CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies
Fearless music activists. Savvy tech entrepreneurs. Social disrupters. Into Africa shatters the narratives that dominate U.S. perceptions of Africa. Host Mvemba...
What does it take to influence meaningful change in Nigeria’s governance landscape?
In this episode of Into Africa, Udo Ilo, author of It Is Impossible: Influencing Change in Nigeria, joins to explore the complex landscape of social and political change in Nigeria. Drawing on his extensive experience in governance reform, civic engagement, and social innovation, Udo offers valuable insights into the challenges of driving democracy and political transformation in a country marked by entrenched political structures and security concerns. From his tenure as Interim Executive Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict to his work as Nigerian representative with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, Udo shares his perspective on what it takes to challenge the status quo and introduce innovative solutions for governance. The episode also highlights lessons from Nigeria’s experience that can inform global policymakers and advocates working toward meaningful social change.
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32:13
Accra’s housing crisis is forcing young people to delay the traditional milestones of adulthood.
Catherine Nzuki is joined by Naa Laryea, a software engineer living in Accra. She walks us through what apartment hunting is like in Accra, why some landlords ask for a year or two years’ worth of rent up front, and the causes of the housing crisis in Accra.
Nelson C.J., West Africa Correspondent at OkayAfrica, joins the Afropolitan and zooms out to discuss the common drivers of the housing crunch in major West African cities. Nelson shares his findings from his recent article with OkayAfrica, examining how the National Tenants Union of Ghana is advocating for affordable housing and rent control. Lastly, as Africa’s population grows, Nelson unpacks how investing in small and mid-sized cities can help decongest cities like Accra, Dakar, and Lagos.
You can read Nelson C. J.’s work on OkayAfrica and follow Nelson C.J. on X (@nelsoncj3) and Instagram (@nelsonfromnorman____).
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25:15
Africa at a Crossroads: The 2025 African Union Summit
Since its founding, the African Union (AU) has positioned itself as a unifying force for economic integration, conflict resolution, and continental self-determination. However, recent developments—including interstate tensions and shifting global dynamics—have raised questions about the organization’s effectiveness and direction. When the 2025 AU Summit convened in February 2025, critical discussions on Africa’s political and economic future took center stage. The conversations revolved around the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), responses to regional security challenges, and African representation in global governance institutions . Yet, internal divisions and leadership struggles threaten the AU’s ability to represent Africa’s diverse interests on the world stage.
Mvemba is joined by Dr. Solomon Dersso, adjunct professor at the University of Cape Town and founding director of Amani Africa, to analyze the AU’s evolving role, the implications of the 2025 Summit, and the challenges facing the organization in maintaining unity and effectiveness.
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38:18
The think tank making impact evaluation skills accessible to every Tanzanian
We traditionally think of impact evaluation as an academic or technical skill. The Impact Evaluation (IE) Lab at the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF), a think tank in Dar es Salaam, is working to change that.
Catherine Nzuki is joined by Dr. Constantine Manda, the co-founder and inaugural Director of the IE Lab at ESRF, and Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. The core mission of the IE Lab is to expose every Tanzanian to IE, even in its simplest form, regardless of education level.
They discuss what impact evaluation is, why it’s important for every Tanzanian to be introduced to impact evaluation methods, and how the IE Lab tailors its training for policymakers and local authorities. Dr. Manda also shares the interventions done by the IE Lab to encourage Covid-19 vaccine uptake in Tanzania and healthier food habits in Dar es Salaam.
Read more about the IE Lab’s research here.
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28:02
Finding Paths to Sustainable Development in Africa
The ONE Campaign, originally founded as Debt AIDS Trade for Africa (DATA) in 2004, is a global advocacy organization dedicated to driving investments and creating economic opportunities in Africa. Over the past 20 years, ONE has continually evolved to address the continent’s most pressing challenges, ensuring its work remains relevant and impactful. ONE advocates for justice and equity in Africa’s global relationships. At its core, the organization is committed to advancing Africa’s own vision—the continent as an equal player on the world stage.
In this episode of Into Africa, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO and President of the ONE Campaign, discusses how the organization leverages public, private, and non-profit partnerships to create opportunities of sustainable development on the continent.
Fearless music activists. Savvy tech entrepreneurs. Social disrupters. Into Africa shatters the narratives that dominate U.S. perceptions of Africa. Host Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Africa program director and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington D.C., sits down with policymakers, journalists, academics and other trailblazers in African affairs to shine a spotlight on the faces spearheading cultural, political, and economic change on the continent.
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