The State of Africa

Boluban and Grace Usenge explore the rich cultural identity of Kenya and Africa, the entrepreneurial spirit of Africans, and the challenges faced by women in business. Grace shares her experiences as an entrepreneur and mentor, emphasizing the importance of resilience and resourcefulness among African entrepreneurs. They discuss the impact of government policies on entrepreneurship and the significance of storytelling in reshaping perceptions of Africa. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on Africa's transition towards development, driven by its young population and their determination to create change.Connect with GloriaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graceussenge/Website: https://graceussenge.co.ke/Connect with BolubanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Gloria Kiconco, a Ugandan poet and writer, shares her insights on the complexities of African and Ugandan identity, cultural connections, and the challenges faced by artists and writers in Uganda. The discussion highlights the importance of unity among African nations, the role of young people in shaping the continent's future, and the need for greater support for the arts. Gloria emphasizes the resilience of Ugandans and the rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire hope for a brighter future in Africa.Connect with GloriaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloria.kiconco/Website: https://www.gloriakiconco.com/Connect with BolubanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

In this episode of the State of Africa podcast, Boluban engages with Koketso Mazimba, a South African entrepreneur and founder of Complia and Kina Sportswear. The conversation delves into Koketso's passion for Africa, discussing the continent's rich resources and potential for development despite its challenges. Koketso emphasizes the importance of a balanced mindset that values both culture and knowledge, arguing that many Africans have been conditioned to undervalue their capabilities due to historical trauma and a lack of unity. Connect with KoketsoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.mzimbaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koketso-mzimba-570433122/Connect with BolubanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

If Namibia only exports hydrogen, it misses the bigger opportunity to industrialize. Green energy should develop Africa, not just clean Europe. If Africa doesn’t set the rules, history will repeat with better branding.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

If Africa supplies the minerals but not the industries, it will power the world without powering itself.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Guinea’s bauxite powers the world but the value is captured elsewhere. Guinea’s bauxite story is Africa’s story. It lacks control over value. Until Africa finishes what it starts, others will finish it for us and keep the profits.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

In this engaging conversation, Boluban and Sinothando Ngubane explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing Africa today. They discuss the critical role of youth in driving development, the importance of accountability in leadership, and the need for a collective effort among African nations to foster progress. Sinothando emphasizes the value of local talent and innovation, while also addressing the systemic barriers that hinder collaboration and growth in the creative industry. The conversation highlights the power of media in shaping narratives and the necessity of understanding history to inform future actions. Ultimately, both speakers express hope for a brighter future for Africa, driven by informed and engaged citizens.Connect with SinoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@indiefemaleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiefemaleConnect with BolubanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Your phone runs on African minerals. The world’s clean energy future runs through Africa. The future of tech runs through Congo. All because of Cobalt. Cobalt is leverage. The only missing piece? African control. Will Africa remain a supplier or become a partner? What Africa does with it will shape the next century.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Niger powers nuclear France but sits in energy poverty. Isn’t it obvious? The problem isn’t uranium. It’s power.Africa cannot power the world while remaining powerless. Africa has leverage and it is time to use it.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Botswana didn’t get rich just by owning diamonds, owning the diamonds isn’t enough. Botswana got rich by controlling the system around them. They built an ecosystem for their diamonds to thrive and generate wealth. Africa doesn’t need more resources. It needs more strategy.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Tyla, Race and the Collision of African and American Identity.One word. Two histories.Africa and America don’t speak the same racial language but the global system expects Africans to translate themselves anyway. This was a case of cultural collision.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Tyla, Afrobeats and the Battle for African Self-DefinitionWhen Tyla said “this isn’t Afrobeats,” she wasn’t rejecting Africa, she was only refusing to be flattened by people who didn’t want to understand her context. Naming is power. And Africa is learning to name itself again.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Rise of the African Tech Scene (2010s–2020s) Africa built solutions from scarcity. These solutions built confidence which is very essential for freedom.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

We argue about Jollof because we know, deep down, we belong to the same table. So it’s not about rice, it’s about identity and shared culture. You only joke like this with family not with enemies.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Afrobeats and The New African Sound (2010s–Today).Afrobeats went global by being African not by copying the world. Africa can only reclaim power by being African. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Return of the Benin Bronzes (2020s)The return of the Benin Bronzes is about identity today. It tells Africans, especially young Africans, that their ancestors were skilled and sophisticated.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Resource Curse in Africa (20th–21st Century)Africa’s problem has never been a lack of wealth or resources. The African economy was designed to extract and not to build.The resource curse has shaped African politics, power and the African mentality. But it doesn’t have to shape the future.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Rise of Pentecostalism in Africa (Late 20th Century–Today).Pentecostalism rose where hope collapsed and systems failed. It was no accident. Faith became therapy and a mode of survival.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Birth of the African Union (2001).In 2001, Africa took a bold step toward unity. The AU may not be perfect but it is Africa speaking as one for the first time in centuries.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Rwandan Genocide (1994).The Rwandan genocide was engineered through identity politics and propaganda. When we understand how division is created, we understand how to stop it. The real danger isn’t tribe. It’s the people who profit when tribes hate each other.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Nelson Mandela’s Release & the Rebuilding of South Africa (1990s)Mandela taught Africa one of the hardest truths: forgiveness is a strategy. But only when paired with justice.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The ANC vs Inkatha Rivalries (1980s)The ANC vs Inkatha conflict wasn’t “tribalism.”It was a strategy weaponized by apartheid to weaken the freedom struggle. A strategy that is still used today that Africans keep falling for and cannot seem to figure out. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Thomas Sankara and The Burkinabè Revolution (1983–1987)Thomas Sankara ruled for just four years. But he left a blueprint for a continent. He showed Africa what leadership without corruption looks like.The world remembers his death but his ideas are immortal.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

Fela Kuti & The Kalakuta Republic (1970s)The government sent soldiers, police and entire battalions after Fela but he never stopped singing. Fela Kuti showed Africa that music can confront power, challenge dictators and free people’s mind.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

For 27 years, the apartheid government did everything to break one man, hard labour, isolation, censorship, starvation of information.But Nelson Mandela walked out stronger than he went in.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Biafran Airlift (1968–1970)Although the Biafran Airlift saved lives, it also shaped the world’s perception of Africa as powerless, tragic and in need of foreign intervention.The lesson? True freedom and dignity come only when Africa controls its own destiny.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolumayode

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).Nigeria became independent in 1960. In 1967, it was rich, diverse and full of potential. Then it suddenly started tearing itself apart. It took this brutal war to reveal that borders alone cannot create a nation, identity and unity must come first.Freedom without cohesion is fragile. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boluban

Nigeria’s independence (1960). Nigeria became free in 1960. But the real independence of identity is still unfolding.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boluban

Patrice Lumumba & The Congo Crisis (1960)Patrice Lumumba was 35 years old when he became Prime Minister and when the world turned against him. His dream of a truly independent, united Congo made him one of the most feared men in the eyes of global powers.His story explains why African unity remains Africa’s greatest threat and Africa’s greatest hope.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boluban

Ghana’s Independence & Kwame Nkrumah (1957). On March 6th, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence. But Nkrumah’s dream was bigger: a liberated, united Africa.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boluban

The Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960), was one of the most important and most hidden anti-colonial movements in Africa. It was not a rebellion of armies, but of ordinary people who refused to live without dignity.Their courage shook an empire and led Kenya toward independence.

The Pan-African Congresses (1919–1945). The Pan-African Congresses gathered Black leaders from around the world to demand freedom and dignity. These meetings lit the spark that eventually tore down colonialism. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

African Soldiers in World War II (1939–1945). African soldiers helped defeat fascism in World War II. When they returned home, they questioned the colonial systems that denied them basic rights.Their bravery abroad inspired independence movements across Africa.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

African Soldiers in World War I ( 1914-1918). Millions of African soldiers fought in World War I.They endured Europe’s trenches and East Africa’s forests only to return home and be denied recognition. Their sacrifice sparked the rise of African nationalism.Watch this episode here https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Subscribe to YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@boluban

Liberia and the Return of the Freed Slaves. Liberia is one of Africa’s most misunderstood stories. A story of Africans shaped by America returning to Africa with a foreign identity. When your culture is stolen, rebuilding becomes complicated.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Maji Maji Uprising. Tanzania (1905–1907)More than 20 ethnic groups rose together against colonial rule.And the world realized that a united Africa was dangerous to oppress.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

Looking at all the stories we’ve talked about so far, why exactly was it easy for the Europeans to subvert the African people and culture the way they did?TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Colonization of Africa (1885–1914). To understand Africa today, we must understand how a continent was redesigned. Colonization was psychological engineering.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Looting of Benin wasn’t just about art, neither was it an accident. It was a strategy and a deliberate attempt to erase identity, rewrite history and break cultural memory. But those memories are returning. And so is Africa.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

Ethiopia’s victory at Adwa in 1896 shattered the myth of European invincibility. It inspired freedom movements across Africa and became a symbol of Black pride worldwide.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Berlin Conference (1884–1885). In 1884, Europe had a meeting about Africa and didn’t invite Africa. The borders they drew that day still shape our politics, conflicts, and identity.Understanding this moment is key to understanding modern Africa.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Ashanti Empire & The Golden Stool War (1900). The British wanted the Golden Stool. The Ashanti said no. Some things are worth more than power. They carry identity and the spirit of a people.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Rise of the Zulu Kingdom under Shaka (1816-1828). Shaka built a nation and proved what Africa could be when it stood as one.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Abolition of Slave Trade in 1807 wasn’t the end of slavery, it was the rebranding of it. The same ships that once carried slaves began carrying soldiers. The same flags that claimed “freedom” claimed African land.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804). The fear of Black freedom and the global conspiracy to bury it. Haiti wasn’t a tragedy. It was a warning that freedom, once awakened, can’t be enslaved again.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

The Transatlantic Slave Trade and Olaudah Equiano’s Story (18th Century).The Transatlantic Slave Trade wasn’t just about labor, it was about identity theft. It has ended. But the mindset it created, that Africa was lesser, still lingers. And it’s time we unlearn it.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boluban_YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bolubanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofafrica_

Long before the Europeans came, Rwanda had already had order, governance and a vision of one people under one system.The Kingdom of Rwanda reminds us that Africa didn’t need to be taught order, it needed to be left alone to live it.

The Oyo Empire was proof that African civilizations were not primitive. They were complex, political, and organized.But it also reminds us that empires don’t die because of outside enemies alone, they collapse when the inside stops holding together.

Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (1600s Angola). A story of resistance, dignity, and the price of survival.https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_https://youtube.com/@boluban

The Kingdom of Kongo and the Arrival of the Portuguese (1483). Sometimes the greatest danger doesn’t come from an enemy. It comes from the friend you trust too much.The Kingdom of Kongo didn’t fall by conquest. It fell by relationship.https://www.tiktok.com/@boluban_https://youtube.com/@boluban