Flywheel Economics Podcast

When you look at urban sprawl from a satellite, "building vertically" feels like a solved math problem. But down on the streets of Kano, high-density housing raises complex cultural, structural, and financial questions.In this episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, we launch Season 2 of our Affordable Housing Miniseries with an in-depth look at the viability of "vertical cities" in Kano, Nigeria. Stepping away from desktop research, we sit down with a local architect to explore the ground-level realities of design, culture, and economic inequality. The question we answer is: are high-density, multi-story buildings the future of African urbanisation or are we trying to force a high-rise into a compound-shaped culture?Special thanks to our guest, Mariya Aminu Kabir (Architect and Consultant), for her invaluable insights. Connect with Mariya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariyaaminukabir/For the World Bank article referenced (Pancakes to Pyramids: City Form to Promote Sustainable Growth), see here: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/35684Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter: flywheeleconomics.comJoin the conversation on social media: @flywheeleconomics

Can an economy be stable if the people living in it don't feel secure?That question sits at the heart of the IMF's 2026 Article IV Consultation on Nigeria. The report commends the country's recent economic reforms, from exchange rate liberalisation to banking reforms, yet it also warns of persistent poverty, food insecurity and rising pressure on households.In this episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, we explore the paradox of an economy that appears stronger on paper while many Nigerians continue to struggle in practice. From fiscal policy and bank recapitalisation to stablecoins and economic sovereignty, we unpack what the IMF's latest assessment really tells us about Nigeria's economic future.If you've read the headlines, this conversation goes one step further, asking not just whether the reforms are working, but who they're working for.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter: flywheeleconomics.comJoin the conversation on social: @flywheeleconomics

In this Flywheel Economics Podcast episode, we sit down with Annika Burke to explore how to move beyond the traditional career ladder toward a model of intentional career development. Annika makes the case for "crafting" a career rather than climbing, actively shaping your path through what you say yes to, what you say no to, and the skills and experiences you combine over time. It's a practical, encouraging conversation for anyone in economics, climate, or development who's navigating a moment of real uncertainty in the sector and asking whether to stay the course.Special thanks to our guest, Annika Burke (Development Economist and Leadership Coach) for her invaluable insights.Connect with Annika: Substack: https://annikaburke.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-burke-0a447134/Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter: flywheeleconomics.comJoin the conversation on social: @flywheeleconomics

The global economy is entering a period of profound re-calibration. In the latest World Economic Outlook, the IMF paints a sobering picture of an era defined by the "shadow of war."In this Flywheel Economics Podcast episode, we move beyond the headlines to unpack the mechanics of this shift. We explore how conflict in the Middle East translates into inflationary pressure at your local gas pump, why the current wave of debt-financed military spending poses a long-term risk to growth, and whether the rise of "Agentic AI" can provide the productivity surge needed to pay for it all. Join us as we dissect the trade-offs defining the global economic landscape in 2026.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter: flywheeleconomics.comJoin the conversation on social: @flywheeleconomics

Economies as ecosystems. Policymakers as gardeners. Yes, but what does it actually mean for the work you do on the ground?In this episode of the Flywheel Economics Podcast, Richard Ough and Favour Ogbadu pull back the curtain on the core principles of Flywheel Economics. They discuss how these principles are shaping our upcoming Toolkit, a practical, evidence-based roadmap designed to help development practitioners navigate complex development challenges.Whether you’re new to our work or looking to connect the dots between our previous case studies in Sialkot and Yaba, this is the foundational framework you need.Stay connected: Subscribe to our newsletter: flywheeleconomics.comJoin the conversation on social: @flywheeleconomics

What is a Results Mega Buy?Most programmes are full of activity:workshops, reports, pilots, stakeholder meetings, assessments.Everyone is busy.But when the programme ends… what actually remains?In this episode of the Flywheel Economics podcast, Chief Economist Richard Ough introduces the concept of Results Mega Buys (RMBs): a framework built around identifying and protecting the few high-leverage results most likely to create lasting systems change.Rather than spreading effort across dozens of competing priorities, RMBs focus on:• The results that genuinely shift incentives and behaviour• The reforms most likely to endure• And the “flywheels” that continue generating momentum long after external support endsThe conversation explores:Why focus matters more than activity The danger of “accidental portfolios”The political economy of saying noHow to identify results that actually stickAnd why some programmes become systems while others become subscriptionsIf you work in programme development, economic policy, institutional reform, investment, innovation, public sector transformation, or monitoring & evaluation — this episode is for you.Listen now and explore the thinking behind Results Mega Buys.