Last month, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama met to discuss development opportunities between the two countries, including visa-free travel. What should have been a routine but important state visit quickly turned into a meme battlefield between Zambians and Ghanaians. The trigger? President Mahama’s Fugu outfit — a traditional Ghanaian garment worn by both men and women.

What was the state visit really about, and why was it important? And what do the Fugu meme wars reveal about culture, identity, and online discourse across Africa?

(00:35) Introduction

(01:00) History and Context of Ghana & Zambia

(10:00) Our Thoughts on the Memes

(19:55) The United States of Africa?

(23:40) Deals Between Ghana & Zambia: Visa-Free Travel

(30:20) Strongest Passports in Africa

(32:45) Poverty and Human Development: Ghana vs Zambia

(37:10) Conclusion

In this episode of A4D Reads, host Nathan sits down with book lover Panashe to discuss A Man of the People (1966) by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, best known for Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God. The novel explores political corruption in a newly independent African nation, following Odili Samalu, a schoolteacher whose criticism of Minister Nanga begins to soften after witnessing the minister’s charisma firsthand. Together, they analyse the book’s characters, themes, and lasting relevance.

(01:10) Introduction

(02:20) Background on Chinua Achebe

(02:55) What Does the Book Explore?

(10:50) The Motives of the Characters

(12:35) Key Themes of the Book

(21:55) Book Rating

(24:25) Conclusion

Want to join an A4D Reads episode? Contact us via;

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africa4dummies.podcast/

Intro credit: https://youtube.com/shorts/UySH06Se3dA?si=FyAibZpE4ZygrApQ 

Book summary: https://www.supersummary.com/a-man-of-the-people/summary/ 

It’s hard to believe we are now in 2026, with so much already unfolding across Africa and the world. In this episode, the A4D Team takes a step back to reflect on the major events that shaped Africa in 2025 — from elections and coups to conflicts and wars. Nathan and Zenge also reunite in person after a long time, making this episode a special New Year offering. Find out what happened across the continent last year and how it continues to shape Africa’s future.

(00:35) Introduction

(00:50) Key Elections Across Africa

(06:55) The Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau & Benin Coups

(13:45) The DRC–Rwanda Conflict & Peace Deal

(19:55) The Sudan Civil War

(24:30) Kidnappings in Nigeria

(28:20) Africa on the Global Stage | The G20 Summit

(33:10) Major Developments in Africa: The Positives and Negatives

(42:50) Major Deaths Across the Continent

(45:10) Conclusion

The most recent G20 Summit took place on African soil in South Africa, surrounded by controversy — from the notable absence of US President Donald Trump to nationwide GBV protests. To better understand what happened, the A4D Team explores what the G20 Summit is, how it came about, and the debates that followed.

(00:50) Introduction

(01:50) Breakdown of the G20

(11:10) US G20 Boycott

(22:10) The Dominance of the US

(33:45) The Movement Behind the Purple Profile Pictures

(40:55) Conclusion

In recent months, Zambia has hosted a wave of high-profile state visits — from Aliko Dangote and Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Donald Trump Jr., and senior European Union officials.

But what do these visits actually mean for Zambia? Is there a deeper political or economic shift behind this sudden international attention — and why should it matter to ordinary citizens? Find out as the A4D Team breaks it all down.

In this episode, Nathan sits down with Economist and Legal Practitioner Ntazana Siame Kaulule to discuss Zambia’s ongoing high cost of living. Although the Zambian economy has shown signs of improvement in recent years, citizens continue to face rising prices in fuel, food, rent, and other essentials. What’s next for the nation, and what can be done to ease the pressure on ordinary Zambians? Find out as we unpack it all in this episode.

(01:05) Introduction


(02:30) Ntazana Siame Kaulule’s Background


(05:25) Zambia’s Growth at the Expense of Ordinary Citizens


(14:10) The World Bank & Debt Forgiveness in Zambia

(26:55) Will Mealie Meal Prices Ever Go Down?


(41:30) What Should Policy Focus On?


(52:30) Conclusion

In this episode, the A4D Team sits down with Lalaina Randriarimanana, Co-Founder and General Coordinator of Liberty 32, to discuss the recent protests in Madagascar. Together, they explore the role of Gen Z in driving change, the reasons behind President Andry Rajoelina’s flight from the country, military take over and what the future holds for Madagascar.

(00:30) Introduction

(02:00) Lalaina Randriarimanana’s Background

(13:50) Boycotting Elections in Madagascar

(28:30) The Removal of President Andry Rajoelina

(34:55) How We Got Here - A Timeline

(39:10) Trusting The Military?

(47:30) AU Suspends Madagascar

(56:00) The Future of Madagascar

(1:03:20) Conclusion

In this special episode, the A4D Team sits down with Zambian Member of Parliament, Christopher Kang’ombe. He shares his journey in politics, his stance on Zambia’s governance, and his insights on the country’s economy, load-shedding crisis, and the future of young people in politics.

(00:25) Introduction

(01:30) Christopher Kang’ombe’s Background

(08:25) Christopher’s View on Politics Over the Years

(21:50) Zambia’s Economy & Governance Under the Current Regime

(39:45) Can Zambia Achieve Exploration?

(58:20) The Call for Young People to Enter Politics

(01:06:50) Conclusion

In this first-ever book review special, the A4D Team sits down to discuss Frantz Fanon’s Black Skin, White Masks (1952). Seventy-three years since its publication, how does the book hold up in today’s world? Find out as the team unpacks its enduring relevance.

(02:38) Introduction

(10:25) Background on Frantz Fanon

(21:00) Interracial Relationships and Their Implications

(39:30) Religion, Black People, and Africans

(53:42) Living Abroad with a Different Skin Colour

(1:18:02) Conclusion

In this special first instalment of the History of Africa series, A4D host Zenge Simakoloyi sits down with Prof Stephen Chan of School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS University of London) to unpack the different forms of colonialism across the continent. While many Africans experienced colonial rule, what exactly was colonialism, why does it still matter today, and how has it shaped African identity and history? Find out as they unpack it all.

(01:50) Introduction

(04:45) The Scramble for Africa & the Berlin Conference

(10:30) Motivations for Dominating Africa and the Wider World

(22:00) How Was the Mind Colonised?

(30:35) Did Colonialism Bring Education?

(36:35) Forms of Resistance Against Colonial Rule

(43:00) Conclusion