The 77 Percent: Recent Episodes
Deutsche Welle
77 percent of Africans are younger than 35. But they are also the least represented demographic. It's time their voices are heard as they shape the future of Africa. We bring you hard-hitting reports, personal stories and lively discussion direct from the continent about the issues that matter most.
From school closures and student abductions to teacher shortages and the psychological toll on students, The 77 Percent uncovers the profound challenges faced by Nigeria's youth. We explore how terrorist attacks are reshaping the future of education and what steps the government must take to ensure safety and stability.
Many young Africans living in the diaspora say they want to invest their funds back home - but often, they face administrative bottlenecks and societal constraints. In this episode of the 77 Percent show, we are talking to a group of young people about their challenges and the way forward.
Is Gambia paving the way in showing that there should be accountability for presidents who abuse power while in office? Listen to this interesting debate from young people in The Gambia.
Senegal swore in Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday. He becomes the youngest African president. Nigeria's Bola Tinubu is 72 and Ghana's Nana Akuffo-Addo is 80. But Africa's oldest leader is Cameroon's Paul Biya, aged 91. So, is Faye's victory a sign that Africa's youth are ready to lead? Listen to this interesting podcast.
"If African coaches are given enough resources and liberty to function without interference, no national team on the continent will need a foreigner as coach." Do you agree with this? Listen to this interesting debate
As 2024 gets underway, I'm pretty sure we want to start on the right foot. Some people have already made resolutions for the year, which may include keeping fit, saving more cash, or even studying harder. But now the question is: Why don't the majority of people stick to their resolutions? #77Percent #DWAfrica
Christmas, for many people, is a holiday season that provides opportunities for families to reunite. It also allows us to take a break from our daily routine and reflect on the year gone by. But is Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, losing its meaning? How has the economy affected Christmas? And how is Christmas today compared to years ago? #77Percent #DWAfrica
In Gabon which was hit by a coup d'état one month ago, joining the ranks of the army in the post-coup era is more than a source of pride for young people. In Cameroon, close to 30,000 youths, 35 percent of them women, have applied to fill 3,000 positions in the Rapid Intervention Battalion, (BIR) and presidential guard. What motivates young Africans to join the military?
Deirdre King is a trailblazer in South Africa's male-dominated business world. From an early career in the film industry to top international brands to managing a radio powerhouse, King knows what it takes to reach the top — and stay there! She joins Nozibele Qamngana Mayaba for the customary snack as the pair talk leadership, and why South Africa would benefit from diverse leadership.
Becoming parents is something many couples look forward to – getting to know a tiny baby, raising a child, developing a relationship with a maturing son or daughter. And building a family together. Sounds nice, but do children ruin romantic relationships?
Many countries continue to grapple with a high number of unemployed youth. In Uganda, for example, about 1.2 million graduates are currently jobless and many more are entering the job market every year. And South Africa has once again taken the top spot on the continent in terms of the number of unemployed youths, according to research company Statista. #77Percent
Africa is almost always excluded from major world tours organized by global record labels. On this week's show we discuss why celebrities like Beyonce ignore Africa in their world tours, despite having a huge fan base. We get to hear from some of the youth in Ghana and South Africa.
Did you know that South Sudan is the world's second most corrupt country, after Somalia, according to a recent TI report? Equatorial Guinea, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Liberia, and Cameroon are among African countries that scored the lowest in the fight against corruption. Although Cameroon has imprisoned nearly 40 former ministers, including a former prime minister, corruption is still rife. #77Percent
This week’s show explores the diverse flavors of African food. As the festive season draws near, what traditional foods are likely to make a comeback? Listen to find out more.
Gambia’s former president Yahya Jammeh has been accused of human rights violations during his 22-year rule. Victims and human rights activists hope that he will face justice, but many Gambians remain sceptical. Listen to this week’s show to find out why.
"Young people who constitute the majority are always observers of coups than beneficiaries," says a young Ugandan – a view shared by several African youths. What is the role and future of young people in military takeovers in Africa? Listen to the debate!
On the 77 percent this week, we get to hear what the youth in Uganda think about their country taking in Afghan evacuees. Uganda and Rwanda have agreed to take in Afghan evacuees but countries like Namibia and South Africa have refused. Is it fair for a government to reject refugees? Join the debate!
Many men and women try to conform to trendy beauty standards - but are some dangerous? And where do they come from? Take a listen as we hear from a debate panel in Accra, Ghana!
According to a recent World Health Organization-WHO report, The youngsters we're talking about are between 15 to 29 years, so some of them are clearly teenagers. What exactly is going on?
Women in The Gambia cannot have an abortion. The termination of a pregnancy is a controversial issue in the West African nation, where strong religious views and restrictive laws push many women to use unsafe methods. The Gambia reflects a broader trend across much of Africa. On this week’s edition of #The77Percent, we ask if Gambia’s abortion laws need to be relaxed?
77 percent of Africans are younger than 35. But they are also the least represented demographic. It's time their voices are heard as they shape the future of Africa. We bring you hard-hitting reports, personal stories and lively discussion direct from the continent about the issues that matter most.
Young people in The Gambia and Nigeria aren't showing up in large numbers to register to vote in presidential elections. And that development has left some people suggesting that voting should be made mandatory. Find out what the youth think in this week's edition of The 77 Percent.
On the 77 percent this week, we will hear why many youths in Zimbabwe have ventured into illicit and dangerous drugs such as crystal meth, scientifically known as methamphetamine. Observers blame the use of addictive substances on peer pressure, idleness, and unemployment. Join the debate!
There exist a network of more than 6000 young farmers in Zimbabwe who are connected through various digital platforms. They are motivating African youth who often find it difficult to secure jobs in their trained professions, to look towards agriculture. In this week’s 77 Percent show, we find out whether farming is the new trend that young Africans should aspire to copy?
Ghana’s government this month outlawed a demonstration demanding better living standards. But the youths behind the 'Fix the Country' movement say they will not stop until governance improves in the West African nation.
On the show this week, we are looking at colonization. What impact has colonialism had in Africa? We’ll hear from some young people in Namibia — a former German colony — and from Liberia, which is said to have never been colonized. Join the debate!
Across Africa, many laws shackle the LGBTQ+ community. In this week’s show we follow the stories of three persons who have had a brush with the continent’s punitive gay laws. Take a listen.
Some are of the opinion that African men cannot be infertile. Childlessness is a woman issue, they say. On this week’s 77Percent Show, we take you to Cameroon and Rwanda.
This week on #The77Percent we are debating what women think and how they feel when issues affecting their lives are decided by men. We'll hear from some youth in The Gambia where an imam is advocating the decriminalization of female genital mutilation (FGM). And we’ll hear from Namibian musician EES and his new song campaigning against gender-based violence.
On #The77Percent this week we look at why some women prefer to wear makeup and why some don’t. And we’ll also get to hear what the men think about makeup. Is it good or bad, does it affect your life or improve it? Tune in and join the debate from young people in Kenya and Liberia.
On #The77Percent this week, we want to find out why young men in Africa are growing beards nowadays. Is it a harmless fashion statement, is something getting in the way of a close shave, or is there a connection between facial hair and radicalization? And, what do women think about this trend?
In this week's #The77Percent Show, we look at how education is impacting the career choices of young Africans. Do you think that with the coronavirus pandemic your job security might be affected because of your educational background? Listen to this interesting debate from young people in Zimbabwe
On the 77 percent this week, we take our debate to Malawi and Cameroon, where young people discuss how they are dealing with sexual health matters. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on health facilities, where the youth get better access to sexual and reproductive health services. How are you taking care of your sexual health? Join the debate!
What do the majority of Ghanaian teenage girls do on social media platforms? Listen to this week's #77Percent debate to find out. What's more, they also disclose where they get internet data if their parents decline their requests. #GirlZOffMute #DWAfrica
In this week’s edition of #The77Percent, we will hear from the youth in Guinea who are against old customs and others in Kenya who are balancing ancient traditions with a new lifestyle. Should we scrap old traditions and customs and adapt to the modern way of life? Join the debate!
Social media has provided an opportunity for the youth to express themselves freely, but this freedom can be abused. On #the77percent this week we hear from the youth in Ghana and Uganda debating on how they use social media and what should happen when free speech is taken advantage of. Join the debate!
What is the best age for teenagers to start dating, or have a boyfriend? That's what young girls between 13-17 years in Kenya are debating this week on #77Percent. You can also add your voice and offer them some advice.#GirlZOffMute #DWAfrica
Do you think posting on social media can boost your self-esteem? Join the youth in Ghana and Kenya as they debate this week’s topic on #the77percent.
Do single-sex boarding schools build your character or are mixed boarding schools better? Join the youth from Cameroon and Uganda on #the77percent as they debate this topic.
The quest for a better future in a continent starved of opportunities has left many African youths with a dilemma. The journey to Europe and the USA, which has for a long time been sold as the best solution for the realization of dreams, is proving to be a mirage. On this week's 77 Percent, we hear from young African migrants in Sicily, Italy.
As more Africans get wealthier, the gap between the rich and poor is widening along with access to opportunity. Does coming from a rich home guarantee success later in life? Listen to the #the77Percent show to understand how rich and poor kids view themselves.
Is social media is ruining parenting skills among young parents? Join #the77percent radio show where young Africans discuss the challenges and advantages of social media.
Would you live longer with your parents to save money or do you prefer your independence more? Young Africans from Uganda and South Africa share their thoughts in another exciting edition of the 77 percent show.
Cannabis in Africa is a controversial issue. Its abuse among youths is rampant and that's why it remains illegal in many countries. But this is changing. Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, and recently Rwanda – have amended their laws to allow its cultivation. Youths from Ghana, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone debate the impact of cannabis cultivation in their countries.
This week's debate takes us to Nairobi, Kenya where young men and women say, money should come first and then love. After all is love edible? Tune in to another exciting debate!
How vital is male circumcision to you? Does it symbolize maturity in a man? This week on the 77 percent radio show, young Africans debate if male circumcision is outdated for today's world.
It has been a longstanding tradition for women to change their surnames to match their partner's once they get married. But on this week's 77 Percent show, young people across South, East, West Africa tell us what they think about men taking their wives' last names. They also share their thoughts on a new phenomenon of couples bearing both their surnames and making it double-barrelled.
Constitutional reform is a tactic used by some African leaders to extend their stay in office. The Ivory Coast, Uganda, Rwanda and Guinea are among those affected. Recently Gambia's parliament rejected a new draft constitution after spending over $2 million. Why? Listen to DW'S Omar Wally and his young panelists to find out. Also, young Malawians tell us what they think of their constitution.
Nigeria’s Police force is synonymous with corruption but they are not the only ones with a bad reputation. Across Africa, police brutality is rife forcing some in South Africa to demand reforms. Listen to this week’s 77 Percent show to find out more.
There's a general feeling that democracy is being eroded in sub-Saharan Africa. The presidents of Guinea and Ivory Coast are gearing up for controversial third term bids. In Tanzania and Uganda, incumbent presidents are suppressing critics and the opposition ahead of elections. We talk to young people in East Africa on how they would like to be involved more in shaping their region's future.
From Biafra to Togoland, why do Africa's secessionists want to leave their countries? +++Nine years after South Sudan won independence from Sudan, are the youth finally included in the change?
Two West African powerhouses, Nigeria and Ghana, have traded barbs over Nigerians' alleged mistreatment in Ghana. What is the origin of the recent retail war between both countries? On this week's 77 Percent, we hear from young Nigerians "taking over" the Ghanaian business space and Africans who cite bridge of laws and ECOWAS protocols.
We investigate the shadowy world of human trafficking and speak to former victims of the Nigerian mafia in Italy. We meet a young woman who returned to Ghana after studying abroad in Canada to start and events company for fellow Ghanaians. Listen to find out more on this week’s #The77Percent.
In this week’s #The77Percent, we are looking at reggae culture among the youth. Reggae music, which began in Jamaica in the '60s, continues to be popular among young Africans. But many people link reggae with crime and drug abuse. DW correspondents Omar Wally in The Gambia and Isaac Kaledzi in Ghana discuss with some young people about the misconception of reggae music.
Africa’s population is expected to double over the next 18 years but that is only one part of the story. In Northern and Southern Africa, families are getting smaller. This is also happening in other parts of Africa albeit at a slower pace. In this edition of the 77 Percent, Malawians say economic pressure is a major reason why they are having fewer children. Listen to find out more.
Some African youths accuse their leaders of mishandling the coronavirus crisis - as infections on the continent have surpassed one million. They argue that the toll would be less, if they had imposed lockdown in time. On this week's 77 percent, we hear from young people in South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda.
Out of the 20 fastest-rising countries with obesity, nearly half of them are in Africa. This has led to diet trends, gym memberships, and sometimes Bulimia. In this edition of the 77 Percent, we take a look at the measures young people take to fit in.
Many Africans desperate to improve their lives are falling into the traps of human trafficking networks. Recruitment agencies send migrant workers to Gulf countries, where most of them work under inhumane conditions. Human trafficking is a global problem that affects an estimated 40 million people. On this week's 77 Percent show, young people share some their experiences and lessons learnt.
Digital technology is rapidly replacing face-to-face interactions in the business setting in Africa. Some young people have now readjusted their livelihoods by working from home. But how sustainable can this be? On the 77 Percent show this week you can hear how everyone is coping.
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the daily lives of people and institutions across the world. Not even the criminal justice system has been spared. Courts, prisons and law firms have had to alter the way they go about their business. This week, the 77 Percent debate hosted by Omar Wally in The Gambia takes on this subject.
South Africa has begun Africa’s first Covid-19 vaccine clinical trials. According to the World Health Organization, there are 220 vaccine candidates in development. Trials are sensitive in Africa due to a past of unethical trials. Listen to this edition of the #77Percent to understand some of the misconceptions surrounding vaccine trials.
As talk of a second wave of coronavirus infections sweep across the world, students in Liberia are asking the government to postpone exams which are due in August. In Ghana some parents are worried that schools could be the grounds for new infections. Listen to this week’s 77 Percent for some insights.
As Covid-19 rocks economies across Africa, the AU is projecting that nearly 20 million people will lose their jobs. With limited social nets, staying afloat can be tough for young people. Whether it’s a loss of income or routine, adjusting to new circumstances can be difficult. This week's 77 Percent takes a look at the culture of saving across Africa. Listen to this podcast for some insights.
South Sudan continues to grapple with civil conflict leaving many children vulnerable. With limited government financing, responsible institutions cannot address their needs. Development Psychologist Joana Yendork believes the extended family is the best way to safeguard the needs of vulnerable children across Africa. Listen to the show to find out more.
Over a billion students around the world have been forced out of classes by theCovid19 pandemic. Many are turning to online classes to continue learning. But this comes with challenges, especially in Africa due to its poor internet connectivity and accessibility. That forms our #77percent discussion this week with DW's Miriam Kaliza in Malawi. Enjoy the show!
Finding a decent job is tough for young people, even in the best economic times. Now with the coronavirus pandemic, many have lost their jobs. Alex Gitta in Uganda will be engaging some of them, and the World Bank's Chief Africa Economist Albert Zeufack offers tips on how African youths can use the current situation to their advantage.
Stay at home regulations are in force across many African countries. This is pushing those looking for love to search online. Long after this crisis has passed, experts are predicting that online dating will become the new norm. Listen to this edition of the 77 percent to find out more.
Africa’s economy is largely informal with no social safety net. So keeping workers at home means asking them to starve. So, on today’s show we ask: Will lifting lockdown restrictions save Africa’s informal economy?
Africa young innovators have taken up the fight against Coronavirus. They are producing ventilators, masks, and tech solutions to curb its spread. Traditional donors and western countries are busy tackling the pandemic on their backyard forcing Africa to look for answers within. Listen to this week’s 77 Percent and hear from these young innovators
The COVID-19 pandemic may be the topic of the moment, but it would seem that what Africa's politicians and celebrities are up to, is not going unnoticed?. In countries like South Africa, Uganda and Ghana, talks are centered around policymakers are creating impact and improving lives. Find out more in this week's #The 77 Percent.
Getting people paid to cry for their deceased loved ones is a practice in several African communities today. Will you do that if you lose someone dear to you? The77 Percent program, we take you to the world of professional mourners, to find out how it feels to cry for strangers
The Coronavirus has now spread to over half of the countries in Africa. The growing number of locally transmitted cases brings a new level of danger. Young people speak to #The 77 percent about how their lives are being affected. Plus, an infectious disease specialist from Ghana debunks myths surrounding the disease in Africa.
Africa’s history may be dominated by the stories told by colonialists but have you tried finding out more about your past? That is our focus on the 77 Percent show this week. We hear from a panel of African youth how important history is in shaping the future.