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The Brenthurst Foundation Podcast

The Brenthurst Foundation Podcast

By The Brenthurst Foundation

Through conversations with policy-makers, political actors, academics and topic experts, we talk through the development challenges facing Africa and some of the solutions on offer for economic growth and prosperity.

The series features Marie-Noelle Nwokolo as the host.
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Currently playing episode

Service Delivery at Sub-National Level: A Chat with Andrew Murray

The Brenthurst Foundation PodcastOct 26, 2022

00:00
58:05
Putting Citizens First: Co-production in Policymaking with Noreen Blanluet

Putting Citizens First: Co-production in Policymaking with Noreen Blanluet

Join us for an enlightening episode as we delve into the world of co-production in policymaking with Noreen Blanluet, co-founder of the Co-production Network for Wales. In this conversation, Noreen sheds light on the importance of putting citizens at the heart of policymaking processes, how we ought to do that and the challenges around co-production.

Mar 20, 202438:08
Bridging Divides: A chat with Roelf Meyer on the making of the South African Peace Process

Bridging Divides: A chat with Roelf Meyer on the making of the South African Peace Process

Dive into a transformative dialogue with Roelf Meyer, a key architect of the South African peace process in 1994, as we uncover invaluable insights on leadership, compromise, and fostering dialogue and how these apply in today's tumultuous world. Roelf shares firsthand experiences and timeless lessons that resonate far beyond borders. Tune in to this illuminating conversation with Marie-Noelle and discover actionable strategies to bridge divides and build a more harmonious world.

Mar 06, 202428:49
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with President Ian Khama

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with President Ian Khama

Speaking with Marie-Noelle Nwokolo, the former President of Botswana, Ian Khama, gives his full insight into life as the leader of the African nation. From his first day as President, to how the role changed him and memories from his term, President Khama leaves no stone unturned in this conversation.

Feb 21, 202436:34
Fields of Opportunity: Insights into South Africa's Agriculture Landscape with Wandile Sihlobo

Fields of Opportunity: Insights into South Africa's Agriculture Landscape with Wandile Sihlobo

Discover the heartbeat of South Africa's agriculture landscape with renowned agricultural economist, Wandile Sihlobo. In this insightful episode, we delve into the challenges between policy and implementation and what it will take to stimulate growth and employment in agriculture. The best part is that he also shares lessons that are applicable to other African countries. Tune in now!

Feb 06, 202435:20
Supporting MSMEs in the Informal Sector – the Setana Solution

Supporting MSMEs in the Informal Sector – the Setana Solution

The informal sector across Africa makes up nearly 83% of employment. However, in spite of its size, there is a general lack of engagement with the sector, from both government and private corporates.  

 

Today we speak to Prince Nwadeyi, co-founder of Setana Capital, to understand why this lack of engagement exists and what Setana is doing to resolve the challenge of financing and working capital with MSME’s in the informal sector. 


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

 

Aug 23, 202331:29
Japan’s Rise to Economic Prosperity: A Chat with Prof Kenichi Ohno (Part 2)

Japan’s Rise to Economic Prosperity: A Chat with Prof Kenichi Ohno (Part 2)

Honda, Toyota, Toshiba and Sony, to name but a few, are all successful companies to come out of Japan. How did Japan perfect enterprise and create a booming private sector? Was educational prowess the key? Listen to Part 2 of our chat with Prof Kenichi Ohno to find out.

Jun 14, 202329:08
Japan’s Rise to Economic Prosperity: A Chat with Professor Kenichi Ohno

Japan’s Rise to Economic Prosperity: A Chat with Professor Kenichi Ohno

At the end of the Second World War, Japanese cities were destroyed, a significant number of its population were killed or displaced, and its industrial capacity gutted. Yet,  like a phoenix, 1945 also saw the start ( second time around) of Japan’s rise to economic freedom. How did Japan make this dramatic economic change and what did it take? In this conversation, Marie-Noelle sits with Prof Kenichi Ohno of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo, to understand how this all happened. 


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Jun 07, 202323:54
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with Madam President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with Madam President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Speaking to Marie-Noelle,  H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the 2011 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and former President of Liberia (2006 – 2018), reflects on the moment she was announced President, the task to rebuild Liberia, her drive to advance women in public leadership in Africa, and her most-prized lessons on leadership.


 Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

May 24, 202332:18
Debt, Democracy and the Importance of Dialogue: A Chat with Olusegun Obasanjo

Debt, Democracy and the Importance of Dialogue: A Chat with Olusegun Obasanjo

Our latest podcast with Olusegun Obasanjo is a deep dive into his time as the former President of Nigeria, highlighting how he supported the country’s transition to democracy. 

This episode was recorded during a recent conversation with Dr Greg Mills of The Brenthurst Foundation and Amanda Dory of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

May 10, 202323:30
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn (Part 2)

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn (Part 2)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be Prime Minister?Well, our latest miniseries ‘Africa Through Their Eyes’ enables you to do just that through important discussions with former heads of state from across Africa. This week, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo sits down with H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, to reflect on his time in office, the choices he made and what he wishes he knew then.


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Apr 26, 202323:57
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn (PART 1)

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn (PART 1)

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be Prime Minister? 

 

Well, our latest miniseries ‘Africa Through Their Eyes’ enables you to do just that through important discussions with former heads of state from across Africa. This week, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo sits down with H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, to reflect on his time in office, the choices he made and what he wishes he knew then.  


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation



Apr 19, 202318:49
The Cream of the Crop: The Importance of Agriculture in Development with Isabelle Tsakok (Part 2)

The Cream of the Crop: The Importance of Agriculture in Development with Isabelle Tsakok (Part 2)

What role does the AfCFTA play in agricultural development? What links growth, stability and equity to agriculture? Why don’t reforms always work? 

 

Tune in to part two of Marie-Noelle’s conversation with Isabelle Tsakok to find out more!  


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Apr 05, 202325:20
The Cream of the Crop: The Importance of Agriculture in Development with Isabelle Tsakok (Part 1)

The Cream of the Crop: The Importance of Agriculture in Development with Isabelle Tsakok (Part 1)

Africa’s arable land has increase by 52% in 20 years, so why do a large portion of the continent’s population still live in poverty? 

 

This week, Marie-Noelle and Isabelle Tsakok of the Policy Center for the New South dissect the importance of agricultural transformation to help development, uncovering the possible impacts of climate change and government involvement, or lack thereof, in the process. 

 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Mar 29, 202335:36
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma Part II

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma Part II

This week we continue the conversation with H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma as he gives us an insight into the many surprises he experienced during his time as Sierra Leone's President, trends relating to coups across the region and his hopes for Africa by 2050. If you’ll do anything today, it’s to listen to this chat brought to you in conversation with Marie-Noelle.


Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation


Mar 15, 202321:59
Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E Ernest Bai Koroma

Africa Through Their Eyes: A Chat with H.E Ernest Bai Koroma

From economics and ebola to coups and the challenges of leadership, this episode features Marie-Noelle in conversation with former President of Sierra Leone, H.E Ernest Bai Koroma. 

It’s THE in-depth look at President Koroma’s impact on the history of Sierra Leone and his insights on what it takes to make the right choices and run a country.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Mar 08, 202323:44
Do Africans Now Prefer More Military Rule? A Chat with Afrobarometer’s CEO, Joe Asunka

Do Africans Now Prefer More Military Rule? A Chat with Afrobarometer’s CEO, Joe Asunka

The demand for democracy is higher than the supply, according to recent Afrobarometer surveys; what does this means and might it have anything to do with the recent spate of coups in West Africa and the preference for outsiders?

In Marie-Noelle’s chat with Joe Asunka of Afrobarometer, the two discuss African attitudes towards military rule, the 91% approval of Assimi Goita, the military leader who took over Mali in a coup and generational preferences and differences around governance.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Dec 14, 202226:14
The Role of SOEs in Development in South Africa: A Chat with Alan Hirsch

The Role of SOEs in Development in South Africa: A Chat with Alan Hirsch

Many state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa are in trouble; some have been for a decade or more. What is happening, why are they still in use, and how can we rethink these delicate development tools? Learn more in this chat with Alan Hirsch. 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation


Nov 30, 202224:56
Tanzania’s Past, Present and Future: A Discussion with Zitto Kabwe

Tanzania’s Past, Present and Future: A Discussion with Zitto Kabwe

With 68% of the Tanzanian population born after 1999, the role of the country’s youth is vital. However, does Tanzania’s past play an important role in their future? This week, Marie-Noelle speaks to Zitto Kabwe, the leader of the Alliance for Change and Transparency in Tanzania, to understand his ideas on the role which Tanzania’s history plays in the country’s future.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation 


Nov 23, 202217:20
Better Choices and the Labour Market: A Chat with Haroon Bhorat

Better Choices and the Labour Market: A Chat with Haroon Bhorat

Over the last 20 years, just 180,000 manufacturing jobs were created in South Africa. Going forward, what can be done to ensure higher employment rates within the country? This week, Marie-Noelle speaks to Haroon Bhorat on the ‘Better Choices’ that need to be made.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Nov 16, 202229:44
Eskom and the Great Power Puzzle with Ray Hartley

Eskom and the Great Power Puzzle with Ray Hartley

In 1998, South Africa’s energy supply was in the pink. A low-cost, coal-fired fleet was producing surplus energy at one of the lowest prices in the world. Yet, by 2021, South Africa was in the grip of regular ‘load shedding’. So, how was a functional and effective provider of electricity turned into a failing corporation threatening the take the economy down with it? Listen to Marie-Noelle’s enquiry into what happened and what is required to address South Africa’s power issues in this chat with Ray Hartley. 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Nov 09, 202218:13
Crime and the Justice System in South Africa: A Chat with Gareth Newham
Nov 02, 202239:23
Service Delivery at Sub-National Level: A Chat with Andrew Murray
Oct 26, 202258:05
Accountability, and the Importance of Upholding Human Rights in Ukraine: A Chat with Oleksandra Matviichuk
Oct 19, 202215:00
Social Insurance: Building Better Institutions: A Chat with Andrew Donaldson
Oct 12, 202239:09
Understanding the Role of a Wartime Parliament: At Home with Solomiia Bobrovska and Hryhoriy Nemyria
Oct 05, 202219:13
South Africa's Agriculture: Policy Reforms to Stimulate Growth and Employment

South Africa's Agriculture: Policy Reforms to Stimulate Growth and Employment

Marie-Noelle's guest this week is Wandile Sihlobo, academic, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) and author of Finding Common Ground: Land, Equity, and Agriculture.

Agriculture has long been a sector seen as a developmental cornerstone, creating jobs and driving economic growth. But how successful has it been? Sihlobo, who along with co-author Gracelin Baskaran wrote Better Choices chapter 'South Africa's Agriculture', argues here that in order for the agricultural sector to thrive, it requires a stable, predictable and conducive policy environment.

This episode is the latest in our 'Better Choices' miniseries, which sees Marie-Noelle chat to some of the authors from The Brenthurst Foundation's latest book, Better Choices: Ensuring South Africa's Future. Get your copy here: https://www.exclusivebooks.co.za/product/9781770107533 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Sep 28, 202227:25
A Masterclass on Ukraine's Strategic Communication in War: A Chat with Alina Frolova
Sep 21, 202213:30
The Financial Services Sector and its Support to the Economy: A Chat with Annabel Bishop

The Financial Services Sector and its Support to the Economy: A Chat with Annabel Bishop

Join Marie-Noelle in a chat with Investec’s Chief Economist, Annabel Bishop, on the dual role of the financial sector in the economy and opportunities to unlock its potential.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Sep 13, 202237:29
Informal Economy and Informal Employment in South Africa: A Chat with David Francis

Informal Economy and Informal Employment in South Africa: A Chat with David Francis

In this episode, Marie-Noelle chats with David Francis about South Africa’s ‘challenge’ with the informal economy and the better choices needed to address the economy.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Sep 07, 202231:41
Introducing Better Choices
Sep 05, 202201:34
Understanding the Basics and Basis of Election Observer Missions: A Chat with Jeffrey Smith
Aug 24, 202237:53
On Leadership and Agency of Africa’s Youth: A Chat with Prince Nwadeyi

On Leadership and Agency of Africa’s Youth: A Chat with Prince Nwadeyi

In this week’s episode, Marie-Noelle chats with Prince Nwadeyi, co-founder of iSpani, on what it means to have and exert agency and the work required for Africa’s youth in taking the reins of leadership.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Aug 03, 202236:46
The Role and Relevance of Parliament Today: A Chat with Siviwe Gwarube
Jul 28, 202251:50
Somaliland: How to Get onto the Right Side of History

Somaliland: How to Get onto the Right Side of History

How does a small state that, according to the UN, doesn't officially exist, with a nonconvertible currency, no officially recognised borders or passports, and is found in one of the most volatile regions of Africa, become a peaceful, free, democratic society, without the help of foreign intervention or aid?

Listen to how, in spite of a lack of international recognition, Somaliland has become one of Africa's secret success stories, and why it should become a model for many others across the continent.

More information on the topic can be found here: 

https://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/videos/somaliland-how-to-get-onto-the-right-side-of-history/

https://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/news/somaliland%E2%80%99s-election-boosted-its-theoretical-case-for-recognition/

https://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/books-publications/somaliland-new-ways-of-doing-things-in-a-tough-neighbourhood/

https://www.thebrenthurstfoundation.org/news/somaliland-the-power-of-democracy/

Jul 06, 202215:01
No One is Safe Until Everyone is Safe: Discussing Migrant Experiences in South Africa
Jun 22, 202220:46
Understanding the Crux of Africa-China Relations on Trade and Infrastructure: A Chat with Ovigwe Eguegu

Understanding the Crux of Africa-China Relations on Trade and Infrastructure: A Chat with Ovigwe Eguegu

In this chat, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo and Ovigwe Eguegu of Development Reimagined chat about the deepening China-Africa relations as it pertains to trade and infrastructure, how to think about points of collaboration with China , and what Africa’s leaders ought to do to create a more mutually-beneficial relationship. 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

May 25, 202247:09
Technology and Domestic Resource Mobilisation: A Ghanaian Case Study
May 11, 202248:05
One Man’s Journey as a Diplomat: A Chat with Ambassador Kipyego Cheluget
May 04, 202231:36
When Tech Meets Agriculture: A Chat with Ikenna of Releaf

When Tech Meets Agriculture: A Chat with Ikenna of Releaf

In this episode, Marie-Noelle Nwokolo chats with Ikenna Nzewi, co-founder and CEO of Releaf,  an agriculture technology company that develops hardware and software solutions to drive the industrialisation of food processing in Africa, starting with oil palm in Nigeria. Key to their operations is to innovate ways to reduce costs, increase value, and improve farmer revenues by ensuring and broadening market access.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Apr 27, 202229:51
Reimagining Development (with China) – a Chat with Hannah Ryder and Jade Scarfe
Mar 16, 202256:17
Launch of the 'Prospects for a Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery in Africa' Report

Launch of the 'Prospects for a Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery in Africa' Report

How much economic damage was caused, and how will African economies recover? This is the question addressed in today’s episode from the launch of the 'Prospects for a Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery in Africa' report. 

For the full report visit: https://bit.ly/3pPbbP0 

For the full recording, including comments by Joseph Stiglitz, Njuguna Ndung’u and Sheila Jasanoff visit: https://bit.ly/362okNB 



Mar 09, 202231:57
Keynote address from President Hakainde Hichilema || Expensive Poverty Book Launch
Feb 23, 202227:19
Addressing Africa’s youth (un)employment challenge: a chat with Mona Iddrisu

Addressing Africa’s youth (un)employment challenge: a chat with Mona Iddrisu

In this week’s episode, Marie-Noelle sits with Mona Iddrisu, Head of Youth #Employment and Skills at ACET. They discuss the demand and supply-side challenges of skilling and employing youth in Ghana and across the continent, and the kinds of policy changes required to address the challenge in the face of a burgeoning youth population. 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Feb 16, 202230:19
Monetising the Ocean as a Source of Finance: a Chat with Erik Wandrag

Monetising the Ocean as a Source of Finance: a Chat with Erik Wandrag

On the first episode of the year, Marie-Noelle speaks with Erik Wandrag, CEO of Oceans Finance Company, who’s main take is to develop financial solutions from resources like the ocean! It’s deep blue thinking from the deep blue ocean. 

Feb 09, 202230:32
Why Alleviating Poverty is not the Same as Creating Prosperity: A Chat with Efosa Ojomo

Why Alleviating Poverty is not the Same as Creating Prosperity: A Chat with Efosa Ojomo

Understanding why poor countries have remained poor despite the trillions of dollars spent on development over the past several decades requires asking different questions. Hear more in MN’s chat with Efosa Ojomo of Christensen Institute.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Dec 01, 202151:59
Getting It Right With Tech In Africa: A Chat With Tim Harris

Getting It Right With Tech In Africa: A Chat With Tim Harris

In today’s episode, Marie-Noelle sits with Tim Harris to discuss BPO, tech, service sectors and the opportunities for job creation. The gains however will not be automatic, they require market reforms and a scaling-up of resources to supply the skills these sectors are demanding.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Nov 24, 202145:04
Are we really practising democracy?: A discussion with Rhoda Osei-Afful
Nov 17, 202137:45
Career spotlight pt 2: What it's really like to be a finance minister with Malado Kaba

Career spotlight pt 2: What it's really like to be a finance minister with Malado Kaba

This week we bring you the second half of our conversation with Guinea's former finance minister, Malado Kaba, who sat down with Marie-Noelle to impart some of the wisdom she has gained over her years in office. 

The pair covered an array of topics, from Covid-19, to gender parity across the continent, and even some advice for those coming up in the world of international development. 

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Nov 10, 202131:34
Career spotlight pt 1: What it's really like to be a finance minister with Malado Kaba

Career spotlight pt 1: What it's really like to be a finance minister with Malado Kaba

Malado Kaba, first female Minister of Economy and Finance of Guinea, sits down with Marie-Noelle to discuss the difficult trade-offs in decision-making processes as a politician and shares lessons from her time in office, including how she went about increase in fiscal transparency, fighting corruption and promoting good governance. 

Stick around and you will hear her insightful nuggets on financing Africa’s growth as well as the lesson for development practitioners today.

Join the conversation on: Twitter - @BrenthurstF / Facebook - @BrenthurstFoundation / Instagram - @brenthurstfoundation

Nov 03, 202146:01
The case for an active approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa
Oct 27, 202129:23