In this episode of The What If...We Think Differently? podcast, we dive into Dr. Tendai Murisa’s groundbreaking book Shifts in the Land and Agrarian Question in Africa.This first part of a two-part series traces Africa’s journey to the present, unpacking the historical legacies of colonial land dispossession and the enduring agrarian question. We explore how land has been framed as property, power, and identity, and why these narratives continue to shape inequality, conflict, and the struggle for justice today.Join us as we rethink Africa’s land story—its past, its present, and the possibilities for a different future.Find out more about the book: https://sivioinstitute.net/land/ #shiftsinthelandandagrarianquestioninafrica #landQuestion #agrarianquestion

In a world pulled apart by polarisation, collapsing trust, and the rise of extreme positions, we need to rediscover the middle - not as a political position, but as a way of thinking rooted in compromise, consensus‑building, and Ubuntu. This podcast explores the urgent need to rediscover consensus in an age defined by fragmentation — from global governance failures to the erosion of shared values, from the greed shaping geopolitics to the quiet resilience of communities still choosing cooperation over conflict.The Middle is not about neutrality — it’s about rebuilding the space where dialogue, dignity, and collective purpose can thrive again. Read the full blog to learn more: https://connect.sivioinstitute.org/2026/02/11/the-big-bet-rediscovering-the-middle/

Across Zimbabwe, courageous organisations are standing on the frontlines of gender‑based violence — offering safety, legal protection, medical care, and healing for survivors. But they cannot do it alone.This episode introduces the We Are One Fund, a bold new way of pooling resources to ensure these life‑saving services are sustained and strengthened. We challenge old assumptions, imagine new possibilities, and ask what it would look like to fund safety, dignity, and justice at scale.Partner with us today. Give today. Every gift counts. http://weareonefund.org/ We Are One. Tiripamwe. Sisonke.

Across Zimbabwe, courageous organisations are standing on the frontlines of gender‑based violence — offering safety, legal protection, medical care, and healing for survivors. But they cannot do it alone.This episode introduces the We Are One Fund, a bold new way of pooling resources to ensure these life‑saving services are sustained and strengthened. We challenge old assumptions, imagine new possibilities, and ask what it would look like to fund safety, dignity, and justice at scale.Partner with us today. Give today. Every gift counts. http://weareonefund.org/ We Are One. Tiripamwe. Sisonke.

In this concluding episode of Africa’s Path, we move from diagnosis to action. Building on the continent’s current challenges, the conversation centres on what must be done to reclaim Africa’s development agenda. We explore practical solutions that empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen agency, and unlock innovation. From investing in homegrown enterprises to reimagining financing models and nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems, this episode highlights how Africans can solve African problems. The discussion emphasises solidarity, resilience, and the critical role of entrepreneurship in shaping a future defined not by dependency, but by self-determined prosperity.

This opening episode of Africa’s Path explores the continent’s current economic and social crossroads, drawing on an earlier insight. We unpack Africa’s debt challenges, food insecurity, and reliance on imports, while highlighting the urgent need to reframe prosperity beyond GDP. The conversation teases bold solutions rooted in agency, entrepreneurship, and self-determined transformation—from rethinking governance and financing to embracing innovation and value addition. Listeners are invited to reflect on how Africa can move beyond dependency and chart a future of inclusive growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial statecraft.Read the whole insight: https://doi.org/10.59186/SI.UP3JXT4H

What does civic tech actually change—and how do we know it is working?In this episode, we unpack the “So What?” question behind African Citizens Watch, a platform built to strengthen public accountability across Africa. From promises to actions, we explore how African Citizens Watch connects evidence to action—and why that matters for governance, donor engagement, and grassroots advocacy.Tune in to hear:- The origin story of African Citizens Watch and its multi-country civic tech collaborations - How the platform answers the “So What?” with real-world impact and strategic storytelling - Lessons on promises vs reality, budget constraints and policy autonomy in African accountability efforts - Why civic tech must go beyond dashboards to drive systemic change Whether you're a civic innovator, donor strategist, or youth advocate, this episode offers insight into how platforms like African Citizens Watch are reshaping the accountability landscape.🔗 Learn more and join the movement: https://africancitizenswatch.org/#CivicTech #Accountability #AfricanCitizensWatch #DataForChange #DonorEngagement #YouthEmpowerment #GovernanceAfrica

Diving into Zimbabwe’s challenges and opportunities, and final insights from the series.

Four years in office; one more year to go: Has the government of Zambia done enough for a second term?

Botswana has long been hailed as a model of democratic stability in Africa. Yet, since gaining independence in 1966, the country remained under the rule of a single dominant party—until the historic elections of October 2024. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged victorious, ushering in a new era of governance.In this episode, we explore whether this political shift has led to meaningful change. Has the new government delivered on its campaign promises? What progress has been made, and what challenges remain as it nears the end of its first year in office?Mokaloba Mokaloba, our Botswana country researcher, joins us to unpack the evolving political landscape, assess the government's performance, and reflect on what this moment means for the future of Botswana’s democracy.