AfriCan Geopardy
By Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood
AfriCan GeopardySep 01, 2020
Changing trends of terrorism in the Sahel and its potential impact on maritime security in Africa
Thank you for listening.
The Politicisation of unsustainable fisheries practices in Africa
In this episode of AfriCan Geopardy, Ife Okafor-Yarwood, discusses the "politicisation of unsustainable fisheries practices in Africa". Her reflection is driven by what she views as the "Chinalisation" of threats to sustainable fisheries in Africa, which she believes undermine collective efforts towards sustainable fisheries. The discussion explores numerous instances where EU and European companies and vessels have contributed to unsustainable fishing practices and by extension, the depletion of fish stock on the continent.
For policymakers and implementers on the African continent, the focus should be strengthening the laws, empowering enforcement agencies, improving monitoring, control, and surveillance capability, and collaborating with their neighbours.
If you are interested in learning more about the issues raised, you may check the following sources:
- Greenpeace, (2021). Major European companies linked to food insecurity in West Africa - Greenpeace Africa
- Oceana, (2021). Oceana-Summary6-22
- CFFA, (2023). 'It takes two to tango' – EU fishing partnerships agreements must become more attractive to partner countries — Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements (cffacape.org)
- Okafor-Yarwood I., and Belhabib D. (2020). The duplicity of the European Union Common Fisheries Policy in third countries: Evidence from the Gulf of Guinea - ScienceDirect
Women and Youths in Diplomacy: Realities from the African Continent
We hope you enjoy listening to it. #AfriCan
State Action at Sea in Côte d’Ivoire: Success stories and opportunities for improvement
During the discussion, we discussed the institutions implementing State Action at Sea, their successes, opportunities for improvement, and much more. Happy listening!
A holistic approach to maritime security and a review of the progress made by Yaoundé Architecture.
Enjoy!
Reflecting on our 2023 journey and aspirations for 2024.
I want to express my gratitude to all our incredible listeners who have been an integral part of the AfriCan Geopardy family. Your ongoing support and engagement have been truly invaluable. Thank you!
Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Making a Case for the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF)
Harnessing the Blue Economy Opportunities in Africa
While the Blue Economy presents significant opportunities for Africa, particularly in shipping and maritime transport, it also presents challenges. Join us as Ambassador Karigithu shares insights and outlines a path forward. Happy listen and have a great month ahead.
Strengthening regional maritime security in a phase of competing geopolitical interests.
Our discussion touches upon various aspects that directly relate to the current realities in the Gulf of Guinea. We explore the regional and international dynamics and consider the necessary steps for achieving positive change.
Enjoy!
Improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea with Ambassador Ukonga
As a distinguished career diplomat, Ambassador Florentina Adenike Ukonga (MFR) brings a wealth of experience. She served as the Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) from June 2015 to April 2023. Before that, she was Deputy Executive Secretary-Political Affairs at the GGC from May 2007 to May 2015. But her expertise doesn't stop there! Before her tenure at the GGC, she was the Under-Secretary for African Affairs in Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, overseeing crucial relations with African nations and inter-governmental organizations from April 2004 to November 2006. During our discussion, Ambassador Ukonga sheds light on the threats to maritime security, their drivers and impact and the remarkable progress thus far. That's not all – she reveals the key roles that national and regional governments and international partners can play in ensuring the region's lasting security and sustainable development.
Thanks for listening.
Fisheries closed season in Ghana, what is it and how does it affect fisherfolk?
In our newest episode, we delve into the important topic of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its implications for fisherfolk. Today (1st of July), as Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire commence their closed season for artisanal and industrial fisheries, we are thrilled to feature Mr Nana Kweigyah as our guest. Mr Nana Kweigyah is the current National President of the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG), representing canoe and gear owners in Ghana's four coastal regions. With a background as a small-scale fisher and a graduate of the University of Cape Coast, Nana Kweigyah has devoted his life to advocating for the active involvement of fishers, particularly canoe owners, women, and youth, in fisheries governance and management. During our discussion, we explore the reasons behind implementing the fisheries closed season, assess its limitations and impacts, and offer recommendations for alternative approaches. We emphasise the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and ensuring equity and justice in fisheries management to prevent fisherfolk from being further marginalised and vulnerable to criminal networks.
Join us as we unravel the complexities of the fisheries closed season in Ghana and its effects on the lives of fisherfolk.
Climate crossroads: Unraveling the connection between irregular migration and climate change in Afri
Prepare to be captivated as we explore the fascinating connection between climate change and internal and external migration. We dive deep into the actions taken by the African Union and its partners while also exploring approaches that can avert the impending impact of climate change on migration.
Have a great day and weeks ahead.
Current trends in human trafficking and red flags.
Don't miss this informative and eye-opening episode.
Ps:
Apologies for the low-quality audio recording from our end; this was due to a poor internet connection
An introduction to Dr Okafor-Yarwood's PEW Fellowship Research
Over three years, Dr Okafor-Yarwood will receive $150,000 to investigate the gendered impact of fisheries closures in Ghana and to develop locally appropriate and sustainable conservation strategies based on local ecological knowledge in West Africa.
This research is crucial because current marine conservation approaches often disregard the needs of vulnerable communities. With limited government resources to provide alternative livelihoods for those affected by such policies, it is essential to explore all options to ensure fair and just policies.
In a recent development, Cote d'Ivoire has announced the implementation of a closed season for the artisanal, industrial, and tuna industries starting from July 2023.
Thanks for listening and your patience, as this month's episode comes quite later.
Imagining the worlds that could be: Planting the seeds of decolonial futures
Decolonial future is not a concept with a single definition. However, it can mean a future where different ways of knowing to co-exist and are not strictly defined by the eurocentric knowledge hierarchies and way of being... In discussing what a decolonial future could look like, key advice for observers and those that would like to support the process includes but is not limited to the following:
Listen!
Pay attention!
Support those putting in the work of building decolonial futures.
Listen! Reflect!! Share!!!
Know thyself!
This topic is important because the AfriCan continent has the highest percentage of entrepreneurs globally at 22%. At the same time, the continent holds some of the highest percentages of failed ventures in the first year -- 54% at the continental level, 75% in Ethiopia, and Rwanda, 74% in Ghana, 67% in DRC and Zimbabwe and 33% in Nigeria.
This episode outlines what African entrepreneurs (and our listeners) can do to ensure they are not part of the failed entrepreneurship statistics.
Thank you for listening.
The AfriCan Union Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa and her Vision for the Region.
Welcome to the January episode of AfriCan Geopardy.
In this episode, we had an insightful conversation with Ms Cynthia Chigwnya, the AfriCan Union Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa. We discussed her aspirations, the challenges of executing her role, the success stories and what can be done differently.
Ms Cynthia Chigwenya is a Political Researcher and currently serves as the African Union's Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa, advocating for the adoption and implementation of National Action Plans on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) in SADC. She promoted YPS priorities at the expert discussion on 'Key Outcomes of the 2022 EU-AU Summit,' spoke at the 6th-anniversary of UN Resolution 2250, and recommended the AU's Peace and Security Council to proactively partner with youth in tackling insurgencies in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Cynthia works as a Programme Coordinator for Political Dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German political foundation. She previously held research positions in the South African Parliament and the National Genocide.
This is an episode not to be missed, especially if you are keen to learn more about how youths contribute to peace and security on the AfriCan continent and their challenges.
Thank you for listening.
A Reflection of our 2022 journey with Ife
We want to thank our listeners and guests for the support they have given us throughout the years, and we look forward to your continued support.
AfriCan!
Fishing and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin: Exploring Boko Haram’s economy of violence.
Have you ever wondered about the relationship between fish and terrorism? Listen to this episode to find out more.
Here, we discuss "fishing and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basi: Exploring Boko Haram's economy of violence" with Mr Malik Samuel, an investigative journalist and a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies. His work in the last seven years has been focused on the Boko Haram crisis affecting the Lake Chad Basin region. His research focus includes terrorism financing, children in conflict, human rights violations, farmer-herder clashes, and the crime-terror nexus.
Although terrorist can maintain their reign of terror through coercion and intimidation, the insurgency has also been sustained because Boko Haram/ISWAP and their likes are winning hearts by providing public goods and services that the government has failed to provide the people.
If there is one thing you take away from this episode, let it be that we cannot win the war on terror through armament alone.
The untold stories of AfriCan abolitionists!
The discussion highlights the role that AfriCans played in the eras of slavery and abolitionism - this episode is not to be missed.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
Overdosing on multivitamin supplements in post-COVID19 era - Nigerian example.
Ifedola received her first degree, a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), from the University of Benin, Nigeria and a second-degree MSc. Pharmacology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Her professional interests are HIV care, Infectious diseases, Digital Healthcare delivery and Nutrition health.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
"The complexities of Western return of African stolen Artefacts"
In discussing the complexities of the return of Africa's stole artefacts, we focused mostly on Benin bronze and the complexities around the promise of the return and why return must mean return and not the current shadows of uncertainty surrounding the terms of the return of the stolen artefacts by the former colonial masters.
This episode is one not to be missed.
You may reach Nosmot via the following:
Portfolio: www.nosmotgbadamosi.com
Blog: lovedesignetc.wordpress.com
The role of socio-economic development in conflict prevention and resolution in Africa
Teni uses the social realities in the Lake Chad Basin to show how working for peace in times of conflict must almost always consider the socio-economic solutions. With vast experience working in the subject area, the recommendations are practical and include actionable roles for the AfriCan youths.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
Impacts and Trends of IUU fishing in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO)
As the title indicates, the discussion focussed on the extent of IUU fishing and the challenges and progress made by SWIO countries (Mozambique in particular). Importantly, Mr Cossa also touched on the cyclical relationship between poverty and deprivation in the coastal areas and the advancement of insurgency in coastal Mozambique.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
The impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Africa’s global ambitions/partnerships
Council, the PSC Report, and project leader for Southern Africa. She is also a non-executive board member of In Transformation Initiative, a South African not-for-profit
organization focused on peacemaking.
She has published extensively, with her latest publication being Could Russia’s war in Ukraine derail Africa’s global partnerships? - ISS Africa, published in April 2022.
Reflect. Comment. Share.
The role and contribution of African women in technology
Although women are generally underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), they are present and doing amazing jobs in their roles. Women nurture the tech ecosystem in Africa, leading tech hubs and empowering young Africans.
In this episode of African Geopardy, we discuss 'the role and contribution of African women in technology' with Aïda Ndiaye. Ms Ndiaye heads META's Society and Responsibility Policy Programmes and Campaigns in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In her role, she oversees external programmes to combat online misinformation and build an informed digital world. Her team also leads direct engagement with policymakers and regulators in EMEA to shape the future of tech regulation.
As you can see from the profile, our guest is a leading figure in a global tech company and is best placed to discuss this topic with us. Listen. Share. Engage.
Impact of COVID19 on clinical radiography: the AfriCan story
To find out more about the topic, read the research by Dr Theo and colleagues below:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8603034/
Understanding ad-hoc security initiatives in Africa
Dr Andrew E. Yaw Tchie is a Senior Research Fellow at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), a Visiting Professor at the University of Buckingham, a visiting Senior Fellow at King's College London and an Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. At NUPI, he focuses on stabilisation, peace operations, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa and Coordinates the training for Peace Project.
You would see from the discussion that there are many positive things about ad-hoc security initiatives on the African continent and the role they play in working for peace in situations of conflict and/or insurgency. There are equally some limitations identified by Dr Tchie, as he made recommendations on what can be done differently.
You can read a paper on the subject published by NUPI with Dr Tchie as a co-author via the link below:
trainingforpeace.org/publications/understanding-ad-hoc-security-initiatives-in-africa/
Thanks for listening.
AfriCan Georpardy, reflections about 2021.
Thanks so much for being part of our journey, for listening, and for sticking with us. We have amazing things planned for 2022.
China Africa relation in the context of fishmeal investment in The Gambia
All major fishmeal industries in the Gambia are Chinese-owned, causing devastation in the country. It contributes to overexploitation, equates to 'stealing fish from human to feed fish' and pollutes the environment driving potential tourists away.
European countries are also complicit because they enable the business of these fishmeal companies to flourish. A recent report by Greenpeace highlighted the complicity of European companies in helping this industry flourish. The report noted that major European companies contribute to the devastating consequences of the fishmeal and fish oil trade in West Africa. In particular, the report mentioned major companies in France, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Greece, and the UK. You may read the report here: www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-africa-stateless/2021/05/47227297-feeding-a-monster-en-final-small.pdf.
Enjoy
Gender and Security in Africa: The Nigerian Experience.
Ruth's work focuses on improving the effectiveness of security and justice sector agencies through human rights-based approaches and improved accountability for better service delivery. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Ibadan, a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies with a major in Social Policy from the Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies and research in Defence and Security Studies.
The discussion clarifies why women are underrepresented in the security sector and makes recommendations on what can be done differently.
Key insights from the discussion are that laws that promote gender discrimination were formulated during the colonial era. Therefore, as independent states, African nations must work to repeal those laws and take advantage of women and men's contributions in the security sector.
Nigeria's suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Act 2019: A panacea for maritime security...
Listen to find out.
Discussing this topic with our hosts is Constance Omagbemi, a Corporate Lawyer presently with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). She spent the first five years of her career as a Litigation Lawyer with two leading law firms in Nigeria before joining the Legal Services Unit of NIMASA in January 2013. Her diligent efforts in the Agency and penchant for excellence earned her the Employee of the Year award in 2019.
The artisanal fisher in Ghana; an under rated component in a nation's socio-economic development.
AFriCan Fisheries Policy related to Regional Fisheries Management Organisation...
Religion and Development in Africa
Religion and development are often intimately interwoven for good or ill in Africa and elsewhere. For instance, religious organisations play a significant role in poverty alleviation, health care and peace and reconciliation programmes. At the same time, select religious organisations were used as a tool for colonialism. Hence, we have chosen this topic to clarify the intersection between religion and development.
To discuss this topic, we had a befitting guest who is an expert on the subject. Dr Aikande Clement Kwayu is a social scientist with experience in both academia and practice. She consults on management, political economy analysis, policy analysis and evaluation of development projects. Dr Aikande has a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham (UK).
Her book, Religion and British International Development Policy | Aikande Clement Kwayu | Palgrave Macmillan, published in 2020, is a must-read.
Disaster Risk Management in Africa with a focus on averting Conflict over Water Resources.
Energy Security in Africa with Dr Nalule.
Minority expert voices and "Facebook Diplomas"
Cyber Security in Africa
Aisha Ali-Gombe. Dr Ali-Gombe is an assistant professor of Computer Science at Towson University and a visiting research scientist with the Center for Computation and Technology at Louisiana State University. Dr Ali- Gombe earned her PhD in Engineering and Applied Science with a major in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans in 2017, following an M.S. degree in Computer Science in 2012 and an MBA from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria in 2011. Her expertise and research interest are in cybersecurity, reverse engineering, and digital forensics. She has published her work in top tier conferences and journals of computer and mobile security and forensics. Dr Ali-Gombe is a recipient of the early-career NSF CRII grant and TotalFinaElf Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, Nigeria, amongst other recognitions.
Dr Ali-Gombe recognised that cyber-security is a national security issue. As such, African countries must take cyber threats seriously. She also highlighted the import role that technology can plan in advancing sustainable development for the AfriCan continent and the need for our government to be more proactive and supportive.
Enjoy!
Pandemics and disaster management in Africa!
He is a medical doctor with a Masters degree in public health from the University of Heidelberg and Bielefeld in Germany.
Dr Charles has engaged with government authorities at various levels in over 30 countries on the African continent. Currently, he is the Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Southern Africa delegation, based in Pretoria South Africa.
In this episode, we learn more about pandemics and disaster management in the AfriCan continent.
Listen. Reflect. Share.
#AfriCan!
#Almajiranci and the security of the AfriCan child.
Dr Kere Abdulrahman is a lecturer in Inclusive Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, UK. She has a PhD in Education and researches the Almajiranci system of education of northern Nigeria – she is also an advocate for its practitioners.
Did you know that the Almajiranci system's changing nature has routes in the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) introduced in the 1980s?
Did you also know that experts hold that having vulnerable children in cities across a nation fighting an ideological war makes it easier for Boko Haram insurgents to continue to wage war against the Nigerian state due to a robust recruitment source? - listen to find out more.
Dr Kere Abdulrahman is a lecturer in Inclusive Education at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, UK. She has a PhD in Education and researches the Almajiranci system of education of northern Nigeria – she is also an advocate for its practitioners.
Making Africa work through the power of innovative volunteerism - in conversation with Dr Munang.
Dr Richard Munang is the Africa Regional Climate Change Coordinator at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). He is responsible for guiding the actualization of UNEP's climate-resilient development strategy for Africa in a manner that ensures human wellbeing.
He is the author of the book "making Africa work through the power of innovative volunteerism".
Check out the book on www.richardmunang.com
You have to listen to this conversation to not only benefit from the unique insights from Dr Munang but, also see that the African continent have the resources (natural and human) to build resilience to climate and in the long run, attain sustainable development for its people.
Women in maritime: Towards an inclusive maritime sector in Africa.
Women are underrepresented in the maritime sector, globally. Women represent only two per cent of the world's 1.2 million seafarers, and 94 per cent of female seafarers are working in the cruise industry. In the AfriCan continent, though women are well represented in the seafood supply chain, they are underrepresented in the decision-making process in the fisheries sector. In this months episode, we are discussing "Women in maritime: Towards an inclusive maritime sector in Africa". We are privileged to have Captain Londy Ngcobo, a Ship navigator and Africa's First Female Dredge Master, who is passionate about Unlocking Africa's Ocean Economy with us. Captain Ngcobo has over 13 years of experience in the maritime industry which has equipped her with the ability to focus on providing sustainable tools for women to thrive in scarce skills and her zest for life encourages the youth to think outside the box, with her Forbes Women Africa piercing the phrase "I didn't choose to be Rose from the Titanic, I chose to Captain the Titanic" and through her popular TEDx Talk "Anchors Aweigh, No Rest For The First". This Black Excellence Award-winning Woman in Scarce Skills is making waves on land as a maritime advocate, Director of Womaritime experts and founder of Global Maritime Youth All which has earned her the well-known title "The Blaqmermaid."
Enjoy!
Popular protests and unconstitutional change of government/Coups in #Africa
The coup in Mali which took place on 18th August 2020, is the third in Africa in the past three years (Sudan, 11th April 2019 and Zimbabwe, 15th November 2017).
The African Union's position about unconstitutional changes in government has led some AfriCans to ask, whether it is the African Union's job "protect people from authoritarian regimes or to protect authoritarian regimes from their people?".
On this episode, our guest, Dr Mohamed Diatta, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies notes among other things that to there is an urgent need to address the real feeling among African's that, political change can only occur through popular protests and military interference. He also warned that the longer the situation in countries like Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire to fester, there is a real chance for instability to spread in those countries.
Do listen, reflect and share.
The safety of navigation and the protection of Africa's marine envi- a prevention and cure approach.
In light of the Mauritius oil spillage, whereby a Japanese bulk carrier (MV Wakashio) broke-up and leaked oil on the shores of Mauritius in July, and taking into account that 24.3% of the country's GDP is from tourism (2018 figures), we discuss the implication of this spill with Dr Nkeiru Scotcher. Dr Scotcher is a postdoctoral fellow and instructor in Ocean Governance and the Law of the Sea at the Department of Law in Gothenburg University, Sweden.
What is clear from the conversation is the Mauritius government is not to blame for what happened during and at the aftermath of the spill as it is impossible to prepare for that which is beyond one's control (one cannot give what one does not have). Though different, the BP US Gulf of Mexico spills in 2010, and the aftermath evinces that it is difficult to prepare for such eventuality. What is clear, Dr Scotcher notes, is the need for Africa to regroup, restrategise and push for change in the international Convention, including pushing for the introduction of a protocol that can increase liability and the review of the relevant Convention.
You may reach her via email on: nkeiru.scotcher@law.gu.se
Humanitarian action in Africa, what is it and what should it entail?
In previous episodes, we aimed to introduce the subject to our audience before handing over to our guest. However, we have not followed this protocol this time because we believe that humanitarian action is one of those hard to define concepts and means different things to different people. As Mr Sow aptly captured, the first contributors to humanitarian action are communities, many of whom use their social networks to support people in times of conflict/during displacements; disparent from what can be deduced from a google search of "humanitarian action".
The conversation about humanitarian action brought to the fore the need for African government to do all that they can to silence the guns, because according to Mr Sow that is the only way the continent can make progress. Mr Sow makes many recommendations on how the #AfriCan continent can turn the tide on conflict, including calling on the leaders to "be bold and consider political solutions".
Listen. Share. Subscribe.
Embracing diversity in a changing world.
With the foregoing in mind, the hosts, Drs Belhabib and Okafor-Yarwood share their personal experiences to highlight the imperative for us to embrace diversity in medical research, in our work places and daily lives. Thank you for listening.
Africa's youth agency, resilience and transilience.
This is an important topic as the African continent is seen to be experiencing "youth bulge" - a demographic pattern where a large share of the population is comprised of children and young adults.
According to the United Nations, 226 million youth aged 15-24 lived in Africa in 2015, representing nearly 20% of Africa’s population, making up one-fifth of the world’s youth population. The share of Africa’s youth in the world is forecasted to increase to 42% by 2030. However, many commentators (the African Union is not one of them) see this as a problem, as they declare that the majority of young Africans are stuck in "waithood" and struggling to make ends meet.
To discuss this topic with us, we have Mr Femi Balogun, a researcher, evaluation consultant and policy analyst. He sees the African youth population as trailblazers as they have continued to find creative ways to solve the problems in their respective environs. Their contributions might not be adequately captured, but, he made a strong case on the need to move the discussion around youths in Africa away from resilience to transilience.
Like always, thanks for listening and do share.
Mediation and working for peace in situations of conflict.
By the 27th of March, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, called on all warring parties in the African continent to engage in a lasting ceasefire, to give a chance to peacemaking.
Undoubtedly, for Africa to have a fighting chance at turning the tides on the pandemic, then it has to be able to focus its resources on doing just that, as conflicts of any form would escalate the rates of community infections. Therefore, in this episode, we are joined by Nox Nokukhanya Ntuli, a mediation expert, to discuss mediation and the critical role it plays and can continue to play in conflict resolution, especially at a time when the African Union have set aside, 2020 as the year that all guns of violence and conflicts will be silenced in Africa.
Enjoy the episode and take care.
Africa's preparedness for the Corona virus pandemic
Given the fragile conditions of Africa's health system, the low number of reported cases of the Coronavirus have puzzled foreign media and researchers alike, as they wonder whether this is due to inadequate detection mechanism, the climatic conditions of the continent or merely a fluke.
In the April episode of AfriCan Geopardy, we speak to Abimbola Adebakin, a pharmacist and the Chief Executive Officer of Advantage Health Africa, a health technology group with a pharmacy franchise aimed at providing genuine, affordable and accessible medicines, about Africa's preparedness for Covid19. She identifies four areas that Africa must focus on to turn the tides of the virus - early detection, observation and treatment, control and finally, change of behaviour.