Africa Aware
Africa Aware is a podcast from the Chatham House Africa Programme that brings together leading international experts to provide original analysis on issues affecting African states, their international relations, and the continent as a whole.
Episodes
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
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 document
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 li
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 ri
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
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
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 Tra
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 Acco
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. K
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
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 th
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 conte
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
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.
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
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 ha
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 Governanc
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 fo
Sierra Leone's Return to the UN Security Council
In this special episode, His Excellency Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, shares insights into his country's key priorities during its current tenure on the Security Council. 54 years ago, Sierra Leone was elected to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the first time, serving a two-year manda
How Gold Fuels the War in Sudan
As the devastating war in Sudan nears the one-year mark, it remains fuelled by transnational military business networks, and one such sector funding the military activities in Sudan's gold sector. In this episode, Ahmed Soliman discusses his upcoming research on the Sudan conflict and its link to the gold sector – from how gold has evolved as a 'conflict good,' its connection to the current war an
From Nigeria to Libya: Linked through Migration and Armed Conflict
Tim Eaton and Leah de Haan (Chatham House Middle East and North Africa Programme) discuss their research on the transnational links between the movement of people and armed conflict – from Edo State in Nigeria, through Niger, to Libya. This episode was produced with support from the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy, and Trends (XCEPT) research programme, funded by UK International Developmen
Episode 32: Democratic Resilience Mini-series - Tanzania
Partial reforms in Tanzania's political and socio-economic environment have been widely lauded since President Samia Suluhu Hassan's sudden rise to office in March 2021, but progress towards the reconciliation and repair of Tanzania's democratic system remains incomplete. Criticisms over the limits of the current reform process are increasingly coalescing around demands for a new Tanzanian constit
Episode 31: Democratic Resilience Mini-series - The DRC
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepares for its upcoming elections, the nation stands at a critical juncture in its democratic trajectory. Against a backdrop of historical challenges and persistent political complexities, the forthcoming elections are of paramount importance to the future of the country and its democratic aspirations. On this episode of Africa Aware, Martin Fayulu, oppo
Episode 30: Countering Coups, Terrorism and Insecurity - Insights from ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has historically had a strong record of regional norm-setting on governance and democracy. Yet ECOWAS now faces significant challenges in how to reorient its role and credibility amid a rise in military and 'constitutional' coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and most recently in Niger. On this episode of Africa Aware, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau
Episode 29: IGAD's evolution with Dr Workneh Gebeyehu
Countries in the Horn of Africa face several interlinked challenges to their stability, including conflict, resource contestation and cross-border divisions. These complex issues are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and the competing interests of external actors. On this episode of Africa Aware, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Dr W
Episode 28: Securing the Blue Economy
Africa's maritime domain is an essential, yet often underappreciated component of the continent's stability, trade, and development. The blue economy offers an ocean of untapped potential, presenting African nations with the means to diversify their economies, create sustainable jobs, and alleviate poverty. On this episode of Africa Aware, Yusuf speaks to Amb. Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy and
Episode 27: Reflections on Sierra Leone's peace process
This episode of Africa Aware reflects on Sierra Leone's peace process as the country concludes its 2023 general elections and marks the 24th anniversary of the Lomé Peace Agreement - which helped to bring an end to its decade-long civil war. Yusuf speaks to Dr Comfort Ero, President and CEO of Crisis Group, who discusses her experience as a researcher in Freetown during the civil war. Dr Ero high
Episode 26: The Future of Agriculture in Mozambique with Minister Celso Ismael Correia
Agriculture accounted for 26 per cent of Mozambique's GDP in 2020 and employs more than 70 per cent of its workforce. The Mozambican government has made agriculture a top priority, and in recent years, the sector has seen significant growth. On this episode, Yusuf speaks to Hon. Celso Ismael Correia, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Republic of Mozambique. The Honourable Minis
Episode 25: African Peace and Security
On this special episode of Africa Aware, Yusuf speaks to H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) His Excellency explores the future of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), outlines the potential long-term impacts of climate change on peace and security, and discusses the role of the African Union in facilitatin
Episode 24: XCEPT Mini-Series – Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Niger
The flow of migrants, from East and West Africa to Libya is on a scale much smaller than before, but is increasingly linked to violence along the conflict supply chain of human smuggling and trafficking. While the conditions for migrants in Libya is better documented, migration flows also play a key role in transit hubs like Agadez, Niger. In this episode of Africa Aware, Peter Tinti outlines the
Episode 23: XCEPT Mini-Series - Commodities, land contestation and conflict in Ethiopia and Sudan
The war in northern Ethiopia since November 2020 and subsequent conquest of disputed farmlands in Al-Fashaga by the Sudanese army on the Ethiopia-Sudan border, has brought into focus the importance of agricultural commodities such as sesame as a potential driver of land contestation and conflict. In this episode of Africa Aware, Ahmed Soliman and Abel Abate Demissie discuss the interrelation of
Episode 22: Towards Just Transition in Africa
African countries face collective climate and job creation-related challenges. Yet policymaking often remains regionally siloed according to differing political, energy sector and ecological realities. This podcast reflects on the key policy messages from the Africa Programme's series on Towards just transition: Connecting green financing and sustainable job creation in Africa. This output is par
Episode 21: #NigeriaDecides – Delivering Nigeria's Elections
Listen to the second episode of #NigeriaDecides, a special mini-series focused on upcoming elections in Nigeria. Nigeria's Electoral Act, enacted in February 2022, has contributed to improved hope around the election process: reflected in the addition of 12.29 million new voters in Nigeria's voter registration exercise – 9.51 million of which were then validated, bringing the total number of regis
Episode 20: #NigeriaDecides – Technology and Inclusivity
Listen to the first episode of #NigeriaDecides, a special mini-series focused on upcoming elections in Nigeria. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, having suffered from two recessions in the past six years, unprecedented levels of physical and food insecurity, persistent fuel scarcity and high levels of crude oil theft. Civic fatigue also remains a critical challenge. We are joined on the episo
Episode 19: The Commonwealth Reimagined
This episode of Africa Aware discusses the current state of the Commonwealth and the relevance of language-based intergovernmental organizations to African states as they seek to diversify their international relations. We are joined on the episode by HE Professor Robert Dussey, Foreign Minister of the Togolese Republic, and HE Michael Moussa-Adamo, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Gabon, who o
Episode 18: In Conversation with H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda
On this special episode of Africa Aware, Yusuf speaks to H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda, the former President of the Republic of Malawi [2012 – 2014]. Her Excellency explores the current state of democracy in Africa, outlines what must be done to support the development of female leadership on the continent, and the important role African leaders must play on a global level.
Episode 17: Drought in the Horn of Africa
This episode of Africa Aware discusses the current drought in the Horn of Africa, where the worst drought in 40 years is affecting more than 20 million people across several countries. Abdirahman Abdishakur, Special Presidential Envoy for Drought Response for the Federal Republic of Somalia, outlined the Somali government's planning to prevent famine. Parvin Ngala, Regional Director at Oxfam Inte
Episode 16: In Conversation with H.E. Joaquim Chissano
On this special episode of Africa Aware, Yusuf speaks to H.E. Joaquim Chissano, the former President of the Republic of Mozambique and the 2006 winner of the Chatham House Prize. Marking the 30th anniversary of the Rome General Peace Accords, signed on 4 October 1992, which brought the Mozambican civil war, President Chissano discussed the lessons from that peace process and the 2019 Maputo Accord
Episode 15: Building Peace in Mozambique and Angola
This episode of Africa Aware explores the pathways to peace in Angola and Mozambique in their respective 20th and 30th anniversary years of the cessation of sustained conflict. Dr Alex Vines provides a historic overview of how peace was achieved in these nations and what lessons can be learned for the modern day. Neha Sanghrajka discusses current efforts to sustain peace in Mozambique, the im
Episode 14: Kenya's 2022 Elections
This episode of Africa Aware explores the elections in Kenya on 9 August 2022, in which Kenyans will select a new president and national lawmakers, as well as the governors and assemblies of the country's 47 counties. First, Waihiga Mwaura discusses the main political groupings and policy issues that voters will decide on. Then Sylvia Katua examines issues around political inclusivity of ma
Episode 13: Colonial Land Reparations in Kenya
This episode of Africa Aware examines colonial land reparations, focusing on the Kipsigis and Talai clans of Kericho county in Kenya. Between 1895 and 1963 inhabitants of the county were evicted from their lands to make way for lucrative tea plantations owned by settlers. Governor Paul Chepkwony, Rodney Dixon QC and Maureen Okoth outline their efforts to engage with the UK Government to receive re
Episode 12: Relations between Ethiopia and Sudan
This episode of Africa Aware examines the relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia. Ahmed Soliman provides an overview of the Africa Programme's work on cross-border conflict as part of the XCEPT project. First, we speak to Kholood Khair on the steady deterioration in relations between Sudan and Ethiopia. Then Abel Abate Demissie discusses how recent political developments in Ethiopia and Sudan hav
Episode 11: The Future of Africa-EU Relations
This episode of Africa Aware examines the status of Africa-EU relations in the lead-up to the sixth African Union-European Union summit on 17-18 February 2022. Yusuf is joined by Faten Aggad to investigate the prospects for enhanced collaboration on several key issues for African states, from vaccine production to trade agreements and climate change. Then Geert Laporte analyses the priorities of t
Episode 10: Policy for Recovery in Africa
In this episode of Africa Aware, Tighisti Amare highlights some of the key messages from the policy for recovery in Africa dialogue series that the Chatham House Africa Programme held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The dialogue series brought key stakeholders together to engage on issues affecting post-COVID-19 recovery in Africa, presenting a diverse range of
Episode 9: Beijing's Vision of China-Africa Relations
In this episode of Africa Aware, Professor Tang Xiaoyang examines Beijing's vision of China-Africa relations and its approach to debt relief in the context of post-pandemic domestic economic adjustments. Fergus Kell outlines a new Chatham House project on infrastructure-linked debt sustainability in Africa and discusses the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Dakar, Senega
Episode 8: Kleptocracy in Equatorial Guinea
In this episode of Africa Aware, we speak to Executive Director of EG Justice Tutu Alicante. Tutu outlines the current state of kleptocracy in Equatorial Guinea, the western actors that facilitate these corrupt practices, and the role of international partners in supporting efforts to bring about justice.
Episode 7: Climate Change in Africa with Minister Lee White
On this special episode of Africa Aware, we speak to Honorable Minister Dr Lee White, The Republic of Gabon's Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea, and Environment. With COP26 around the corner, we discuss the immediate impacts of climate change in Gabon, how infrastructure development can factor in sustainability, the role of the private sector in conservation and the voice of local populations in
Episode 6: Mining in Africa
In this episode of Africa Aware, Christopher Vandome introduces key questions facing decision-makers in response to the challenges facing the mining sector in Africa. While Sheila Khama discusses continent-wide priorities for the mining sector, and the industry's role in supporting national development ambitions.
Episode 5: Peacebuilding Amidst Elections in Ethiopia
In this episode of Africa Aware, Ahmed Soliman discusses the context in which the Ethiopian elections are taking place, while Lidet Tadesse emphasizes the importance of peacebuilding and intercommunal dialogue during and after the elections.
Episode 4: Sudan's Economic Stabilization
In this episode of Africa Aware, Dame Rosalind Marsden discusses the state of Sudan's transition, while Dr Adam Elhiraika speaks about the country's economic reform priorities and international support.
Episode 3: The pivot to East Africa
In this episode Dr Alex Vines from Chatham House provides his insights on what the UK Government's Integrated Review will mean for its engagement with Africa. Then Shuvai Nyoni from the African Leadership Centre in Nairobi discusses how East Africa can leverage burgeoning interest for the benefit of its citizens and why approaches to tackle widespread insecurity in the region must be reframed. Cr
Episode 2: Responding to Crises in the Sahel
In this episode of Africa Aware, Gita Honwana Welch highlights historical development challenges in the Sahel, and Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos discusses how responses to Jihadist groups in the Sahel must be rethought. Credits: Speakers: Gita Honwana Welch, Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos Host: Yusuf Hassan Editor: Jamie Reed Producers: Yusuf Hassan, Ben Horton Recorded and produced by Chatha
Episode 1: The Economic Burden of COVID-19
As African states find themselves in the midst of severe economic difficulty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yusuf speaks to Professor Carlos Lopes on the topic of debt on the continent, African risk perception and how the current system must be transformed to ensure it delivers for Africa. Read the Chatham House Expert Comment: Africa's Road to Recovery in 2021 is a Fresh Start Credits
