mr Malik Samuel, an investigative journalist and a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies. His work in the last seven years has been focused on the Boko Haram crisis affecting the Lake Chad Basin region. His research focus includes terrorism financing, children in conflict, human rights violations, farmer-herder clashes, and the crime-terror nexus.
Although terrorist can maintain their reign of terror through coercion and intimidation, the insurgency has also been sustained because Boko Haram/ISWAP and their likes are winning hearts by providing public goods and services that the government has failed to provide the people.
If there is one thing you take away from this episode, let it be that we cannot win the war on terror through armament alone.
In this month's episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "the untold stories of AfriCan abolitionists" with Mr Michael Odijie. Mr Odijie is a Research Fellow on the African Abolitionism: The Rise and Transformations of Anti-Slavery in Africa" (AFRAB) project at University College London (UCL). AFRAB seeks to answer critical questions about the role of Africans in the abolitionist movement on the continent. To find out more, check: African Abolitionism: The Rise and Transformations of Anti-Slavery in Africa | History - UCL – University College London The discussion highlights the role that AfriCans played in the eras of slavery and abolitionism - this episode is not to be missed. Listen. Reflect. Share.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Overdosing on Multivitamin supplements in post-COVID19 era" with Ms Ifedola Olojo, a Clinical Pharmacist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. Ifedola received her first degree, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), from the University of Benin, Nigeria and a second-degree MSc. Pharmacology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Her professional interests are HIV care, Infectious diseases, Digital Healthcare delivery and Nutrition health. Listen. Reflect. Share.
In this episode of Geopardy, we discussed "The complexities of Western return of African stolen Artefacts" with Nosmot Gbadamosi, the writer of Foreign Policy's weekly Africa Brief. She has covered human rights, the environment, and sustainable development across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Her journalism has appeared in over 30 publications, including Al Jazeera, CNN, and TIME Magazine.
In discussing the complexities of the return of Africa's stole artefacts, we focused mostly on Benin bronze and the complexities around the promise of the return and why return must mean return and not the current shadows of uncertainty surrounding the terms of the return of the stolen artefacts by the former colonial masters.
This episode is one not to be missed. You may reach Nosmot via the following: Portfolio: www.nosmotgbadamosi.com Blog: https://lovedesignetc.wordpress.com
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "The role of socio-economic development in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa" with Teniola Tayo, a researcher with the Lake Chad Basin programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Dakar. Teni's research interests border on the security, trade and development nexus.
Teni uses the social realities in the Lake Chad Basin to show how working for peace in times of conflict must almost always consider the socio-economic solutions. With vast experience working in the subject area, the recommendations are practical and include actionable roles for the AfriCan youths.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
On this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed “Impacts and Trends of IUU fishing in the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO)” with Mr Vicente Cossa. Mr Cossa works for the World Wide Fund for Nature, focusing on processes for establishing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, which will be based in Mozambique (SADC-MCSCC).
As the title indicates, the discussion focussed on the extent of IUU fishing and the challenges and progress made by SWIO countries (Mozambique in particular). Importantly, Mr Cossa also touched on the cyclical relationship between poverty and deprivation in the coastal areas and the advancement of insurgency in coastal Mozambique.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed “the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Africa’s global ambitions/partnerships” with Liesl Louw-Vaudran, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa. She is the editor of the ISS’ monthly publication on the African Union Peace and Security Council, the PSC Report, and project leader for Southern Africa. She is also a non-executive board member of In Transformation Initiative, a South African not-for-profit organization focused on peacemaking. She has published extensively, with her latest publication being Could Russia’s war in Ukraine derail Africa’s global partnerships? - ISS Africa, published in April 2022. Reflect. Comment. Share.
Although women are generally underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), they are present and doing amazing jobs in their roles. Women nurture the tech ecosystem in Africa, leading tech hubs and empowering young Africans.
In this episode of African Geopardy, we discuss 'the role and contribution of African women in technology' with Aïda Ndiaye. Ms Ndiaye heads META's Society and Responsibility Policy Programmes and Campaigns in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In her role, she oversees external programmes to combat online misinformation and build an informed digital world. Her team also leads direct engagement with policymakers and regulators in EMEA to shape the future of tech regulation.
As you can see from the profile, our guest is a leading figure in a global tech company and is best placed to discuss this topic with us. Listen. Share. Engage.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted clinical radiography educational activities, including teaching, research, and clinical placement, globally. Like most other countries across the globe, countries across the African continent were well affected by the lockdown measures introduced by governments to slow the spread of the pandemic. This episode explores some of the disruptions to clinical radiography caused by the COVID19 restrictions and offers suggestions to avert future impact. We are privileged to have an excellent guest discuss the topic with us. Dr Theophilus(Theo) Akudjedu is the programme coordinator for the MSc Medical Imaging with Management Programme and a senior lecturer in medical imaging at the Institute of Medical Imaging and Visualisation, Bournemouth University. He holds an honorary diagnostic radiographer post with the University Hospitals Dorset (England). As a clinical academic diagnostic radiographer, Theo's research interests relate mostly to clinical neuroimaging (MRI), radiography, healthcare research, and workforce development. Before his postgraduate studies, Theo worked clinically as a diagnostic radiographer in some of Ghana's busiest urban and rural hospitals.
To find out more about the topic, read the research by Dr Theo and colleagues below:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8603034/
In this episode of AfriCan Georpardy, we discuss understanding ad-hoc security initiatives in Africa with Dr Andrew Yaw Tchie.
Dr Andrew E. Yaw Tchie is a Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), a Visiting Professor at the University of Buckingham, a visiting Senior Fellow at King's College London and an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. At NUPI, he focuses on stabilisation, peace operations, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa and Coordinates the training for Peace Project.
You would see from the discussion that there are many positive things about ad-hoc security initiatives on the African continent and the role they play in working for peace in situations of conflict and/or insurgency. There are equally some limitations identified by Dr Tchie, as he made recommendations on what can be done differently.
You can read a paper on the subject published by NUPI with Dr Tchie as a co-author via the link below:
https://trainingforpeace.org/publications/understanding-ad-hoc-security-initiatives-in-africa/
Thanks for listening.
Happy new year, everyone, and welcome to the first episode of Georpardy. Here, Dr Dyhia Belhabib and Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood reflect on their personal experiences and the topics discussed by our guests in 2021. It's one of the longest episodes we've had and unedited because we want it to be authentic, and there's also the fact that we don't have the requisite editing skills :). Thanks so much for being part of our journey, for listening, and for sticking with us. We have amazing things planned for 2022.
In this episode, we discuss China Africa relation in the context of fishmeal investment in The Gambia with Mr Mustafa Manneh. Mr Manneh is the West Africa Regional editor at China Dialogue, based in The Gambia. He is a researcher focusing on China-Africa relations and fishmeal investment. All major fishmeal industries in the Gambia are Chinese-owned, causing devastation in the country. It contributes to overexploitation, equates to 'stealing fish from human to feed fish' and pollutes the environment driving potential tourists away.
European countries are also complicit because they enable the business of these fishmeal companies to flourish. A recent report by Greenpeace highlighted the complicity of European companies in helping this industry flourish. The report noted that major European companies contribute to the devastating consequences of the fishmeal and fish oil trade in West Africa. In particular, the report mentioned major companies in France, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Greece, and the UK. You may read the report here: https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-africa-stateless/2021/05/47227297-feeding-a-monster-en-final-small.pdf. Enjoy
In this episode, we discuss Gender and Security in Africa: the Nigerian experience with Ruth Okugbeni, the Acting Executive Director at the CLEEN Foundation www.cleen.org.
Ruth's work focuses on improving the effectiveness of security and justice sector agencies through human rights-based approaches and improved accountability for better service delivery. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Ibadan, a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies with a major in Social Policy from the Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies and research in Defence and Security Studies.
The discussion clarifies why women are underrepresented in the security sector and makes recommendations on what can be done differently.
Key insights from the discussion are that laws that promote gender discrimination were formulated during the colonial era. Therefore, as independent states, African nations must work to repeal those laws and take advantage of women and men's contributions in the security sector.
In this episode of Georpardy, we discuss 'Nigeria's suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Act 2019: A panacea for good maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea'. Since the law was enacted, there have been two criminal convictions, one in 2020 and the second in 2021. However, one question that begs for an answer is: can the law serve as a deterrence to criminals?
Listen to find out. Discussing this topic with our hosts is Constance Omagbemi, a Corporate Lawyer presently with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). She spent the first five years of her career as a Litigation Lawyer with two leading law firms in Nigeria before joining the Legal Services Unit of NIMASA in January 2013. Her diligent efforts in the Agency and penchant for excellence earned her the Employee of the Year award in 2019.
In this episode we continue with the theme of fisheries policy or lack thereof by bringing to the fore the realisties from Ghana. The topic is discussed with Mr Kwesi Johnson, an ardent advocate for sustainable fisheries management in Ghana. He has worked in initiatives that involve local and international development organisation, academia, media, grassroots trades, farmers for fair trade, village banking saving and loan activities and fishers' groups in combating Illegal fishing and promoting self-help through savings and voluntary compliance activities. He shares the social realities of fishers in Ghana and makes recommendations on what can be done differently to improve the current situation.
In this episode we discuss African fisheries policy or lack thereof. This is an episode NOT to be missed. The African continent does not assert itself in the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. There is still this colonial undertone with the way European countries relate with countries in Africa on fisheries. The network tried so hard to disrupt the flow of our conversation, but we won Our guest, Madam Mpozi has a wealth of practical and academic experience of the subject.
Madam Mpozi's academic training is in marine & fisheries science, having obtained a Master's degree in Fisheries Science and Management from the University of Bergen, Norway. She has over 15 years of experience spanning a diverse career path- such as fisheries, academia and state-owned entities. Madam Mpozi was the founding Director of the Security Institute for Governance & Leadership in Africa (SIGLA), focusing on maritime security... In the last five years, Madam Mpozi was the Deputy Director-General of fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, responsible for the sustainable development and management of South Africa's 22 commercial fishery sectors and aquaculture. Her function included advising the Minister and Parliament on fisheries policies. In 2016, for the first in South Africa's history- the small scale fisheries policy was developed and approved by Parliament. The policy led to the recognition and restoration of fishing rights to coastal communities. For four years, Ms Mpozi has been the Commissioner of South Africa to the tuna regional fisheries management organization (tRFMO's). She led the negotiations on the sustainable management and fishing possibilities of shared and highly migratory fish stocks. South Africa led the adoption of various management measures throughout this process. Like all our guests, Madam Mpozi have an open invitation to return - #goodtrouble. #Findawaytogetintheway.
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed religion and development in Africa. Religion and development are often intimately interwoven for good or ill in Africa and elsewhere. For instance, religious organisations play a significant role in poverty alleviation, health care and peace and reconciliation programmes. At the same time, select religious organisations were used as a tool for colonialism. Hence, we have chosen this topic to clarify the intersection between religion and development.
To discuss this topic, we had a befitting guest who is an expert on the subject. Dr Aikande Clement Kwayu is a social scientist with experience in both academia and practice. She consults on management, political economy analysis, policy analysis and evaluation of development projects. Dr Aikande has a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham (UK).
Her book, Religion and British International Development Policy | Aikande Clement Kwayu | Palgrave Macmillan, published in 2020, is a must-read.
Disaster risk management entails introducing disaster risk reduction policies and strategies to prevent new disaster risk, reduce existing disaster risk, manage residual risk, and strengthen resilience and reduce disaster losses. With a focus on averting conflict over water resources, we discuss disaster risk management in Africa with Thandie Mwape Villadsen. Thandie is the Humanitarian Diplomacy Coordinator for the Africa Region at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as Humanitarian Diplomacy Coordinator for Africa. Thandie is a Zambian National, a trained journalist and former UN Diplomat with 20 years of international experience in the United Nations in Africa, Asia, Geneva and New York. In her previous job, Thandie worked as global Policy Advisor at the Netherlands Red Cross society/Partners for Resilience Alliance on Climate Change and Ecosystems and advancing disaster risk reduction and community resilience. In this discussion, Thandie outlines some of the issues relating to disaster risk management on the continent, the work done by IFRC and recommendations on what the continent can do differently.
Energy security is commonly defined as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. However, this definition does not reflect the social realities of 600 million AfriCans who do not have access to electricity or the 900 million that lack access to clean cooking on the continent. As a result, taking this reality into account Dr Nalule powerfully argues that energy security is about accessibility than affordability as people have to first have access to electricity before being concerned about affordability. She also proposed some solutions to Africa’s energy security needs. Thanks for listening.
In this episode, Drs' Okafor-Yarwood and Belhabib reflects on what trolling might look like for minority expert voices and why these voices are targeted in the first instance. One important question that they pose and provides an answer for is, what should one do when one is trolled? They also share some advice on how to handle trolling. The keyword is to "not feed the trolls" and step away from one's devices for a bit if need be, for one's mental health. Do enjoy listening and share any tips you might have on how to deal with trolls. Have a great month ahead.
In this episode we discuss "Cyber Security in Africa" with Dr. Aisha Ali-Gombe. Dr Ali-Gombe is an assistant professor of Computer Science at Towson University and a visiting research scientist with the Center for Computation and Technology at Louisiana State University. Dr Ali- Gombe earned her PhD in Engineering and Applied Science with a major in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans in 2017, following an M.S. degree in Computer Science in 2012 and an MBA from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria in 2011. Her expertise and research interest are in cybersecurity, reverse engineering, and digital forensics. She has published her work in top tier conferences and journals of computer and mobile security and forensics. Dr Ali-Gombe is a recipient of the early-career NSF CRII grant and TotalFinaElf Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, Nigeria, amongst other recognitions.
Dr Ali-Gombe recognised that cyber-security is a national security issue. As such, African countries must take cyber threats seriously. She also highlighted the import role that technology can plan in advancing sustainable development for the AfriCan continent and the need for our government to be more proactive and supportive.
Enjoy!
Dr Michael Adekunle Charles is a seasoned diplomat and an international development professional with over 18 years experience providing technical, managerial and operational support to field and country offices of the Red Cross and the public and private sector. He is a medical doctor with a Masters degree in public health from the University of Heidelberg and Bielefeld in Germany. Dr Charles has engaged with government authorities at various levels in over 30 countries on the African continent. Currently, he is the Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Southern Africa delegation, based in Pretoria South Africa. In this episode, we learn more about pandemics and disaster management in the AfriCan continent. Listen. Reflect. Share. #AfriCan!
In this episode, we discuss the #Almajiranci system of Islamic education practised in northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa with Dr Hadiza Kere Abdulrahman - the male gender seeking Islam knowledge is called Almajiri, the female gender is Almajira. Dr Kere Abdulrahman is a lecturer in Inclusive Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, UK. She has a PhD in Education and researches the Almajiranci system of education of northern Nigeria – she is also an advocate for its practitioners. Did you know that the Almajiranci system's changing nature has routes in the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) introduced in the 1980s? Did you also know that experts hold that having vulnerable children in cities across a nation fighting an ideological war makes it easier for Boko Haram insurgents to continue to wage war against the Nigerian state due to a robust recruitment source? - listen to find out more. Dr Kere Abdulrahman is a lecturer in Inclusive Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, UK. She has a PhD in Education and researches the Almajiranci system of education of northern Nigeria – she is also an advocate for its practitioners.
In this episode, we pick the brains of Dr Richard Munang on how African youths can contribute to positive change on the continent. The discussion is based on his book "making Africa work through the power of innovative volunteerism" and how the ideas therein can help the African continent rebuild better despite the many challenges.
Dr Richard Munang is the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). He is responsible for guiding the actualization of UNEP's climate-resilient development strategy for Africa in a manner that ensures human wellbeing.
He is the author of the book "making Africa work through the power of innovative volunteerism".
Check out the book on www.richardmunang.com
You have to listen to this conversation to not only benefit from the unique insights from Dr Munang but, also see that the African continent have the resources (natural and human) to build resilience to climate and in the long run, attain sustainable development for its people.
Women are underrepresented in the maritime sector, globally. Women represent only two per cent of the world's 1.2 million seafarers, and 94 per cent of female seafarers are working in the cruise industry. In the AfriCan continent, though women are well represented in the seafood supply chain, they are underrepresented in the decision-making process in the fisheries sector. In this months episode, we are discussing "Women in maritime: Towards an inclusive maritime sector in Africa". We are privileged to have Captain Londy Ngcobo, a Ship navigator and Africa's First Female Dredge Master, who is passionate about Unlocking Africa's Ocean Economy with us. Captain Ngcobo has over 13 years of experience in the maritime industry which has equipped her with the ability to focus on providing sustainable tools for women to thrive in scarce skills and her zest for life encourages the youth to think outside the box, with her Forbes Women Africa piercing the phrase "I didn't choose to be Rose from the Titanic, I chose to Captain the Titanic" and through her popular TEDx Talk "Anchors Aweigh, No Rest For The First". This Black Excellence Award-winning Woman in Scarce Skills is making waves on land as a maritime advocate, Director of Womaritime experts and founder of Global Maritime Youth All which has earned her the well-known title "The Blaqmermaid."
Enjoy!
According to the Lexico online dictionary, a coup is a sudden, violent and illegal seizure of power from a government.
The coup in Mali which took place on 18th August 2020, is the third in Africa in the past three years (Sudan, 11th April 2019 and Zimbabwe, 15th November 2017). The African Union's position about unconstitutional changes in government has led some AfriCans to ask, whether it is the African Union's job "protect people from authoritarian regimes or to protect authoritarian regimes from their people?".
On this episode, our guest, Dr Mohamed Diatta, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies notes among other things that to there is an urgent need to address the real feeling among African's that, political change can only occur through popular protests and military interference. He also warned that the longer the situation in countries like Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire to fester, there is a real chance for instability to spread in those countries.
Do listen, reflect and share.
The significance of the marine environment to the social and economic wellbeing of coastal states in Africa, in particular, Small Island nations such as Seychelles, Mauritius and Cabo Verde, cannot be overemphasised. The existence of these states practically depends on the health and sustainability of their marine environment. As a result, anything that threatens this sustainability is essentially a threat to their security. In light of the Mauritius oil spillage, whereby a Japanese bulk carrier (MV Wakashio) broke-up and leaked oil on the shores of Mauritius in July, and taking into account that 24.3% of the country's GDP is from tourism (2018 figures), we discuss the implication of this spill with Dr Nkeiru Scotcher. Dr Scotcher is a postdoctoral fellow and instructor in Ocean Governance and the Law of the Sea at the Department of Law in Gothenburg University, Sweden. What is clear from the conversation is the Mauritius government is not to blame for what happened during and at the aftermath of the spill as it is impossible to prepare for that which is beyond one's control (one cannot give what one does not have). Though different, the BP US Gulf of Mexico spills in 2010, and the aftermath evinces that it is difficult to prepare for such eventuality. What is clear, Dr Scotcher notes, is the need for Africa to regroup, restrategise and push for change in the international Convention, including pushing for the introduction of a protocol that can increase liability and the review of the relevant Convention. You may reach her via email on: nkeiru.scotcher@law.gu.se
In this month's episode, we have Mamadou Sow, the Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Southern Africa - Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In previous episodes, we aimed to introduce the subject to our audience before handing over to our guest. However, we have not followed this protocol this time because we believe that humanitarian action is one of those hard to define concepts and means different things to different people. As Mr Sow aptly captured, the first contributors to humanitarian action are communities, many of whom use their social networks to support people in times of conflict/during displacements; disparent from what can be deduced from a google search of "humanitarian action". The conversation about humanitarian action brought to the fore the need for African government to do all that they can to silence the guns, because according to Mr Sow that is the only way the continent can make progress. Mr Sow makes many recommendations on how the #AfriCan continent can turn the tide on conflict, including calling on the leaders to "be bold and consider political solutions". Listen. Share. Subscribe.
At a time when the world is calling for #equality, we join our voices to the millions of people across the globe to highlight the need to embrace our diversity. Covid19 has exposed the level of inequality in medical research, as ethnic minorities are more likely to die of Covid than their white counterparts. Nowhere is this inequality more glaring than in the United States were "black people simply are not receiving the same quality of health care that their white counterparts receive".
With the foregoing in mind, the hosts, Drs Belhabib and Okafor-Yarwood share their personal experiences to highlight the imperative for us to embrace diversity in medical research, in our work places and daily lives. Thank you for listening.
In the June episode of African Geopardy, we are discussing "Africa's youth agency, resilience and transilience".
This is an important topic as the African continent is seen to be experiencing "youth bulge" - a demographic pattern where a large share of the population is comprised of children and young adults.
According to the United Nations, 226 million youth aged 15-24 lived in Africa in 2015, representing nearly 20% of Africa’s population, making up one-fifth of the world’s youth population. The share of Africa’s youth in the world is forecasted to increase to 42% by 2030. However, many commentators (the African Union is not one of them) see this as a problem, as they declare that the majority of young Africans are stuck in "waithood" and struggling to make ends meet.
To discuss this topic with us, we have Mr Femi Balogun, a researcher, evaluation consultant and policy analyst. He sees the African youth population as trailblazers as they have continued to find creative ways to solve the problems in their respective environs. Their contributions might not be adequately captured, but, he made a strong case on the need to move the discussion around youths in Africa away from resilience to transilience.
Like always, thanks for listening and do share.
In light of the #Covid-19 pandemic, on the 23rd of March 2020, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres urged warring parties across the world to lay down their weapons in support of the bigger battle against Covid-19.
By the 27th of March, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, called on all warring parties in the African continent to engage in a lasting ceasefire, to give a chance to peacemaking.
Undoubtedly, for Africa to have a fighting chance at turning the tides on the pandemic, then it has to be able to focus its resources on doing just that, as conflicts of any form would escalate the rates of community infections. Therefore, in this episode, we are joined by Nox Nokukhanya Ntuli, a mediation expert, to discuss mediation and the critical role it plays and can continue to play in conflict resolution, especially at a time when the African Union have set aside, 2020 as the year that all guns of violence and conflicts will be silenced in Africa.
Enjoy the episode and take care.
According to the latest figures by the Africa Center for Disease Control on, there are now over 5700 confirmed cases of Covid19, 196 deaths and 412 recoveries across 49 of the 55 countries in the African continent. The worst affected countries include South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco.
Given the fragile conditions of Africa's health system, the low number of reported cases of the Coronavirus have puzzled foreign media and researchers alike, as they wonder whether this is due to inadequate detection mechanism, the climatic conditions of the continent or merely a fluke.
In the April episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we speak to Abimbola Adebakin, a pharmacist and the Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Health Africa, a health technology group with a pharmacy franchise aimed at providing genuine, affordable and accessible medicines, about Africa's preparedness for Covid19. She identifies four areas that Africa must focus on to turn the tides of the virus - early detection, observation and treatment, control and finally, change of behaviour.
Nation-states have almost always maintained the position, "we do not negotiate with terrorists". However, as Tony Penn suggests, all conflicts occur as a result of lack of diplomacy or in this context the failure/unwillingness of both state and non-state actors to engage in lengthy negotiation – be it the traditional way, i.e. secret negotiations or the more contemporary route of open negotiations. Recognizing that the counter-terrorism mechanism which emphasizes the use of force, does not seem to be yielding enough positive results, especially in the African continent, in our March episode, we discuss the need for African governments to explore dialogue/negotiations as part of a comprehensive set of policy options in countering terrorism.
Enjoy! and please, do share.
The African Union's vision of silencing the gun by 2020 was conceived in 2013, at their 50 anniversary. There, African leaders pronounced their determination to achieve the goal of a conflict free Africa, to make peace a reality for all people and to rid the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations, humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts and to prevent genocide. In this episode, we discuss whether this ambitious goal is close to being achieved and what must be done to silence the guns in the African continent
Our guest for this episode is Frances Roberts-Gregory, an ecowomanist ethnographer and PhD Candidate in Society & Environment at the University of California, Berkeley. She lectured on climate justice, environmental racism, digital media and gender justice at Tulane University and Bard Early College New Orleans (BECNO). Frances also consulted for the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice as the project manager for the Gulf Equity Water Corps Project. Her current research explores women of color, post-apocalyptic imaginings and state-corporate crime in Louisiana. She is a founding member of the Feminist Agenda for a Green New Deal and hopes to increase the underrepresentation of grassroots women of color in climate policy in the future
In this Episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we talk about maritime and fisheries crimes, new tools to tackle them, and explore the differences between criminalization of the poor and crimes.
This month's episode discusses the sacrifices associated with being a woman/mother and a researcher. We share our personal experiences and grateful for the support we get from our partners. So, if you feel grossed out by breast-milk pumping, do not listen. Cheers, to all the mamas out there that rock!
In this new episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we receive our guest of the month, Dr. Dirk Siebels to talk about maritime security in Africa. Who hasn't heard about piracy in the horn of Africa, or around the Niger Delta? While many think maritime security could be summarized to that, in reality there is no generally agreed upon definition for maritime security. We define it as the absence of threat -- threats to seafarers, including fisherfolks and anyone that depends on the marine environment for livelihoods; threats to the state from other state and non-state actors. The maritime domain captures adequately, the interconnectedness of the human and national security discourse in that security threat at sea have implications for the security of the state and the people who depend on the marine environment for subsistence. In this Episode, Dr. Siebels talks about his new book: Maritime Security in West and East Africa: a tale of two regions, available at: https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9783030226879
Listen and share!
In this episode, our guest Dr. Nelly Isigi Kadagi joins us to talk about helicopter research and data collection modes in the global South, and methods of engagement. Helicopter research describes when researchers from wealthier countries fly to a developing country like Zimbabwe, take samples, fly out, analyze the samples elsewhere, and publish the results with little involvement of local scientists. At best, local scientists are used to provide logistics, and may not even be acknowledged. We illustrate this issue with anecdotes, and explore some successes of research engagement from the global south.
This is our very first podcast where we all about some of our experiences in research, being women, African, working from the West, and describing some funny work situations. There are some technical issues related to the fact that we are literally 12,000 km appart. This is Ife and Dyhia and this is AfriCan Geopardy.