Africa's Role on the Global Stage | Introducing: The "Future of Africa" Podcast Series

Africa's Role on the Global Stage | Introducing: The "Future of Africa" Podcast Series

Author: Global Dispatches August 12, 2025 Duration: 1:01:38
Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
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Africa is the world's youngest continent — and its future is everyone's future. By 2030, 70% of sub-Saharan Africa's population will be under the age of 30. By century's end, one in three people on the planet will be African. What happens in Africa will shape the course of the 21st century.

That's why Global Dispatches is proud to launch a bold new podcast series: The Future of Africa. Produced in partnership with the African Union, The Elders, and the United Nations Foundation, this series explores how Africa's rising generation is transforming the world—and how global leaders are engaging with this dynamic shift.

Hosted by the powerhouse Kenyan journalist Adelle Onyango, The Future of Africa features intergenerational conversations between former presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, diplomats, and trailblazing young leaders. These are solutions-driven discussions tackling the most urgent issues of our time: climate, education, economic growth, governance, and more.

Africa's influence on global decision-making is rising as the world's youngest and fastest-growing continent — but will young people be given the power to shape it? Chukwuemeka Eze lays out why legitimacy at home is the foundation for influence abroad, while Chido Mpemba champions young people's leadership in every sphere of governance. Jake Obeng-Bediako warns against "waithood" as the lost years between education and meaningful leadership, and calls for young Africans to be decision-makers. Together, they highlight ways young African countries are navigating geopolitical shifts, increasing their role in multilateral forums, and leveraging demographic and economic momentum. This is a call-to-action for anyone who believes Africa should lead as an innovator on the world stage.

Guest Speakers

  • Jake Bediako, Director of Policy and Implementation for Global Citizens Move Afrika Initiative.

  • Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze, Director for Democratic Futures in Africa at the Open Society Foundation

  • Chido Mpemba, formerly the African Union's Special Youth Envoy and currently the Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson for Women, Gender and Youth.


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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