Podcasts about African Union

Africa's future will be written by its girls and women — if they have the resources and rights to lead. Graça Machel calls for a generational shift in how girls' education and leadership are supported, while Françoise Moudouthe challenges donors and policymakers to back feminist movements with flexible, sustained funding. Satta Sheriff brings the voice of a new generation, connecting women's leadership to broader fights for climate justice, peace, and economic inclusion. This episode is full of hard truths about the barriers girls and women face, paired with inspiring examples of what happens when those barriers come down. Guests Graça Machel, women's and children's rights advocate; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique; co-founder of The Elders. Françoise Moudouthe, CEO of the African Women's Development Fund Satta Sheriff, Human Rights Activist & African Union Panel of the Future Member Background Materials Women's Rights in Review 30 years after Beijing, UN Women Futures Africa: Trends for Women by 2030, The African Women's Development Fund African Young Women B+25 Manifesto, African Union

Episode 190 with Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of minoHealth AI Labs, a pioneering company using artificial intelligence to transform healthcare access and quality across Africa. Darlington Akogo represents a new generation of African innovators translating global ambitions for sustainable development into tangible local solutions. In this episode, he shares how minoHealth is tackling systemic gaps in healthcare, from the acute shortage of radiologists to the urgent need for affordable diagnostic services.Darlington takes us inside his journey from AI enthusiast to founder of minoHealth AI Labs, and how his vision grew into a movement for AI-driven healthcare in Africa. He explains how AI diagnostics are transforming access and affordability, with breakthroughs in tackling chest conditions, breast cancer and malaria in under a minute. Along the way, he reflects on the challenges of building trust around new technologies, the importance of combining innovation with ethical responsibility, and training a new generation of African AI talent through the Runmila AI Institute.What We Discuss With DarlingtonDarlington's journey from AI enthusiast to founder of minoHealth AI Labs.How AI diagnostics are transforming healthcare access and affordability in Africa.Breakthrough innovations tackling chest conditions, breast cancer and malaria.Training a new generation of African AI talent through the Runmila AI Institute.Shaping national and continental AI strategies with the African Union.Reflections on 30 years of youth engagement in Africa and the future of youth-led AI.Verto CornerIn this week's Verto Corner, Tawanda Mudimbu, Sales Director at Verto, discusses how faster settlements and greater transparency in foreign exchange are reshaping business in African markets. He explains why speed and clarity in payments are no longer optional, but essential for winning and retaining clients. Tawanda shares the frustrations he hears most often from businesses dealing with slow settlements and hidden FX costs, and highlights what finally convinces many to move away from traditional banking solutions. He also introduces the new Atlas for Fintechs and Platforms, launched this month, which offers companies a powerful resource to navigate these challenges.Access the Strategy HandbookDid you miss my previous episode where I discus Driving Sustainable Growth in Africa through Infrastructure Investment in Hospitals and Schools? Make sure to check it out!Connect with Terser:LinkedIn - Terser AdamuInstagram - unlockingafricaTwitter (X) - @TerserAdamuConnect with Darlington:LinkedIn - Darlington AkogoTwitter - @darlingtinhoDiscover how Verto's solutions can help you accept payments, manage expenses, and scale with ease here

Since this episode aired last year, we're still dreaming of a just and representative global order. Catherine Nzuki was joined by Ambassador Martin Kimani, PhD, the Executive Director of New York University's Center on International Cooperation. He was previously the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations (UN). In this episode, we take a deep dive into Africa's bid for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the long road to get there. We discuss how long Africa has been pushing for these seats (3:40); the procedure to create the two permanent seats (7:00); why the process of selecting which African state will occupy those seats could cause infighting (15:20); and two scenarios for how these seats could be distributed (19:40). We zoom out to discuss the deficit of visionary contemporary leaders (30:18); the types of reforms that the African Union needs (34:42); Africa's demographic dividend (36:00); Africa in the G20 (42:30); and finally, reordering global geography in line with Africa's own interests (45:00).

Hello my dear, Today is FANTASTIC Your 8B+ Proposal: FROM ZERO TO BILLIONS in few years are ready - WATCH https://youtu.be/HQHzwFlahr0 Subscribe & Enjoy our 430+ Global Empowerment benefits with additional 95 percent potential that you where missing daily till now for you at your place & all 8 Billion+ people on earth to Unite in Daily Peacebuilding Actions with our Media, Culture and Arts GPBNet Association for Peace Happy TV GPBNet, register it &Read All and ACT NOW: First REGISTER OUR HAPPY TV GPBNet with you as director at your place & get our mebership at our official portal https://1gpb.net to Enjoy to DO Daily PeaceBuilding Actions with us, as we are honored to share that GPBNet is now officially affiliated with:✅ United Nations-associated bodies✅ African Union institutions✅ Global Human Rights & Peace Movement Networks✅ International Sovereign Royal Houses & Global Fund Houses✅ 200 governments

The Mercator projection, a map that's been around for over 450 years and which most people use, distorts size. It stretches land masses farther from the equator. It can make Greenland looks the same size as Africa, when in reality Africa is actually around 14 times bigger. Campaigners want schools, organisations and governments to use a different one - the Equal Earth map. And now the African Union, which represents all 55 states on the continent, has endorsed the “Correct the Map” campaign.The BBC's Makuochi Okafor explains some of the arguments for switching to a different map and also the wider implications of showing Africa as smaller than it really is.Moky Makura, from Africa No Filter, tells us what her organisation is hoping to achieve with the Correct the Map campaign. Plus Edwin Rijkaart, known to his YouTube subscribers as Geodiode tells us why we use the Mercator projection in the first place. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Benita Barden, Chelsea Coates and Abiona Boja Editor: Verity Wilde

Our latest podcast in the SUN series is another country (and regional) voice - this time we're in conversation with George Ouma, coordinator of the African Leaders for Nutrition Initiative. The ALN is is a platform jointly established by the African Union and the African Development Bank to drive high-level political will to tackle malnutrition. Discussions with George range from ‘game-changer' policy reforms he's working on in his current role, such as a framework to harmonise multisectoral policies across the African continent, to what it takes to galvanise high-level political will for nutrition and which countries are making strong progress.As a former SUN civil society coordinator in Kenya and chair of the East and Southern Africa SUN Civil Society Network, George reflects on what SUN is doing well - and where the Movement could do better.“Strong advocacy [has been achieved] through SUN networks… [acting as] a catalyst to heads of state realising that nutrition is a priority that should be integrated into national development plans.” But he believes that SUN networks other than civil society need to play a stronger role - “Academia should be generating evidence, the donor network is not just about giving money but should also focus on supporting advocacy at regional level… we need to make sure that every network delivers…”Please join the debate! Credits: Recorded edited and published by: N4D & Nutriat.coTheme tune: Saraweto, used with kind permission of Just East of Jazz© N4D Group 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

* This podcast was updated to include details of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate testimony, the confirmation hearing of Stephen Miran, and the death of Giorgio Armani. Florida plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for children. North Korea's Kim Jong Un vows full support for Russia's army. At least 15 people are dead after Lisbon's historic funicular crashed. The African Union backs a campaign to ditch the 16th century Mercator map in favor of one that shows Africa's true size. And it's a ‘maybe' for a Super Bowl halftime performance by Taylor Swift. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Find the Recommended Read here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When people don't trust their institutions, the social fabric of a society is weakened. But that “trust deficit” can — and must — be closed. In this episode of our Future of Africa series, we explore innovative and practical approaches to enhancing trust and cooperation between people and their institutions -- from grassroots communities to global multilateral forums. Featuring Samson Itodo, a renowned advocate for electoral integrity and youth participation in Nigeria; Joseph Asunka, CEO of Afrobarometer; Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education from Sierra Leone; and Chimdi Neliaku, a member of the African Union's Panel of the Future and Special Assistant to the Hon. Speaker, House of Representatives of Nigeria on Interparliamentary Affairs and Public Relations, this conversation showcases positive pathways to inclusive governance. Drawing on inspiring personal journeys, Samson shares insights from mobilizing young voters in Nigeria's democratic processes; Chernor brings decades of advocacy experience as a youth leader who successfully integrated young voices into high-level peace, reconciliation, and education campaigns—now working from within government to broaden civic engagement and transparency in Sierra Leone; Chimdi reflects on empowering African youth within AU initiatives, showing how the next generation positively shapes governance; and Joseph brings years of public opinion research to explain the drivers of this trust deficit. Together, they highlight how inclusive leadership and effective citizen-government dialogue foster stronger trust, accountability, and intergenerational cooperation. Effective governance depends on mutual trust—between citizens, governments, institutions, and international organizations. This episode explains how that can be achieved. Samson Itodo represents dynamic young leadership in civil society – he has organized young voters and driven campaigns like “Not Too Young to Run,” giving him on-the-ground perspective on citizens' democratic aspirations and frustrations. Joseph Asunka offers a data-centric perspective, drawing from Afrobarometer's extensive public opinion research across Africa. His expertise in governance, accountability, and citizen engagement sheds light on the continent's internal dynamics influencing its external relations. Chernor Bah brings unique insights from both grassroots advocacy and government leadership, having led global youth initiatives, co-founded the A World at School campaign, and now as Sierra Leone's Minister of Information and Civic Education, actively broadening civic engagement and strengthening trust in government. Chimdi Neliaku represents the young communities and grassroots viewpoint – a young changemaker experienced with the Global Shapers Community and AU's youth initiatives, advocating for the next generation to have a seat at the table.

HI YOUR BREAKING HAPPY TV NEWS Today A groundbreaking global movement is officially underway, and it's calling for every single person on this planet to join. The Global Peacebuilding Network (GPBNet) has launched its ambitious #Peace2025 initiative, a call to action for all 8 billion+ of us to unite in a “True Love Revolution” through daily peacebuilding actions. This isn't just another campaign; it's a paradigm shift, offering a staggering 95% of untapped human potential and over 430 global empowerment benefits to every individual.From Zero to Billions: A Plan for Global UnityDr. Nicolae Cirpala, President of GPBNet, unveiled the plan in a powerful video message, urging global citizens to watch and act: https://youtu.be/HQHzwFlahr0 “Today is FANTASTIC! Your 8B+ Proposal: FROM ZERO TO BILLIONS in few years are ready,” he announced. The GPBNet, now affiliated with United Nations-associated bodies, African Union institutions, and 200 governments, provides a concrete framework for this global mobilization.Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept ItThe call is simple yet profound: ACT NOW. Here's how you can be a part of this historic movement:Become a Director of Peace: Register your own Happy TV GPBNet at your location and gain membership through the official portal: https://1gpb.net. This is your first step to unlocking the 430+ benefits and starting your daily peacebuilding actions.Mobilize Your Nation: The #Peace2025 movement is already a global phenomenon with Peace Rallies confirmed in:Kenya: November 21

Aubrey Masango speaks to Prince Zoza Shongwe, Historian on the campaign supported by the African Union to redraw the map of Africa. They touch on the nuances of possible changes that could ensue as a result of the success of this campaign . Tags: 702, The Aubrey Masango Show, Aubrey Masango, Africa At A Glance, Redraw, Map, Africa, Mercator Map, Distortion, African Union The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Caplin says a robot dog can now play badminton – as well as a 7-year-old. Mobile phone conversations can be picked up by radar, with limitations. After a trial, 3,500 solar-powered postboxes which accept parcels are being rolled out. The Guinness Book of Records is 70 years old; Steve tells us his favourites. The African Union is complaining that Mercator maps skew the size of land masses. There's a website that will show you proper country comparisons. And scientists have found a way to transplant behaviour – in fruit flies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Kamala Harris declined to run for California governor, the crowded field lacks a clear frontrunner. Former Congresswoman Katie Porter has a slight edge, but Rick Caruso could shake up the race.  Heat waves are among the deadliest natural disasters. Shade is a vital defense. But in cities like LA, it’s treated as a privilege, not a right. A new Hulu series revisits the story of Amanda Knox, the American college student studying abroad who was accused of killing her roommate. Knox and Monica Lewinsky are executive producers.  The colonial-era Mercator map distorts continental size, making Africa look smaller than it is. The 55-nation African Union joins the push to embrace a new world map.

Africa is so vast that it can contain the entire landmasses of the United States, China, and Europe all at the same time with some room to spare. This is not an exaggeration. This episode explores the "Correct Map" campaign led by the African Union, AU.

Hello my dear, Today is FANTASTIC Your 8B+ Proposal: FROM ZERO TO BILLIONS in few years are ready - WATCH https://youtu.be/Pq_PRwpymoI?si=QsIz8os-VhrmU3C2 Subscribe & Enjoy our 430+ Global Empowerment benefits with additional 95 percent potential that you where missing daily till now for you at your place & all 8 Billion+ people on earth to Unite in Daily Peacebuilding Actions with our Media, Culture and Arts GPBNet Association for Peace Happy TV GPBNet, register it &Read All and ACT NOW: First REGISTER OUR HAPPY TV GPBNet with you as director at your place & get our mebership at our official portal https://1gpb.net to Enjoy to DO Daily PeaceBuilding Actions with us, as we are honored to share that GPBNet is now officially affiliated with:✅ United Nations-associated bodies✅ African Union institutions✅ Global Human Rights & Peace Movement Networks✅ International Sovereign Royal Houses & Global Fund Houses✅ 200 governments

-- On the Bonus Show: Republican congressman says dead people told him they voted fraudulently, Trump says U.S. won't approve new solar and wind projects, African Union wants a map that better represents Africa's size, and much more... Become a Member: https://www.davidpakman.com/membership  Subscribe to our (FREE) Substack newsletter: https://davidpakman.substack.com/  Buy David's book: https://davidpakman.com/book 

-- On the Show: -- California Governor Gavin Newsom joins David to discuss his redistricting strategy aimed at countering Republican gerrymandering in Texas -- Texas Republicans pass a Trump-backed gerrymander while Gavin Newsom launches a direct counterstrike with California redistricting -- Donald Trump faces backlash as tariffs drive up costs with rising prices hitting John Deere PepsiCo Sony and electricity bills -- Trump demands rate cuts that would inflate the value of over one hundred million dollars in bonds he recently purchased -- Kellyanne Conway lashes out as Gavin Newsom trolls Trump online and undermines her defense of Trump's approach to history and media -- Right-wingers from Sean Hannity to Ted Cruz spiral over Gavin Newsom's trolling -- Trump explodes on Truth Social with a late-night rant praising Texas gerrymanders, attacking Gavin Newsom, and threatening Colorado -- JD Vance embarrasses himself by claiming homeless people make Union Station dangerous while protesters boo him, Stephen Miller, and Pete Hegseth -- On the Bonus Show: Republican congressman says dead people told him they voted fraudulently, Trump says U.S. won't approve new solar and wind projects, African Union wants a map that better represents Africa's size, and much more... ⚠️ Ground News: Get 40% OFF their unlimited access Vantage plan at https://ground.news/pakman

The African Union has voiced support for the adoption of a map that more accurately displays the real size of Africa. Also, Emily Scarratt is set to make English history with her fifth Rugby World Cup appearance. And, a look at Salsa's history and foundations — a Latin music style that was born in New York City. Plus, astronomers are delighted at the discovery of a mysterious object, believed to be billions of years old, hurtling through our solar system.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We reach a reporter in one of the refugee camps that's preparing to receive thousands of people who no longer have anywhere else to go. An advisor to embattled New York City mayor Eric Adams pressed an open bag of sour cream and onion chips on a reporter -- who tells us that, inside that bag, she was stunned to find something a lot spicier than she expected.Entire continents are in bad shape. But the African Union wants to change that -- by replacing the distorted Mercator projection maps with ones that provide a better perspective on our planet. A bus crash kills dozens of Afghan nationals who were expelled from Iran -- just a few of the thousands forced to face an uncertain future in a country they may not recognize. When a hike in B.C.'s beautiful Bugaboo Provincial Park goes sideways, our guest ends up on a helicopter, plucking some sixty cornered climbers out of harm's way. A psychiatrist describes the independent-minded people he has named "otroverts" -- a group that simply refuses to belong to a group. As It Happens, the Thursday Edition. Radio that's heard -- but not part of the herd.

Quantum Nurse https://graceasagra.com/  presents Freedom International Livestream On Thursday, Aug 21, 2025 @ 12:00 PM EST Guest: LAWRENCE FREEMAN Topic:  Battle Over the Nile: Egypt, U.S. Pressure vs Ethiopia's Right to Develop https://lawrencefreemanafricaandtheworld.com/ Guest Bio: Lawrence Freeman is a political-economic analyst with over 30 years of experience specializing in Africa and physical economics. He advocates for real economic development through infrastructure, particularly rail and energy, as a basic human right.   Freeman supports African sovereignty by encouraging policies that serve national interests. His work spans Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Mali, Chad, and Côte d'Ivoire. He champions major projects like the Transaqua initiative to revive Lake Chad and the African Union's High-Speed Rail Network. He also contributes to an infrastructure plan inspired by Alexander Hamilton's National Bank.   Freeman teaches African history in Maryland, publishes widely, and advises institutions including the Lake Chad Basin Commission. His vision centers on self-sufficient, sovereign development to secure Africa's long-term prosperity.   Founding Host: Grace Asagra, RN, PhD Podcast: Quantum Nurse http://graceasagra.bio.link/ https://www.quantumnurse.life/ DONATE LINK for Grace Asagra @ Quantum Nurse Podcast https://patron.podbean.com/QuantumNurse https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FHUXTQVAVJDPU Venmo - @Grace-Asagra 609-203-5854 Grace Asagra, RN PhD Podcast:  Quantum Nurse: Out of the Rabbit Hole from Stress to Bliss https://graceasagra.com/ Special Guest Hosts: Drago Bosnic BRICS portal (infobrics.org) https://t.me/CerFunhouse   Standing host: Hartmut Schumacher https://www.dragonnous.com   WELLNESS RESOURCES Optimal Health and Wellness with Grace Virtual Dispensary Link (Designs for Health)               2https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/optimalhealthwellness Premier Research Labs https://prlabs.com/customer/account/create/code/59n84f/ 15% discount

The Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelensky visits the White House, six months after an Oval Office dressing down, and three days after Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin. Several European leaders also flew to DC to show support for Ukraine. But is there any evidence of any progress towards peace? And on what terms? Also in the programme: as Hamas says it accepts the latest Gaza ceasefire offer, our correspondent Lucy Williamson reports from the West Bank, where she witnessed Palestinian farmers being attacked by settlers; plus a cartographer explains why many maps literally distort our picture of the world - a problem the African Union has now joined calls to correct.(IMAGE: United States President Donald J Trump (R) meets President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 18 August 2025 / CREDIT: Photo by PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock)

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a national dialogue called “uniting voices, shaping the nation". It's an ambitious plan to confront its most pressing challenges and unite a nation still wrestling with the legacy of apartheid, deep inequality, and mounting political tension. Critics say it's been rushed. So, will it work? Also, the Ugandan ex-military men arrested for allegedly wanting to fight in the Russian-Ukraine conflictAnd the African Union backs a campaign to end the use of a 16th-century map in favour of one that more accurately displays the size of the continent. We'll hear from someone campaigning for change.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Mark Wilberforce and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga and Jewel Kiriungi in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Reza Asadi

On Freedmen Friday guest Kamm Howard, a renowned reparation activist and author is with us on a Freedmen Friday. He speaks on CARICOM's strides towards reparatory justice and their African Union work. CARICOM (The Caribbean Community) an organization that focuses on economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://reparationsunited.org/

Ghost takes listeners on a global tour of power plays and economic maneuvers, starting with the African Union's push for financial independence through gold-backed currency, challenging Western monetary control. He examines Vladimir Putin's calculated moves ahead of the Alaska summit with Trump, exploring how Russia positions itself as a diplomatic powerbroker while balancing alliances with China and the Global South. The episode also dives into China's Belt and Road debt-trap diplomacy, its tightening grip on African infrastructure, and how resource-rich nations are pushing back. From shifting alliances in the Middle East to the erosion of U.S. influence in the developing world, Ghost connects the dots on how economic sovereignty, energy politics, and strategic negotiations are redrawing the global map.

Africa is the world's youngest continent — and its future is everyone's future. By 2030, 70% of sub-Saharan Africa's population will be under the age of 30. By century's end, one in three people on the planet will be African. What happens in Africa will shape the course of the 21st century. That's why Global Dispatches is proud to launch a bold new podcast series: The Future of Africa. Produced in partnership with the African Union, The Elders, and the United Nations Foundation, this series explores how Africa's rising generation is transforming the world—and how global leaders are engaging with this dynamic shift. Hosted by the powerhouse Kenyan journalist Adelle Onyango, The Future of Africa features intergenerational conversations between former presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, diplomats, and trailblazing young leaders. These are solutions-driven discussions tackling the most urgent issues of our time: climate, education, economic growth, governance, and more. Africa's influence on global decision-making is rising as the world's youngest and fastest-growing continent — but will young people be given the power to shape it? Chukwuemeka Eze lays out why legitimacy at home is the foundation for influence abroad, while Chido Mpemba champions young people's leadership in every sphere of governance. Jake Obeng-Bediako warns against “waithood” as the lost years between education and meaningful leadership, and calls for young Africans to be decision-makers. Together, they highlight ways young African countries are navigating geopolitical shifts, increasing their role in multilateral forums, and leveraging demographic and economic momentum. This is a call-to-action for anyone who believes Africa should lead as an innovator on the world stage. Guest Speakers Jake Bediako, Director of Policy and Implementation for Global Citizens Move Afrika Initiative. Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, Director for Democratic Futures in Africa at the Open Society Foundation Chido Mpemba, formerly the African Union's Special Youth Envoy and currently the Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson for Women, Gender and Youth.

Doctors Without Borders and other NGOs have raised concerns about anti-migrant groups preventing non-South Africans from accessing healthcare services. The South African government has called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity. So why are activists blocking health clinics and hospitals?   The African Union sends a delegation to South Sudan to encourage the warring sides in the country to revive a 2018 peace deal and pave the way for elections.  Can they bring both sides back to the table?   And as Africa Fashion Week London comes to an end, how can African fashion leverage its global appeal?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Doctors Without Borders and other NGOs have raised concerns about anti-migrant groups preventing non-South Africans from accessing healthcare services. The South African government has called on all communities to uphold the rule of law, respect human dignity. So why are activists blocking health clinics and hospitals? The African Union sends a delegation to South Sudan to encourage the warring sides in the country to revive a 2018 peace deal and pave the way for elections. Can they bring both sides back to the table? And as Africa Fashion Week London comes to an end, how can African fashion leverage its global appeal?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The African Union's threat to lead African states' mass withdrawal from the International Criminal Court in 2008 marked just one of many encounters that demonstrate African leaders' growing confidence and activism in international relations. Rita Kiki Edozie and Moses Khisa explore the myriad ways in which the continent's diplomatic engagement and influence in the global arena has been expanding in recent decades. Focusing in particular on collective action through the institutional platform of the AU―while acknowledging the internal challenges involved―the authors show how Africa's role as a dynamic world region is both shaping and being shaped by current trends in global development and geopolitics. Nomeh Anthony Kanayo, Ph.D. Candidate in International Relations at Florida International University, with research interest in Africa's diaspora relations, African-China relations, Great power rivalry and IR theories. Check out my new article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

Africa Melane speaks to Peter Fabricius, Consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria, about whether African countries can unite against the economic disruption caused by US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. They discuss the political drivers behind the tariff rates, the challenges of a coordinated African response, the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the shifting global trade landscape. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The invisible legal architecture behind AI systems, either talking to each other or failing spectacularly, takes center stage in this deep dive into interoperability. Far more than technical specifications, the ability of AI models to connect and share data represents a battlefield where intellectual property rights, competition law, and global governance clash to determine who controls the digital ecosystem.Starting with IBM's mainframe antitrust case, we trace how European regulators forced a tech giant to provide third parties with technical documentation needed for maintenance. This early precedent established that when your system becomes essential infrastructure, monopolizing access raises legal red flags. The SAS v. World Programming Limited ruling further clarified that functionality, programming languages, and data formats cannot be protected by copyright, giving developers freedom to create compatible systems without infringement concerns.Patent battles reveal another dimension of interoperability politics. Cases like Huawei v. ZTE established detailed protocols for negotiating Standard Essential Patents, preventing companies from weaponizing their intellectual property to block competitors. The Microsoft v. Motorola judgment defined what "reasonable" licensing fees actually look like, protecting the principle that interoperability shouldn't bankrupt smaller players.Google's decade-long fight with Oracle over Java API copyright culminated in a Supreme Court victory validating that reimplementing interfaces for compatibility constitutes fair use, a landmark decision protecting the ability to build systems that communicate with existing platforms without permission. Meanwhile, the Oracle v. Rimini ruling reinforced that third-party software support isn't derivative copyright infringement, even when designed exclusively for another company's ecosystem.Beyond courtrooms, international frameworks increasingly shape AI interoperability standards. From UNESCO's ethics recommendation to ISO/IEC 42001 certification, from the G7 Hiroshima AI Process to regional initiatives like the African Union's Data Policy Framework, these governance mechanisms are establishing a global language for compatible, trustworthy AI development.Whether you're building AI systems, crafting policy, or simply trying to understand why your tools won't work together, these legal precedents reveal that interoperability isn't just about good coding. It's about who controls the playground, the rulebook, and ultimately, the future of AI innovation.Send us a text

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Citizens continue to face visa restrictions and border bureaucracy from fellow African nations. Despite the African Union's push for free movement as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area, progress remains slow. So, what's holding it back? Josey Mahachi speaks to AU consultant Oluwafemi Olamuyiwa, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

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Africa's leaders have no one to blame but themselves if they cannot reach equitable trade deals with the United States, argues the former representative of the African Union to the US, Arikana Chihombori-Quao. Chihombori-Quao tells host Steve Clemons that US President Donald Trump's “trade, not aid” policy opens up “an opportunity that African leaders were not awarded by the colonisers, the European nations, when they set out to exploit the continent of Africa”. She adds that African leaders should not allow themselves to be bullied by Trump, “because he has what you need, you also have what he wants”. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #aljazeera #aljazeeraenglish #aljazeeranewslive

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Trump says Gaza ceasefire could be days away "US President Donald Trump said a Gaza ceasefire deal could be wrapped up within the week. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews, he noted talks are progressing and hinted at a breakthrough soon. He confirmed that Israel has agreed to the proposed terms for a 60-day truce, with the deal now in Hamas' hands. Qatar and Egypt are mediating, and Hamas has responded positively, showing readiness to move forward. " Trump approves Patriot missiles for Ukraine "Trump announced the US will send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine but says the EU is paying the bill. “We're not paying anything for it,” he said, calling it good business for the US. He took a jab at Putin, accusing him of double talk: “He talks nice and then bombs people at night.” Trump didn't say how many missile systems will be delivered." Australia launches biggest war games ever "Australia kicked off its largest-ever military drill, with 35,000 troops training across the country. “Talisman Sabre 2025” includes forces from over 15 partner nations and, for the first time, extends into Papua New Guinea. The exercise reflects growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, especially around Taiwan. The three-week drills will cover land, sea, and air operations, showcasing serious regional coordination." Sudan: RSF attack kills 11 civilians, including children "At least 11 civilians, among them three children, were killed in a deadly RSF attack in North Kordofan, Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network slammed it as one of the most brutal assaults yet. Over 30 others were injured, including nine women and pregnant civilians. Medical officials are calling on the UN and African Union to intervene and stop the violence." Erdogan pushes for ‘Terror-Free Türkiye' "President Erdogan says Türkiye is pushing to erase terrorism from the region's agenda for good. In a call with UAE President Al Nahyan, he reaffirmed Ankara's commitment to regional security under its ‘Terror-Free Türkiye' initiative. Al Nahyan welcomed the move and said it would greatly enhance stability."

Email comments or guest ideas (to reply, include your email address)Southeast Asia's energy transition faces a critical challenge: information fragmentation. With hundreds of projects, billions in investments, and countless stakeholders working across the region, coordination has been nearly impossible - until now. In this episode, we explore SIPET (Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition), an open-source platform. Our guest, Maximilian Heil from GIZ, reveals how this innovative tool maps nearly 500 energy projects representing over $45 billion in investments across 10 ASEAN countries. We dive deep into the platform's three core tools - the knowledge hub, project mapping database, and power sector resources - and discover how they're breaking down silos between governments, donors, researchers, and private sector players. From just energy transition partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia to community-level energy efficiency projects in Laos, SIPET is connecting the dots that were previously scattered across the region. This conversation goes beyond technology to explore the human element of energy transition: capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the collaborative networks that will ultimately determine Southeast Asia's path to carbon neutrality.REF: Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition, GIZ.ABOUT MAX. Mr. Maximilian Heil is a Project Coordinator at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for the project “Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia” (CASE). Based in Bangkok, he leads coordination of regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Power Grid Advancement Programme (APG-AP) and the Southeast Asia Information Platform for the Energy Transition (SIPET). His work focuses on strengthening multilateral energy cooperation, promoting clean energy narratives, and enabling policy dialogue across Southeast Asia. Mr. Heil joined GIZ in 2018 as a liaison officer for Africa–EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) , supporting high-level engagement with the African Union and the European Commission. Before joining GIZ, he worked as a public affairs consultant on EU policy in the fields of energy, climate, and transport. His professional background combines expertise in international energy policy, strategic communication, and project management in multilateral environments. Maximilian Heil holds a bachelor and master 's degree in  business economics and development studies with international academic experience in Denmark, Mexico, and Germany. FEEDBACK: Email Host | HOST, PRODUCTION, ARTWORK: Joseph Jacobelli | MUSIC: Ep0-29 The Open Goldberg Variations, Kimiko Ishizaka Ep30-50 Orchestra Gli Armonici – Tomaso Albinoni, Op.07, Concerto 04 per archi in Sol - III. Allegro. | Ep51 – Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, Movement I (Allegro), BWV 1049 Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

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In conversation with Takudzwa Mharadze   In this episode of Africa Right Talk, the conversation unfolds against the backdrop of the upcoming international conference themed “Advancing Justice through Reparations: Reparations, Restoration, and Renaissance,” that was held from 2–3 June 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. This landmark event was co-organised by the University of Pretoria, the University of Goma, the University of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, in collaboration with key African Union human rights bodies and CARICOM. The conference brought together academics, policymakers, activists, and experts to explore strategies for reparative justice, with papers to be published in the 2025 African Human Rights Yearbook. Central to this episode is a compelling discussion with Takudzwa Mharadze, who emphasises the need for unified Africa-Caribbean action to demand reparations, restore dignity, and challenge the lingering impacts of colonialism and slavery. Drawing on the African Union's recent designation of 2025 as the year of reparations, the speaker highlights the importance of learning from the Caribbean's efforts, particularly CARICOM's ten-point reparations plan. He critiques narrow, financial-only views of reparations and instead champions a broader, holistic agenda that includes debt cancellation, cultural restitution, education reform, and decolonization of knowledge. The episode underscores the necessity of building a robust, inclusive continental reparations framework, one that unites Africa and the diaspora through shared history and common purpose. The University of Pretoria and its partners are commended for their role in convening diverse voices and fostering a platform for sustained collaboration and policy influence through research, advocacy, and regional solidarity.   Takudzwa Mharadze is a PhD candidate in Development Studies at the University of Johannesburg, where he is undertaking research on Food and Nutrition Security, Adaptation and Resilience in the Context of Climate Variability in Zimbabwe: The Case of Gokwe-South District. His study critically explores the intersections of climate change, food systems, and rural livelihoods, with a focus on enhancing community resilience in vulnerable regions. Takudzwa brings over a decade of experience in development research, monitoring and evaluation, and academic and policy analysis. Throughout his career, he has engaged with diverse development themes including climate justice, disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and social protection. His practical experience spans both governmental and non-governmental sectors, where he has contributed to policy formulation, programme design, capacity building, and impact assessments. Currently serving as a part-time lecturer at the Zimbabwe Open University. T. Mharadze is an early career researcher with a strong interest in academic publishing. He is committed to contributing scholarly knowledge that bridges research, policy, and practice to address pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges in sub-Saharan Africa     This was recorded on 2 June 2025.             Youtube: https://youtu.be/MpQFogU6lns Music and news extracts: Inner Peace by Mike Chino https://soundcloud.com/mike-chinoCreative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...Music promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/0nI6qJeqFcc Limitless https://stock.adobe.com/za/search/audio?k=45259238  

Dora: First of all, thank you so much for your willingness to connect and speak with us today. And to start off, do you mind briefly introducing yourself? Sijh: Yes. So my name is Sijh Diagne. I am a Weinberg class of 2010, did Economics and International Studies at Northwestern. Today I work as the advisor to the CFO of the African Development Bank. It's the largest multilateral development bank in Africa. Before that, I used to be in the Senegalese government as a senior advisor to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation. So the last five years I have found myself being at the intersection of policy and finance in Africa. Really enjoy playing some of my hobbies. I enjoy playing tennis. I enjoy playing a little bit of basketball, love watching tennis as well. Had a chance to travel quite a bit. So I enjoy traveling and trying out some new foods. So that's a little bit in a nutshell about myself. Dora: Sounds great. I'm actually going to play tennis and basketball later today. Sijh: Ah, fantastic. Dora: It's very nice out. Yeah, I'm a big fan of tennis and basketball too. Sijh: Very good. Dora: Thank you so much for introducing yourself. So I think my first question is that we're wondering how did you end up working at the African Development Bank Group and being where you are right now? Sijh: Yes. So my mentor I've had since I graduated from college when I joined Oliver Wyman as a consulting, he was an investment bank at the time in Dubai, Senegalese named Amadou Hott, and he became the Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal in 2019. So I sent him a text message when he became minister. At the time I was at Harvard Business School. I finished my MBA and I was working at Credit Suisse in New York. And I said, "Congratulations." And he said to me, "You should think about joining the government, you'd be good to come home and serve your country." And I said, "Yeah, yeah, it's okay. No problem. I'm enjoying banking, but I wish you the best." And long story short, he did contact me and came to New York and said, "I need you. I'm building a team. I want you to join the ministry as my advisor. You're going to be in charge of private sector development." This was at the end of 2019, had decided thinking about everything personally and professionally, that this was going to be a really cool opportunity to serve your country, contribute to policy, especially something that I've always wanted to do since my days at Northwestern. And he took me on board and I became his advisor. We did a lot of interesting things in Senegal, COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery plan, an emergency youth jobs plan, PPP law, and really put Africa on a map, at least Senegal on a map, especially when we were sharing the African Union. And subsequently, he then moved on from government, went to the African Development Bank as advisor to the president, special envoy. And when the CFO of the bank was looking for somebody, had asked him and he suggested my name as somebody who had the profile, given my investment banking background, coupled with my policy and government background. And that's how I ended up at the African Development Bank. So it's a quite combination of personal interests, luck, but also relationships given the fact that it was a mentor who had recommended me. And this is a lot of times how the world works at a certain level. It's word of mouth, its connection, its relationships. And that's how I ended up where I am today. Dora: That's really cool. I think it's really cool that you ended up contributing to your own hometown by using your interest and skills and expertise. That sounds very cool to me. And you've also mentioned that you started off as a consultant at Oliver Wyman. What led you to decide that you want to do consulting when you first graduated? Sijh: So consulting was a little bit by accident, I would say. At the beginning when I was a junior at Northwestern, I had an undergraduate research grant to do studies. I was doing a thesis on China's economic involvement in Africa because I was surprised that when I went on vacation in Senegal, I saw a lot of people from China in Senegal. And Senegal was not a resource-rich country at the time. We did subsequently find oil and gas, but that was much later. And I was just quite interested in that new phenomenon. And so while I was doing that project, I started talking to merchants and consumers about business, about trade, and I got very interested in maybe the business of giving advice on strategic advice. Instead of maybe going for a master's in international relations and doing diplomacy, I maybe thought maybe I should explore deep field in management consulting, especially in emerging markets because it was one of the fastest growing markets in the world and I wanted to get exposure to that, given my Senegalese background, the fact that I also had chance to spend also a study abroad in Egypt and wanted to also develop my Arabic. So I looked at opportunities that will place me in the Middle East where I can be focused on at the time Middle East and Africa. And Oliver Wyman was recruiting in their Dubai office, and that was my top choice. Now remind you that this was in 2009. It was at the height of the economic crisis. So it was extremely challenging to find a job, and I just remembered applying to so many jobs at the time and just feeling completely agonized that what if I don't get it? Because a lot of my classmates were not getting jobs, people were getting laid off, were not recruiting as much. And I really thought that this is the only chance I have to differentiate myself because the US market was just quite challenging. And I practiced many, many hours a day. I only took three classes when I [inaudible 00:06:37] Northwestern versus four just to give myself a chance to get to that job. And so by God's grace, I got the job and then I moved to Dubai. And that's what I ended up doing for a few years. Dora: That sounds really cool. So you've mentioned that it was really hard to find a job back in 2009. And I'm sure it got a lot better now, but it's still a little hard for us because I'm a junior, so I'm also applying for jobs. It's still hard, especially for international students to find jobs. So is there any advice or suggestion you can give to the students seeking for a job in financial service or just seeking for a job in general? Sijh: Do not underestimate the power of the alumni network and in your relationships. When I was applying for jobs at the time at Oliver Wyman, most of the people who were interviewing me were from the Chicago office, Northwestern alum. And so I really tapped into that network at the beginning. It's the only network really I'd had at the time, frankly. And so in any job you have to look at what is required of the job in terms of skill set. Does it match currently the skill sets that you've been building or working on? And then number two, just really talk to alumni, talk to your network who work in those fields. Because oftentimes what might make a difference is just a person at the right time saying, "Oh, I know this person. I've worked with this person, I've interacted with this person. I can tell this person's character. I can tell this person's work ethic. I can tell about how assiduous they are. I can tell about how much integrity, how good communicator they are, and how consistent they have been in terms of reaching out, following up, asking the right questions and really putting in the work." Because at the end of the day, that might be what differentiates one or two candidates, what you do well, what you can control, having a good GPA applying for the job, but tailoring your CV, preparing for the interviews. But at the end of the day, sometimes the decisions are being made based on other emotional quotient. What were the interactions like with the people who you've met? Have you been very consistent at reaching out at talking to them? What has been your demeanor? I found that these interactions really made a difference, and so I made it a point in my career to just continue to reach out to mentors, continue to reach out to people in my different circles. This interview that we're having today would not have been possible if it weren't for a Northwestern alum, my sister Nikki Okrah, who gave a brilliant commencement speech last year and to whom I'm being very, very grateful for to open doors. And these are the ways in which the Northwestern alumni has been used. Nikki and I have been friends for almost 17, 18 years, since freshman year of college. She's back in Ghana building Chaku Foods, which is a startup in the agricultural space. And so my point is just leverage the network, build genuine relationships with people, your colleagues, your peers, and these things will pay dividends over time. Dora: I definitely agree because I've been doing networking and coffee chats with a lot of alumni as well, and I know that they have also been reaching out and talking to a lot of students. But I don't know if this question might be a little repetitive. Do you have any advice or suggestion for students to maybe stand out in those conversations? Like you mentioned being consistent and always follow up, but is there any more things or specific strategies we could use to... Sijh: Yeah, and I think these times are very challenging times as you can see given what's happening at the global environment. Quite challenging, quite complex, but it's also a tremendous time of opportunities and growth. One way in which I differentiated myself at the time when I was graduating is that I knew I had a language differentiator. I was fortunate to speak five languages, including Arabic, which was a differentiating factor when I was applying for jobs in the Dubai office. Being from Senegal, having had good quality education from Chicago at Northwestern and making sure that you had a good academic performance, those were things that at least I could differentiate myself. So I also already felt like I was competitive on the international front. I could make sure that I may not have been competitive on the local front in a Chicago office front because I think they were much stronger candidates. But for sure, I used my skillset, my international background, the fact that I did an international studies degree sort of understood some of the geopolitical implications at the time, to my advantage. And even when I was transitioning into investment banking, I gave myself that opportunity. So when I was at Harvard, when I was applying for my internship at Credit Suisse, again, the differentiating factor made it that I did an international degree, I had an international experience having worked in many different countries, being based in Dubai, covering Middle East and Africa. Having done consulting as somebody who's transitioning into financial services gives you the problem-solving skills, give you the ability to just synthesize dense information into small, consistent and simple messages to be able to tailor messages based on your audience. And those were a few skillsets that I picked up from my consulting background that were really helpful not only for investment banking, which you're transitioning to the financial services, but even beyond, skillsets such as communication, skillsets such as the ability, like I said, to look at complex problems and breaking them down into smaller pieces that can take you from point A to point B, and your ability to explain to different audiences the key messages. If you're meeting with a senior executive, what is the message that he needs to hear? How are you able to explain that to him? When you're meeting with more technical people, what level of information do you need and how do you communicate that effectively? Those are skillsets that are going to be very important no matter what you do, especially in financial services as well, because what happens is you're taking a lot of data from very, very different data sets and you're trying to synthesize them into something that can be actionable, recommendable for senior executives to make a decision about his company, his business, or for a country in the case of government. Dora: That sounds really cool and very helpful, all the skillsets you've mentioned. So how is working in consulting and financial service, for example, investment banking, different to you? Sijh: Yeah, so consulting and investment banking, those are both advisory businesses. So in that way they're kind of similar. You are always looking at what are your client's most pressing issues, and you're trying to solve them. Maybe in a consultant you might be more thinking about the strategic issues, market entry strategy, cost-cutting strategies. Maybe if you're doing corporate finance and investment banking, you are advising them on what is the optimal financial structure that you have, maybe what are the acquisitions that you need to do in order to generate the shareholder return and meet your fiduciary duties towards your shareholders. Those are in a way similar but also different skill sets. What I love about investment banking in particular as a great training is that you're still problem solving. You become very financially savvy and you really pay attention to details. It is about having strong attention to detail that will really make a difference in a way. You have to be able to understand the financial implications of your decisions of the data, while at the same time still have to communicate in a way that the senior executive in front of you, the CEO or the CFO or the head of business development, understand and also take your recommendations and action them. At the end of the day, the strategic advice needs to be actionable. And I really want to put an emphasis on the action part because you're getting paid to provide a service that he can take and say, "I can make this happen and I can generate returns and I can generate a results." So that's what I would say the similarities, but also the differences and what skill sets you need to pay attention to in order to move up the financial services ladder. I didn't stay very long in investment banking. I only did it for a little under three years. But the skill sets that I picked up there in terms of just understanding finances, reading the balance sheet, the income statement, the cash flows, being able to quickly analyze that and then also help make a decision. When I came to government, one of the things that I really picked up, because we were doing the COVID-19 response for Senegal, we had to move really fast. We didn't know how the world was going because there was no playbook on how to do a COVID-19 response. But the investment banking and the consulting approach made it so that I knew how to take data that was happening from different parts of the world, the benchmarking that was being done. If you're doing comparable transactions in banking, similar things. What's happening in France, what's happening in Germany, what's happening in Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, et cetera? And then thinking about in your country, in Senegal, how would some of these fiscal or monetary policies actually be useful, be actually be easily implementable and will have the intended results for your population? So thinking very critically about those problems, analyzing data, large data and synthesizing them into simple, actionable items, that's what enabled us to move quickly to make recommendations directly for the president, for him to take action and for us to mobilize the resources from our partners, the World Bank, the IMF, the other bilateral and multilateral partners, for us to have a plan that can fight against COVID-19 response. So that experience was a combination of the consulting skillset, problem solving, and the financial services, attention to detail, understanding financial statements, thinking about client implications that made us have the results, and those are very invaluable skill sets no matter what industry you choose to always have. Dora: That sounds really cool to me. All of your experiences, either from consulting or investment banking are so helpful to your current role and your job. That sounds very cool to me. So thank you so much for sharing about the student alumni connection and your career. So another question as a student we have is that how do you stay motivated? Because we're still pursuing a job and seeking for a job, and sometimes it can be very overwhelming. So I'm just curious if you have any strategy or approach. Sijh: Look, the reality is you have to tell yourself it is hard. It is hard to recruit in these times that are very challenging where there's a lot of uncertainty, and understanding that it is hard first, and acknowledging is really first of all important. I probably applied to about 60 or so jobs and barely got more than five interviews. So you have to stomach the ability of rejection. I hear so many nos. It can be very disappointing. You can feel low about yourself. You can have, am I good enough? You can feel like, are you good enough? Were you smart enough? Did you work hard enough? You can really doubt yourself in these moments. But the key is just to think about is to stay optimistic. Stay optimistic that after the bad times, good times will come. You just stay the course. You just have to have an objective in mind. You want to recruit for this type of position, and you just give yourself the best chance for you to do this. Recruit, stay consistent. Have maybe a peer to peer review so that your peers can also keep you in check. I had a very good friend of mine at Northwestern named [inaudible 00:19:38] in my class. We were recruiting together. We used to practice our cases together. We used to check in on one another. "How are you doing?" We were spending many, many hours together every day, but keeping each other in check, keeping each other accountable. Having an accountability partner in this journey is also very, very helpful. And I found having that was really helpful for me to stay motivated. Leaning into your support system, your family, your loved ones, your friends, your professors, some alumni who can maybe give you comfort that, "Hey, tough times is part of life, but if you stay the course, things will work out." That there's always going to be bumps along the road, and I had my fair share of bumps along the road and continue to have bumps. But it's just the ability to keep at it, to stay, to be optimistic, to have a goal in mind, and just to give yourself a chance to work towards it while leaning on your support system, I think is what is going to carry you through some of the tough times you face as a student. And I think the last thing I would say is just to keep perspective, because you might seem like this is the worst things, but at the end of the day, you're giving yourself a chance to have a great education. The Northwestern brand is really strong. To this day, 15 years out, I haven't reached the peak of my career yet. I still have ways to go, but I'm finding that how powerful it has been, how helpful it has been based on the resources that I tapped into when I was in undergrad, the connections that I made that enabled me to get to where I am today. As I mentioned, my friend, Nikki Okrah, who's building a fantastic company, who gave me this opportunity to speak to these students as a Northwestern alum, as a friend and a sister. Those are things that will stay with you. So stay the course. Tell yourself it's hard. You understand. But you will get to the other side. Dora: Thank you so much. Sijh: And this too shall pass, as we say. Dora: Thank you so much for saying all of this. It's really motivating and so nice of you to say all of this to students. I feel like it's very helpful for everyone who's seeking jobs or underclassmen figuring out what they want to do after graduation in general. But yeah, just thank you so much again for your willingness to connect with all the students and for coming to the Weinberg in the World Podcast interview. We hope to stay in touch with you. Thank you. Sijh: It is my pleasure.  

“Our goal is to... silence the guns.” One of the stated aims of the African Union is to 'promote peace, security, and stability on the continent'. With that in mind, the organisation co-hosted a conference aimed at finding an end to Sudan's war last week in London. But even as discussions continued in London, thousands of civilians in Northern Darfur were fleeing for their lives under military bombardment. And in other parts of the continent there are other equally bloody and apparently unresolvable conflicts – including in neighbouring South Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Sahel region where Islamist jihadist groups are active. So how much impact can such meetings, and the organisation, actually have? For today's Africa Daily, Peter Musembi speaks to the AU's Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye.

The civil war in Sudan, which broke out two years ago, has been described by aid agencies as the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world." Today, at a conference in London, delegations from European countries, the African Union, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt pledged to increased aid to Sudan, as well as try to find a pathway to peace. Also in the programme: the US Department of Education says it's freezing around $2.5 billion of federal funding to Harvard University, accusing the institution of fighting White House demands to combat left-wing bias at universities; and a 16th century book about cheese reveals details of Britain's long love affair with the dairy product.(Photo: A woman sits by the roadside after paramilitary Rapid Support Forces attacks on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk refugee camps, near the city of El-Fasher in Darfur. Credit: BBC)