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 stamps02:05 Leader of the Year10:57 Story of the Year21:14 Election of the Year26:58 Startup of the Year33:40 “What's in the World” of the Year38:18 “Thank God That’s Not Our Leader” of the Year 42:44 Stories for 2026https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

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/ahttps://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 helicopter crash in Ghana.Time stamps:01:02 Updates on Alassane Ouattara’s announcement to run for a fourth term and on the helicopter crash in Ghana03:51 Where are Nigeria’s ambassadors?09:22 Somaliland’s offer to Trump18:24 Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice34:44 What in the worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

SummaryIn 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 stamps1:48 Mkhwanazi takes on the ANC12:48 Democratic backsliding on the continent21:24 Tinubu's economic reforms35:45 What in the worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

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 President Buhari and also provide an update on the new President of Afreximbank.Time stamps:00:00 Comment on the passing of President Buhari02:16 Introduction03:32 Afreximbank update04:29 Mali’s Gen. Assimi Goïta12:14 Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress24:37 Africa’s critical minerals41:32 What in the Worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

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 Kenya12:16 China’s tariff tango27:26 Ghana’s economic recovery39:35 Questions from a listener41:50 What in the worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

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 developments13:18 Malawi corruption trial20:19 Afreximbank’s credit rating32:50 What in the Worldhttps://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 Africa09:15 Green Shoots Across Africa19:21 Trump vs Ramaphosa30:04 What in the Worldhttps://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 leadership.Time stamps:01:09 The Upcoming African Development Bank elections14:50 Meta’s legal troubles in Africa26:24 Who is Ibrahim Traoré?46:11 What in the Worldhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/

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 in Ivory Coast, DRC, Tunisia, and Tanzania16:31 The Art of the Deal: Africa’s response to Trump25:14 Minerals in Nigeria and Ghana’s GoldBod36:06 What in the World?https://www.instagram.com/thebrief.xyz/