RECLAIMING AFRICA: 7 PODCASTS CHALLENGING THE TIRED NARRATIVES
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- 21 May 2025
Podcasting in Africa has grown tremendously over the last few years, evolving into a powerful medium for storytelling and communication across the continent. The emergence of African podcasts has witnessed outstanding development in the global media sector. For some years, there has been a narrative that Africa has been influenced by external forces such as conflict, poverty, and other instabilities. However, a movement of African communicators, journalists, and entrepreneurs has contributed to challenging these stereotypes and promoting a clearer understanding of the continent.
Unlike in Western markets, where audio-only podcasts are dominant, African audiences, particularly younger generations, show a strong preference for video podcasts, which are more easily accessible on platforms like YouTube. Visual content plays a critical role in expanding the reach of podcasts in Africa as creators use video formats to boost visibility and engage wider audiences.
Eniola Harrison and Annie Mutamba’s Africa Communications Week is a good example of this development. Launched in 2017, the initiative brought together professionals from the communications field around the world to discuss Africa’s development and promote a more balanced narrative. Harrison noted that “the prevailing narratives about Africa were either Afro-pessimistic or Afro-optimistic, both lacking nuance and depicting Africans as lacking agency.”
African podcasts are beginning to provide opportunities for Africans to share their stories and experiences, covering a wide range of topics including business, economics, culture, and identity. By enhancing African voices, these podcasts have been a significant tool in reshaping the global narrative about the continent.
Seven African Podcasts Presently Shaping Global Narratives
- Change Africa Podcast
The Change Africa Podcast, hosted by Isaac Aboah, features conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders across Africa. The podcast covers topics like technology, business, and culture, providing insights to aid growth and development in Africa. Episodes such as “Ndubuisi Kejeh: The Power of Storytelling in Building Global Brands” and “Lucy Quist: The Bold New Normal” showcase transformative ideas and inspiring stories.
- Africa Insiders
Africa Insiders, from the Africa Program at the Wilson Center, features in-depth discussions on economics, insecurities, and African politics. Hosts, Jennifer G. Cooke and Judd Devermont Aldo, provide expert analysis that offers clear knowledge of Africa’s complexities.
- AfroSapience
AfroSapience explores African culture, philosophy, and identity, featuring thought-provoking discussions on decolonization, Pan-Africanism, and African futurism. The podcast examines the continent’s intellectual and cultural heritage and promotes a clearer understanding of the richness of Africa’s history, diversity, and complexity.
- The Africa Podcast
The Africa Podcast, produced by the BBC, covers news, politics, and culture across the continent. It provides a comprehensive description of Africa’s complexities, challenges negative stereotypes, and promotes a clearer understanding of the continent.
- Next Narrative Africa
Next Narrative Africa, led by Akunna Cook, aims to reshape how the world sees Africa through media production. By promoting African stories from different perspectives, it informs the world about the true narrative of the continent.
- African Podcasters
African Podcasters are gaining worldwide recognition, transforming how stories are told and consumed. Due to the rise of podcasting on the continent, African journalists and founders are working to promote diverse narratives and perspectives that challenge negative stereotypes.
- The Daily Dish with Grace Ononiwu
The Daily Dish, hosted by Nigerian journalist Grace Ononiwu, explores African culture, identity, and politics. By analyzing current events and cultural trends, it offers insights into the complexities of African societies and helps shape global narratives of the continent.
Challenges in African Podcasting
While podcasting is growing, monetization remains a significant challenge due to limited advertising revenue. Many creators struggle to finance their content. In 2023, podcast advertising revenue across Africa was modest compared to global standards, leading creators to explore alternative funding models such as merchandise sales, live events, and crowdfunding.
The industry also faces technological challenges. High data costs and limited internet access, particularly in rural areas, make it difficult for some listeners to engage with podcasts. The infrastructural gap and inconsistent internet speeds pose obstacles to widespread adoption, though improvements in connectivity are anticipated.
In countries where media usage is restricted, podcasters face legal and political challenges, such as harassment or censorship from authorities.
The Future of Podcasting in Africa
Podcasting has a promising future in Africa, driven by a youthful population eager to consume digital content. Innovations such as live podcasting and the integration of AI for content distribution are helping creators expand their reach. With ongoing improvements in connectivity, advertisers will begin to recognize the potential of podcasts, further enabling Africa’s podcasting ecosystem.
Podcasting in Africa has evolved from a niche medium to a strong platform. Despite challenges in monetization and infrastructure, the creative freedom offered by podcasting and its ability to amplify underrepresented voices give it immense potential for continued growth. As the African podcast scene evolves, the world should anticipate more innovative storytelling and increased representation of the true Africa.
