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WASSAP: The Africa-West Asia Podcast

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WASSAP: The Africa – West Asia Podcast translates the findings of a three-year research project on West Asian (Gulf)-Sub-Saharan African relations into an accessible, engaging audio format. It explores how economic, political, cultural, religious, and security ties between selected Gulf countries and African partners are evolving and why these shifts matter globally, particularly for Europe. Hosts of the podcast are Désirée Custers (Project Manager, CARPO) & Hubert Kinkoh (Senior Researcher, CARPO) The WASSAP podcast is supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation.

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CARPO

Episodes

Special World Cup Episode: Football between Africa and the Gulf 30.06.2026 38:50

In this special World Cup episode of the WASSAP podcast, we explore how football is increasingly shaping relations between Africa and the Gulf, from the expanded 2026 tournament to Saudi Arabia’s hosting ambitions for 2034. Host Desirée Custers is joined by Hubert Kinkoh and Dr. Sebastian Sons to examine how football has evolved into a field of geopolitical competition, diplomacy, and strategic en...

Energy, Ports, and Corridors in Gulf–Africa Relations 16.06.2026 38:06

In this episode of the WASSAP podcast, we explore the role of energy, ports, and infrastructure corridors in shaping Gulf–Africa relations. Hosts Desirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh are joined by Dr. Maddalena Procopio and Dr. May Darwich, who provide insights into how Gulf states are expanding their economic engagement across Africa through investments in energy, logistics, and port infrastructure....

Iran and Sub‑Saharan Africa: Relations in Turbulent Times 02.06.2026 31:34

In this episode of the WASSAP podcast, we explore a less frequently discussed dimension of Africa–West Asia relations: Iran’s engagement with the African continent and how African actors navigate their relationships with Iran. Hosts Désirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh are joined by Ambassador Frederic Gateretse‑Ngoga and Dr. Hamid Talebian, who bring institutional and research perspectives on Iran–A...

African Agency in Gulf - Africa Relations: South Africa & Ethiopia 19.05.2026 31:44

In this episode of the WASSAP podcast, we take a closer look at how African agency unfolds in real-world partnerships with Gulf countries. Moving from abstract conceptualization of agency to concrete examples, hosts Desirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh are joined by Dr. Bob Wekesa and Dr. Amare Aweke, who bring perspectives from South Africa and Ethiopia. Together, they explore how African actors eng...

Introducing The WASSAP Project 05.05.2026 32:59

In this inaugural episode of WASSAP: The Africa-West Asia Podcast, hosts Désirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh introduce the WASSAP project (West Asia – Sub‑Saharan Africa Partnerships in Flux) and set the stage for the podcast series. Together with Jan Hanrath, CEO and co-founder of CARPO, and Dr Sebastian Sons, Senior Researcher of CARPO, the episode explores why relations between Gulf countries and...