Africa Borderlands Centre Podcast

Maigatari is a town steeped in tradition and home to a thriving community of livestock traders. Abdulaziz Umar, a native and prominent livestock trader, sees the Maigatari International Cattle Market not just as a marketplace but as a beacon of economic hope for his community.

Carolyne Cheyech leads the Chomyot Women Group, an inspiring assembly of resilient women from the Kongelai community in West Pokot. Formed in the challenging aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this group stands as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. Against all odds, these women have built a robust community, becoming a beacon of hope and a model for other borderland communities. Their journey illustrates not just the strength in coming together but also the remarkable ability to rise above difficult circumstances and forge a path of empowerment and solidarity.

William Alex Keem experienced the loss of his father to cattle raiders at a very young age, an event that profoundly impacted his life and perspectives. Growing up in West Pokot, Kenya, where cattle rustling is a significant issue, William has become a staunch advocate against this practice. His life's ambition is centered on eradicating cattle rustling from his borderland community. As a peace facilitator and community advocate, William is dedicated to healing his community from the scars of cattle rustling and is actively involved in campaigns and initiatives against it.

Michael Lokal and Philomena Chenangat are leveraging their voices to champion positive change in the West Pokot community, located along the borders of Kenya and Uganda. This episode delves into the significance of local advocacy as a catalyst for social change and agency in Africa's borderlands.

In this episode, our focus turns to the educational hurdles faced in Africa's borderlands, with a spotlight on the Malaka community—a borderland settlement straddling the Nigeria-Niger border where a significant number of children find themselves out of school. Amidst these challenges, Hauwa Dahiru emerges as a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to facilitate school enrollment for the children in this community. Join us as we explore the transformative efforts of individuals like Hauwa in tackling educational barriers and fostering a brighter future for the youth in borderland regions. #BorderlandEducation

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of climate change, particularly in borderland regions where its effects are deeply felt. We cast a spotlight on the remarkable work of Dauda Babangida, an environmentalist, climate change activist, and sociologist. His transformative efforts with Maigatari Youth Reform (MAYORE) are on the frontline combating climate change in Magatari, a town situated on the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic. Join us as we unravel the narrative of environmental resilience and proactive initiatives addressing the challenges posed by climate change in these critical borderland areas. #ClimateChangeImpact #EnvironmentalActivism #BorderlandResilience

Still in Nakonde, Zambia-Tanzania borderlands, here, we engage with members of the Nakonde Cross Border Traders Association, delving into their challenges and opportunities. Established in 2009, this association boasts a membership exceeding 37,000, offering vital support to cross-border traders in the Nakonde (Zambia) and Tudunma (Tanzania) border regions. #CrossBorderTrading

In the spotlight is Martin Gondwe, a passionate disability rights activist who is at the forefront of promoting inclusion and instilling hope in the lives of people with disabilities in his hometown of Muchinga, Nakonde, Zambia. Join us in this episode as we delve into the fundamental rights of individuals living with disabilities, shedding light on the impactful initiatives spearheaded by advocates like Martin in the borderlands of Africa. #InclusionChampion #DisabilityRights

In this episode, situated in Nakonde, Zambia, we explore the narrative of Moses Mwansa, a technology entrepreneur. His groundbreaking innovation, the Village Savers app, an e-commerce platform, is revolutionizing the landscape for cross-border traders in Zambia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. This web application serves as a digital system, specifically designed for unbanked cross-border trader groups. It simplifies savings processes and facilitates seamless transactions for purchasing goods and services in Africa's Borderlands.

Domtila Chesang emerged as a warrior, dedicating herself to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in her hometown of Kapenguria, West Pokot, Kenya. Motivated by the painful experience of witnessing her cousin undergo this harmful practice, she has become a relentless champion against FGM. In this episode as we delve into the profound impact of FGM, child marriage, and various forms of Gender-based violence especially in Africa's borderlands. Domtila shares her advocacy journey, outlining her courageous efforts to eradicate these harmful practices in Kenya. #EndFGM #GenderEquality #AdvocacyJourney #BreakingBarriers