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Africa Aware

Chatham House

Africa Aware is a podcast from the Chatham House Africa Programme bringing together the best international experts to provide original analysis on issues affecting the individual states of Africa, their international relations, and the continent as a whole.

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21 episodes
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English

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S1 · E55
August 20 · 26 min
What can Lagos teach us about Africa's emerging megacities?
By 2050, many of the world's fastest-growing cities will be in Africa, and the choices made today will define how hundreds of millions of people will live then. A city like Lagos whose scale, economic dynamism and growth capture the opportunities and complexities of this transformation stands out as one of the world's leading megacities. In this episode, the governor of Lagos State, HE Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu joins Africa Programme Director and this week's host, Tighisti Amare, to discuss how Lagos is developing solutions to manage rapid population growth and deliver infrastructure at scale – all catered to its unique context.
S1 · E54
August 5 · 31 min
DRC's Ebola outbreak: Local systems, international responses and lessons for Africa
During the 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), clinical breakthroughs with the potential to significantly reduce both the death toll and the duration of the outbreak were made. However, as our guests argued in research conducted for the Congo Research Group in 2020, the international response was organised through parallel health structures rather than the existing Congolese health system. This approach contributed to undermined trust, outbreaks of violence and ultimately prolonged the outbreak. Now, in 2026, similar questions are emerging about the measures being taken at the local, national, regional and international levels to contain what has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record two months after it was officially declared. In this episode, Dr Rachel Niehuus and Bienvenu Mukungilwa join the Africa Programme's Dr Joshua Z. Walker and Lisa Musumba to explore how the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC once again exposes tensions between ad hoc international health responses and local healthcare systems – reinforcing the urgent need to strengthen national healthcare systems in the DRC and across Africa for more effective outbreak preparedness and response. Find out more: Ebola in DR Congo: A 'catastrophic collision of disease and conflict'. Independent Thinking podcast
S1 · E53
June 10 · 23 min
Navigating Somalia's political stalemate
As 15 May 2026 drew closer, there was growing uncertainty surrounding Somalia's next political transition. This date marked the official end of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term; yet no election date was set. Instead, the President officially signed a final set of constitutional amendments passed by majority vote in the Federal Parliament into law – he contends that this grants an extra year to his term which now expires on 15 May 2027. Opposition to the implementation of the constitutional amendments persists and Somalia now faces a political impasse that threatens to deepen political fragmentation. In this episode, Professor Afyare Abdi Elmi and Aweis Ahmed discuss scenarios to navigate Somalia's current political stalemate and pathways for a peaceful political transition.
S1 · E52
April 9 · 22 min
Emergency Response Rooms: Sudan's humanitarian lifeline
Since the war in Sudan began in 2023, grassroots, volunteer-led mutual aid groups – the Emergency Rooms (ERRs) – have delivered vital humanitarian assistance and played a key role in safeguarding civilian life across the country in the face of the devastating conflict. The work of the ERRs is grounded in the Sudanese tradition of 'nafeer', an Arabic word meaning collective action. Less documented is the critical role Sudanese women play in responding to humanitarian needs arising from the conflict. They are at the forefront of providing medical assistance and psychosocial support, creating safe spaces for children and responding to gender-based violence. In this episode, we are joined by Alaa Hassan Taris and Khalid Gurashi, representatives of the ERRs who were in London to receive the Chatham House Prize in recognition of their crucial role in delivering humanitarian support during the ongoing war in Sudan. Dr Eva Khair, founder of the Sudan Transnational Consortium, also joins the conversation with Alaa and Khalid to discuss how vital grassroots-led responses are within the wider international humanitarian picture and highlight the imperative for continued advocacy on the global stage. Find more information about the ERRs and how to support their work here. The Chatham House Prize 2025 was generously supported by Dr Mo Ibrahim, Open Society Foundations and Quadrature Climate Foundation.
S1 · E51
March 26 · 35 min
Can minerals buy peace in the DRC?
As a key mediator in the ongoing conflict in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States has brokered peace agreements backed by security guarantees and by the investment potential of the country's vast mineral wealth. However, critics warn this "minerals for peace" approach risks overlooking unresolved issues – from the protection of minority rights to the limited role of the African Union, and fragile state-society relations in the DRC. In this episode, Christian-Géraud Neema and Joshua Walker join the Africa Programme's Romane Dideberg and Lisa Musumba to discuss how the short and long-term implications of the DRC's pivot to the US is affecting its strategic autonomy, mining sovereignty, and what it means for President Tshisekedi's political options.
S1 · E50
March 18 · 23 min
Rebuilding regional order and security in West Africa
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS early last year – and the subsequent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – has posed a critical challenge for regional cooperation, particularly on security. According to the Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel is the "epicentre of terrorism" and rising insecurity is compounded by stalled progress on core issues including the right of hot pursuit, joint military operations, intelligence sharing and tackling illicit finance. Following a panel event on West African security with Ghana and Nigeria's foreign ministers at Chatham House, Paul Ejime and Paul Melly join the podcast to discuss the ministers' call for local security solutions in the region. The panel event formed part of the Chatham House Africa Programme's ongoing work on African peace and security. The Programme will shortly launch a new project focused on regional conflict systems in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and Central Africa.
S1 · E49
March 3 · 31 min
Africa's digital future
Africa's digital landscape is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving in the world. African states are not merely adopters of digital norms; they are shaping regulatory approaches in data protection and cybersecurity in addition to innovating mobile money ecosystems and digital health solutions among others. While innovation hubs are dotted across the continent, growth amongst African states and local communities remain uneven due to infrastructure gaps, broadband affordability, energy reliability and regulatory fragmentation. In this episode, Ambassador Philip Thigo and Hon. Neema Lugangira join the Africa Programme's Professor Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo and Lisa Musumba to discuss how digitalization can be harnessed to drive inclusive growth, strengthen institutions, and ensure that innovation translates into sustainable development outcomes.
S1 · E48
February 12 · 22 min
Can the African Union withstand fractures to multilateralism?
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf and Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi assumed the leadership of the African Union (AU) at last year's 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly – ushering what many saw a moment of renewed hope and leadership reset. The AU, however, enters 2026 on uncertain ground. Conflicts are intensifying across several regions; while showing signs of resilience economic prospects remain fragile; and political settlements in a number of countries are under strain. All this is unfolding against the backdrop of shifting global priorities and waning international attention on Africa. In this episode, Chatham House Africa Programme associate fellow, Professor Carlos Lopes, reflects on what lies ahead for the AU, the tests facing its leadership, and how Africa can navigate through changes in the global order. Related content: Africa Aware: Strengthening African-led peace and security initiatives The AU–EU summit in Luanda must mark a strategic reset of relations Africa Aware: What the African Union's G20 membership means for Africa
S1 · E47
February 6 · 46 min
Financing Africa's development
The IMF's economic outlook for Africa in 2026 points to an average GDP growth rate of 4.3% – making it the fastest-growing region globally. In practice, however, per capita growth is far lower and various factors like persistent debt issues and a decline in official development assistance jeopardise this positive outlook. In this episode, guests Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi (African Center for Economic Transformation) and Admassu Tadesse (Trade and Development Bank) explore strategies to ensure sustained economic growth matching the promising outlook for the continent. They discuss untapped policy actions to spur economic transformation as well as the role of regional financial institutions to meet the needs of African countries shaping their development agendas. Related content: Africa in 2026: Global uncertainty demands regional leadership Why an African Credit Rating Agency isn't a good idea for the region's borrowers
S1 · E46
Dec 18, 2025 · 31 min
Strengthening African-led peace and security initiatives
Reflecting on research conducted as part of a joint Chatham House and UNDP research project on 'African Peace Processes: Lessons Learned', this episode examines what makes peace processes 'stick'. Lisa Musumba is joined by project researchers Dr Abel Abate Demissie and Leonard Onyonyi to discuss the lessons learned from the Pretoria process linked to Ethiopia's Tigray war and Burundi's Arusha Accords. The episode closes with reflections from AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, from our conference in Addis Ababa on Africa's rising influence in foreign policy and global governance, exploring how African-led peace and security initiatives can be strengthened moving forward. Related content: De-escalation is needed to prevent Ethiopia and Eritrea from going to war Chatham House hosts conference in Addis Ababa on Africa's rising influence
S1 · E45
Oct 24, 2025 · 38 min
Will elections in Tanzania bring change?
Tanzania's October 2025 election will mark President Samia Suluhu Hassan's first as a presidential candidate, despite her holding office since 2021. A former vice-president, President Samia came to power following the sudden death of her predecessor, and is widely anticipated to win a new term for her CCM party – extending their unbroken rule in Tanzania since the country's independence in 1961. Key questions surrounding the 2025 polls include the systematic exclusion of leading opposition candidates, tightened restrictions on media, increases in reported abductions and attacks on activists, and the limited presence of external observer missions. In this episode, Thomas Kibwana, Anna Bwana and Deus Valentine Rweyemamu join Chatham House's Fergus Kell and Lisa Musumba to discuss the lead-up to Tanzania's election and the long-term future for the country. Related content: Tanzania election: Erosion of democracy will also come at the cost of economic potential Reviving Tanzania's regional leadership and global engagement
S1 · E44
Jul 31, 2025 · 43 min
Côte d'Ivoire elections: A conversation with Tidjane Thiam
Côte d'Ivoire is widely regarded as a regional powerhouse amid increased political instability and fragmentation in West Africa. However, the country has also been marked by violent conflicts and repeated bouts of political crisis in recent history. With the October 2025 elections fast approaching, Côte d'Ivoire faces another decisive moment – President Alassane Ouattara has confirmed that he will seek a fourth term, while a slew of prominent opposition figures including former president, Laurent Gbagbo, Tidjane Thiam, Charles Blé Goudé, and Guillaume Soro, have been barred from challenging the incumbent at the polls. In this episode, the leader of Côte d'Ivoire's main opposition party, Parti Démocratique de la Côte d'Ivoire — Rassemblement Démocratique Africain, Tidjane Thiam discusses his political aspirations, the hurdles faced in the lead-up to the upcoming elections and the state of Ivorian democracy moving forward. Find out more: Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire: Stumbling Totems of Democracy
S1 · E43
Jul 17, 2025 · 28 min
Strengthening Africa's Health Security
The public health systems in Africa are under growing pressure. The sharp 70% drop in official development assistance (ODA) risks weakening critical health programmes, while a rise in public health emergencies continues to stretch already fragile infrastructure. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) – the public health agency of the African Union – recognises that these are not isolated challenges. They present a fundamental threat to Africa's political, social, and economic resilience, with far-reaching implications to global stability. In this episode, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General at the Africa CDC, discusses the agency's mandate to support AU member states in advancing public health priorities and strengthening the capacity of national health institutions to respond to disease threats. Related content: The global response to the mpox outbreak in Africa will show if lessons from COVID-19 have been learned A fair pandemic treaty is unlikely, but poorer countries have healthy options Africa's Health Financing in a New Era – April, 2025
S1 · E42
May 1, 2025 · 28 min
Envisioning a more peaceful and secure Africa
The uptick in armed conflicts across Africa in recent years has challenged peacebuilding efforts and upset a trajectory towards continental stability. In this episode, HE Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security the AU's goal of silencing the guns by 2030, the evolution of peacekeeping, and his vision for a more peaceful and secure Africa. Related content: Africa Aware: The future of African peace and security Tensions in Tigray could spark war between Ethiopia and Eritrea – disaster must be avoided Navigating a path beyond regional division is essential for West Africa's security South Sudan's shaky peace is at risk of collapse. Can it be saved?
S1 · E41
Feb 10, 2025 · 34 min
How transnational human smuggling fuels conflict in Libya
In this episode, Tim Eaton and Lubna Yousef discuss their latest research on how transnational human smuggling has fuelled conflict in Libya through a systems analysis of three key transit cities – Kufra, Sebha and Zawiya. Using this approach, their research examines the roles played by conflict and social dynamics in the expansion of human smuggling and trafficking – thus helping uncover critical gaps in policies aimed at addressing the rapid rise of migration. This episode was produced with support from the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy, and Trends (XCEPT) research programme, funded by UK International Development. Related content: Tackling the Niger–Libya migration route Africa Aware: From Nigeria to Libya: Linked through migration and armed conflict
S1 · E40
Nov 19, 2024 · 32 min
What the African Union's G20 membership means for Africa
In this episode, Professor Carlos Lopes discusses what the African Union's G20 membership means for Africa's economic and geopolitical influence on the global stage.
S1 · E39
Nov 7, 2024 · 20 min
Tagadom's vision for ending the war in Sudan
In this episode, Khalid Omer Yousif discusses how Sudan's broadest anti-war, pro-democracy coalition, Tagadom, aims to bring civilian voices to the fore in a war dictated by military powers, and their plans to the end of Sudan's war despite mounting atrocities engulfing the country. Related content: https://www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/open-event/civilian-priorities-ending-war-sudan https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/06/strong-civilian-coalition-vital-avert-sudans-disintegration https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/09/war-sudan-intensifying-coordinated-pressure-needed-prevent-countrys-fragmentation https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/03/africa-aware-how-gold-fuels-war-sudan
S38 · E1
Oct 3, 2024 · 33 min
Building Somalia's climate resilience
For years now, Somalia has experienced the effects of not only climate change, but also climate extremes – oscillating between devastating droughts and fierce floods. Ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country in the world, Somalia faces lasting environmental and socio-political challenges due to the frequent extreme climate events; furthermore, efforts to secure timely climate financing are hampered due to ongoing conflict in the country. In this episode, Abdihakim Yusuf Ali Ainte and Maram Ahmed discuss ways to turn Somalia's climate vulnerability to climate resilience. They explore the environmental and socio-political challenges brought by devastating climate events, which exacerbate ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges such as food security, displacement, and poverty. They also discuss innovative climate financing methods for improved climate adaptation. Related content: https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2024-09/developing-countries-need-cheaper-loans-or-world-will-miss-its https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/11/africas-maritime-agency-cannot-be-overlooked https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/10/africa-aware-drought-horn-africa https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/12/towards-just-transition-africa
S1 · E37
Jul 11, 2024 · 49 min
Tackling perceptions of corruption in Nigeria
There is a deeply entrenched view both within and outside of Nigeria that corruption represents an intrinsic feature of Nigerian society. In reality, however, the issue of corruption is more complex and driven by a range of social and behavioural factors. It is these underlying factors sustaining corruption in Nigeria that the Chatham House Africa Programme's Social Norms and Accountable Governance (SNAG) research project seeks to diagnose and address – posing the central question: 'why do people do what they do?' In this episode, Dr Leena Koni Hoffmann and Dr Raj Navanit Patel discuss how and why the SNAG research project came about, explain the social norms methodology that underpins their research, and share key findings from the project for policymakers and Nigerian citizens. Odeh Friday (Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria) discusses Accountability Lab Nigeria's engagement with government officials who have rejected corrupt practices and changing the narrative on corruption in Nigeria. The Social Norms and Accountable Governance (SNAG) research project is supported by the MacArthur Foundation. Related content: Collective Action on Corruption in Nigeria Pass-mark bribery in Nigerian schools Vote-selling behaviour and democratic dissatisfaction in Nigeria
S1 · E36
May 30, 2024 · 26 min
Can Africa's economic recovery withstand inevitable shocks?
In this episode, Wenjie Chen, Deputy Division Chief of the Regional Studies Division at the International Monetary Fund's African Department, discusses the IMF Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa titled 'A Tepid and Pricey Recovery'. The International Monetary Fund's global economic outlook for 2024, released this January, cites a resilient global economy with positive projections for the year ahead. Africa is expected to be the second fastest-growing economic region in the world in 2024, following Asia. Despite this positive forecast, there are concerns about the rising costs for African countries to meet their debt obligations and a funding squeeze that hinders the region's economic growth potential. In this episode, Wenjie Chen, Deputy Division Chief of the Regional Studies Division at the International Monetary Fund's African Department, discusses the IMF Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa titled "A Tepid and Pricey Recovery," released in April 2024. She highlights key findings from the report and contextualizes the IMF's recommendations for harnessing Africa's economic growth potential amid inevitable shocks.

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