AfroVerdict

The 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro concluded with a strong emphasis on multilateral reform, intra-bloc trade, and African agency. This episode of AfroVerdict features exclusive interviews with key stakeholders from South Africa and Ethiopia.

In the latest episode of AfroVerdict, Sputnik Africa explores the unravelling of the announced ceasefire between Iran and Israel, with insights from geopolitical analyst Dr. Oscar van Heerden, followed by commentary from Gabriel Galice of the Geneva International Peace Research Institute.

In this episode, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile lays out Africa’s vision for a fairer global system—calling for an end to Western financial dominance, for deeper BRICS cooperation, and a stronger African voice in world affairs. Then, a geopolitical expert breaks down the strategic wins from Mashatile’s meeting with Vladimir Putin.

As debates over the repatriation of looted African artifacts intensify, AfroVerdict explores Relooted, an upcoming game from South African game dev Nyamakop that reimagines artifact restitution as a high-stakes heist. In an exclusive interview with the CEO, we discuss the game’s real-world parallels and the challenges of African game development.

As Western influence wanes, African nations are turning to Russia for game-changing partnerships in critical sectors – from mineral exploration In Sierra Leone to tourism expansion in Kenya and Ethiopia. AfroVerdict brings exclusive conversations with ministers and top dignitaries.

In this episode, AfroVerdict sits down with an Afrikaner Orthodox priest who has dedicated his life to familiarising his people with Orthodoxy. By translating liturgies into Afrikaans and navigating the intersections of language, history, and faith, he offers a unique perspective on Orthodoxy’s potential to resonate with Afrikaner heritage.

As global tensions flare over Ukraine and Africa battles for sovereignty in energy and science, AfroVerdict delivers an analysis of this week’s pivotal developments. From the negotiations in Istanbul to South Africa’s fight against SpaceX’s satellites, this episode uncovers the geopolitical and technological shifts reshaping the Global South.

As the Orthodox Church is experiencing a quiet but significant rise in popularity across the continent, particularly in South Africa, AfroVerdict joins a South African priest to discuss why this ancient faith resonates with modern Africans and the parallels between Orthodox rituals and traditional African spirituality.e

In this episode, AfroVerdict brings you exclusive interviews with Uganda’s VP Jessica Alupo, security leaders from Sierra Leone and Sudan, and analysts dissecting Germany’s Ukraine escalation and AfDB’s future under new leadership.

As diplomatic efforts intensify to resolve the Ukraine conflict, AfroVerdict unpacks the high-stakes phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, while African leaders at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum demand an end to "selective justice" in international courts.

In 1994, Rwanda’s genocide saw over 800,000 killed in 100 days. Today, the nation pursues radical reconciliation—abolishing ethnic labels, forcing killers and survivors to coexist, and confronting perpetrator trauma. In this episode, we examine colonial roots and the psychological toll of enforced unity. Can genocide truly be reconciled?

African leaders unite in Moscow to celebrate Victory Day on May 9, as Putin proposes peace talks on Ukraine. Burkina Faso’s Traoré slams Western troops, while SA’s Motshekga & SANDF chief hail Victory Day unity. Putin offers unconditional negotiations in Istanbul on May 15 to put an end to hostilities. Join AfroVerdict for the whole story.

Tune in to this AfroVerdict episode to hear how experts expose Western-backed destabilization in Africa and celebrate Niger's linguistic sovereignty, as Russia proves itself Africa's reliable security ally.

In this episode of AfroVerdict, we delve into geopolitics, religious freedom, and grassroots resilience with three pivotal topics: South Africa's view on Palestine and BRICS, Moldova’s suppression of Orthodox traditions, and how a blind football coach from South Africa fights for inclusivity in African sports.

In commemoration of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, AfroVerdict host joins a political researcher and pracademic to expose how Belgian ethnic identity cards laid the groundwork for the genocide, while analyzing Rwanda's innovative reconciliation approaches.

As BRICS nations explore deeper viticulture cooperation, South Africa’s historic Groot Constantia winery shares insights with Afroverdict on preserving heritage while navigating global markets—from Trump’s tariffs to climate resilience.

In this episode, AfroVerdict host explores two groundbreaking stories: Russian jazz maestro Igor Butman’s tribute to Russian sailors in South Africa during his visit to perform at the Cape Town Jazz Festival, and Africa’s pioneering lunar mission, Africa2Moon, in collaboration with China and Russia.

As Africa battles energy poverty while navigating geopolitical tensions, AfroVerdict examines two groundbreaking developments: NJ Ayuk's push for Russian nuclear cooperation despite Western sanctions, and Peter Hamilton's revolutionary e-brick battery technology that could redefine Africa's energy sector.

March 12 and 13 proved to be critical days for geopolitical affairs, marked by Lavrov’s unfiltered interview, Putin’s talks with Lukashenko and Steve Witkoff. AfroVerdict joins a prominent author and researcher to discuss the West’s long-term ambitions for Ukraine, the roots of the Ukraine crisis and who is working behind the scenes.

In this episode of AfroVerdict, Maxim Bolotskikh, an AI expert, delves into the rapid growth of generative AI, its transformative potential in BRICS+ countries, and the ethical challenges it poses. From economic impacts to real-world applications in sectors like healthcare and agriculture, Mr. Bolotskikh shares expert insights on AI’s future.

In this episode, we’ll be examining Lavrov’s reflections on the diplomatic landscape of 2024, where he outlined Russia's key achievements and addressed the pressing issues shaping current affairs. AfroVerdict host joins a panel of experts to analyze the importance of Lavrov's words not only for Moscow, but far beyond Russia's borders.

On January 17, the world commemorates the early death of Patrice Lumumba, one of Africa's strongest actors who fought for a united Democratic Republic of the Congo free from colonization. AfroVerdict host joins the president of the association of African students at a Russian university named in honor of the Congolese hero.

Presenting a review of 2024, AfroVerdict host joins a political analyst to explore electoral outcomes across the continent, developments within BRICS, and how South Africa's chairmanship and the AU's membership in the G20 makes the West anxious.

In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, we are reminded of the devastating consequences of hatred and violence that have plagued humanity throughout history. AfroVerdict host joins an esteemed academic to discuss the roots of genocide and what people ranging from ordinary citizens to officials can do to do away with this phenomenon.

While the chains of slavery have been broken, new forms of domination colonialism linger. To help us unpack the complex phenomenon of neocolonialism, AfroVerdict is joined by a distinguished expert in African studies to explore the options available for African nations to reclaim their sovereignty and forge a path toward true independence.