The Africa Briefing

In this episode, Loye and Fola give out awards for 2025. They select their Leader of the Year, Story of the Year, Election of the Year, Startup of the Year, “What in the World” of the Year, “Thank God That’s Not Our Leader” of the Year, and finally closing with stories they’re looking out for in 2026. Happy New Year you beautiful people!  Time stamps 02:05 Leader of the Year 10:57 Story of the Yea...

Season Two of The Africa Briefing has officially come to an end. Loye and Fola announce that they will be back on the 1st of December for their end of year wrap up and awards. Time stamps: N/a https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

In this episode, Loye and Fola provide updates on Nigeria’s lack of ambassadors, an offer made by Somaliland to President Trump, and the acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ and what it means for the African media landscape. But first, they provide quick updates on Alassane Ouattara’s announcement of his decision to run for a fourth term in the upcoming Ivorian elections, as well as on the recent...

Summary In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss a recent allegation by a police commissioner in South Africa that top ANC officials are involved in a criminal syndicate; the state of democracy across the continent; and Nigeria's macroeconomic successes that fail to trickle down to the everyday citizen. Time stamps 1:48 Mkhwanazi takes on the ANC 12:48 Democratic backsliding on the continent 21...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the political developments in Mali under the junta leader, Gen. Assimi Goïta; the potentials and pitfalls of the new opposition coalition in Nigeria, the African Democratic Congress; and the increasing importance of Africa’s critical minerals in geopolitics and international relations. At the start of the episode, they briefly comment on the passing of Presid...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the ongoing protests in Kenya, the decision by China to grant tariff free access for all African countries (minus Eswatini), and Ghana's economic recovery under President Mahama. They also address two questions a listener about Afrexim Bank. Listen till the end for a spicy what in the world from Kenya! Show notes: 01:20 Protests in Kenya 12:16 China’s ta...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss some recent developments in Nigeria’s Fintech space, ongoing corruption trials involving a British-Malawian citizen, and the downgrading of Afreximbank’s credit rating by Fitch. Time stamps: 01:00 Fintech developments 13:18 Malawi corruption trial 20:19 Afreximbank’s credit rating 32:50 What in the World https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

In this episode, the hosts discuss the rise of authoritarianism in East Africa, emerging economic growth across the continent, and a diplomatic encounter between South African President Ramaphosa and former U.S. President Trump. Time stamps: 02:47 Authoritarianism in East Africa 09:15 Green Shoots Across Africa 19:21 Trump vs Ramaphosa 30:04 What in the World https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the upcoming African Development Bank election, Meta's legal challenges across the continent, and the rise of Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. They explore the implications of these events on the continent's future, highlighting the importance of intra-African trade, the challenges posed by external influences, and the need for accountability in lead...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the increasing use of "Lawfare" in various countries across the continent as a means for incumbents to retain control in election years.  The conversation then shifts to Africa's response to President Trump and the various deals being cut.  Finally, we explore the potential of mineral resources in Ghana and Nigeria. Time stamps: 01:18 Lawfare i...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the implications of President Trump's global tariff policy, particularly its adverse effects on African economies like Lesotho.  The conversation then shifts to the increasing involvement of Middle Eastern countries in African politics, highlighting Qatar's mediation in the DRC conflict.  Finally, we explore the potential of AI in Africa, emphasisin...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss: (1) the expulsion of South Africa's Ambassador to the US; (2) Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Fund and what it means; and (3) ECOWAS: Guinea Bissau, Mahama's overtures to the Alliance of Sahelian States, and the Eco. Time stamps 02:04 South Africa’s Ambassador expelled from America 14:05 Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Fund 22:09 ECOWAS: Guinea Bissau, Maham...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss: (1) the evolving foreign policy of Kenya under President William Ruto and its implications for regional diplomacy; (2) the budget crisis in South Africa, where the ANC's proposed VAT increase has sparked controversy within the coalition government; and (3) an overview of the African venture capital landscape, including the challenges faced by startups a...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the the conclusion of the Binance Brouhaha in Nigeria; USAID, Trump and his impact on Africa; and the African Union elections. 00:51 Binance controversy in Nigeria 15:19 Trump, USAID, and Africa 28:17 African Union elections https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the crisis in Goma, Congo; ECOWAS turning 50 and its future; and Nigeria shooting itself in the foot. 01:12 The Crisis in Goma 15:41 ECOWAS @ 50 and the Alliance of Sahelian States 28:11 Nigeria – one step forward, two steps back https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss the World Bank and African Development Bank's Mission 300, Nigeria becoming a partner nation to the BRICS and election-related violence in Mozambique. 00:00 Introduction to African Politics and Business News 01:05 World Bank's Mission 300: Electrifying Africa 10:18 Nigeria Joins BRICS: Implications and Challenges 21:40 Mozambique's Election Vio...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss Turkey stepping in as a mediator between Ethiopia and Somalia, Ethiopia's economic growth including their new stock exchange, Senegal's parliamentary elections, Francophone Africa's military men, Nigeria's usual wahala and Malawi shaking down foreign businesses. We also touch briefly on elections come and gone.  00:00 Welcome back 02:22 Wh...

In the season finale, Loye and Fola reflect on the significant events of the year in African politics, technology, and business. They do so by giving awards in the following categories: Leader of the Year, Story of the Year, Country of the Year, Election of the Year, Startup of the Year, ‘What in the World’ of the Year, the stories they’re watching for next year, and ‘Thank God That’s Not Our Lead...

In this episode, Loye and Fola discuss Nigeria's economic struggles, Gabon's constitutional changes, Zimbabwe's land compensation issues, Mozambique's election irregularities, and Kenya's political landscape. They also touch on Botswana's upcoming elections and celebrate Egypt's malaria-free status. 01:57 Nigeria's Economic Challenges and Reforms 10:00 Gabon...

In this episode, the Fola & Loye discuss significant developments in African politics, focusing on Nigeria's gas reserves and oil deregulation, Ethiopia's regional isolation, Mozambique's presidential elections, and Kenya's political turmoil. They also touch on the impact of global conflicts on African migrants and a hilarious What In The World. Chapters 00:00 Introduction...

This week we're discussing various pressing issues across Africa, including the illegal mining crisis in Ghana known as Galamsey, political unrest in Tunisia, Senegal's shifting political alliances, competition in Kenya's internet market with Starlink, Malawi's economic initiatives, JP Morgan's expansion into Africa, and Russia's growing influence in the region. We&ap...

This week we're updating you on developments of Liquified Natural Gas in Nigeria, Adani Enterprises foray into Kenya, National Identity Systems in the DRC and Attempted Assassinations in Comoros. There's also a bunch of quick takes like Senegal dissolving its Parliament, Ghana's Refinery dreams, the result of the Algerian elections and an attack on Uganda's Bobbi Wine.  Join us...

This week we're updating you on the infamous Black Axe group, Corruption in Angola, more politics in the Horn of Africa and nationalisation in Burkina Faso. There's also a bunch of quick takes like the second largest diamond in history being found in Botswana, Senegal's government setting up a natural resource review commission, and Malawi's elections heating up!  Join us in ke...

(Nigeria was not as fast as lightning)  This week we're updating you on Nigerian Debts, Politics in the Horn of Africa and Moroccan Industrial Policy. There's also a bunch of quick takes like huge cannabis plant in Rwanda, the rise of MPox, and a Nigerian in space! Join us in keeping it brief across the continent.  https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

This week we're updating you on protests in Nigeria, Ethiopia's currency devaluation (and its resulting IMF loan package), Zambia firing it's anti-corruption board and MNT-Halan raising $157.5 million. There's also a bunch of quick takes like the Tech M&A wave across the continent, Mercury Bank leaving African startups high and dry and France's about face in the Wester...