Shows
The Africa DialoguesThe Rising Power of Gulf Countries in Africa with Artem AdrianovIn this episode I spoke with Artem Adrianov, researcher on Arab affairs, consultant to business on the region, as well as expert at the Institute for International Studies at MGIMO University and project manager at the Primakov Center for International Cooperation. Artem was the host of the hit Russian-language podcast “The Oriental Express” for the Primakov Center, is the author of the telegram channel “All is well in Dubai”, has authored articles for Forbes, Vedomosti and other top media outlets. He is also regularly featured in both Russian and international media.Artem and I focused on the risi...2023-11-3035 min
The Africa DialoguesThe African Expansion of BRICS with Gustavo de CarvalhoDuring this episode I spoke with Gustavo de Carvalho, Senior Researcher in the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA). Gustavo has over 15 years of experience supporting policy development, capacity building, and research processes in Africa, particularly in multilateralism and the relationship between African actors and external partners. Gustavo has worked with various international organisations, universities, and think tanks, including the United Nations in Guinea-Bissau, the University of Johannesburg, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), and Global Witness. Gustavo holds a bachelor's d...2023-10-241h 02
The Africa Dialogues2023 Russia-Africa Summit Rundown with Brian MugabiDuring this episode I spoke with Brian Mugabi, member of the Ugandan delegation at the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit, Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Theory and History of International Relations at RUDN University and PHD candidate. Having both been at the event, Brian and I exchanged opinions and impressions from the event, ran over the key takeaways and compared the 2019 and 2023 formats. We also discussed how many heads of state came to the summit and whether or not that matters, why African countries are tired of being caught in political crossfire, which of Russia’s offerings appeal to Africans most and...2023-08-2352 min
The Africa DialoguesNet Zero, Gas Hubs and Value Chains in Africa's New Energy Paradigm with Riverson OppongDuring this episode I spoke with Riverson Oppong, Commercial Manager in charge of Economic Modelling, Risk Management, and Policy Planning (ERP) at the Ghana National Gas Company, Adjunct Lecturer at Ghana Communication Technology University, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and GIMPA, as well as Chairperson of the Ghana Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).Riverson holds a Ph.D. in Economics, with particular focus on International Oil and Gas Management. In addition, he serves as an advisor to African governments in building more resilient energy strategies, currently playing dynamic roles in Ghana's Energy Sector...2023-07-1157 min
The Africa DialoguesChina's Infrastructure Footprint in Africa with Zongxu XieDuring this episode I spoke to Zongxu Xie, researcher on African climate and water issues and joint PhD candidate at Tsinghua University and Oxford. Zongxu is actively involved in youth Belt and Road initiatives in Africa, took part in landmark Chinese infrastructure projects on the continent such as the Isimba Hydropower Station in Uganda, and makes regular visits to Africa, both for field research, as well as in the role of intermediary between Chinese and African youth and NGOs. His main areas of focus include climate change, hydrology and international relations. Zongxu and I spoke about why and what C...2023-05-3126 min
The Africa DialoguesInformation, Reputation and the Russia-Africa Summit with Daria LabutinaDuring this episode I spoke to Daria Labutina, journalist covering Russia’s big “Return to Africa” and member of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s journalist pool, author of the Telegram channel “Africa for Dummies”. Daria has been covering all things Africa for federal news agencies, having interviewed the prime-minister of the Central African Republic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali, as well as ambassadors to Russia from other countries of the region. She has also interviewed Russian ambassadors to Angola and the Central African Republic. Perhaps most importantly, she joined and covered the visits of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Serge...2023-04-1929 min
The Africa DialoguesBuilding Africa's Cities of the Future with Mwiya MusokotwaneDuring this episode I spoke to Mwiya Musokotwane, Co-Managing Partner, Co-Founder and CEO of Thebe Investment Management, a Zambian private investment firm building the new satellite town Nkwashi, one of Africa’s largest real estate development projects. Mwiya was acknowledged as one of Africa’s brightest leaders in the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, co-created the Zambia Technology Sector Working Group and is helping pioneer his country’s status as a local innovation and tech hub, an initiative backed by Etherum Founder Vitalik Buterin. During out chat, Mwiya and I discussed why Africa’s...2023-03-0142 min
The Africa DialoguesEverything You Need to Know About the Energy Situation in South Africa with Princess MthombeniDuring this episode I spoke to Princess Mthombeni, former advisor to the South African government, nuclear technology advocate and communication specialist. Princess is a regular at high-profile global events such as UN Climate Change Conferences, various International Atomic Energy Agency working formats, the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum Conference and International Atom Expo. She is also the founder of the NGO Africa4Nuclear.During our discussion, Princess and I spoke about South Africa’s current energy struggles, what some are calling the the make-or-break moment as the country’s leadership consider declaring a national state of disaster. We spoke about the...2023-02-0234 min
The Africa DialoguesDoing Business in Africa with Mikhail LyapinToday’s guest is Mikhail Lyapin, Founder at Patron Kenya, Managing partner at the business development consulting company Exotic.vc and Author of the telegram channel about business in Africa - @Mzungugram. During our discussion, Mikhail and I touched upon the face of modern Russian business in Africa today, why he chose East Africa as the starting point for his business, why high-level agreements don't always lead to real benefit for business working on the ground and what to know when beginning your journey doing business in Africa. Timecodes1:55 The art of doing business in A...2022-12-2626 min
The Africa DialoguesHow Energy Can Make or Break Africa's Transformation with Ryan CollyerToday’s guest is Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom in Central and Southern Africa. Rosatom is a Russian energy company that specializes in nuclear energy, non-energy nuclear applications and other high-tech solutions. The company plays an important role in Africa’s energy security, has been supplying enriched uranium to the continent as well as building Egypt’s first nuclear power plant and providing educational and research support to other African countries. This all comes at critical times for the continent. Africa continues to grapple with the effects of its electricity struggles and seeks ne...2022-12-0825 min
The Africa DialoguesThe Yango Journey in Zambia with Kabanda CheweThis episode’s guest is Kabanda Chewe, Country Manager for Yango in Zambia. Kabanda graduated from the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics and holds a Specialist Degree in Finace & Credit. She is a certified Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) and Project Management Professional (PMP), as well as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shaper Community. She is passionate about tech, Africa and women's issues.During the episode, we spoke about doing business in Zambia, new tech facilitating Africa’s economic leap forward, ways for governments to attract and stimulate innovation and raising the nex...2022-11-1739 min