In this concluding episode of Africa’s Path, we move from diagnosis to action. Building on the continent’s current challenges, the conversation centres on what must be done to reclaim Africa’s development agenda. We explore practical solutions that empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen agency, and unlock innovation. From investing in homegrown enterprises to reimagining financing models and nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, this episode highlights how Africans can solve African problems. The discussion emphasises solidarity, resilience, and the critical role of entrepreneurship in shaping a future defined not by dependency, but by self-determined prosperity.
This opening episode of Africa’s Path explores the continent’s current economic and social crossroads, drawing on an earlier insight. We unpack Africa’s debt challenges, food insecurity, and reliance on imports, while highlighting the urgent need to reframe prosperity beyond GDP. The conversation teases bold solutions rooted in agency, entrepreneurship, and self-determined transformation—from rethinking governance and financing to embracing innovation and value addition. Listeners are invited to reflect on how Africa can move beyond dependency and chart a future of inclusive growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial statecraft.Read the whole insight: https://doi.org/10.59186/SI.UP3JXT4H
What does civic tech actually change—and how do we know it is working?In this episode, we unpack the “So What?” question behind African Citizens Watch, a platform built to strengthen public accountability across Africa. From promises to actions, we explore how African Citizens Watch connects evidence to action—and why that matters for governance, donor engagement, and grassroots advocacy.Tune in to hear:- The origin story of African Citizens Watch and its multi-country civic tech collaborations - How the platform answers the “So What?” with real-world impact and strategic storytelling - Lessons on promises vs reality, budget constraints and policy autonomy in African accountability efforts - Why civic tech must go beyond dashboards to drive systemic change Whether you're a civic innovator, donor strategist, or youth advocate, this episode offers insight into how platforms like African Citizens Watch are reshaping the accountability landscape.🔗 Learn more and join the movement: https://africancitizenswatch.org/#CivicTech #Accountability #AfricanCitizensWatch #DataForChange #DonorEngagement #YouthEmpowerment #GovernanceAfrica
Diving into Zimbabwe’s challenges and opportunities, and final insights from the series.
Four years in office; one more year to go: Has the government of Zambia done enough for a second term?
Botswana has long been hailed as a model of democratic stability in Africa. Yet, since gaining independence in 1966, the country remained under the rule of a single dominant party—until the historic elections of October 2024. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged victorious, ushering in a new era of governance.In this episode, we explore whether this political shift has led to meaningful change. Has the new government delivered on its campaign promises? What progress has been made, and what challenges remain as it nears the end of its first year in office?Mokaloba Mokaloba, our Botswana country researcher, joins us to unpack the evolving political landscape, assess the government's performance, and reflect on what this moment means for the future of Botswana’s democracy.
A closer look at the Government of National Unity in South Africa. Can they navigate internal tensions to deliver on commitments made to citizens?
For the first time since 1994, the ANC has lost its parliamentary majority. Now, ten parties are partnering under the Government of National Unity (GNU). But can shared governance deliver unity, or will it deepen division?
In this episode of What If ...We Think Differently?, we dive into the current state of the nation using fresh insights from our Tracker data: 121 promises made, 27 actions in progress. As old allegiances fracture and new coalitions form, we ask—what’s happening beneath the surface? And what does it mean for South Africa’s future?
Learn more about the South Africa Citizens Watch platform from our country researcher, Yolokazi Mfuto. https://africancitizenswatch.org/south-africa
Democracy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a journey. African Citizens Watch is committed to walking that path alongside everyday citizens, tracking the promises made by governments during elections across Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa.In this podcast series, we pull back the curtain. You will hear directly from the researchers immersed in the data, offering unfiltered insights into progress, pitfalls, and the power of transparency. Each episode bridges hard evidence with real-world stories, igniting conversations that matter.Tune in to explore how accountability is reshaped from the ground up. Learn how informed citizens transform governance. Be part of the movement redefining democratic engagement in Africa.
Explore how NGOs are redefining themselves beyond the traditional model, shifting back to authentic, membership-based associations and unions led by member interests. Learn about community-embedded organisations, innovative revenue strategies for sustainability, and hybrid models that blend community leadership with social enterprise. Gain concise, practical insights for building resilient, future-ready organisations.
In this episode, we examine the future of NGOs amid a rapidly changing global landscape. As traditional aid models face disruption, marked by reduced foreign funding and shifting donor priorities, NGOs must adapt to survive. We discuss how aid, once driven by donor interests and conditionalities, is being reimagined around mutual benefit and local agency, especially as Africa asserts its leverage through resources and skilled labour.
We also explore the necessity for NGOs to reset their strategies—prioritising accountability to their members, embracing digital transformation, and fostering local leadership.
Join us as we unpack these critical challenges and opportunities, providing actionable insights for NGO leaders, donors, and policymakers committed to shaping a more impactful and self-reliant nonprofit ecosystem.
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the fast-changing world of NGOs and nonprofits! Discover how organisations are navigating a perfect storm of funding cuts, rising costs, and fierce competition for resources, all while demand for their services keeps climbing.
We will unpack why today’s leaders need to think beyond traditional models, embracing entrepreneurial mindsets and bold strategies like mergers and collaborations to survive and thrive. From workforce shortages and financial uncertainty to the power of innovative partnerships, join us for a candid look at what it really takes to stand out, adapt, and make a lasting impact in 2025’s challenging landscape.
In this episode of the What If… We think differently? podcast, we discuss the dramatic shifts in NGO funding that unfolded in January 2025, focusing on the significant cuts to official development aid by major donors like the US and European countries. Drawing from Tendai’s recent paper, The Future of NGOs (https://doi.org/10.59186/SI.3KYH7WCH), we distil the key issues around sustainability and the evolving role of NGOs amid these funding disruptions.
We explore:
The conversation also highlights the shrinking legal and financial space for NGOs, especially in Africa, and contemplates whether this marks the end of an era for traditional aid models or the beginning of a new paradigm. Join us as we unpack these critical developments and set the stage for future discussions on the resilience and transformation of NGOs in a changing global landscape.#FutureOfNGOs #AidTransition #GlobalDevelopment #RethinkingAid #BeyondAidEra
We discuss the supposed ephemeral nature of community-based foundations practicing philanthropy in African Philanthropy. In this conversation, Tendai and Nonstikelelo interrogate the lack of systems, structure, and sustainability of African organisations. Although agile and responsive, Tendai posits that such African philanthropy organisations have not set themselves up for permanence because in their minds the problems they deal with are temporary ones that require a temporary solution. Despite their ephemerality, these pools build community resilience in a significant way. They stand against a potential threat of loss of agency when larger organisations engage with communities. The conversation also raises questions about how broad-based participation can lead to robust community engagement.
In this episode, we discuss the future of African Philanthropy as well as its vast potential to contribute towards the development of the continent. The conversation highlights emerging opportunities for giving from a growing African middle class, an engaged and connected youthful population and the growing impact of African multinational corporations with larger capacities to contribute through corporate social responsibility channels. A key thread in this conversation is the opportunity for philanthropic efforts to be directed in transformative ways in support of high-growth economic industries. In addition, Tendai discusses how African philanthropy has the capacity to bring together different players in a non-partisan and a-political atmosphere, centred on the singular agenda of Africa’s development
In this episode, Tendai Murisa and Nontsikelelo Nzula examine the distinctive cultural factors influencing philanthropic practices in Africa, contrasting community-driven initiatives with global giving. They discuss the roles of High-Net-Worth Individuals and corporate philanthropy in the African context, emphasizing the necessity for African philanthropy to transcend external frameworks. The discussion advocates for the development of a strong ecosystem comprising African thinkers and institutions capable of informing philanthropic efforts in accordance with the continent's specific needs. They underscore the importance of shifting away from externally imposed development models in favour of solutions that originate from within African communities.
In this episode, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted nature of African philanthropy. Our discussion delves into its historical roots and traces the evolution of philanthropic practices through various eras. We examine the impact of urbanization, noting how it can dilute the communal bonds that traditionally underpin philanthropy. Additionally, we consider the role of gender and the significant disruptions caused by colonization on African philanthropic traditions.
The discussion provides a comprehensive examination of the concept of philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on the distinctions between African philanthropy and global philanthropy. It underscores the communal aspects of charitable giving that characterise many African societies, the rise of African billionaires as key philanthropic figures, and the complexities involved in defining philanthropy. The conversation also stresses the significance of recognising local practices and the interdependence inherent in philanthropic initiatives.
Is there an alternative approach to development in Zimbabwe? What are the key challenges hindering Zimbabwe's development, and what viable alternatives exist? Join us to explore and dissect these ideas in this episode.
Join us as we explore the current policy-making landscape and challenge the status quo. Through insightful analysis and compelling discussions, we delve deep into the patterns of the past processes of policy making and uncover the possibility of an alternative approach. Tune in now and be part of the conversation that could redefine the way government engages citizen when making policies.
Zimbabwe’s Land and Agrarian reform; outstanding issues, ecosystem of production and possibilities.
It’s been 24 years since the beginning of the Fast Track land reform program. What happened, where are we, and what needs to be fixed? Join us as we discuss the Zimbabwean agrarian landscape and what the future could look like.