The ARC Insider

Taking the shame out of chocolate - We are in conversation with the ethical chocolate maker bringing ”Gentle Farming” to Ghana. The ARC Insider No 46

Taking the shame out of chocolate - We are in conversation with the ethical chocolate maker bringing "Gentle Farming" to Ghana

Major gold smuggling scam linking Zimbabwe to Dubai. The ARC Insider No 45

The inside story from a lead investigator on a major gold smuggling scam linking Zimbabwe to Dubai. Karen Allen and Tara O’Connor ask is it time for a Kimberly Process - which regulates so-called "blood diamonds" for "dirty" Gold?

Africa’s Russian Roulette. In conversation with Samantha de Bendern where we examine what’s driving the ’Russia-Africa relationship’. The ARC Insider No 44

Africa’s Russian Roulette. In conversation with Samantha de Bendern where we examine what’s driving the 'Russia-Africa relationship'. A round-up of news and current affairs from across the region, touching on elections, energy and shades of grey in the financial markets.

Nigeria’s election looks set to surprise! The ARC Insider No 43

In the first episode of 2023, the ARC Insider hosts, Karen Allen and Tara O’Connor discuss the upcoming Nigeria Elections, African altruism in the face of the Turkey Syria earthquake, and rolling electricity cuts in Zambia. This episode's special guest is energy analyst Najim Animashaun.

 

The ARC Insider, Episode 42 – Humanitarianism, hostage negotiations and holding governments to account

In the 42nd episode of the ARC Insider, hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor discuss the recent resignation of Eskom's CEO, Nigeria's denial of a Reuters report on a state-sponsored mass abortion programme in the northeast, and recent parole of SACP leader Chris Hani's assassin.

This episode's special guest is Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the South Africa-based charity Gift of the Givers. He has orchestrated humanitarian efforts across the globe and negotiated the release of Stephen McGowan with Al-Qaeda in Mali.

 

ARC Insider, Episode 41: Kenneth Kaunda’s lessons in leadership...

In the 41st episode of the ARC Insider, hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor discuss the recent extension of Chinese premier Xi Jinping's time in office, his choice of hardline cabinet, and the likely economic fallout for Southern African economies. 

This episode's special guest is Mundaula Kaunda, granddaughter of the late Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda and the marketing and events officer at the Trade and Development Bank (TDB). Mundaula shares her memories of her grandfather and reflects on his positive leadership.

ARC Insider, Episode 40 - Taking Africa’s Pulse

The polling outfit Afrobarometer has been been taking the pulse of Africa's people for decades. Now we go behind the scenes with its CEO Joseph Asunka, in conversation with hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor. Asunka shares his experience runnings polls across Africa as well as his thoughts on the myths about democracy in Africa, the ramifications of failed delivery from governments, and the importance of reforms.

Karen and Tara also discuss developments in West Africa with the recent military coup in Burkina Faso, as well as the electricity crisis in South Africa and Zambia's positive economic progress.

The ARC Insider, Episode 39: Does the Death of Queen Elizabeth II mark the demise of the Commonwealth?

In the 39th special episode of the ARC Insider, hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor meet Uganda's Joel Kibazo to discuss the end of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, its consequences for the Commonwealth and whether this club of nations is still relevant to Africa.

The ARC Insider, Episode 38 - Angola goes to the polls

In the 38th episode of the ARC Insider, hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor discuss the results of Kenya's presidential election and implications of a legal challenge launched by opposition leader Raila Odinga as well as Angola's election, where the incumbent MPLA will defend a majority established by former president José Eduardo Dos Santos who died in July.

This episode's special guest is Rashid Abdi, chief analyst for the Horn of Africa and the Gulf at Sahan Research. Mr Abdi shares his insights on the recent Kenyan election, expertly summarises developments in the ongoing Ethiopian conflict as well analysing the impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict on domestic rhetoric in the Horn of Africa.

Global Africa - Talking Kenya, France and Russia

In the 37th episode of the ARC Insider, hosts Karen Allen and Tara O'Connor discuss Macron's changing priorities as he visits West Africa at the beginning of his second term, as well as the resurgence in violence in Mali, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's tour of Africa in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This episode's special guest is Paul Ilado, head of content at Radio Africa and a veteran Kenyan journalist at the Nairobi Star, who was forced into hiding following his reporting on violence following the 2007 Kenyan election. Mr Ilado shares his insights on the recent history of Kenyan electoral politics, discusses the candidates for president ahead of the upcoming 2022 general elections, and considers whether this election marks a decrease in tribal animosity in East Africa's powerhouse.