How can international actors achieve the balance between recognizing strides in economic performance and development while holding governments accountable for human rights abuses and regional interference? Judd Devermont is joined by Adotei Akwei (Amnesty International), Ida Sawyer (Human Rights Watch), and Michela Wrong (Author) to discuss how the Biden Administration, with its focus on democracy and human rights, should respond to these challenges. Guests also cover alleged crimes against huma...
Jun 10, 2021•46 min
President Biden's upcoming Summit for Democracy is one of the administration's flagship efforts aiming to renew its commitment to democracy at home and abroad. What are the key themes of the Summit and how do we ensure that African voices are not treated as sideshows? Judd Devermont sits down with Frances Brown (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace), Moussa Kondo (Accountability Lab), and Thandekile Moyo (Writer) to share recommendations for impactful deliverables. Other topics include Cha...
May 27, 2021•40 min
In several countries, gangs, militias, and self-defense forces have become part of the security landscape. What’s behind this trend and what are the consequences? Judd Devermont sits down with Comfort Ero (International Crisis Group), Leanne Erdberg Steadman (U.S. Institute of Peace), and David Africa (former South African intelligence officer) to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of “dirty deals” and the challenge of accountability involved in dealing with these groups. Guests also cover Presi...
May 13, 2021•48 min
Disinformation operations in Africa are hidden in discretely coordinated social media campaigns. How can activists across the globe detect fake news and tackle these issues more coherently? In our 11th episode in partnership with African Arguments, Judd Devermont is joined by Elsie Eyakuze (The Mikocheni Report), Shelby Grossman (Stanford Internet Observatory), and Rose Jackson (Atlantic Council) to discuss the importance of people-to-people engagement in responding to disinformation. Guests als...
Apr 29, 2021•37 min
America spends more money on Halloween candy than on UN peacekeeping operations each year. What is the true value of these missions and how much in financial contributions are required to earn a seat at the table? Judd Devermont sits down with Paul-Simon Handy (Institute for Security Studies), Kate Almquist Knopf (Africa Center for Strategic Studies), and Chandrima Das (Better World Campaign) to discuss the state of peacekeeping in Africa. Guests also explore democracy and protests in Senegal an...
Apr 15, 2021•37 min
Investigative journalism in Africa is entering a golden age. What trends underpin new access to and the dissemination of hidden information? Judd Devermont is joined by journalists Micah Reddy (amaBhungane), Peter Murimi (BBC Africa Eye), and Khadija Sharife (OCCRP) to discuss the realities facing media houses today. Other topics include the recent explosions in Equatorial Guinea and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana. Background Materials: I am Samuel Film - Directed by Peter Murimi Congo...
Apr 01, 2021•41 min•Season 3Ep. 7
How does populism manifest itself in sub-Saharan Africa in comparison to other regions? As part of a special live episode with a class at the University of San Francisco, Judd Devermont is joined by Kathleen Klaus (University of San Francisco), Chiponda Chimbelu (Deutsche Welle), and Danielle Resnick (International Food Policy Research Institute) to discuss factors that enable populist leaders to gain political sway in Africa. Guests also unpack the strengths and weaknesses of Kenya’s Building B...
Mar 18, 2021•34 min•Season 3Ep. 6
How do African media outlets portray politics, economics, and cultural life in their own countries and in the broader region? Aanu Adeoye (The Continent), Moky Makura (Africa No Filter), and Yinka Adegoke (Rest of World) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on how increased media coverage on Africa and a focus on human-interest stories can foster unity and drive continental potential. Guests also discuss the impact of Tanzanian President Magufuli’s previous denial of Covid-19, and Africa’...
Mar 04, 2021•36 min•Season 3Ep. 5
How do we go beyond rhetoric that rarely translates into concrete and strategic action? In our 10th episode in partnership with African Arguments, Judd Devermont is joined by Deborah Malac (former U.S. Ambassador to Uganda), Maria Burnett (CSIS), and Michael Mutyaba (African Arguments contributor) to discuss recommendations for foreign partners and donors in holding autocratic regimes accountable—beyond strongly-worded statements. Guests also delve into Uganda’s repressive elections and the dete...
Feb 18, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Central to the green revolution and technologies of the future, cobalt is found in some of the most conflict-stricken and unjust places on earth. What is the industry's current approach to responsible sourcing? Pamela Fierst-Walsh (U.S. Department of State), Mike Jobbins (Search for Common Ground), and Laurent Kasindi (Search for Common Ground) join Judd Devermont to highlight the benefits of a "do more good" over a "do no harm" approach to mineral mining. Guests also discuss recent attacks by t...
Feb 04, 2021•34 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The growth of Chinese technology in Africa has sounded alarm bells in Washington and other foreign capitals. Beyond security and surveillance risks, what, if any, benefits exist for Africans? Judd Devermont is joined by Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew (U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission), Bulelani Jili (Harvard University), and Jeremy Goldkorn (SupChina and Sinica Podcast) to unpack the concerns surrounding Chinese involvement in the region’s tech sector, sharing recommendations for...
Jan 28, 2021•35 min•Season 3Ep. 2
What role do musicians play in politics and advocacy, especially during a health crisis? For this special anniversary episode, East Africa’s biggest pop band, Sauti Sol share their thoughts on the music industry’s adaptation to the pandemic, the state of Kenya’s health system, and efforts to remain outspoken about police brutality. Lauren Blanchard (Congressional Research Service) and Damola Durosomo (CSIS) also join Judd Devermont to discuss the state of Sudan’s political transition two years i...
Jan 14, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Welcome to the third season of the Into Africa podcast. As always, Judd Devermont has an exciting lineup of high-profile guests from around the world joining in to unpack African politics and policy and dig deeper into new topics. There's a lot to look forward to this year: Chinese tech in Africa, vaccine diplomacy, conflict minerals, and the reparation of African artifacts. We also plan to host webinar shows with U.S. universities and African think tanks. See you next week for our special anniv...
Jan 07, 2021•1 min
How does multilateral diplomacy transform during a global pandemic? In our season finale, Judd Devermont is joined by Alex Rondos (European Union), Sanusha Naidu (Institute for Global Dialogue), and Susan Page (University of Michigan) to discuss relationship building in a pre- and post-pandemic world. Guests also examine key developments in the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, and expectations for the incoming Chair of the African Union, DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi. See you in the New ...
Dec 17, 2020•42 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Covid-19 has accelerated the adoption of digital currency and mobile money platforms in Africa. How can innovations in FinTech lower the barriers to vital remittance flows? Judd Devermont is joined by Yomi Kazeem (Quartz Africa), Alexis Akwagyiram (Reuters), and Deepali Fernandes (IOM) to discuss the tug-of-war between innovation and regulation, high-tech solutions to expanding internet access across the continent, and the Trump Administration's opposition to the first African and first female D...
Dec 03, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 26
The long-awaited results of the United States presidential election will shape the future of American democracy and U.S.-Africa policy for years to come. Are there lessons from sub-Saharan Africa that the U.S. should consider as it reflects on its electoral process? Udo Jude Ilo (Open Society Initiative for West Africa), Maria Sarungi Tsehai (#ChangeTanzania), and Jason Stearns (Congo Research Group) join Judd Devermont to discuss the elections, the future of Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, DRC's t...
Nov 12, 2020•37 min•Season 2Ep. 25
The elderly and those living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are two populations growing faster in sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere in the world. What challenges do these vulnerable groups face in the wake of Covid-19 and what opportunities exist for increased private sector engagement? Judd Devermont sits down with Rumbi Chakamba (Journalist), Nik Pereira (Africa Healthcare Network), and Nina Prieur (Prosper Africa) to explore U.S. investment in specialized care, Senegal's exemplary pande...
Oct 29, 2020•32 min•Season 2Ep. 24
When it comes to election observation, there’s often one rule for the West and another for everybody else. But with a wave of democratic backsliding occurring around the world, now may be the time to disrupt the status quo and reimagine election observation missions. In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Ansbert Ngurumo (Journalist), Nic Cheeseman (University of Birmingham), and Jessica Moody (King’s College London) join Judd Devermont to discuss shifting electoral processes, election sa...
Oct 15, 2020•40 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Energy development is at the heart of an inclusive African recovery from Covid-19, but how can we supercharge the region's power sector? Todd Moss (Energy for Growth Hub), Rose Mutiso (Energy for Growth Hub; Mawazo Institute), and Kate Steel (Nithio) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the future of Africa's energy sector, South Africa's struggling diplomacy in Zimbabwe, and key challenges facing African think tanks. Background Readings: A post Covid agenda for a 'zombie-free' recovery of Africa...
Oct 01, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Diplomatic engagement is at an all-time high across Africa. How can multilateral cooperation effectively address challenges such as Covid-19 and regional security? Judd Devermont is joined by Payton Knopf (USIP), Nilanthi Samaranayake (CNA), and Housam Darwisheh (Institute of Developing Economies) to discuss India, Japan, and the Gulf's approach to the continent, the current state of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the dispute over the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. Background Rea...
Sep 17, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 21
China's footprint in Africa extends beyond infrastructure projects and financing. How significant are the relationships spun between Chinese elites and their African counterparts? In our eighth episode with African Arguments, Shinovene Immanuel (The Namibian), Lina Benabdallah (CSIS), and John Culver (Former National Intelligence Officer) join host Judd Devermont for a conversation on Chinese engagement with Africans. Guests also discuss Namibia's fishrot corruption scandal and politics in Alger...
Sep 03, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 20
The last 70 years of U.S.-Africa policy is underscored by a bipartisan legacy of continuity. How can it evolve to meet new challenges and realities? Ambassador Hank Cohen (Former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs), Dr. Elizabeth Schmidt (Loyola University Maryland), and Dr. Adebayo Oyebade (Tennessee State University) join Judd Devermont for a lively discussion on the past, present, and future of U.S. policy toward Africa. Guests also discuss the implications of President Ouattara...
Aug 20, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 19
France has complicated and often contentious relations with Francophone Africa. What is Françafrique and how has it evolved in recent years? Judd Devermont is joined by Rahmane Idrissa (African Studies Center in Leiden), Ambassador Jeff Hawkins (Former U.S. Ambassador to CAR), and Marielle Harris (CSIS) to discuss Françafrique's prominence in the region, Mali's worsening political crisis, and the Central African Republic’s upcoming presidential elections. Background Reading: Why Mali Needs a New...
Aug 06, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Since the start of the Trump Administration, the United States has identified strategic competition with China and Russia as a core objective in sub-Saharan Africa. Is great power competition the most constructive framework for formulating and implementing U.S. policies in sub-Saharan Africa? In this virtual CSIS debate event, Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative), Ken Ofori-Atta (Minister for Finance, Ghana), Gayle Smith (ONE Campaign), a...
Jul 23, 2020•45 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Critical sources of funding and supplies are flowing into the region to help the African governments battle the Covid-19 pandemic. But legacies of corruption are compromising the response efforts at a time when countries are at their most economically vulnerable. How can policymakers prevent and expose corruption, as well as implement systemic reform? Patrick Smith (Africa Report), Onyi Ough (Step Up Nigeria), and Matthew Page (Chatham House, CEIP, CDD West Africa) join Judd Devermont to discuss...
Jul 09, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 16
How do we separate fact from fiction? What is the best way to tackle misinformation about the virus? In our seventh episode with African Arguments, Ambassador Dawn Liberi (Former U.S. Ambassador to Burundi), Lee Mwiti (Africa Check), and Antonio Zappulla (Thomson Reuters Foundation) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the rapid spread of misinformation in Africa and the dangerous implications of government crackdowns on the press during the pandemic. Guests also examine Burundi’s turbulent trans...
Jun 25, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Africa is undergoing a digital transformation, helping the region to weather some the pandemic's negative consequences. What opportunities exist to accelerate Africa's adoption of digital and mobile technologies? Host Judd Devermont is joined by Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid (African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy), Ilana Cohen (GSMA), and Greg Cohen (Asoko Insight) to discuss the Covid-19 challenge and GSMA’s report, “Digital Solutions for the Urban Poor.” Separately, Judd, Greg, and Il...
Jun 11, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 14
How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect the future of business, trade, and investment in sub-Saharan Africa? How important will technology and automation be for economic development in the region? Guests Laird Treiber (State Department), Chukwuka Onyekwena (Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa), and Vijaya Ramachandran (Center for Global Development) join host Judd Devermont to discuss the new world of work. Guests also analyze South Africa and Nigeria’s responses to the pandemic. Backg...
May 28, 2020•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
How will the Covid-19 pandemic affect African governments’ ability to respond to violent extremism in the region? Will groups exploit the health, economic, and political crisis brought on by the pandemic? In this security-focused episode, host Judd Devermont is joined by Bulama Bukarti (Tony Blair Institute), Emilia Columbo (CSIS), and Will Brown (The Telegraph, CSIS) to discuss the violence in northern Mozambique, Boko Haram’s attack on Chadian soldiers in late March, and Covid'19's implication...
May 14, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Experts project that the next few years will be pivotal for Africa's growth and influence. What policies should African governments and their partners focus on to positively shift the region’s trajectory? Jonathan Rosenthal (The Economist), Erin Sikorsky (National Intelligence Council), and Jakkie Cilliers (Institute for Security Studies) join Judd Devermont to discuss forecasting and the continent's projected growth and development. Guests also explore the widespread abuses by security forces d...
Apr 30, 2020•37 min•Season 2Ep. 11
