S5 E14: Africans in the United Nations: Samir Amin, the lighthouse in the night

S5 E14: Africans in the United Nations: Samir Amin, the lighthouse in the night

Author: Dr Teju Baba May 4, 2020 Duration: 8:29

In the short list of Africans who have significantly impacted the United Nations, today I am featuring an Egyptian giant, giant way before Mohammed Salah, but largely unknown to the African public, despite having influenced the creation and transformation of several UN agencies such as UNECA, IFAD, UNTAD, all of which still exist today. The creation of these agencies symbolises a silent revolution that changed the very philosophy of the United Nations system today.

To find out more about him, the Sankofa takes you today inside the head of one of the most intelligent men the Earth has seen, a prominent African economist whose work on capitalism, colonialism and underdevelopment should haunt us, all, especially in all the temples of today's wild capitalism.

Hello and please salute Professor Samir Amin.


Dr. Teju Baba hosts My African Cliches (English), a podcast that moves through time much like the Sankofa bird-looking thoughtfully at the past while steadily progressing forward. Each episode is a journey into the layers of African history, culture, and society, designed to challenge oversimplified narratives and uncover the continent's profound complexity. You’ll hear detailed explorations of specific events, figures, and cultural movements that are often glossed over or misunderstood, connecting historical roots to contemporary realities. This isn't just a recounting of dates and names; it's an engaging conversation about how centuries of rich, diverse experiences shape modern life across Africa. By unpacking these deep histories, the podcast provides essential context, helping listeners move beyond superficial stereotypes. Tune in for a nuanced and enlightening perspective that honors Africa's glorious past and its dynamic present, all within a single, thoughtfully produced podcast. Dr. Baba’s expertise guides you through these stories, making each episode a step toward a more informed and respectful understanding of a continent whose story is still being written.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

My African Cliches (English)
Podcast Episodes
S6 E4: Did you all miss us? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:41
Hello, you, yes you, hello to you. You, who are still listening to me after 2 seasons of this podcast. This is a special episode to start this new season. An episode to ask you my listener; How are you doing? Did you hav…
S6 E3: Pleeeazzzzz decolonize African public space! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:40
My African Cliché of the day is a British man, called Lawrence. No no, not Lwrence of Arabia, but Lawrence Westgaph, a young British political activist, from Nigerian and Jamaican descents, who has set up a fundraising c…