AfriCan Geopardy

Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood
  • 5.0 (3)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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. 2D AGO

    Quantifying Africa’s Oceans: Ubuntu Mathematics, Ancestral Intelligence, and the Sovereign Ledger

    In this episode, we explore “Quantifying Africa’s Oceans: Ubuntu Mathematics, Ancestral Intelligence, and the Sovereign Ledger of Maritime Wealth.” Simone Melrino Smith-Godfrey, Founder and CEO of the Centre for Applied Maritime Studies (CAMS), unveils an innovative framework to help Africa value its oceans differently. In this conversation, she breaks down Ubuntu Mathematics, reframes the ocean as a sovereign ledger of maritime wealth, and illustrates how blending ancestral knowledge with modern verification and accountability systems can transform ocean governance. This episode introduces groundbreaking ideas that drive innovation in maritime valuation, empower resource governance, and promote economic sovereignty. We discuss how greater African ownership of ocean resources can shape the future of the Blue Economy. 🌍🌊

    51 min

  2. FEB 9

    Decarbonising Shipping: Risk, Power and Opportunity for Africa

    This episode of AfriCan Geopardy examines how the global push to decarbonise shipping could reshape Africa’s trade, ports, and maritime power. Featuring Ms. Ogbugo, a maritime infrastructure and decarbonisation expert, the conversation explores whether the shipping energy transition could reinforce global inequalities—or become a strategic growth opportunity for Africa. We unpack how the IMO Net Zero framework may influence shipping costs, trade competitiveness, and port investment, and who truly holds influence over global maritime climate policy. The episode also explores whether market-based measures such as carbon pricing and fuel levies could unlock new financing for African green ports, clean fuels, and maritime skills development. A sharp, forward-looking discussion on risk, power, policy, and opportunity in Africa’s path toward net-zero shipping. Thanks, Ms Ogbugo for sharing your time and expertise with us. #DecarbonisingShipping #NetZeroShipping #MaritimeDecarbonisation #IMO #EnergyTransition #SustainableShipping #AfricanTrade

    25 min

  3. JAN 6

    Who creates and gets the value? Minerals, energy and Africa’s Agency

    In this episode of African Geopardy, we explore “Who Creates and Gets the Value? Minerals, Energy, and Africa’s Agency” with Dr. Theo Acheampong, Technical Advisor to Ghana’s Minister of Finance. Dr. Acheampong is an economist and political risk specialist with over 15 years of experience across energy, extractives, and public finance. Together, we examine who truly creates value in Africa’s minerals and energy sectors — and who ultimately captures it — through the lenses of governance, fiscal policy, and agency. This episode is packed with insights and provides a timely lens on the current global geopolitical landscape. For further reading, you may find Dr. Acheampong’s recent op-ed particularly insightful: https://cmagafrica.com/publication/who-creates-and-gets-the-value-minerals-energy-and-agency-in-sub-saharan-africa-amidst-new-great-power-competition/

    45 min

  4. 12/21/2025

    AfriCan Geopardy: Year in Review

    This year on African Geopardy, our conversations spanned regional integration, maritime security, youth and gender inclusion, illicit economies and community -led peace building; bringing AfriCan perspectives firmly to the centre of global security and development debates. Enjoy our final episode for the year and thanks to our guests and listeners for being generous with your time and expertise and for listening. Let’s do it again next year. #AfriCan

    21 min

  5. 11/01/2025

    Driving Blue Growth and Stability through the Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce…(DACCIMA)

    In this episode, we sit down with Ambassador Fidelis Onu, Director General of the Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA), to unpack how #DeltaState can harness opportunities in shipping and the blue economy to drive socio-economic growth and enhance regional security. ⚓🌊 Our conversation explored how local chambers like DACCIMA are strengthening private-sector participation in maritime trade and how ports and coastal industries are shaping Delta State’s economic future. We also discussed practical ways to align state and federal initiatives to promote sustainable blue growth and examined the vital link between maritime prosperity and stability across the Niger Delta. 💡 Insightful, forward-looking, and grounded in real experience — this episode highlights how collaboration between business and government can turn maritime potential into shared prosperity. #BlueEconomy #DeltaState #MaritimeSecurity #BlueGrowth #AfricanDevelopment

    33 min

  6. 10/04/2025

    An introduction to JustSeaCurity Dialogue

    🎙️ In this special episode of the African Geopardy Podcast, I have a conversation with Stephanie Young-Adika (Schandorf), a PhD researcher at Liverpool Hope University, as we introduce the JustSeacurity Dialogue, a collaborative webinar and dialogue series under the Just Seacurity Initiative, based at the University of St Andrews. I unpack the vision, motivation, and aspirations behind the Dialogue, and together we reflect on our shared hopes for how it can reshape maritime conversations through inclusive, justice-centred perspectives. The discussion also highlights the Dialogue’s two-stream approach: Voices from the Coast: spotlighting emerging African researchers advancing new knowledge in ocean and coastal governance. Voices from Practitioners: bringing together policymakers, industry experts, and practitioners for real-world exchange on the blue economy, maritime security, and climate justice. 🎧 We hope you enjoy listening and joining us on this journey toward more just and equitable oceans.

    27 min

  7. 09/01/2025

    The Role of Community Engagement and Religious Leaders in Preventing Violent Extremism and Promoting Local Peacebuilding

    🎙️ 🎙️ AfriCan Geopardy Episode: The Role of Community Engagement and Religious Leaders in Preventing Violent Extremism and Promoting Local Peacebuilding In this episode, we explore how community voices and faith leaders can play a vital role in preventing violent extremism and fostering lasting peace at the local level. Our guest, Dr. Mountaga El Karim Diagne, is a political scientist at Senegal’s University of Gaston Berger. With expertise in religion and politics, African geopolitics, ethics, and intercultural management, Dr. Diagne sheds light on the powerful intersection of religion, governance, and community resilience. He is also an Emerging Security Sector Leader (ESSL) Alumni of the African Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) in Washington, D.C. We hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. #Violentextremism #AfriCan

    41 min

  8. 08/02/2025

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood
  • Show Website
    AfriCan Geopardy