Shows / African Currents
African Currents
Tune in to African Currents for a deep dive into the continent's heartbeat. Explore Africa's multifaceted issues from unique perspectives, featuring insights and in-depth analyses from leading experts on pressing topics.
Episodes
- African Currents
DRC Crisis: What is Driving the Conflict?
M23 rebels are tearing through DR Congo, leaving destruction in their wake and alarming regional and world leaders who fear a prolonged war. Kinshasa blames…
- African Currents
Kenya Harnesses AI to Save its Forests from Destruction
Kenya's forests are vanishing at an alarming rate, driven by illegal logging, charcoal production, and the growing demand for agricultural land. This poses a…
- African Currents
African Union: What Key Issues Does It Face Today?
Recently, African leaders convened in Addis Ababa for the 38th AU Summit, calling for reparations for historical injustices like slavery and apartheid. The…
- African Currents
Unusual Local Solution to African Food Security
Africa's heavy reliance on wheat is driving up the cost of staple foods as imports rise by 9 percent annually, with East and West Africa leading the demand…
- African Currents
Nigeria Strengthens Global Ties With Strategic BRICS Partnership
As international relations and diplomacy evolve, Nigeria—Africa's most populous country and an economic powerhouse—aligns with BRICS in pursuit of a fairer…
- African Currents
How Ideological Battles Shaped Africa's Destiny
After Africa's decolonization, two rival factions shaped the continent's political course. Ghana's Kwame Nkrumah and Egypt's Gamal Abdel-Nasser led the…
- African Currents
African Culture Makes its Voice Heard: Time to Reflect and Honor a Legacy
Every January, the international community commemorates the profound influence of African heritage on global society. From music and literature to science and…
- African Currents
Egypt’s Foreign Reserves Hit Historic Highs: What’s Behind the Rise?
The Central Bank of Egypt announced that the country's net international reserves reached $47.1 billion in December 2024, up from $35.22 billion during the…
- African Currents
How Western Second-Hand Clothes Undermine African Textile Industry
Used clothing exports from the West to Africa are a remnant of colonial rule and are often labeled as support for the "poor." However, since the 1990s, the…
- African Currents
Over $60 Billion at Stake: Libya’s Battle to Repatriate Gaddafi-Era Secret Bonds from US
Libyan Asset Recovery and Management Office head Mohammed Mansli is set to discuss concealed US bonds dating to Muammar Gaddafi's regime. As the North African…
- African Currents
2024 in Review: Africa Steadily Positions Itself as Powerful Force
As Africa reflects on 2024, the continent stands at a pivotal juncture in its economic evolution. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) driving…
- African Currents
Is Africa's Debt Reaching Breaking Point?
Africa's debt servicing costs have skyrocketed by 500%, with private creditors now holding nearly 50% of the continent's debt. In 2024, Africa's debt reached…
- African Currents
South African Doctor Makes History With World’s First 3D-Printed Middle Ear Implant
From rural Venda, in South Africa, to global recognition, one young medical pioneer defied the odds to transform ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care. Using 3D…
- African Currents
Colonial Legacy of Cultural Heist: How Western Museums Resist Returning Africa’s Artifacts
The quest by African communities to return their cultural treasures stolen during colonial times and stashed across European and North American museums is not…
- African Currents
Zimbabwe to Ditch Colonial-Era Names of Provinces, Pushes Gold-Backed Currency
At a recent convention, ZANU-PF, Zimbabwe's ruling party, announced plans to erase colonial legacies by renaming provinces with native names and adopting the…
- African Currents
Can World’s Largest Free Trade Agreement Double Intra-African Trade in 5 Years?
With a single market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to transform Africa…
- African Currents
Africa's Gene Pool: A Critical Source for Pharmaceutical Research & Development
Three percent of global clinical trials happens in Africa, limiting research on how medicines interact with its genetic makeup. This imbalance hinders the…
- African Currents
Mahama’s Comeback: What Ghana's President Elect Means for the Nation's Future
The outcome of the December 7, 2024, elections in Ghana reaffirmed the country's role as a democratic model in Africa. With a peaceful process and high voter…
- African Currents
Why is Africa Prioritizing Value Addition and Revenue Growth in its Critical Minerals Revolution?
Africa is ramping up efforts to plug revenue leakages and revitalize its extractive industries, with Kenya adopting the initiative through gold refining and…
- African Currents
From Buzzing Bees to Sniffer Rats: Unsung Heroes of Africa's Wildlife Conservation
Protecting wildlife is challenging due to the damage caused by elephants to farms and the growing illegal animal trade, worth $20 billion annually. Innovative…
- African Currents
'Galamsey': How Ghana Is Tackling Illegal Artisanal Mining
Unregulated gold extraction in Ghana sustains livelihoods but devastates the environment, causing deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. Despite…
- African Currents
How Collaborative Action Can Tackle Antibiotic Resistance in Africa
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has surpassed malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis to emerge as Africa's most dreaded health emergency. Despite regional efforts like…
- African Currents
African Manufacturers Unite to Build Resilience and Enhance Global Competitiveness
Sub-Saharan Africa's manufacturing leaders convened at this year's Manufacturing Indaba to address industry challenges and growth opportunities. Discussions on…
- African Currents
How Misleading Western Narratives Drain $4.2 Billion from Africa Yearly
A new report uncovers the hidden costs of how Western media portrays Africa, showing an annual loss of up to $4.2 billion. The findings point to a vicious…
- African Currents
Turning Vision into Reality: South African Scientist Makes Solar Power Breakthrough
In 2005, South African physicist Vivian Alberts changed solar power with a new thin-film technology that uses a light five-element alloy instead of silicon…
- African Currents
Calls to Reform Multilateral Institutions Echo Africa and the Global South's Longstanding Demands
Recently, the Group of Twenty nations adopted a landmark “Call to Action on Global Governance Reform” at the UN, backing reforms in bodies like the UN Security…
- African Currents
BRICS Common Carbon Market: Russia’s Vision for Climate and Economic Gains for Africa
Russia's Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Union's initiative to integrate African nations into a BRICS unified carbon market could boost the continent's role…
- African Currents
BRICS Declaration: 'Resolutions Also Give us Sense of Level of Analysis Done,' Expert
BRICS leaders' gathering at the 16th summit ended with the adoption of a key document containing 134 resolutions, demonstrating the alliance's commitment to…
- African Currents
'BRICS Help Other Economies Rediscover Themselves,' Nigerian Academic Says
Leaders from emerging economies gathered for the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan, Russia, alongside representatives from over 30 countries. Focused on strengthening…
- African Currents
Africa's Crypto Boom: How the Continent is Racing Ahead in Global Digital Finance
Cryptocurrency adoption is skyrocketing across Africa, outpacing more developed economies in growth. While advanced economies remain cautious, digital…
- African Currents
Rwanda Partners Russia's Rosatom to Build Nuclear Power Plant
As Africa's energy needs grow, Russia's growing influence in nuclear energy has reached Rwanda, marking a significant step in international collaboration on…
- African Currents
From Sputnik to Climate Solutions: Africa’s Growing Footprint in Space Tech
World Space Week 2024 connotes the prospects and hurdles of space missions. This annual event unites the international community to celebrate key moments in…
- African Currents
Rosatom Inspires Africa's Next Generation of Nuclear Scientists & Decision-makers
Rosatom's recent Atoms Empowering Africa event has recognized twenty young people who emerged as finalists. Through this initiative, the winners visited Russia…
- African Currents
How New African Auto Brand is Pushing Continent's Automotive Renaissance
The automotive sector in Africa is experiencing significant growth, fueled by local manufacturing and strategic resource management. This transformation…
- African Currents
Russia's Educational Influence Grows in Africa With Public Diplomacy Push
Russian universities in Novosibirsk and Tomsk are partnering with Africa through education and research. Led by the Center for Public Diplomacy, these…
- African Currents
Russia-Africa Currency Shift: Nigeria's Chance for Enhanced Economic Opportunities
Nigeria stands poised to seize an economic opportunity as the shift to local currencies gains traction in Russia-Africa trade. By embracing this move, the…
- African Currents
Cultural Pride & Diaspora Power on Display at August Edo Festival Russia
The Edo Festival held in August in Moscow was a vibrant cultural exchange connecting the historic Benin Kingdom to the world. The event was organized to…
- African Currents
Nigerians in Diaspora: A Vital Force for Nation-Building, Bilateral Relations With Russia
Nigerians living abroad are integral to the country's development, contributing their expertise, skills, and resources to drive impactful projects back home…
- African Currents
African Women in Science: Shaping Brighter Future for Continent
Women and girls empowerment is crucial for Africa's future. When given better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, their ability to make a real…
- African Currents
China & Russia Lead Charge in Global Power Shift
As global power dynamics evolve, recent events this month signal the growing call for multipolarity. While the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in…
- African Currents
How South Africa is Pioneering Advances in Modern Medicine
South Africa, a country with a history in advancing medical research and innovation is taking exemplary steps to find solutions to health problems from cleft…
- African Currents
Historic First: Africa Showcases Advancements in Astronomy
Africa hosted its first global gathering of astronomers in Cape Town, South Africa. The event featured competitions, symposia, and lectures that elevated…
- African Currents
Igbo Community in Russia: Catalyst for Strengthening Russia-Nigeria Cooperation
Far from their ancestral homeland in southeastern Nigeria, the Igbo diaspora in Russia is proving to be a multipurpose bridge between their host nation and…
- African Currents
Investigative Journalist Exposes UK NGO's Attempt to Sabotage Nigeria's Energy Sector
African governments have made gradual progress toward energy security, but foreign and local actors try to undermine these efforts. This is evidenced by a…
- African Currents
Zimbabwe Adopts Strategic De-Dollarization Roadmap, Shifts to Gold-Backed ZiG
Zimbabwe unveiled its blueprint for promoting economic stability and de-dollarization by adopting the gold-backed ZiG to reduce its dependence on the US…
- African Currents
How Africa Can Strengthen Its Fight Against Hunger and Malnutrition
Africa is making effort in achieving sustainable development in food security. In this episode of African Currents, we will highlight agriculturists' expert…
- African Currents
Is Nigeria's Proposed Homegrown Nigerium Blockchain Key to its Data Sovereignty?
To enhance Nigeria's digital independence, the country's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is considering creating an indigenous…
- African Currents
From Board to Pitch: Sports as Bridge for Global Diplomacy & Cultural Exchange
The Russian House in Lusaka and the Zambian Chess Federation recently hosted the "Chess Museum" photo exhibition, an open Russian language lesson, and a chess…
- African Currents
African Governments Opt for Gold Amid Rising Distrust in Dollar
Several African nations, like Nigeria, Madagascar, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe, are taking precautionary measures to boost their gold holdings to offset…
- African Currents
Africa's Malaria Crisis: Can GMO Mosquitoes Come to Rescue?
Malaria continues to devastate Africa, with vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children being hit the hardest. Despite progress, 95% of global cases and…
- African Currents
Charting Course for Awareness on Brain and Neurological Health in Africa
According to the World Health Organization, neurological disorders are the primary cause of global disability and ill health, with more than 3 billion people…
- African Currents
GMOs: Is Nigeria's Food Security Under Threat?
Recently, the Nigerian government authorized the release of TELA maize, a genetically engineered crop, to boost food production and curb pest resistance. This…
- African Currents
Russia Increases Access to Higher Education for African Youths
About 35,000 African students are currently enrolled in Russian universities, with this number growing each year. Education initiatives like the…
- African Currents
Chocolate's Dark Secret: Wealthy Companies, Impoverished Farmers
The global chocolate industry generates billions yearly, relying heavily on Africa, which produces 70% of the world's cocoa beans. However, Africa captures…
- African Currents
Is Unified Visa Key to Southern Africa's Economic Prosperity?
Southern Africa boasts a vast and diverse and flourishing ecosystem that makes it a prime tourist destination. Recognizing the need for enhanced regional…
- African Currents
'We Call Ourselves an Entrepreneurial State', State Minister Says
The imminent launch of Ethiopia's first stock exchange and its emergence as Africa's fifth-largest economy are testament to the country's economic growth…
- African Currents
How Africa Fights Drug Abuse
The menace of drug abuse among Africa's young population has spiked in recent years. According to the UN's 2021 World Drug Report, the number of drug users…
- African Currents
Technological Sovereignty: Can Africa Wean Itself From Western Dependence?
Western technologies have become the backbone of every economic sector in any country in Africa. This over-dependence begs for a critical self-assessment by…
- African Currents
Redefining Education for Sub-Saharan Africa's Growth & Prosperity
Africa's working-age population [15-64] is expected to double by 2050, yet African nations' spending on education is low, yielding slow progress in educational…
- African Currents
'Eventful and Productive': Putin's State Visits to North Korea and Vietnam
The Russian president's state visits to long-standing allies underscore the Moscow's efforts to bolster its strategic partnerships with its Asian neighbors…