AfriCan Geopardy

Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood

AfriCan Geopardy was founded in 2019. It is a fun, witty, and authentic way of discussing African geopolitics and the oceans, with a twist of breaking stereotypes about Africa. We present topics in a way that tends to make good trouble, and we are grateful to have you as our audience. The podcast is hosted by Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood.

  1. 02/08/2025

    Building an Equitable Blue Future in Madagascar

    Welcome to the new month! In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we explore “Building an Equitable Blue Future in Madagascar” with Dr Paubert Mahatante, Madagascar’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy. Dr Mahatante, who holds a PhD in applied oceanography and lectures at Toliara University on oceanography, fisheries, and climate change, brings a rare blend of scientific insight and policy leadership to the discussion. We open with the Malagasy proverb: “A tree becomes a canoe because of the goodness of the land where it took root”—a fitting reflection of Madagascar’s deep connection to its oceans and coasts. With over 5,000 km of coastline and some of the world’s richest biodiversity, Madagascar’s blue economy has vast potential yet faces pressing governance and sustainability challenges. Our conversation explored seabed mining, unlocking ocean economy opportunities, and addressing maritime security, highlighting how technology, strategic partnerships, patrol vessels, and even drones are transforming enforcement capacity. We also raised provocative questions on how to balance international donor interests with local priorities, and whether emerging ocean opportunities risk repeating extractive patterns of the past. Dr Mahatante responded with candour, sharing his vision of a just and inclusive blue economy, one where ocean benefits reach the people who depend on them, and where sustainability and equity are at the core. This is a powerful conversation on technology, partnerships, and community-driven solutions, and why Madagascar is on the path to becoming a model for inclusive ocean governance in Africa. You won’t want to miss this one! #AfriCan!

    52 min
  2. 03/07/2025

    Introduction to Dr Dyhia Belhabib’s PEW fellowship project

    In this episode, we introduce you to Dr Dyhia Belhabib’s PEW fellowship project: Tracing Illegally Sourced Fish to Consumers. Dr Belhabib was awarded a PEW fellowship in 2024 in recognition of her contributions to ocean governance and sustainability issues. Dr Belhabib is not only a leading voice in tackling fisheries crime but also a Co-founder of African Geopardy. In the early days of the podcast, we had the privilege of co-hosting episodes while Dyhia was still able to contribute — though eventually, time zone differences and other commitments made that tricky to sustain. We finally managed to sit down together in person for the first time in Bali in November 2024, just an hour before Dyhia had to leave for the airport. With barely any time to spare, we thought — let’s do this before you go! I’m only uploading the episode now because it needed some edits and, to be honest, we laughed so much during the conversation that we weren’t entirely sure how much of it to share! But in the end, it’s a fantastic episode that gives real insight into Dyhia’s project and why it matters. I hope it inspires you to find your own way of ‘getting in the way’ when it comes to protecting our oceans. You can read more about Dr Belhabib’s project here: https://www.pew.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2024/dyhia-belhabib Dyhia Belhabib, Ph.D. | The Pew Charitable Trusts #AfriCan #PewFellowship #Findawaytogetintheway

    28 min

About

AfriCan Geopardy was founded in 2019. It is a fun, witty, and authentic way of discussing African geopolitics and the oceans, with a twist of breaking stereotypes about Africa. We present topics in a way that tends to make good trouble, and we are grateful to have you as our audience. The podcast is hosted by Dr Ife Okafor-Yarwood.