It's a Continent

Botswana was one of the world’s poorest countries at independence – highly dependent on their former coloniser and beef exports. In 1967, De Beers geologists found diamond bearing deposits, changing Botswana's trajectory. The nation had the fastest growing economy in the developing world for over 40 years. Some see Botswana’s story as that of success, as they reversed the “resource curse...

In this episode, we delve into the world of cobalt, a critical material in the production of rechargeable batteries, especially Lithium-ion batteries that power our everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and electric vehicles. We explore the supply chain, mining, investment, and the future of cobalt. Discover the challenges of exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the increasing demand driven by environmental focus...

Samora Machel's legacy is rich and far reaching - he was a revolutionary leader, playing a vital role in Mozambique's road to independence. His work symbolised the end of Portuguese colonial domination, heralding a new era. We discuss Machel's upbringing, socialist policies and his suspicious demise in a plane crash. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent...

The Aba Women’s War took place in south eastern Nigeria in 1929. By the late 1920s, restrictive colonial practice affected women in Igbo, Efik and Ibibio ethnic groups in Nigeria as societal structures weakened. These women took their traditional practice of “sitting on a man” to rebel against British rule by destroying symbols of colonial rule...

The West's treatment of refugees has become one of the most devastating human rights disasters in modern times.We’re joined by Andrei Popoviciu (@AndreiPopoviciu), an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio producer, and photographer based in Dakar, Senegal. There are countless misconceptions surrounding the refugee crisis, and migration from the Global South to North...

We're joined by Chef, Entrepreneur, and Author Maria Bradford. Maria was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where her passion for food emerged. This passion led her to found the Sweet Salone (which means ‘fancy’ in Creole) catering business. We discuss how food can provide a unique narrative for understanding Sierra Leone, explore African fusion cuisine and fine dining, and delve into her emotional journey back to her grandmother's village...

Known as Africa's 'secret paradise,' the Comoros Islands are located in the Indian Ocean. Whilst it is is an independent state, the nation faces challenge concerning Mahoré, the fourth island - as it remains under the administration of France, effectively creating an EU border.

Our book baby It's a Continent celebrates her first birthday and is out in paperback this week! We're marking this occasion with a replay of our Behind the Mics episode. We're joined by Juliana from No Shame in My Name Podcast, where she interviews us (on our own show - why not!)

Around 15 million clothing items flood Accra, Ghana every week, mostly from Europe, North America and Australia. These items are mostly donations to charity bins, or cast-offs that are no longer needed. 40% of clothing received in Ghana is unacceptable for use, ending up as waste.

Quite often – and misleadingly, Liberia is referred to as one of the only two African countries that were not colonised. Whilst Liberia was not carved up by Europeans in the Scramble for Africa, the country was actually founded by the American colonisation society, and many freed black Americans were sent to live in Liberia, despite living in America for generations.