In this month's episode of AfriCan Geopardy, the research team from Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood’s PEW Fellowship Project "Creating Synergies between Indigenous Practices and Scientific Knowledge (ISIPSK)" share their reflections following a month-long field research experience. The episode was recorded on July 30th to capture the team's insights and high…

In this month's episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "The strategic role of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) in advancing maritime safety and security". Our guest, Dr Paul Adalikwu, the Secretary General of MOWCA, shared his extensive knowledge and experience on the topic. During the discussion, we explored MOWCA's …

Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy. In this episode, we discussed "Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region" with Mr Hassani Ahamada Soilihi, a lawyer and maritime expert from the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). Mr. Soilihi played a key role in introducing the "Safe Seas for Africa" programme, and at the IO…

Tune in to the latest episode of AfriCan Georpady, where we discuss “How YARIS Contributes to Better Maritime Domain Awareness and Security in the Gulf of Guinea and Plans for the Handover of Ownership and Management System to the Region” with Mr. Sam Megwa, the Strategic Director of the EU Gulf of Guinea Interregional Network (GoGIN).In this episo…

Welcome to African Geopardy. In this month's episode, we are discussing "Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa" with Mr Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Practitioner and the Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). Over the past nine years, Mutaru has worked to prevent 23 radica…

In the latest episode of AfriCan Geography, we discussed "Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth" with Ms Kashimana Tsumba. She is a maritime lawyer specialising in resolving disputes related to charter parties, crewmen's wages, collisions, and marine insurance contracts. Ms. Tsumba advises ship owners and insurers and is…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explored the "changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa" with Prof. Freedom Onuoha, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Coordinator of the Security, Violence, and Conflict (SVC) Research Group at the university. Pro…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Ife Okafor-Yarwood, discusses the "politicisation of unsustainable fisheries practices in Africa". Her reflection is driven by what she views as the "Chinalisation" of threats to sustainable fisheries in Africa, which she believes undermine collective efforts towards sustainable fisheries. The discussion explore…

In the latest episode of African Geopardy, we discussed the topic of "Women and Youths in Diplomacy: Realities from the African Continent" with Ambassador Khouloud Ben Mansour. She is the African Union Youth Ambassador of Peace for North Africa (Tunisia) and a UN Women Young Women Peacebuilders Program graduate, where she received training in confl…

In this February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "State Action At Sea in Cote d'Ivoire: Success Stories and Opportunities for Improvement" with Mr Abroulaye Fofana, the Permanent Secretary of the Inter-ministerial Committee for State Action at Sea, SEPCIM-AEM. Mr. Fofana, under the authority of the Prime Minister, oversees the coordination …

In the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss what it means to holistically address maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with Senior Captain Charles Bamele, the Operational Coordination Director for State Action at Sea, Cote d'Ivoire. Additionally, we explore the successes and challenges of the Yaounde Architecture since the signing of …

In this December episode of AfriCan Geopardy, I take a moment to reflect on our journey throughout 2023 and share our aspirations for the upcoming year, 2024.I want to express my gratitude to all our incredible listeners who have been an integral part of the AfriCan Geopardy family. Your ongoing support and engagement have been truly invaluable. Th…

In this episode of African Geopardy, we delve into "Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Making a Case for the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF)" with our esteemed guest, Captain Mohammad Saghir Shettima. Captain Shettima, a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Navy, serves as the Commanding Officer for FOB Igbokoda and is a seasoned maritim…

Welcome to AfriCan Geopardy! In this episode, we delve into "Harnessing the Blue Economy opportunities in Africa" with our guest, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu. She brings a wealth of expertise as Kenya's Special Envoy and Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy. Ambassador Karigithu previously served as the Principal Secretary for the State Department …

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Strengthening Regional Maritime Security in a phase of Competing Geopolitical Interests" with Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, a highly accomplished executive director with extensive expertise in maritime law, security, and international relations. Dr Ali, who holds a PhD and the rank of Navy Captain (Retired), i…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explore the path to a more secure and prosperous future for the Gulf of Guinea countries by discussing "Improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea" with the remarkable Ambassador Florentina Ukonga.As a distinguished career diplomat, Ambassador Florentina Adenike Ukonga (MFR) brings a wealth of experien…

"Fisheries closed season in Ghana, what is it and how does it affect fisherfolk?"In our newest episode, we delve into the important topic of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its implications for fisherfolk. Today (1st of July), as Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire commence their closed season for artisanal and industrial fisheries, we are thrilled to…

In this month's thrilling episode of African Geopardy, we discussed "Climate Crossroads: Unraveling the Connection between Irregular Migration and Climate Change in Africa." with the incredible Ambassador Dr Namira Negm, the First Director of the African Migration Observatory. She is at the forefront of harmonising national strategies and equipping…

Welcome to African Geopardy. In this episode, we discuss the "Current trends in human trafficking and red flags" with Prof. Waziri-Azi, Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi is a Nigerian academic, lawyer, and human rights activist with a PhD in Law from the University…

In this month's episode of AfriCan Georpardy, we are excited to introduce Dr Okafor-Yarwood's research as part of the Pew Marine Fellowship. The interview is led by her colleague, Dr Noleen Chikowore, a sustainable development lecturer at the University of St Andrews.Over three years, Dr Okafor-Yarwood will receive $150,000 to investigate the gende…

In the March episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Imagining the world that could be: Planting the seeds of decolonial futures" with Mr Aasif Bulbulia, a researcher from Johannesburg, South Africa, who is currently studying towards an MA in Education Policy Studies through Stellenbosch University. He is passionate about exploring the intersectio…

In the February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "Know thyself" with Ms Angel Smeijer, an Integral Leadership coach. She helps individuals and teams gain clarity and awareness to help them achieve their higher goals. She is also an HR leader with experience leading the HR function in tech scales and start-ups.This topic is important becaus…

Happy New Year!Welcome to the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy.In this episode, we had an insightful conversation with Ms Cynthia Chigwnya, the AfriCan Union Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa. We discussed her aspirations, the challenges of executing her role, the success stories and what can be done differently. Ms Cynthia Chigwenya is a Pol…

In the December episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood reflects on the year we have had by going over the topics we have discussed throughout the year.We want to thank our listeners and guests for the support they have given us throughout the years, and we look forward to your continued support.AfriCan!…

Welcome to the November episode of AfriCan Geopardy. Have you ever wondered about the relationship between fish and terrorism? Listen to this episode to find out more. Here, we discuss "fishing and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basi: Exploring Boko Haram's economy of violence" with Mr Malik Samuel, an investigative journalist and a researcher with th…

In this month's episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "the untold stories of AfriCan abolitionists" with Mr Michael Odijie. Mr Odijie is a Research Fellow on the African Abolitionism: The Rise and Transformations of Anti-Slavery in Africa" (AFRAB) project at University College London (UCL). AFRAB seeks to answer critical questions about the rol…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "Overdosing on Multivitamin supplements in post-COVID19 era" with Ms Ifedola Olojo, a Clinical Pharmacist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.Ifedola received her first degree, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), from the University of Benin, Nigeria and a second-degree MSc. Phar…

In this episode of Geopardy, we discussed "The complexities of Western return of African stolen Artefacts" with Nosmot Gbadamosi, the writer of Foreign Policy's weekly Africa Brief. She has covered human rights, the environment, and sustainable development across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Her journalism has appeared in over 30 publications, includi…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed "The role of socio-economic development in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa" with Teniola Tayo, a researcher with the Lake Chad Basin programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Dakar. Teni's research interests border on the security, trade and development nexus. Teni uses t…

On this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed “Impacts and Trends of IUU fishing in the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO)” with Mr Vicente Cossa. Mr Cossa works for the World Wide Fund for Nature, focusing on processes for establishing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, which …

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed “the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Africa’s global ambitions/partnerships” with Liesl Louw-Vaudran, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa. She is the editor of the ISS’ monthly publication on the African Union Peace and SecurityCouncil, the PSC Report, …

Although women are generally underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), they are present and doing amazing jobs in their roles. Women nurture the tech ecosystem in Africa, leading tech hubs and empowering young Africans.In this episode of African Geopardy, we discuss 'the role and contribution of African women in …

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted clinical radiography educational activities, including teaching, research, and clinical placement, globally. Like most other countries across the globe, countries across the African continent were well affected by the lockdown measures introduced by governments to slow the spread of the pandemic. Thi…

In this episode of AfriCan Georpardy, we discuss understanding ad-hoc security initiatives in Africa with Dr Andrew Yaw Tchie.Dr Andrew E. Yaw Tchie is a Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), a Visiting Professor at the University of Buckingham, a visiting Senior Fellow at King's College London and an As…

Happy new year, everyone, and welcome to the first episode of Georpardy. Here, Dr Dyhia Belhabib and Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood reflect on their personal experiences and the topics discussed by our guests in 2021. It's one of the longest episodes we've had and unedited because we want it to be authentic, and there's also the fact that we don't ha…

In this episode, we discuss China Africa relation in the context of fishmeal investment in The Gambia with Mr Mustafa Manneh. Mr Manneh is the West Africa Regional editor at China Dialogue, based in The Gambia. He is a researcher focusing on China-Africa relations and fishmeal investment. All major fishmeal industries in the Gambia are Chinese-owne…

In this episode, we discuss Gender and Security in Africa: the Nigerian experience with Ruth Okugbeni, the Acting Executive Director at the CLEEN Foundation www.cleen.org. Ruth's work focuses on improving the effectiveness of security and justice sector agencies through human rights-based approaches and improved accountability for better service de…

In this episode of Georpardy, we discuss 'Nigeria's suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Act 2019: A panacea for good maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea'. Since the law was enacted, there have been two criminal convictions, one in 2020 and the second in 2021. However, one question that begs for an answer is: can the law serve as a deterren…

In this episode we continue with the theme of fisheries policy or lack thereof by bringing to the fore the realisties from Ghana. The topic is discussed with Mr Kwesi Johnson, an ardent advocate for sustainable fisheries management in Ghana. He has worked in initiatives that involve local and international development organisation, academia, media,…

In this episode we discuss African fisheries policy or lack thereof. This is an episode NOT to be missed. The African continent does not assert itself in the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. There is still this colonial undertone with the way European countries relate with countries in Africa on fisheries. The network tried so hard to d…

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discussed religion and development in Africa. Religion and development are often intimately interwoven for good or ill in Africa and elsewhere. For instance, religious organisations play a significant role in poverty alleviation, health care and peace and reconciliation programmes. At the same time, select re…

Disaster risk management entails introducing disaster risk reduction policies and strategies to prevent new disaster risk, reduce existing disaster risk, manage residual risk, and strengthen resilience and reduce disaster losses. With a focus on averting conflict over water resources, we discuss disaster risk management in Africa with Thandie Mwape…

Energy security is commonly defined as the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. However, this definition does not reflect the social realities of 600 million AfriCans who do not have access to electricity or the 900 million that lack access to clean cooking on the continent. As a result, taking this reality into acco…

In this episode, Drs' Okafor-Yarwood and Belhabib reflects on what trolling might look like for minority expert voices and why these voices are targeted in the first instance. One important question that they pose and provides an answer for is, what should one do when one is trolled? They also share some advice on how to handle trolling. The keywor…

In this episode we discuss "Cyber Security in Africa" with Dr. Aisha Ali-Gombe. Dr Ali-Gombe is an assistant professor of Computer Science at Towson University and a visiting research scientist with the Center for Computation and Technology at Louisiana State University. Dr Ali- Gombe earned her PhD in Engineering and Applied Science with a major i…

Dr Michael Adekunle Charles is a seasoned diplomat and an international development professional with over 18 years experience providing technical, managerial and operational support to field and country offices of the Red Cross and the public and private sector. He is a medical doctor with a Masters degree in public health from the University of H…

In this episode, we discuss the #Almajiranci system of Islamic education practised in northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa with Dr Hadiza Kere Abdulrahman - the male gender seeking Islam knowledge is called Almajiri, the female gender is Almajira.Dr Kere Abdulrahman is a lecturer in Inclusive Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in…

In this episode, we pick the brains of Dr Richard Munang on how African youths can contribute to positive change on the continent. The discussion is based on his book "making Africa work through the power of innovative volunteerism" and how the ideas therein can help the African continent rebuild better despite the many challenges. Dr Richard Munan…

Women are underrepresented in the maritime sector, globally. Women represent only two per cent of the world's 1.2 million seafarers, and 94 per cent of female seafarers are working in the cruise industry. In the AfriCan continent, though women are well represented in the seafood supply chain, they are underrepresented in the decision-making process…

According to the Lexico online dictionary, a coup is a sudden, violent and illegal seizure of power from a government.The coup in Mali which took place on 18th August 2020, is the third in Africa in the past three years (Sudan, 11th April 2019 and Zimbabwe, 15th November 2017). The African Union's position about unconstitutional changes in governme…