THE AGE OF AFRICA

S2 E9: Reframing Africa: Shifting Narratives and Reassessing Economic Risk in Canadian Policy Discourse

In this compelling conversation recorded live at The Age of Africa Annual Symposium, we challenge one-dimensional “crisis” narratives and explore how Canada can adopt a balanced, future-oriented approach to its engagement with Africa. Our panel examines how historical, cultural, and political perceptions influence economic risk assessments and foreign policy strategies. By reframing the dialogue around trade, entrepreneurship, and multidimensional partnerships, we uncover new pathways to harness Africa’s evolving influence on the global stage. Moderator: Dr. Jill Humphries – CFR Higher Education Ambassador, Council on Foreign Relations, Los Angeles Panelists: Melvin Foote – President, Constituency for Africa, Washington, D.C. Helen Tewolde – Director, Access Strategy and Partnerships Office, University of Toronto; Founder, Mela Glow, Toronto Join us as we delve into actionable insights on empowering the African diaspora, leveraging creative industries for cultural diplomacy, and building multilevel alliances that drive policy, business, and social impact. Stay intentional. Stay accountable. And most importantly, let’s get to work.

S2 E8 : Converging Paths to Sustainable Growth

This illuminating how Canada and Africa can align climate goals with industrial development. Our speakers examine the mining sector’s crucial role in supplying minerals for clean technologies while maintaining sustainable extraction practices. Together, they chart a path that balances Net Zero ambitions with economic growth, positioning mining as a partner in the low-carbon transition. Moderator: Prof. Lesley Warren Claudette McKay-Lassonde Chair in Mineral & Energy Engineering • Director, Lassonde Institute of Mining, University of Toronto Panelists: Clyde Graham Director, Keystone Solutions Leadership Team, 4R Solutions, Ottawa Farah Esmail Corporate Lawyer • Managing Partner, Boyden East Africa, Nairobi David Boroto CEO, Engineers Without Borders Canada • Infrastructure Advisory Consultant, Mott MacDonald, Toronto Join us for a forward-thinking conversation on how collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices can drive sustainable growth on both continents.

S2 E7 : Financing the Future: Aligning Policy and Capital to Unlock Canada–Africa Investment Opportunities

In this incisive fireside session, recorded live at the 2025 Age of Africa Annual Symposium, moderator Michael B. Sewardda guides a compelling conversation on how public policy and capital flows can be aligned to catalyze the next phase of investment between Canada and the African continent. The discussion opens with keynote remarks from Christine Kamugisha, followed by a thought-provoking exchange with a panel of experts who critically examine the evolving landscape for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers across both regions. Featuring * Christine Kamugisha – Lawyer, Partner, Dazzle Angel Fund, Johannesburg (Opening Remarks) * Michael B. Sewardda – Founding Chair, BPEA (Business Policy & Economic Affairs) & Corporate Counsel, Toronto (Moderator), Washington, D.C. * Fenohasina Rakotondrazaka Maret, Ph.D. – Founder, ASEED Consulting; Senior Advisor, Africatalyst, Washington, D.C. * David Harley – Co-Founder & CEO, Thirdway Capital, Toronto

S2 E6 Redefining Capital: The Evolving Role of DFIs in Africa’s Economic Resilience

In this panel discussion recorded at the Munk School of Global Affairs, we explore how Development Finance Institutions are stepping up to support underfunded markets across Africa, driving private investment, pioneering new industries, and bolstering long-term economic resilience amid shrinking traditional capital flows. Panelists: Dr. Moussa Blimpo (Moderator), Assistant Professor, Economic Inequality and Societies, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto Foster Awintiti Akugri, Head of Africa Business & Expansion, The Innovation Village; Technical Consultant, International Trade Centre (Accra/Kampala) Dr. Mariam Momodu, Corporate Associate, Dentons (Toronto) Join us as our experts discuss innovations in DFI strategies and the critical question: How can these institutions adapt to ensure their interventions continue to promote sustainable growth across the continent?

S2 E5 : Africa's Rising Influence in the New Global Order

Africa is not the future,it is the now. In this powerful episode of The Age of Africa Podcast, we explore how Africa’s youthful demographics, natural resources, and technological innovation are reshaping the global order. Recorded live at The Age of Africa Annual Symposium, this episode is moderated by Kofi Hope, CEO & Co-Founder of Monumental, Urbanist in Residence, School of Cities, University of Toronto, and Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, Toronto. He is joined by: * Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, Assistant Professor, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto * Chris Roberts, Fellow, Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Instructor, Political Science, University of Calgary; President, African Access Consulting Together, they examine how Canada and Africa can build stronger diplomatic and economic ties within a shifting global landscape. 🎶 Featuring: Palco by Gilberto Gil 📍 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.