The United Nations Foundations, The Elders, and The African Union Youth Envoy have launched a new podcast series, The Future of Africa, to give young leaders across the continent a platform to discuss global challenges and opportunities.
A statement from the organisers said the limited-episode series, which began on August 12, will address issues such as climate justice, development finance, trust in democratic institutions, and the future of education.
Hosted by Kenyan media personality Adelle Onyango and Mark Leon Goldberg of the Global Dispatches podcast, the first episode examined Africa’s role on the global stage and its growing influence, driven by new voices and visionary leaders.
It was stated that high inflation and high unemployment, particularly among graduates, along with weak job creation and a lack of entrepreneurial opportunities are some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s young people and future leaders.
However, the organisers said the new limited-episode podcast gives them the opportunity to discuss solutions to the challenges.
“The Future of Africa challenges Africans and those interested in the continent’s future to hear young people’s voices, explore their ideas, and set the scene for what’s to come.
“Released on 12 August 2025, Episode 1 of the weekly podcasts examines Africa’s role on the global stage and how its influence is rising in surprising ways, driven by new voices and visionary leaders. The Future of Africa challenges Africans and those interested in the continent’s future to hear young people’s voices, explore their ideas, and set the scene for what’s to come,” it was added.
The podcast has arranged interviews with the key stakeholders in the project.
They include the Special Assistant to the Speaker on Interparliamentary Affairs and Public Relations in the Nigerian House of Representatives, Chimdi Neliaku; the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and Convener of the Not Too Young To Run Movement, Samson Itodo; and the Director of Democratic Resilience at Open Society Foundations, Chukwuemeka Eze.
