PODCAST · business
Next Africa
by Bloomberg
Next Africa is a weekly podcast about where Africa is going and why it matters to everyone.Each episode tells a story from the continent and follows it through real life, business, politics and culture. From electricity and climate to jobs, migration, technology, sport and music, the podcast looks at the forces shaping daily life and how those changes connect to the wider world.The show covers challenges and breakthroughs side by side. It explains the impact of energy shortages and climate risk, but also the rise of new industries, creative economies and young entrepreneurs. Stories are reported on the ground and told with clarity, combining data, context and lived experience.Hosted by Jennifer Zabasajja and built on original journalism from reporters on the ground, Next Africa puts local voices at the centre of the story, delivering clear, factual reporting without cliché or assumption.Whether you live on the continent or want to better understand a region shaping the future, Next
Episodes
-
How Rwanda Won The Race To Host Africa’s F1
Formula 1 will return to Africa, with a first race set to take place in Rwanda in the early 2030s. The East African nation will host the F1 African Grand Prix under a 10-year agreement, Formula 1 said in a statement on Tuesday. Rwanda beat out competition from South Africa and Morocco to win the...
-
Why fighting in the Horn of Africa risks a new Red Sea conflict
Ethiopian troops have regained control of the city of Mekelle, the capital of the country’s northern Tigray region - after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front - the TPLF had seized the city’s airport and declared war on the government. As Ethiopia’s relationship with its neighbours worsen some...
-
Why South Africa’s Fight Against Violent Crime Is Failing
The discovery of 11 women’s bodies in and around Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, has horrified South Africans. Then the last few days provided a stark reminder of the country's violent crime problem: two separate mass shootings left 28 people dead, just days after 11 people were killed at a…
more -
Can Dangote’s IPO Live Up to The Hype?
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has finally launched the much anticipated IPO of part of his refinery business, and it's generated so much hype that many investment apps were overwhelmed by demand. The company hopes to raise as much as $2 billion from retail investors and with a minimum...
-
Replay: China's Growing Grip on Africa's EV Fastlane
We wanted to bring you one of our favourite episodes from the last 12 months this week. In Ethiopia, the share of electric vehicles on the road has jumped to 6% from just 1% after a 2024 ban on new gasoline-car imports. Across Africa, EV adoption is now among the fastest-growing globally — with...
-
Why Investors Are Bullish on Kenya
A sovereign-rating upgrade and a stabilizing currency are helping restore Kenya’s appeal investors. Two years after deadly protests rattled sentiment, the markets have staged a recovery. Kenya’s all-share index has more than tripled in dollar terms since the start of 2024 making it the world's...
-
What If You Give Everyone $700?
A $200 million project in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries, is testing a radically simple approach to aid: giving about $700 directly to as many as 230,000 adults and letting them decide how best to spend it. The hope is that recipients will use the money to start businesses, invest…
more -
How Zambia’s ‘Better Democracy' Has Come Under Threat
Zambia had been the shining light for democracy in sub-Saharan Africa, but president Hichilema's recent reelection has been tainted by accusations of irregularities, the killing of a former minister and what the UN has called arbitrary arrests. On this week’s Episode, Bloomberg’s Matthew Hill…
more -
How the Iran War Reshaped Africa’s Oil Trade — At A Cost
As the Iran War broke out and the Strait of Hormuz closed, fuel prices surged and supplies became disrupted. The African countries that thought they had supply deals in place found deliveries being cancelled. But the world’s largest oil trader turned the Hormuz crisis to its advantage. Vitol was...
-
Why The Deadly Ebola Outbreak Is Accelerating
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the country’s worst ever, with more than 2,000 confirmed deaths and a fatality rate of more than 46%. The World Health Organization says it's the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, and has warned that contact tracing isn't...
-
Why South Africa's $220 Billion Pension Fund Manager Is in Crisis
South Africa's Public Investment Corp., the $220 billion manager of civil servants' pensions and a major shareholder in many of the country's biggest companies, has lurched from one crisis to another. Its chief executive was suspended before a court ordered his reinstatement, while the chairman —...
-
Why African Stocks Are Beating the World
Nigeria's stock market is the world's best-performing equity market this year. Its benchmark index has outpaced every major market, including South Korea, delivering the highest dollar returns to investors. Ghana, Tunisia and Kenya have also ranked among the world's top-performing markets, as...
-
How USAID Cuts Caused Floods in Kenya
Eighteen months after the Trump administration shut down USAID, a painstaking Bloomberg investigation into abandoned water projects in Kenya using interviews, satellite imagery and data analysis has revealed the stark consequences of that decision. On this week’s Next Africa podcast, Bloomberg’s...
-
Why It's Still So Hard to Fly Across Africa
Flying has never been easier. Airlines are competing to offer cheaper fares and more routes across Europe, North America and Asia. But while connections to and from Africa have expanded, travelling within the continent remains difficult and expensive. On this week's Next Africa podcast…
more -
How Morocco's Football Success Could Shape Its Next Government
The man who helped turn Morocco into a World Cup contender is now being urged to take on an even bigger challenge: becoming the country’s next prime minister. On this week’s Next Africa podcast, we examine the Atlas Lions’ impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and why two political parties…
more -
Why South Africa’s Anti-Migrant Protests Aren’t Going Away
Thousands of people joined anti-migrant protests in South Africa on Tuesday, watched over by a massive police contingent that was deployed to prevent violence and intimidation. The rallies, which marked the culmination of weeks of protests that have displaced thousands of mainly African...
-
How the Iran War puts Africa’s Remittance Lifeline At Risk
The Iran war has put billions of dollars in remittances at risk as conflict disrupts the incomes of migrant workers across the Gulf. For many African economies, where money sent home helps pay for food, healthcare and education, a prolonged slowdown could weigh on growth well beyond the...
-
Will El Niño Trigger Africa’s Next Food Crisis?
An El Niño weather pattern forming in the Pacific Ocean is expected to bring hotter, drier weather to much of east and southern Africa while increasing flood risks in parts of West Africa, stoking fears of another difficult spell for the continent’s farmers. On this week’s episode, Jennifer...
-
Why Ethiopia’s Election Was Never in Doubt
Ethiopia’s ruling party has established a commanding lead in preliminary election results, leaving Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on track to secure another five-year term. On this week’s episode, Tiwa Adebayo speaks with Bloomberg Senior East Africa Reporter Simon Marks and Ethiopia Reporter Fasika...
-
BONUS: Merryn Talks Money - Africa’s Growth Engine
Here's a bonus episode from another Bloomberg podcast we think listeners to Next Africa might enjoy Could Africa’s long-misunderstood population boom become its greatest economic advantage? Economist and author Joe Studwell joins host Merryn Somerset Webb to discuss his book, How Africa Works:...
-
Can Africa Avoid An Ebola Economic Shock?
The 2014-16 Ebola epidemic in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone triggered one of the most severe health-related economic shocks in modern African history. While the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a serious concern, analysts expect its economic impact to be far more...
-
Can African Founders Adapt as AI Boom Redirects Cash?
African startups are rewriting their funding playbook as the global artificial intelligence boom channels venture capital toward the US, leaving founders across emerging markets scrambling for capital. As Bloomberg publishes its 2026 list of 25 African Startups to Watch, Bloomberg Senior…
more -
Did Aid Cuts Make The Ebola Outbreak Worse?
An Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already killed more than 130 people, may have been spreading for months, according to the World Health Organization. On this week’s episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by healthcare reporter Janice…
more -
Bobi Wine On The Battle for Uganda's Future (Correct)
Ugandan lawmakers have passed a contentious new law that imposes steep fines and jail terms for those receiving foreign funding without state approval. On this week's Next Africa podcast opposition leader Bobi Wine, who fled the country earlier this year, speaks to Bloomberg's Jennifer Zabasajja...
-
Is Xenophobia Risking South Africa’s International Reputation
Anti-Migrant protests and violence in South Africa have escalated in recent weeks, leading to condemnation from Governments across the continent. On this week’s Next Africa Podcast, Bloomberg’s government reporter Ntando Thukwana gives the latest on the protests, and then political commentator…
more -
China’s Growing Grip On Africa’s EV Fast Lane
In Ethiopia, the share of electric vehicles on the road has jumped to 6% from just 1% after a 2024 ban on new gasoline-car imports. Across Africa, EV adoption is now among the fastest-growing globally — with Chinese automakers capturing the lion’s share of the market. On today’s episode,...
-
Could Dangote's Stock Listing Transform African Investing?
Aliko Dangote plans to sell about 10% of his oil-refining company on multiple African stock exchanges to help fund the next phase of the tycoon’s business empire. The IPO comes nearly five decades after a landmark share sale in Asia that went on to mint the continent’s richest person. In 1977,...
-
Why Starlink Is Dividing South Africa
Starlink, SpaceX’s Satellite Internet Service is pushing for changes to South Africa’s equality rules which it says blocks the company from operating in Africa’s most industrialised economy. South Africa requires companies in some sectors to have at least 30% Black ownership. These laws were...
-
Could Global Turmoil Make Africa A Safer Bet For Investors
Global conflicts from the Middle East to Ukraine are reshaping how investors assess risk — and challenging perceptions about Africa. On today’s Next Africa podcast, Tiwa Adebayo, in for Jennifer Zabasajja, speaks with Zain Latif, founder of TLG Capital, about why he believes the continent is...
-
Why Water Is Africa’s Next Precious Commodity
Lesotho’s abundant water has become one of the kingdom’s most strategic revenue streams. Its landmark deal to provide water for neighboring South Africa underscores the growing importance of water diplomacy across a continent increasingly strained by scarcity. In this episode of the Next Africa...
-
Why the war in Iran Risks a Farming Crisis in Africa
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing turmoil in energy markets, and is also hitting the price and supply of crucial fertilizers. On this week’s episode Bloomberg’s Agnieszka de Sousa and René Vollgraaff join Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss why the Strait of Hormuz is so crucial to...
-
Is Somaliland Israel’s New Foothold Against Houthis?
After becoming the first UN member to recognise the breakaway territory of Somaliland, Israel is now quietly planning for a potential base at the mouth of the Red Sea from which to strike one of the Iran’s last proxies still operating at full strength: the Houthis of Yemen. On this episode of the...
-
Why Is Africa A US Political Flashpoint?
US Lawmakers have called on Nigeria to repeal Sharia law in the country’s north as they probe US President Donald Trump’s unfounded allegations of Christian persecution in the country. This follows previous unfounded claims from the US administration of a white genocide in South Africa. On this...
-
Why the Iran War Could Shock African Economies
Oil and gas supply routes are coming under pressure as the conflict in Iran intensifies, bringing fears of an energy price shock that could hit many African economies. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg’s Energy Reporter Stephen Stapczynski and Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango…
more -
Can African Farmers Survive Crashing Cocoa Prices
Cocoa’s stunning rise and its equally remarkable slump are beginning to shake up the longstanding way of doing business in West Africa, the region that supplies the bulk of the world’s beans. On this week’s episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Bloomberg softcommodities reporter Mumbi Gitau joins...
-
Is Ethiopia On the Brink of War?
Ethiopia and Eritrea are deploying troops and military equipment to the northern Tigray region, according to regional diplomats, raising the risk of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa. On this week’s episode of the Next Africa podcast, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Bloomberg’s Simon Marks…
more -
Will Africa Cash in on the Critical Minerals Boom?
The mood at Africa’s biggest mining conference, the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, is buoyant - as increased demand for critical minerals around the world is supporting more investment in projects across the continent. On this week’s episode — recorded at the Mining Indaba — Jennifer Zabasajja…
more -
Will Gold’s Rollercoaster Ride Hit African Investment?
Precious metals soared last month in a rally underpinned by speculative momentum, geopolitical upheaval and concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence. However, market watchers warned that the advances had been too large and too swift. The surge came to a sudden halt at the end of last…
more -
Why Lagos Demolished The Homes Of Thousands Of Poor Residents
Nigeria’s biggest city is demolishing two densely populated waterfront communities to make way for urban renewal, displacing thousands of poor residents in the process. On this week’s episode, Tiwa Adebayo, sitting in for Jennifer Zabasajja, is joined by Bloomberg’s Nigeria bureau chief Anthony...
-
Why More African Countries Are Switching To Chinese Yuan
Chinese mine operators in Zambia started paying royalties and taxes in yuan in Africa’s second-biggest copper producer, the latest sign of the growing acceptance of the currency on the continent. On this week’s episode, bloomberg reporter Matthew Hill and Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist…
more -
How The Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son Put Nigerian Healthcare Under Scrutiny
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of infant death and medical negligence Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie has blamed the death of her 21-month old son on medical negligence, sparking a national conversation about healthcare standards in Africa’s most-populous nation.…
more -
AFCON 2025 Shows That Sports are Becoming a Big Business in Africa
As the 35th Africa Cup of Nations reaches the final stages, the organizers are already celebrating a record-breaking tournament. In this episode, our Nigeria-based reporter Nduka Orjinmo joins Jennifer Zabasajja to talk about the growth of African football, the growing business opportunities for...
-
From Trump Tarrifs to Gen Z Protests - How 2025 Changed Africa
In a year that saw South Africa host the G20, the continent found itself coming to terms with a transformed relationship with America both in terms of trade and access to aid. In this special episode of the Next Africa Podcast, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Justice Malala joins Jennifer Zabasajja…
more -
Why A Failed Coup Signals Escalating Risk in West Africa
An attempted Coup in Benin has been thwarted after an intervention from its West African neighbors led by Nigeria. The emphatic response from the regional bloc Ecowas this time was a marked change, after the bloc had been criticized for inaction during the string of coups that have struck the...
-
Can South Africa Sustain its Economic Rebound?
South African financial assets -- stocks, bonds and the rand -- have surged, buoyed by soaring commodity prices and investor optimism that government reforms are reviving South Africa's economy after years in the doldrums. On this week’s episode, Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango...
-
Can South Africa Tackle Its Gender Based Violence Crisis?
While the world’s attention was on South Africa for the G20, thousands of women across the country used the opportunity to protest South Africa’s serious issues with violence against women. Demonstrators held lie-in protests in cities across the country, including near the G20 summit itself,...
-
How Africa’s Energy Shortage Holds Back its Industrial Revolution
Africa is the least electrified continent in the world, where funding major power infrastructure has become far harder, grids are decrepit and state utilities are often broken. The result is that Africa cannot industrialize on a scale anywhere near what’s needed to create jobs for its young...
-
Why Africa’s Rainforests Are Reaching a Tipping Point
At COP30 in Brazil, scientists have warned that the Congo Basin, a region of tropical forest larger than India, is at a point where further damage may rob the world of a crucial bulwark against climate change. On this week’s episode, Jennifer Zabasajja is joined by Senior Africa Reporter Antony...
-
Why Is Trump Threatening Military Action In Nigeria?
US President Donald Trump has threatened to freeze aid to Nigeria and take military action unless its government stops what he’s called the killing of “very large numbers” of Christians by jihadists. On this week’s episode, Deputy Managing Editor for Middle East and Africa Neil Munshi, and…
more -
Can Africa reverse the trend of No Contest Elections?
Election wins for incumbents in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, where key opposition figures were banned from standing, have raised warnings over the state of democracy in a number of African nations. One academic has warned of the rise of ‘democratic dictators’ which could create fertile ground for...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Next Africa is a weekly podcast about where Africa is going and why it matters to everyone.Each episode tells a story from the continent and follows it through real life, business, politics and culture. From electricity and climate to jobs, migration, technology, sport and music, the podcast looks at the forces shaping daily life and how those changes connect to the wider world.The show covers challenges and breakthroughs side by side. It explains the impact of energy shortages and climate risk, but also the rise of new industries, creative economies and young entrepreneurs. Stories are reported on the ground and told with clarity, combining data, context and lived experience.Hosted by Jennifer Zabasajja and built on original journalism from reporters on the ground, Next Africa puts local voices at the centre of the story, delivering clear, factual reporting without cliché or assumption.Whether you live on the continent or want to better understand a region shaping the future, Next
HOSTED BY
Bloomberg
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Next Africa have?
Next Africa currently has 128 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Next Africa about?
Next Africa is a weekly podcast about where Africa is going and why it matters to everyone.Each episode tells a story from the continent and follows it through real life, business, politics and culture. From electricity and climate to jobs, migration, technology, sport and music, the podcast looks...
How often does Next Africa release new episodes?
Next Africa publishes regularly with 128 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Next Africa?
You can listen to Next Africa on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Next Africa?
Next Africa is created and hosted by Bloomberg.
URL copied to clipboard!