Botswana was one of the world’s poorest countries at independence – highly dependent on their former coloniser and beef exports. In 1967, De Beers geologists found diamond bearing deposits, changing Botswana's trajectory. The nation had the fastest growing economy in the developing world for over 40 years. Some see Botswana’s story as that of success, as they reversed the “resource curse.” But is Botswana and De Beers' partnership truly equal? Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsac...
Nov 21, 2023•27 min•Season 8Ep. 4
In this episode, we delve into the world of cobalt, a critical material in the production of rechargeable batteries, especially Lithium-ion batteries that power our everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electric vehicles. We explore the supply chain, mining, investment, and the future of cobalt. Discover the challenges of exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the increasing demand driven by environmental focus. This episode was originally aired on May 9, 2023...
Nov 07, 2023•23 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Samora Machel's legacy is rich and far reaching - he was a revolutionary leader, playing a vital role in Mozambique's road to independence. His work symbolised the end of Portuguese colonial domination, heralding a new era. We discuss Machel's upbringing, socialist policies and his suspicious demise in a plane crash. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: ...
Oct 23, 2023•25 min•Season 8Ep. 2
The Aba Women’s War took place in south eastern Nigeria in 1929. By the late 1920s, restrictive colonial practice affected women in Igbo, Efik and Ibibio ethnic groups in Nigeria as societal structures weakened. These women took their traditional practice of “sitting on a man” to rebel against British rule by destroying symbols of colonial rule. The war remains a key example of colonial authority challenged through a mass bodily display of female power - and is seen as a prelude to the African n...
Oct 09, 2023•21 min•Season 8Ep. 1
The West's treatment of refugees has become one of the most devastating human rights disasters in modern times.We’re joined by Andrei Popoviciu (@AndreiPopoviciu), an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio producer, and photographer based in Dakar, Senegal. There are countless misconceptions surrounding the refugee crisis, and migration from the Global South to North. We discuss the reasons why people decide to leave their home country, their journey to Europe with associated risk...
Sep 25, 2023•37 min•Season 7Ep. 8
We're joined by Chef, Entrepreneur, and Author Maria Bradford. Maria was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where her passion for food emerged. This passion led her to found the Sweet Salone (which means ‘fancy’ in Creole) catering business. We discuss how food can provide a unique narrative for understanding Sierra Leone, explore African fusion cuisine and fine dining, and delve into her emotional journey back to her grandmother's village. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontine...
Sep 11, 2023•35 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Known as Africa's 'secret paradise,' the Comoros Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. Whilst it is is an independent state, the nation faces challenge concerning Mahoré, the fourth island - as it remains under the administration of France, effectively creating an EU border. The living conditions for residents of Ngazidja, Mwali, and Nzwani, the other three islands, continue to be challenging which has compelled many Comorans to reach Mahoré. Over the past two decades, at least 10,000 indivi...
Jul 18, 2023•22 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Our book baby It's a Continent celebrates her first birthday and is out in paperback this week! We're marking this occasion with a replay of our Behind the Mics episode. We're joined by Juliana from No Shame in My Name Podcast, where she interviews us (on our own show - why not!) We discuss the writing process, our origin story, secrets behind the podcast and what we'd love our readers to take from our book baby. This episode was first aired on July 7th 2022. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod an...
Jul 04, 2023•51 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Around 15 million clothing items flood Accra, Ghana every week, mostly from Europe, North America and Australia. These items are mostly donations to charity bins, or cast-offs that are no longer needed. 40% of clothing received in Ghana is unacceptable for use, ending up as waste. Is this the continuation of a colonialist relationship - with the Western world dumping waste on the continent? We discuss. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by C...
Jun 20, 2023•28 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Quite often – and misleadingly, Liberia is referred to as one of the only two African countries that were not colonised. Whilst Liberia was not carved up by Europeans in the Scramble for Africa, the country was actually founded by the American colonisation society, and many freed black Americans were sent to live in Liberia, despite living in America for generations. These black Americans and their descendants ended up controlling and colonising indigenous Liberians for over 100 years. This epis...
Jun 06, 2023•34 min•Season 7Ep. 3
On 1st December 1944, the French army opened fire on West African soldiers in Thiaroye, a suburb in Dakar, Senegal. These African soldiers previously fought for France during World War II, some even becoming prisoners of war in the process. Their crime? Asking for equal compensation for their war effort. We uncover this act of colonial violence towards Africans, and the erasure of colonies’ contribution in World War II. We also look at the attitudes leading to the tragedy and its legacy seen in ...
May 23, 2023•23 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this episode, we delve into the world of cobalt, a critical material in the production of rechargeable batteries, especially Lithium-ion batteries that power our everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electric vehicles. We explore the supply chain, mining, investment, and the future of cobalt. Discover the challenges of exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the increasing demand driven by environmental focus. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: i...
May 09, 2023•26 min•Season 7Ep. 1
We're joined by Dr Estrella Sendra: scholar, teacher, filmmaker, journalist and festival organiser based at King's College London. We bring marginalised African film into the spotlight as we learn about the origin of Francophone West African film and its pioneers. We discuss the genre's evolution - including its globalisation and top tips for getting into Francophone West African cinema. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is avai...
Apr 25, 2023•34 min
Meet Albert Luthuli, the first African to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent fight against apartheid. As the leader of the African National Congress, he became well-known in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement. In this role, his views on justifiable violence were tested and evolved. We explore his story of perseverance and courage. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We...
Mar 21, 2023•31 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Chocolate is something we all know and love to consume. However, it’s no secret that cocoa as a commodity has its roots in something a lot more sinister. Human rights campaigners continue calling on global chocolate companies to recognise the role the cocoa trade has played in enabling poverty and child labour, particularly in countries such as Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana - West Africa's top cocoa producers. Does the continent remain, in the words of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, locked in a c...
Mar 07, 2023•33 min•Season 6Ep. 9
The CFA franc is one of Africa’s most baffling and misunderstood currencies. Introduced in 1945 to keep France’s African colonies under control, it has withstood decolonisation. Today, the CFA franc operates in 14 African countries and remains managed by France. Its existence remains controversial, with the currency described as ‘one of the straitjackets that keeps the African countries dependent on France.’ In this episode, we unravel the history of the CFA franc and its potential future. Follo...
Feb 21, 2023•35 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Andrée Blouin fought ardently for her belief in independence from imperial power. We look at her life, legacy and how colonial law impacted her experiences: from growing up in an orphanage, to losing her son from a treatable illness. Blouin used her experiences to advocate for women's rights both against traditional customs and European imperialism. How did she end up on the periphery of post-independent African history? Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Contin...
Feb 07, 2023•28 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Calls for reparations have come at a time where we’ve seen the Head of State be removed in Barbados and the returning of looted items like Benin Bronzes, Patrice Lumumba’s tooth and skulls stolen during the Namibian genocide. In this episode we look at the case for reparations: its definition, political origin and what it could look like. Thank you for your support this year and see you in 2023! Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet)...
Dec 13, 2022•41 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this episode, we explore Lusophone Africa, that is, Portuguese-speaking Africa, through the lens of the revolutionist and Pan-Africanist Amílcar Cabral. Cabral played a critical role in ending colonial rule in Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde. We follow his story, legacy, and impact on the rest of Lusophone Africa. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: htt...
Nov 29, 2022•26 min•Season 6Ep. 5
We're joined by Heizal Nagginda, a climate and environmental activist from Uganda, and founder of Climate Operation (@climateoperation). The organisiation's mission is to educate Ugandan children and communities about climate change and its intersection with other social issues. We discuss the effects of climate change in Uganda and the wider continent, the world's response to climate change, and why we see Africans suffer disproportionately compared to those living in wealthier continents. Heiz...
Nov 15, 2022•52 min•Season 6Ep. 4
*This episode may contain The Woman King spoilers* The Agojie were fearless and skilled warrior women in the Dahomey Kingdom. By the mid 1800s, the all-female regiment was in its thousands, outmuscling rival kingdoms and participating in annual warfare. They lived in the royal palace and were taught how to fight and survive from an early age. However, the Agojie's existence is thought to have upset the invading French's understanding of gender roles, and their invasion led to the disbanding of t...
Nov 01, 2022•26 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Cabinda is an exclave and province of Angola; however, this status is disputed and part of a long-standing conflict stemming from colonialism and decolonisation. This dispute has led to decades of conflict between Cabinda's liberation movement and the Angolan government. We discuss how this situation came to be and the present state of affairs. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We...
Oct 18, 2022•24 min•Season 6Ep. 2
As China looks for resources to benefit its growing consumption, African countries are looking for funds for development. We're now seeing Chinese state-owned firms building large scale infrastructure within the continent in exchange for access to minerals and oil. In 2000 Sino-African trade was 10 billion dollars. Just fourteen years later, this grew to 220 billion dollars. How did this happen? Is China looking to be in their words “friends of Africa” or are they a new set of colonisers? Ahmed ...
Oct 04, 2022•28 min•Season 6Ep. 1
To celebrate It's a Continent's Pub Day, we're joined by Juliana from No Shame in My Name Podcast, where she interviews us (on our own show - why not!) We discuss the writing process, our origin story, secrets behind the podcast and what we'd love our readers to take from our book baby. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is NOW available: itsacontinent.com/book Buy me a Coffee : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit ou...
Jul 06, 2022•51 min•Season 5Ep. 10
The Aksum kingdom was a wealthy African civilisation and a major empire of the ancient world, thriving for centuries as a prosperous society and a spiritual home for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. During the kingdom’s peak power, it conquered southern Arabia. This episode sees us discuss the empire's rich history, and how amazing it is that a lot of Aksum's artefacts can be found in Ethiopia, not exclusively in the British Museum.... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. ...
Jun 21, 2022•22 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Prince Louis Rwagasore was a key political figure in Burundi's history. He was known as the unifying prince as he worked to unite the country's ethnic groups, which Belgium had divided. In 1958 he established the Party for National Unity and Progress (UPRONA), and in September 1961, they successfully won the elections to lead an independent Burundi. But on Friday 13th October 1961, Prince Louis Rwagasore was assassinated, only 16 days after being sworn in as prime minister. Follow us on IG: itsa...
Jun 07, 2022•27 min
Africa contains five of the top thirty oil-producing nations, accounting for 85% of the continent’s oil reserves. However, unethical practices by some oil multinational corporations have seen social movements by host communities and human rights groups. Oil exploration has led to underdevelopment, pollution, and the eroding of traditional practices within host regions. In this episode we'll look at the relationship between oil companies and local governments, and how this has furthered corruptio...
May 24, 2022•28 min•Season 5Ep. 7
We're joined by Heizal Nagginda, a climate and environmental activist from Uganda, and founder of Climate Operation (@climateoperation). The organisiation's mission is to educate Ugandan children and communities about climate change and its intersection with other social issues. We discuss the effects of climate change in Uganda and the wider continent, the world's response to climate change, and why we see Africans suffer disproportionately compared to those living in wealthier continents. Heiz...
Apr 19, 2022•51 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Around a decade ago, one of the first “viral” moments of the social media age took place. This involved American men launching a campaign to make Joseph Kony the most famous man in the world. Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) (which had existed for decades prior), had been indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. But was this a case of activism, slacktivism, or white saviourism on a global scale? Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. Pre-ord...
Mar 29, 2022•25 min•Season 5Ep. 5
The Chagos Islands are located in the Indian Ocean, home to Chagossians. However, the islands' sovereignty remains disputed to this day. The UK continues laying claims to the islands, despite being urged to end its unlawful occupation. In this episode we’ll focus on the expulsion of Chagossians from their home country, and the steps the British government have taken to make it more difficult for Chagos islanders to return home. This episode originally aired in April 2021. https://www.gofundme.co...
Mar 15, 2022•28 min•Season 5Ep. 4
