AfriCan Geopardy

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

🎙 In this latest episode, we explore "Empowered Together: The Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa" with Ms Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, Director of Operations at the Ghana Shippers' Authority and President of Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WiMOWCA). Ms Dauda Owu shares the founding vision behind WiMOWCA, an initiative supported by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), established to promote the inclusion, visibility, and leadership of women across the maritime and port sectors in West and Central Africa. Our discussion looks at the structural and cultural barriers that continue to limit women's participation in maritime careers, encompassing port operations and logistics, seafaring, and executive leadership roles. We also examine how gendered perceptions of physical capability are increasingly outdated in the face of technological advancement and automation, particularly in port environments where technical expertise is now more critical than physical strength. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that maritime safety, security, sustainability, and innovation are strengthened when gender equity and equality are embraced, fostering better collaboration and opportunities for both women and men across the sector. Enjoy listening and do subscribe to our podcast. Thank you. This episode was recorded in September 2024.

🎙️ In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we spotlight "Africa's Future in Focus: Empowering Youth for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding" with our guest, Ms Simone Mbodé Diouf, the African Union's Youth Ambassador for Peace in West Africa. Ms. Diouf shares her journey into the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) space, what drives her work, and the goals she is championing across the region. A seasoned international consultant on Women, Peace, and Security and co-founder of the Association for the Promotion of Young Women's Leadership in Senegal, she brings grassroots and global experience to the conversation. Ambassador Diof reflected on the peace and conflict dynamics in West Africa through the lens of YPS, tackling issues from youth unemployment, conflicts and climate change to governance challenges. With youth making up nearly 53% of the region's population and 19.2% not in education, employment, or training, Ms Diouf reflects on how these realities influence peacebuilding efforts and why youth must be at the centre of solutions. She also shares inspiring stories of youth-led initiatives, such as those in Niger, where young people are boldly leading change in the face of insecurity. We end with her reflections on what gives her hope, policy recommendations, and a heartfelt message to young Africans and peacebuilders everywhere. You may hear my son in the background. I thought of editing it, but I left it in. It's a reminder of the many hats we wear and a small window into my life as a mother. #YouthPeaceandSecurity #Peacebuilding

Welcome to the new month and the latest episode of African Geopardy! This time, we focus on a pressing issue at the intersection of resource governance, organised crime, and security: Gold and Terrorism Financing in the Sahel. Our guest, Dr Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator – Central Africa, unpacks how illegal gold mining has become a crucial financial lifeline for terrorist networks in the Sahel. As gold increasingly replaces cash in illicit transactions, its unregulated trade fuels instability, undermining state authority and prolonging violent conflicts. We also examine why the Kimberley Process and similar schemes designed to curb conflict minerals have failed to prevent illicit gold from funding armed groups. Beyond the security dimension, we discuss the broader implications of criminalising artisanal mining, drawing comparisons with petroleum refining in the Niger Delta and gold mining in Ghana. Blanket crackdowns have often pushed vulnerable communities further into informality, exacerbating both economic hardships and security threats. Dr Ojewale challenges this approach, advocating for a more integrated response that considers formalising artisanal mining where local livelihoods depend on it while strengthening governance to cut off illicit financial flows. I am grateful to Dr. Ojewale for sharing his expertise, and I invite you to listen and join the conversation!

Welcome to a new month! In this episode of African Geopardy, we explore "The Deep Blue Revolution: How Digital Technological Tools Are Transforming Maritime Security in Nigeria" with Mrs Owolabi Gladys, Head of the Deep Blue Unit at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). With over 31 years of experience in the maritime industry, she provides invaluable insights into Nigeria’s ambitious efforts to combat piracy and maritime crimes through digital technology and integrated security processes. We examine how drones, satellite surveillance, and AI-driven monitoring systems reshape Nigeria’s maritime security landscape. But how effective have these tools been? What challenges does Nigeria face in integrating digital solutions into its security framework? Mrs Olwolabi also sheds light on collaborations between the government, Navy, private sector, and international partners, the cybersecurity risks of increasing digital reliance, and key lessons other African nations can learn from Nigeria’s experience. Looking ahead, we discuss the future of tech-driven maritime governance and the policy and operational shifts needed to ensure the long-term success of the Deep Blue Project. Enjoy this compelling discussion on digital innovation, security, and the evolving frontiers of Africa’s maritime security architecture. #AfriCan #MaritimeSecurity