Africa Here and NOW

Nigeria's Foreign Minister, YUSUF TUGGAR with his Ghanaian counterpart, SAMUEL ABLAKWA sat down with me at Chatham House to explore the complex security dynamics in West Africa, including threats from terror groups, regional cooperation efforts, and the importance of self-reliance and local solutions. Both ministers refuted suggestions that ECOWAS had been severely weakened by the exit of the three Sahelian states - Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (AES). They revealed that there is regular contact with the AES and security arrangements are being made with their involvement.Earlier in the day, I had a 1+1 with Minister Tuggar and we delved deeper into Nigeria's regional security responsibilities and, more broadly, its approach to foreign policy. Key Topics:The proliferation of weapons and increasing attacks in the region, claiming at least 44 lives dailyThe role of regional military structures like the multinational joint task force and efforts to update security architecturesThe evolution of the ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing and challenges faced by previous frameworks like the Accra InitiativeDiplomatic efforts to rebuild trust among countries in the Sahel, notably Nigeria's and Ghana's bilateral relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and NigerThe importance of framing security issues as transnational violent extremism, not solely religious warfareThe need for regional ownership of security strategies, emphasising Nigeria’s leadership and contributionsAddressing root causes such as governance deficits, unemployment, and local economic development like infrastructure projectsThe global implications of regional insecurity, including energy markets and potential recession risksTimestamps:00:00 - The regional security crisis in West Africa and the need for multilateral collaboration00:36 - The daily toll of attacks and the impact on regional stability0:50 - Challenges of failed states, ungoverned spaces, and the epicenter of terror in the Sahel2:00 - Existing security architectures, including hot pursuit frameworks and cross-border cooperation3:42 - The evolving ECOWAS security initiatives, including the new Coalition of the Willing4:00 - The decline of the original Accra Initiative and political suspicions around regional efforts5:12 - Deployment of troops and the strategic approach to tackling insurgency6:36 - The importance of framing violent extremism beyond religious narratives7:22 - Nigeria's bilateral and regional security efforts and regional cooperation via ECOWAS8:52 - The cooperation among Sahelian countries and Nigeria’s engagement strategies9:08 - The significance of regional solutions led by African countries, avoiding externally imposed frameworks11:35 - The success of regional-led peacekeeping models like ECOMOG and local solutions12:40 - Challenges of cross-border conflicts like farmers versus herders and the need for coordinated approaches13:19 - Funding security efforts and Nigeria’s role in financing regional peace and stability14:14 - The strength of ECOWAS despite perceptions of weakening, and Nigeria’s historical leadership15:34 - Nigeria’s contributions to anti-colonial struggles and continental leadership recognition16:58 - Addressing root causes: governance, unemployment, and infrastructure development19:36 - Misunderstandings of Nigeria’s security situation in the West and global perceptions20:15 - The impact of global energy markets and the war in the Gulf on Africa’s economy21:17 - Mitigation strategies if critical regions like the Strait of Hormuz are compromised, including oil refinery developmentsResources & Links:

At 16, she was a policy volunteer. Today, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo is the economist rewriting the rules for De Beers and her country's diamond trade. In this exclusive interview, Botswana's visionary leader reveals why the "Diamond Era" is shifting—and how the country is racing to unearth a 70% unexplored frontier of critical minerals.We sit down at the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town to discuss Botswana's seismic economic pivot under President Duma Boko. As the global market faces a diamond slump, Minister Kenewendo outlines a radical new strategy: moving beyond raw extraction into downstream beneficiation, regional power interconnectors, and the unearthing of green minerals like copper, nickel, and manganese.From the future of the De Beers partnership to the reality of Africa’s energy crisis and the "Kalahari Copper Belt," she outlines how she plans to navigate geopolitical turbulence while protecting Botswana's most valuable assets.Chapters:0:00 | The Diamond Dilemma: Why the monolith economy must pivot1:15 | The 70% Frontier: Unearthing Africa’s hidden minerals2:48 | Critical Minerals: Copper, Manganese, and the Green Revolution4:20 | Regional Collaboration: Mining in Zambia, DRC, and Sierra Leone5:50 | The Beneficiation Mandate: Why jewellery must be made in Botswana8:01 | The Career Trajectory: From youth delegate to Minister11:00 | Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry: “I stand my ground”12:45 | The New Social License: Beyond CSR and "School Shoes"14:30 | Nature Regeneration: Finalizing the new ESG policy16:03 | President Duma Boko’s Vision: Urgency and Diversification18:20 | Energy Security: The 500MW push for industrialization#botswana#diamonds#criticalminerals#mininginvestment#africa#

SAMAILA ZUBAIRU, CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, explores the strategic importance of African minerals in the context of global economic competition, infrastructure development, and the need for leadership coordination. As we chatted at the 2026 Investment in Mining Indaba in Cape Town, he emphasised the potential for Africa to transform its mineral resources into bankable projects that can drive economic growth and job creation. In our conversation, Mr Zubairu highlighted the urgency of seizing current opportunities while balancing domestic needs with global market demands.Key Takeaways*The strategic minerals compendium aims to reframe conversations around African minerals.*Africa's minerals should not be viewed merely as commodities for export.*Infrastructure development is crucial for realising Africa's aspirations.*Leadership coordination is essential for effective resource management.*Regional collaboration is vital for industrial decarbonisation and economic growth.*Investment in mining can exceed four to five billion dollars annually.*Africa's market potential is significant and must be recognized.*Domestic needs should be prioritised alongside global market demands.*Job creation is a key metric for evaluating projects in Africa.*Current political will presents a unique opportunity for development.Chapters00:00Reframing Africa's Mineral Narrative03:28Seizing the Moment for Infrastructure Development07:28Navigating Global Competition and Local Opportunities11:30Balancing Domestic Needs and Global Markets14:30The Moment for Leadership in AfricaKey Words*Africa, minerals, infrastructure, investment, leadership, economic development, industrialisation, global competition, market opportunities, sustainable growth

We talk to author, BARNABY PHILLIPS about his new book which details the British looting of Kumasi, the Ashanti heartland, in what is now Ghana. There had been many conflicts in the course of a century between the British and the Ashanti, but Barnaby focuses on the battle of 1874 in which the Asantehene's palace was systematically stripped of its treasures, many of which had sacred value. The loot was then officially auctioned off at Cape Coast Castle to British officers and traders. Described by one contemporary MP as 'simply a policy of robbery', the book highlights the moral contradiction of the British Empire. The British justified the invasion as a. mission to bring 'civilisation' to 'barbarians'. But the book sheds light on the 'racist hypocrisy' of the victors who, after destroying the city, sold the sacred religious artifacts to London jewellers and private collectors to raise fund for the war effort.The cultural heart and soul of the Ashanti kingdom - The Golden Stool - though was never taken. It was kept hidden in forests and protected by villagers for decades - ensuring the continuity of the kingdom despite the exile of its king and queen.Barnaby traces the specific journeys of famous items, like the 'Wallace Head',from the moment of their looting to their current locations. A key takeaway is how these objects shifted from being sacred royal regalia in Kumasi to being 'curios' in Victorian drawing rooms, and finally to contested museum exhibits in the 21st century.Barnaby tells us more about the recent return of some artifacts - a mere 32 of them - in 2024 and that it was the culmination of a century of diplomacy.Despite the burning of their capital in 1874, and the exile of their King Prempeh I in 1896, the Ashanti kingdom survived. We hear how the monarchy's prestige has been restored and how the current Asantehene, Osei Tutu II, successfully negotiated the return of his ancestors' treasures, if only on a loaned basis.I was joined by Patrick Smith, Editor of Africa Confidential and Writer and Broadcaster, Donu Kogbara.Barnaby Phillips' book The African Kingdom of Gold: Britain and the Asante Treasure is published by Oneworld

COVID-19, Africa, health preparedness, pandemic response, vaccine production, health financing, regional collaboration, conflict resolution, health systems, infectious diseases, ghost workers, corruption, inefficienciesIn this conversation, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the continent. He emphasises the continent's need for improved health preparedness and self-sufficiency. He outlines five key pillars for pandemic preparedness, including health financing, local manufacturing, and digital health initiatives. We also cover the importance of regional collaboration, innovative financing strategies, and the intersection of health and conflict resolution. Dr. Kaseya highlights lessons learned from the pandemic and the necessity of being prepared for future outbreaks, while also addressing the challenges posed by infectious diseases in Africa.Takeaways:*Preparedness is essential for national and global security.*Africa must increase health financing and reduce inefficiencies. *Local manufacturing of health products is crucial for self-sufficiency.*Innovative financing methods can enhance health budgets.*Vaccine nationalism highlighted Africa's dependency on external supplies.*Regional collaboration is vital for effective health responses.*Health outcomes are linked to conflict resolution efforts.*Lessons from COVID-19 inform future health strategies.*The next pandemic is likely to be zoonotic and influenced by climate change.*Addressing infectious diseases requires a multifaceted approach.Chapters00:00Assessing Africa's COVID-19 Experience03:05Pillars of Pandemic Preparedness06:01Innovative Financing for Health08:52Local Vaccine Production and Technology Transfer11:53Regional Collaboration in Health14:51Health and Conflict Resolution17:57Lessons Learned from COVID-1920:49Preparing for Future Pandemics24:11Progress and Challenges in Health Systems27:03Addressing Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, aviation leadership, African aviation, airline strategy, Vision 2040, infrastructure investment, MRO Services, airline culture, career achievements In this conversation, Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, shares his extensive journey within the airline, highlighting the importance of leadership, strategic vision and a strong corporate culture in achieving success. He discusses the ambitious Vision 2040 for Ethiopian Airlines, the challenges faced by African aviation, and the critical investments in infrastructure and human capital necessary for future growth. Mesfin reflects on his more than 40 year career at Ethiopian Airlines, his achievements and the spirit of collaboration that has driven the airline's success.Takeaways*Mesfin Tasew has over 40 years of experience at Ethiopian Airlines*Leadership succession from within has been key to the airline's success*Ethiopian Airlines has a strong corporate culture that motivates employees*The airline's Vision 2040 aims to significantly increase passenger and cargo transport*Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the airline's growth*Ethiopian Airlines has operational autonomy, allowing for strategic decision-making without political interference*Challenges in African aviation include high operational costs and lack of cooperation among airlines* The new Bishoftu International Airport is a major investment for future growth* Training and developing internal talent is a key priority for Ethiopian Airlines* Mesfin reflects on a fulfilling career and the collaborative achievements of the airline.Chapters:00.00 Journey of a Leader: Mesfin Tasew's Background09:59 Ethiopian Airlines: A successful model19.47 Vision 2040: ambitious Goals for Ethiopian Airlines29.56 Challenges in African Aviation: A Broader Perspective36.11 Reflections on a Career: Achievements and Legacy

Join us for our explosive Year-Ender Special, bringing together the most powerful, controversial and uncensored interviews from across the continent. This is the truth about African power - who's fighting for it, who's paying the price and who refuses to be silenced.In this landmark episode, rounding off 2025, we dive deep into the struggles for democracy, justice and dignity featuring:NIGERIA's DELE FAROTIMI, The Lawyer Who Went to Jail: Hear from the revered lawyer and pro-democracy activist immediately following his release from jail. Dele details his relentless criticism of his country's justice system and government, and why he believes he has no choice but to fight for change.UGANDA'S BOBI WINE: His Dangerous Race to the Top: We sit down with Uganda's main opposition leader as he gears up to challenge a decades-old regime under incredibly oppressive conditions. His message of defiance is consistent and resolute.NIGERIA's PETER OBI: The Man Who Would be President: "The President in Waiting" addresses the core issues crippling the current government, how he sees his path to victory and his candid answer to the critical question: Can an Igbo candidate truly win the presidency in Nigeria?ZAMBIA'S DORA SILIYA: The Minister Who Fought a Tide of Slurs: Former six-time minister, Dora Siliya reveals the painful, sexist smear campaign alleging she SLEPT HER WAY TO THE TOP. This is her ;powerful, emotional account of battling political slander and paving the way for more women to enter African politics.The tide of social media content on BURKINA FASO'S Captain IBRAHIM TRAORE is the subject of our conversation with journalist DAVID HUNDEYIN.How much of it is TRUE? And how. much is FALSE?THE CALL FOR AFRICA FIRST: Former AU Ambassador ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI delivers her sharp, compelling answer to global politics in the President Trump era: if the West says 'Amercia First', then Africa's response must be a definitive 'AFRICA FIRST'.ZAMBIA'S PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, in an EXCLUSIVE interview with Africa Here and Now, tells of the wrangle with the family of his deceased predecessor, EDGAR LUNGU, over where the former president should be buried. He addresses the controversial allegations of WITCHCRAFT being involved. President Hichilema also answers a question that many have thought but not asked: Why Does He Wear WHITE GLOVES?A ROYAL TRAGEDY: An Ethiopian Prince reveals the true saga surrounding the overthrow of his grandfather EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE, ETHIOPIA's last Emperor. Prince Be'ede Mariam gives us a detailed and moving account of life in the palace with his grandfather and what happened when the soldiers came for him.delefarotimi #peterobi #bobiwine #dorasiliya#africafirst #nigerianpolitics #ugandanpolitics #zambianpolitics #haileselassie

Zambian visual artist, STARY MWABA, who grew up in the country's Copperbelt, discusses the enduring environmental and human cost of resource extraction in his home region. He details the history and current reality of the infamous Black Mountain in Kitwe - a century-old toxic slag heap - that is now a site of dangerous, informal mining and re-extraction. Stary explains his unique artistic technique, which literally perforates newspaper headlines to make space for the 'little narratives' of the exploited people and children whose suffering fuels the world's 'green' revolution.His signature method is creating a surface by collecting newspaper stories, stacking them on transparent baking paper' and then perforating the newsprint with minute holes. The idea came from an earlier installation in which he used vegetables and colour to demonstrate how plants absorb water and minerals - a critique of Chinese engagement.The physical act of 'removing words' and perforating the paper is to symbolically 'create space for the little stories' - the marginalised, human narratives. The work is 'painstaking' requiring intense concentration, which Stary describes as a form of 'therapy'.Stary paints from the reverse side of the perforated paper. He imposes the image so the paint literally 'seeps through the holes' and onto the front side, making the portrait a physical breakthrough of the headline.He displays the paintings by suspending them so that the viewer can 'see both sides of the story.'Follow Stary on instagram: starymwabaYou can see some of his works at the 37d Gallery, Lusaka#starymwaba#Zambianartist#copperbelt#coppermining#coblatmining#greenenergy#greeneconomy#evironmentaljustice#acidrain#pollution#zambia#kitwe#blackmountain#africanart#socialcommentary#artivism#untoldstories

Meet William and Lulu Wood, a Zambian couple known for their work in reframing and promoting Zambian cuisine through a contemporary lens, primarily through their platform, The Wood Kitchen.I went to The Wood Kitchen when I was visiting Lusaka a short while ago and had a fabulous time chatting with the couple. This is a family endeavour that focuses on sharing easy fusion recipes, cooking tips, and celebrating Zambia's diverse and delicious foods. As you'll hear, Lulu and William are acutely conscious of the cost of food in today's Zambia - food inflation, although down from July's figure, was in August this year at just under 15%. So affordability is an essential element of their recipes. They use digital media (like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) to showcase their work.Speaking to William and Lulu, I soon discovered that their main goal is to promote an under-explored cuisine by elevating and showcasing traditional Zambian dishes, which they feel are often underrated on the global stage.Fusion Cooking: They blend traditional Zambian foods from their respective heritage (Tonga and Lozi tribes) with techniques and flavours they've encountered while visiting various countries, creating a unique fusion style.Championing Local Ingredients: They emphasize using local, ethically sourced Zambian ingredients. They grow many of their own vegetables and herbs, a practice they recommend.Food Influencers: They've gained a growing online following and have been recognized as SME change-makers by META for harnessing digital media. They have also represented Zambia internationally in food events.Cultural Preservation: They see food as a powerful tool for celebrating and preserving Zambian heritage, educating both younger generations and wider audiences about their culture through cooking and sharing recipes.I hope you enjoy this show as much as I did making it. MD#zambiancuisine#chikanda#africanfood#culturalpreservation#food #foodies#foodinfluencers#fusioncooking#thewoodkitchen#