Into Africa

Catherine Nzuki is joined by Joseph Asunka, PhD, CEO of Afrobarometer, the leading source of public attitude data in Africa. Together, they discuss Afrobarometer's rise, its meticulous survey research methods, and case studies showcasing the policy impact of its data in Ghana, Malawi, and Botswana. They also discuss the difficulties of conducting surveys in conflict-afflicted or fragile contexts and how Afrobarometer has contributed to the growth of survey research organizations across Africa. Joseph Asunka also highlights how big data could be a changemaker in conducting research in Africa.

Ghana has long been viewed internationally as a regional leader in democracy, particularly notable given its challenging neighborhood bordering the Sahel states. Although cross-border security challenges persist, Ghana has not experienced terrorist attacks from al-Qaeda–affiliated JNIM, though its northern region remains vulnerable. Instead, Ghana’s security apparatus faces significant internal challenges, including rising chieftaincy conflicts, illegal mining (galamsey), land use disputes, and citizenship issues in some communities. These factors have led to a decline in public perception of state institutions, especially regarding the police, the electoral commission, and the ruling party. Paul Nana Kwabena Aborampah Mensah, program manager in charge of security sector governance at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, joins Mvemba less than a month before Ghana’s election. They discuss the state of Ghana’s security institutions, the successes and challenges these institutions face, and the implications for Ghana’s upcoming elections.

Catherine Nzuki is joined by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele (CSIS Africa Director and Senior Fellow) and Cameron Hudson (Africa Program Senior Fellow) for a discussion on what President-Elect Donald Trump's second term would mean for the U.S. approach to Africa, and how African capitals may be strategizing for his second term.

Rwanda has endured a series of destabilizing moments that have shaped its complex history and relations with neighboring countries. Colonial rule set the stage for ethnic divisions that worsened under post-colonial governments, leading to the horrific 1994 Rwandan genocide. Following the genocide, Rwanda's rapid reconstruction transformed it into an economic success story. However, longstanding tensions with its neighbors, fueled by historical grievances and security concerns, continue to disrupt and challenge this image and drive instability and insecurity in the Great Lakes. Today, Rwanda's relations with neighboring countries remain fraught. Friction has led to periodic border closures with Uganda and Burundi, while Rwanda's military presence in eastern DRC has contributed to conflict escalation. Questions persist about how Rwanda and its neighbors can move beyond historical grievances and geopolitical struggles to foster lasting peace in the region. In this episode, Mvemba is joined by retired General James Kabarebe, Rwanda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation. General Kabarebe offers an inside perspective on the security challenges Rwanda faces with its neighbors. He addresses Rwanda’s diplomatic and strategic stance, shedding light on the complexities of regional cooperation, and explores ways to navigate the tensions affecting Rwanda and its neighbors. This event is made possible by the generous support of Open Society Foundations.

The story of older people in Mali who consume news on TikTok symbolizes the larger trends sweeping through the Sahel. In this episode, Catherine Nzuki is joined by Doussouba Konaté, the Country Director of Accountability Lab Mali. We unpack two of these shifts in the Sahel. First, growing anti-French sentiments in the region has led to language decolonization in Mali, in which a growing number of people would rather receive their news in Bambara, one of Mali’s national languages, over French. Secondly, growing internet access has connected people across Mali and has brought more visibility to the plight of Malians living in conflict-affected areas. However, as social media usage grows, so too does online misinformation and disinformation.

The CSIS Africa Program is excited to announce the launch of The Afropolitan, a podcast hosted by Catherine Nzuki, Associate Fellow with the Africa Program. The Afropolitan is dedicated to exploring Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African. Africa will increasingly drive key aspects of the future—from the global workforce and cutting-edge innovations to creative industries that inspire global culture and arts. The decisions made across Africa today, both positive and negative, will shape the world’s future. The future of cosmopolitanism is increasingly African. The Afropolitan delves into the stories, trends, and challenges shaping today’s realities and defining the decades ahead. You can find The Afropolitan on the same feed as Into Africa. Search for "Into Africa" wherever you get your podcasts.

Youth movements have become a powerful catalyst for demanding change across Africa. Kenya’s #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests emerged in June 2024 as a response to a controversial finance bill that included significant tax hikes. Despite violent police crackdowns resulting in over 60 deaths, the movement successfully pressured President Ruto to withdraw the bill and dismiss several cabinet members. Mvemba is joined by Kenyan youth leaders Hanifa Adan, Journalist and Activist, Kasmuel McOure, Spokesperson for the National Coordination Committee of Peoples' Assemblies, and Mwanase Ahmed, Socio-environmental Activist, to discuss the ongoing dissatisfaction of Kenyan youth. They highlighted the failure of previous regimes to address economic hardship and government corruption that led to a collective awakening among young people. These activists stressed the need for civic education and community engagement to mobilize support across Kenya. Furthermore, the overarching sentiment is that youth will continue to strive for change and seek accountability from Kenyan political leaders, a sign of growing resilience in the face of systems that do not work for them.

Botswana, known for its political stability and diamond-rich economy, has made significant strides since independence in 1966, particularly in education and health. Beneath the surface of political stability and dazzling achievements, a vibrant civil society is actively striving to tackle the nation's most urgent challenges including youth unemployment, issues of identity and representation, pressures faced by the independent media, and youth HIV/AIDS rates. Mvemba discusses Botswana's political landscape and development with Kagiso Molatlhwa, Executive Director of the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO). Molatlhwa emphasizes the need for economic diversification, improved service delivery, and a more inclusive constitution.

Mvemba is joined by Kemi Okenyondo, the Founder/Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria, to discuss accountability for Nigeria's military and police and security issues in the country.

Since its inception in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) brings together an annual cohort of established African youth leaders for an immersive six-week leadership program at U.S. colleges and universities. The fellowship culminates in a summit where participants network and engage in high-level workshops. MWF is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, designed to empower and connect the continent’s mst promising leaders. The Mandela Washington Fellows bring their leadership, expertise, and passion to this highly selective fellowship with interests ranging from environmentalism to gender equity to sustainable development and the creative arts. In this episode of Into Africa, Mvemba is joined by three distinguished MWF alumni who share their experiences and insights from the fellowship, as well as their professional journeys. Sarah Funmilayo Kuponiyi, founder and CEO of Alora Reusable Pads in Nigeria, advocates for menstrual hygiene and gender empowerment. Tefetso Nicolus Kele, a lawyer from Lesotho, focuses on sustainable finance, international trade, and investment law. Pape Mamadou Camara, a communications specialist from Senegal, is passionate about the arts and the transformative power of hip hop as well as fighting desertification in Africa through the “Green Wall”.

Engaging with the dynamic and rapidly evolving development landscape in Africa presents a complex challenge. Historically, global powers have treated Africa as a tool for extraction and a pawn in geopolitical struggles, from colonialism to the Cold War. However, with the growth of Africa and the world shifting into a multipolar era, the U.S. finds its policies and engagement with Africa unfit for purpose, having lost touch with the realities and interests on the ground. Often referred to as the "continent of the future" due to its vast resources and rapidly growing population, a critical question the U.S. is asking is: how can the U.S. engage effectively in Africa? Former CSIS Africa Program director and Into Africa’s creator, Judd Devermont, rejoins the podcast to share his insights into the U.S.’s approach to Africa and the role of America in a multipolar world. Drawing on his experience as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, Judd offers a deep and informed perspective on these critical issues.

The African continent faces several unique challenges that increase its vulnerability to cyber-attacks: a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, outdated software, lack of digital literacy among individuals, and struggles with personal data protection. While digital accessibility is on the rise in Africa, 60 percent of Africans (about 700 million people) remain unconnected to the internet. Digital literacy is the first step in tackling this challenge as connecting people is essential for improving education, job opportunities, and healthcare, as well as economic growth. However, Africa innovation and solutions show promise in ensuring the continent will overcome these hurdles and actively participate in the “digital revolution”. Fran Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer at Cisco, joins Mvemba to share findings from Cisco’s recently launched report “Elevating Africa's Cyber Resilience: Unveiling Regional Challenges and Charting AI Solutions.”

In 2019, the U.S. Congress passed the bipartisan Global Fragility Act (GFA), approving up to $200 million annually for prevention and stabilization efforts in target countries and regions, including Mozambique, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo. The GFA aims to strengthen fragile states, described by the Department of State as those "where state weakness or failure would magnify threats to the American homeland" and to "empower reform-minded governments, people, and civil society." Collaborating with state governments, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders, 10-year plans were developed for each target country. This initiative comes at a critical time, as conflict-related violence globally is at its highest since the end of the Cold War, with particularly acute effects in Africa, from the Sahel to Sudan to the eastern DRC. Peter Quaranto, Director of the Office of African Affairs in the Department of State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO), joins Mvemba to share CSO’s approach to better anticipate, prevent and mitigate violent conflicts. They discuss how CSO’s mission to strengthen U.S.-Africa partnerships for a more peaceful future.

Youth engagement in the Black and African diaspora stands as a foundational pillar in elevating our communities. The Hidden Genius Project was founded in Oakland, California in 2012 with the goal of revealing the true potential of black male youth. The mission is to develop quality, confident, and healthy young people who can lead. The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors their geniuses in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and their communities at large. Beyond the United States, the Hidden Genius Project has held activations abroad including in Johannesburg, South Africa and Saly and Dakar, Senegal. The CEO and founder of The Hidden Genius Project, Dr. Brandon Nicholson joined Mvemba to dive into what it means to be a hidden genius and how his team curates programs that support their mission.

While African youth make up over 70% of the population on the continent, the institutions present are not fit for their participation and representation in government. This is exemplified by the fact that although African youth rely on the informal sector for employment, institutions cater to the formal sector. The youth, therefore, expend time and energy and work in survivalist modes which limit their participation in civic and political engagement. The institutions inherited from colonial powers did not cater to African demographics. Now, African youth are mobilizing, organizing, and campaigning for institutional reform to serve them. Mvemba is joined by McDonald Lewanika, Southern Africa Regional Director at Accountability Lab, to discuss the importance of adapting to Africa’s fast-changing demographics by ensuring that the majority’s voices are catered for and given the appropriate platform.

Whenever the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) makes the headlines, it appears that the challenges the nation is facing are only multiplying. From the escalating conflict in Eastern DRC to what is being called an attempted coup in Kinshasa the question remains: how will the largest sub-Saharan African nation overcome its complex challenges? Governance. Analysts point to weak and uninspired governance as one of the challenges that perpetuate instability in Africa. In May, six months after his election, President Felix Tshisekedi announced the newly appointed government of the DRC. This government faces the daunting task of confronting the array of conflicts and instability in the country. Fred Bauma, Senior Fellow and Executive Secretary of Ebuteli, joins Mvemba to discuss the reasons this government took so long to form, the state of governance in DRC, and the expectations of Tshisekedi’s second term in office.

After more than three decades of experience as a media entrepreneur, Claude Grunitzky’s passion for telling the authentic stories of Africans has only expanded. While perceptions and narratives of Africa have slightly shifted, the Western gaze on Africa has not. Limitless Africa is “the podcast that asks the questions that matter to Africa” through speaking with strong voices that promote the future of Africa. Mvemba is joined by Claude Grunitzky, Founder of TRACE and friend of the pod, to discuss asking the right questions about Africa, and limitless answers.

Since 2018, senior leaders from land forces across Africa, the United States, and other partner nations have met to strengthen their relationships, exchange information, and encourage cooperation at the Africa Land Forces Summit (ALFS). This marked the 5th anniversary of the summit, which was hosted in Livingstone, Zambia with the theme “Regional Solutions to Transnational Problems”. 25 different countries were represented in the summit- a growth from the initial 9 that attended the first summit in Nigeria in 2018. Mvemba is joined by Command Sergeant Major Reese Teakell, US Army Southern European Task Force, and Command Sergeant Jeremiah E. Inman, US Army Europe and Africa, to discuss the highlights and achievements of the partnerships between African and partner nations in security training. They delve into the education programs for non-commissioned officers and the importance of leadership development.

After attaining independence in 1961, the United Republic of Tanzania became instrumental in liberation movements throughout Africa. Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s first president, established the ideology of Ujamaa (African socialism) as Tanzania’s political, social, and economic ideology. At the time of independence, the US established diplomatic ties with Tanzania and Nyerere had a close relationship with President John F. Kennedy. Nyerere stepped down from his presidency in 1985 and subsequent presidents opened Tanzania to become more democratic politically and economically while maintaining a socialist philosophy further strengthening relations with the US. However, the presidency of the late President John Magufuli eroded some of the democratic strides that previous presidents had instilled, straining bilateral relations with the US while strengthening ties with China. Nonetheless, the current administration under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has beckoned on the United States for an improved relationship and deeper bilateral economic ties. Mvemba is joined by Ambassador Michael Battle, United States Ambassador to Tanzania, to discuss the history and current state of U.S.- Tanzania bilateral relations. Ambassador Battle shares his hopes of transformed US-Tanzania relations from an aid and development assistance model to a trade and investment model.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is not only Senegal’s youngest elected president but also the youngest democratically elected president in Africa. At 44- years old there is a lot of expectation resting on Faye and his mentor Ousmane Sonko as they take the reins after an election run-up that was nothing short of dramatic. Since 2021, protests against former president Macky Sall have left more than 60 people dead and hundreds of political activists jailed. Faye is expected to strengthen the eroded democratic institutions in Senegal that allowed Sall to attempt an unconstitutional bid to sustain his party’s hold on the presidency and that built conditions to repress dissent in the country. Hawa Ba, Director of Core Partners in Open Society Foundations, joins Mvemba to share her impressions from the tumultuous election. As the only West African country that has not experienced a coup, Senegal is a beacon of hope that alternative forms of power and governance can be achieved through elections.