AfriCan Geopardy

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

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.

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

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!

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