Blindspot Africa

Africa Centre for Energy Policy
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Blindspot Africa is a podcast initiative designed by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) to fill this critical void. It is a podcast that unpacks multifaceted challenges within the energy and extractive space and provides a dedicated, in-depth platform for candid, unfiltered conversations with key stakeholders across the continent. It is a specialised platform that promotes knowledge sharing, transparency, and constructive dialogue, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Episodes

  1. May 25

    The Blind Spots in Africa's Critical Minerals Race

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Gyamfi Ofori speaks with Deprose Muchena, Director for Resources Futures at Open Society Foundations, about the opportunities and blind spots shaping Africa’s critical minerals and resource governance agenda. The conversation explores why Africa’s mineral wealth must be viewed not only as a source of raw materials for the global energy transition, but as a foundation for the continent’s own economic transformation. Deprose highlights the importance of geological data, scientific capacity, value addition, local content policies, and stronger linkages between mining and the broader economy. The episode also examines the need to place communities, women, youth, human rights, and environmental stewardship at the center of Africa’s resource future. From artisanal and small-scale mining to regional industrial policy and South-South cooperation, the discussion offers a timely reflection on how Africa can negotiate greater value from its resources while reducing inequality and energy poverty. Key themes include:  Critical minerals and Africa’s development agendaGeological data, science, and technological capacityValue addition and mineral beneficiationLocal content and community participationHuman rights and environmental stewardshipEnergy poverty and inclusive industrializationRegional cooperation and South-South solidarityA thought-provoking discussion on what it will take for Africa to move beyond extraction and build a resource future that delivers economic sovereignty, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

  2. May 11

    Building a Just Energy Transition: Women, Inclusion, and Africa's Future

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Gyamfi Ofori speaks with Michelle Mwambela, CEO of the Association of Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya (AWEIK), about the importance of gender inclusion and partnerships in Africa's energy and extractive sectors.  The discussion explores the barriers that continue to limit women's participation across mining, energy, and extractive value chains—from social and cultural biases to limited access to finance and technical opportunities. Michelle also highlights the progress being made through education, technology, and targeted advocacy, while emphasizing that meaningful inclusion requires more than policy commitments.  The conversation further examines why gender equity is central to a just energy transition, discussing energy access, clean cooking, economic empowerment, and how women and youth can play a greater role in delivering sustainable energy solutions. Michelle shares AWEIK's work in strengthening women's participation through skills development, mentorship, and community-based financing models that support clean energy adoption.  The episode concludes with a call for African governments to move beyond policy formulation and invest in effective implementation, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable communities are not left behind in the continent's transition to a sustainable energy future.

  3. Apr 27

    Africa's Energy Transition: Policy, Access, and Economic Development

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Kodzo sits down with Bob Felix Ocitti, Senior Policy Officer for Research, Oil and Gas at the African Energy Commission (AFREC), to explore Africa's evolving energy landscape and the policies shaping the continent's future. The conversation provides an in-depth look at AFREC's mandate, from developing energy policies and collecting continental energy data to advancing renewable energy, clean cooking, energy transition, and regional energy cooperation. Bob explains why Africa's energy transition must reflect the continent's unique realities—balancing climate commitments with the urgent need for energy access, industrialisation, and economic growth. The episode also examines the African Common Position on Energy Access and Just Transition, the role of oil and gas in Africa's development, the importance of domestic refining, regional electricity markets, and why affordable, reliable energy is essential for value addition, mining, and manufacturing. Other key topics include: - Africa's energy transition and climate commitments - Clean cooking and energy poverty - Renewable energy and fossil fuels in Africa's energy mix - Regional power pools and the African Single Electricity Market - Energy data and evidence-based policymaking - Industrialization, critical minerals, and energy security - Youth participation in Africa's energy future A comprehensive discussion on how Africa can build an energy system that delivers universal access, economic transformation, and sustainable development while defining its own path in the global energy transition.

  4. Apr 13

    Africa Mining Vision Explained: The Blueprint for Economic Transformation

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Ofori speaks with Mkhululi Ncube of the Africa Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) about two of the continent’s most important frameworks for mineral-led development: the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Mineral Strategy. The conversation unpacks a common misconception—that the Africa Mining Vision is merely a mining policy. Instead, it is presented as a broader framework for Africa’s economic transformation, using mineral resources to drive industrialization, value addition, job creation, and sustainable development. The discussion also explores how the African Green Mineral Strategy builds on this vision by positioning Africa to benefit from the global energy transition. From critical mineral value chains and local beneficiation to research, innovation, and human capital development, the episode examines how African countries can move beyond resource extraction to capture greater value from their natural wealth. Key themes include: The future of mineral value chains in AfricaIndustrialization and economic transformationThe African Green Mineral Strategy (AGMS)Critical and green minerals in the energy transitionValue addition, local content, and beneficiationPolicy implementation and regional cooperationA timely conversation on how Africa can leverage its mineral resources not just for extraction, but for long-term economic development and structural transformation.

    Africa Mining Vision Explained: The Blueprint for Economic Transformation

  5. Mar 30

    Human Rights, Mining, and Community Accountability in Africa

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Ofori speaks with Alaka Lugonzo, Partnerships Lead at Global Witness, on the evolving role of civil society in Africa’s extractive and energy sectors. The conversation explores how advocacy around human rights, transparency, and environmental accountability has shifted from internal civil society discussions to direct engagement with governments, investors, and private sector actors. Alaka shares insights on the importance of securing a social license to operate for mining companies, the growing relevance of ESG and sustainability standards, and why stronger partnerships between communities, governments, and civil society are essential for responsible resource development. The episode also addresses the challenges faced by organizations working in restricted civic spaces and highlights how strategic partnerships can help human rights defenders continue their work while reducing risk. A thoughtful discussion on mining governance, community rights, and the future of accountability in Africa’s resource sector.

    Human Rights, Mining, and Community Accountability in Africa

  6. Mar 16

    Africa Green Minerals Strategy Explained

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles sits down with Kudakwashe Manjonjo, Just Transition Advisor at Power Shift Africa, to unpack one of the most critical questions facing the continent: how Africa can move from being a raw resource supplier to a global powerhouse in the green energy transition. The conversation explores the African Green Mineral Strategy (AGMS), the urgency of building local value chains, and why Africa’s real challenge may not be resources—but vision, coordination, and political will. From the reality of 600 million people without electricity to the opportunity to reshape global supply chains, this episode challenges conventional thinking on development, trade, and energy. A sharp, forward-looking discussion on Africa’s economic future—and what it will take to secure it.

    Africa Green Minerals Strategy Explained

  7. Mar 9

    Green Businesses, Climate Change and Africa's Development

    In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Kodzo hosts Dennis Asare of IMANI Africa for a focused conversation on the intersection of green business, climate action, and Africa’s development. The discussion explores how sustainable business models and the circular economy can drive economic growth while addressing the continent’s climate challenges. Dennis shares insights into emerging opportunities within green industries, the role of policy and innovation, and how African economies can transition toward more resilient and environmentally responsible systems. The episode also highlights the growing impact of African youth-led initiatives, showcasing how young leaders and organisations across the continent are actively shaping climate solutions and redefining development pathways. A forward-looking conversation on how Africa can align economic progress with environmental sustainability—and the role of green businesses in making that shift a reality.

    Green Businesses, Climate Change and Africa's Development

  8. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Changing the Narrative of Africa's Resource Governance: Introducing Blindspot Africa (Episode 1)

    Blindspot Africa is a podcast examining the governance of energy and extractive resources across the African continent. Through expert conversations, policy analysis, and grounded African perspectives, the podcast unpacks power, politics, accountability, and decision-making in oil, gas, mining, and the energy transition—shining light on the blind spots that shape development outcomes in Africa.

    Changing the Narrative of Africa's Resource Governance: Introducing Blindspot Africa (Episode 1)

  9. Jan 19

    Trailer: Blindspot Africa

    Blindspot Africa

    Trailer: Blindspot Africa

Trailer

About

Blindspot Africa is a podcast initiative designed by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) to fill this critical void. It is a podcast that unpacks multifaceted challenges within the energy and extractive space and provides a dedicated, in-depth platform for candid, unfiltered conversations with key stakeholders across the continent. It is a specialised platform that promotes knowledge sharing, transparency, and constructive dialogue, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Information

  • Creator
    Africa Centre for Energy Policy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Blindspot Africa
  • Show Website
    Blindspot Africa