AfriCan Geopardy Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood

In the latest episode of AfriCan Geography, we discussed "Unlocking Nigeria's Blue Economy Potential for Sustainable Growth" with Ms Kashimana Tsumba. She is a maritime lawyer specialising in resolving disputes related to charter parties, crewmen's wages, collisions, and marine insurance contracts. Ms. Tsumba advises ship owners and insurers and is actively involved in enforcement proceedings for LMAA arbitrations. Our discussion covered the opportunities inherent in Nigeria's blue economy and the legal, strategic, operational, and infrastructural challenges of harnessing its potential. Ms Tsumba also touched on what can be done differently to ensure the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria's ocean economy.

Thank you for tuning in.

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explored the "changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa" with Prof. Freedom Onuoha, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Coordinator of the Security, Violence, and Conflict (SVC) Research Group at the university. Prof. Onuoha's research interests include aspects of national and transnational security threats, with an emphasis on terrorism, violent extremism, insurgency, maritime security, violent conflict, organized crime, peacebuilding, and state fragility. During the discussion, Prof. Onuoha shed light on the various ways in which the evolving patterns of terrorism in the Sahel region could compromise maritime security in Africa, citing examples from Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, and other states. He also discussed the increased threat posed by the use of drones by terrorist groups and outlined measures that coastal states and their partners could take to mitigate these looming dangers.

Thank you for listening.

In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Ife Okafor-Yarwood, discusses the "politicisation of unsustainable fisheries practices in Africa". Her reflection is driven by what she views as the "Chinalisation" of threats to sustainable fisheries in Africa, which she believes undermine collective efforts towards sustainable fisheries. The discussion explores numerous instances where EU and European companies and vessels have contributed to unsustainable fishing practices and by extension, the depletion of fish stock on the continent. 

For policymakers and implementers on the African continent, the focus should be strengthening the laws, empowering enforcement agencies, improving monitoring, control, and surveillance capability, and collaborating with their neighbours.



If you are interested in learning more about the issues raised, you may check the following sources:




Greenpeace, (2021). Major European companies linked to food insecurity in West Africa - Greenpeace Africa
Oceana, (2021). Oceana-Summary6-22
CFFA, (2023). 'It takes two to tango' – EU fishing partnerships agreements must become more attractive to partner countries — Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (cffacape.org)
Okafor-Yarwood I., and Belhabib D. (2020). The duplicity of the European Union Common Fisheries Policy in third countries: Evidence from the Gulf of Guinea - ScienceDirect

In the latest episode of African Geopardy, we discussed the topic of "Women and Youths in Diplomacy: Realities from the African Continent" with Ambassador Khouloud Ben Mansour. She is the African Union Youth Ambassador of Peace for North Africa (Tunisia) and a UN Women Young Women Peacebuilders Program graduate, where she received training in conflict theories, analysis, and gender-sensitive conflict analysis. Our conversation focused on the critical role that women and youths in Africa play in diplomacy and, more specifically, in working towards peace and security on the African continent. We explored their challenges and how their skills can be better utilised in working for peace on the continent. Ambassador Khouloud spoke passionately about these issues, and having her on our podcast was an absolute joy.

We hope you enjoy listening to it. #AfriCan

In this February episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss "State Action At Sea in Cote d'Ivoire: Success Stories and Opportunities for Improvement" with Mr Abroulaye Fofana, the Permanent Secretary of the Inter-ministerial Committee for State Action at Sea, SEPCIM-AEM. Mr. Fofana, under the authority of the Prime Minister, oversees the coordination of missions for about fifteen agencies, both civilian and military, operating or having an interest at sea.

During the discussion, we discussed the institutions implementing State Action at Sea, their successes, opportunities for improvement, and much more. Happy listening!

In the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we discuss what it means to holistically address maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with Senior Captain Charles Bamele, the Operational Coordination Director for State Action at Sea, Cote d'Ivoire. Additionally, we explore the successes and challenges of the Yaounde Architecture since the signing of the Yaounde Agreement in 2013 with Navy Capt. Atonfack Guemo, the technical adviser to the Minister of Defence, the Head of the Communication Division, and the spokesperson for the Cameroonian Armed Forces.

Enjoy!