Episode 1: Africa’s Role on the Global Stage

Africa’s influence on global decision-making is rising as the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent – but will young people be given the power to shape it? Together, the guests highlight ways young African countries are navigating geopolitical shifts, increasing their role in multilateral forums, and leveraging demographic and economic momentum. This is a call-to-action for anyone who believes Africa should lead as an innovator on the world stage.

Guests:

• Jake Bediako – Director of Policy and Implementation for Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Initiative.
• Dr. Chukwuemeka Eze – Director for Democratic Futures in Africa at Open Society Foundations.
• Chido Mpemba – formerly the African Union’s Special Youth Envoy and currently the Advisor to the African Union Commission Chairperson for Women, Gender, and Youth.

Episode 2: Climate, Peace & Security Nexus

What does it mean to make peace with nature — and why could that be the key to lasting peace between people? Former President Juan Manuel Santos shares the extraordinary indigenous mandate that shaped his leadership, while Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim explains how climate shocks in Africa are driving conflict and migration. Khouloud Ben Mansour brings in the youth, peace, and security lens, stressing that climate justice must include women and young leaders at the table. Across the conversation, you’ll hear why African knowledge systems are vital to global climate solutions, and how reframing climate as a security issue could shift the way the world responds.

Guests:

• Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim – Chair of the Planetary Guardians and President of the Indigenous Women and Peoples Association of Chad
• Khouloud Ben Mansour – Tunisian junior diplomat and former African Union Youth Ambassador of Peace
• Juan Manuel Santos – former President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Chair of The Elders

Episode 3: Global Partnerships and Delivering on Finance

Following the Financing for Development (FfD4) Summit, this conversation explores how ambitious commitments can translate into tangible outcomes for Africa’s sustainable growth. Guests reflect on key summit outcomes and discuss how governments, financial institutions, and the private sector can build meaningful partnerships. With practical examples, they highlight accountability, innovative finance, and youth-focused investments as drivers of African-led development.

Guests:

• Ambassador Dr. Chola Milambo – Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations
• Chidi Okpala – Executive Director of Group Integration and Strategy, Heirs Holdings
• Nabila Aguele – Chief Executive, Nigeria at the Malala Fund
• Tumi Mhkize-Malebo – United Nations Foundation Next Generation Fellow

Episode 4: The Trust Deficit 

When trust in institutions crumbles, democracy suffers and progress falters. Chimdi Neliaku and Sierra Leone Minister Chernor Bah share on-the-ground lessons about building public trust in government through accountability and civic engagement. Joseph Asunka brings hard data from Afrobarometer on how citizens regard their leaders, while Samson Itodo underscores the power of grassroots organising to hold power to account. The guests converge on a core truth that trust is built by consistent, intergenerational fairness and action. Expect practical, people-centered ideas for strengthening the bond between African citizens and the systems designed to serve them.

Guests:

• Joseph Asunka – CEO of Afrobarometer
• Chernor Bah – Minister of Information and Civic Education from Sierra Leone
• Samson Itodo – Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and Convener of the Not Too Young To Run Movement
• Chimdindu Neliaku – Special Assistant to the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives on Interparliamentary Affairs and Public Relations

Episode 5: Educating the next generation

Education in Africa must do more than keep up — it must leap ahead. Vimbai Masiyiwa champions entrepreneurship education that sparks job creation, while Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam draws lessons from reforming Senegal’s school system for a digital future. Tina Muparadzi links skills development directly to economic transformation, making the case for public–private partnerships that align learning with labor market needs. The conversation digs into how digital literacy, innovative financing, and gender equality can work together to equip Africa’s next generation. It’s a blueprint for education that prepares students for the future of work and leadership.

Guests:

• Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam – Chair of the Global Partnership for Education and former Minister of Education of Senegal
• Ms. Tina Muparadzi – Executive Director for the Education and Transitions programming platform at Mastercard Foundation’s Education, Learning & Youth Livelihood Team
• Vimbai Masiyiwa – Entrepreneur and CEO of Batoka Africa

Episode 6: Women on the rise

Africa’s future will be written by its girls and women — if they have the resources and rights to lead. Graça Machel calls for a generational shift in how girls’ education and leadership are supported, while Françoise Moudouthe challenges donors and policymakers to back feminist movements with flexible, sustained funding. Satta Sheriff brings the voice of a new generation, connecting women’s leadership to broader fights for climate justice, peace, and economic inclusion. This episode is full of hard truths about the barriers girls and women face, paired with inspiring examples of what happens when those barriers come down.

Guests:

• Graça Machel – Women’s and children’s rights advocate; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique; co-founder of The Elders.
• Françoise Moudouthe – CEO of the African Women’s Development Fund
• Satta Sheriff – Human Rights Activist & African Union Panel of the Future Member