10 episodes

"On Africa" is a convening space for rich and nuanced conversations about the continent with a broad and diverse array of thought leaders. The program will cover a variety of issues across every region of Africa, ranging from politics, governance and conflict; to history, economics, art and culture.

On Africa Travis Adkins

    • News
    • 4.9 • 50 Ratings

"On Africa" is a convening space for rich and nuanced conversations about the continent with a broad and diverse array of thought leaders. The program will cover a variety of issues across every region of Africa, ranging from politics, governance and conflict; to history, economics, art and culture.

    Africa, Imagery and the Western Gaze w/ Kainaz Amaria

    Africa, Imagery and the Western Gaze w/ Kainaz Amaria

    This episode of the On Africa podcast examines the West's historical and contemporary uses of photography and photojournalism to shape narratives of Africa and African peoples. Our discussion ranges from the New York Times' controversial coverage of the January 2019 Al-Shabab attacks in Nairobi, Kenya; to the historic role of National Geographic's imagery; and the standard tropes related to Africa that permeate Western Media - exploring their racist implications, double standards and harmful impacts.
    We are joined by photojournalist Kainaz Amaria, who serves as the Visuals Editor for Vox News and is an outspoken voice on these issues.
    Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!
     

    • 42 min
    The Challenge of Democracy in Tanzania w/ Mr. Tundu Lissu

    The Challenge of Democracy in Tanzania w/ Mr. Tundu Lissu

    This episode of the On Africa podcast explores political developments in Tanzania. Specifically, we examine reports of democratic backsliding in the nation as evidenced by the annulment of polls in Zanzibar in 2015, the ban on opposition party protests, and the arbitrary arrests of politicians and journalists.
    To help navigate these issues, we're joined by Mr. Tundu Lissu, a Member of the Tanzanian Parliament and representative of the country's leading opposition party CHADEMA (Party for Democracy & Progress).
    Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!
     
     

    • 45 min
    Red Sea Rivalries in the Horn of Africa w/ Zach Vertin

    Red Sea Rivalries in the Horn of Africa w/ Zach Vertin

    This episode of the On Africa podcast examines the emergence of new economic and military investments by Gulf states in the Horn of Africa, as well as the geopolitical and strategic competition it entails. 
    To help us unpack these rivalries within and between Gulf states and nations in the Horn of Africa, I spoke with Zach Vertin of the Brookings Institution's Doha Center - who published the article "Red Sea Rivalries" in the January 2019 edition of Foreign Affairs magazine.
    Zach is also the author of the recently released "A Rope from the Sky: The Making and Unmaking of the World's Newest State" which focuses on political developments in South Sudan.
    Please tune in, rate, review and enjoy!
      

    • 38 min
    Beyond Bread: Civilian Protests in Sudan

    Beyond Bread: Civilian Protests in Sudan

    This episode of the On Africa podcast features Sudanese scholar and activist Nisrin Elamin (Stanford University) and Dr. Zachariah Mampilly, Professor of Political Science (Vassar College) in an in-depth discussion on the current civilian protests in Sudan.
    While the latest spate of protests was sparked by rising bread prices, the underlying grievances of Sudanese citizens revolve around decades of political and economic marginalization. 
    Please tune in and enjoy!
     

    • 39 min
    Sudan & South Sudan w/ Amb. Susan D. Page Part 3

    Sudan & South Sudan w/ Amb. Susan D. Page Part 3

    This episode is the third and final installment of our in-depth conversation with Ambassador Susan D. Page, who made history at the first U.S. Ambassador to the newly independent nation of South Sudan in 2011.
    In this closing segment, we explore her arrival to South Sudan as ambassador, the greatest lessons and challenges of her tenure, and her thoughts on the prospects for peace in the nation’s current conflict. Please tune in and enjoy!

    • 27 min
    Sudan & South Sudan w/ Amb. Susan D. Page Part 2

    Sudan & South Sudan w/ Amb. Susan D. Page Part 2

    This is the second of a three-part episode featuring Amb. Susan D. Page, who made history by serving as the first U.S. ambassador to the newly independent nation of South Sudan in 2011.
    This segment of our fascinating discussion examines her role in the negotiations that led to the separation of Sudan & South Sudan, as well as her ascent to ambassador. Please check out Episode 1 if you missed it, and enjoy this latest installment!

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
50 Ratings

50 Ratings

EyeMD ,

Engaging African discourse and discussions!

Wow! Ever since spending several months as a surgical volunteer in Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana a decade ago, I have longed to return to Africa. For a variety of reasons (kids, work, etc.), I have never had the chance. That said, I am always on the lookout for opportunities to vicariously visit, be it through books, print journalism, or — most recently — podcasts. Having just finished my first episode of “On Africa”, I must say that I am stoked. Travis has put together a really great listen, and I wish him well in this informative endeavor. Here’s to hoping his great work gets the wide audience it truly deserves. Keep up the GREAT work! Regards, a fan from another windswept desolate corner of the globe (Lubbock, TX)

eyayboke ,

One to watch (or, in this case, listen to)

If the first episode is any indication of what's to come, On Africa is definitely a podcast to put in your rotation.

Ms. Nayah ,

Amazing New Podcast on Africa!

So excited for this new show on all things Africa. Episode 1 with Amb. Johnnie Carson was broad, deep and informative! Bravo Travis Adkins!

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