Connecting the Dots: Africa’s Year Ahead

About this episode

The episode reflects on the defining moments of 2025 and explores what 2026 may hold for Africa.

In the first episode of this season, Oge is joined by Fonteh Akum, Executive Director of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist and Head of Strategy at UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, to reflect on the defining moments of 2025 and explore what 2026 may hold for the continent. While 2025 brought few surprises, it reinforced trends that had long been taking shape on the continent. From the drastic shift in U.S. policy toward Africa to the spread of youth movements, evolving security challenges, and shifting economic dynamics, these trends define a pivotal moment for the continent. Economically, Africa continued its recovery from the long-term impacts of COVID-19, alongside a notable shift in investment from the public sector toward the private sector. Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation underscores the importance of consistency and of connecting the dots between security, development, finance, and governance.

People in this episode

Host: Oge

Guests: Fonteh Akum, Raymond Gilpin

Topics covered

• Africa
• U.S. policy
• youth movements
• security challenges
• economic dynamics
• COVID-19 recovery
• private sector investment
• governance

Keywords

• Institute for Security Studies
• UNDP
• Regional Bureau for Africa

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Connecting the Dots

Places: Africa, U.S.

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