Ufahamu Africa is a podcast about life and politics on the African continent, co-hosted by Kim Yi Dionne, professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, and Rachel Beatty Riedl, professor of government at Cornell University.
“Ufahamu” is a Kiswahili word that translates to “understanding” or “consciousness” in English. We seek to expand our collective understanding of Africa through in-depth interviews with diverse thinkers and innovators who are deeply ingrained in the life, culture, and politics of the continent. Our weekly episodes also feature news highlights and overviews of what we are reading and learning.
Find the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.
Kim Yi Dionne: Welcome to Ufahamu Africa, a podcast about life and politics on the African continent. I’m Kim Yi Dionne, your host, and I am a professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside.
Rachel Beatty Riedl: And I’m Rachel Beatty Riedl, your co-host, and a professor of government at Cornell University.
Kim Yi Dionne: “Ufahamu” is a Kiswahili word that means “understanding” or “consciousness.” And every week, we are expanding our understanding of Africa by bringing diverse thinkers and innovators into conversation, including many great African voices. From public health experts to writers and academics, each of our guests provides a new perspective on the life, culture, and politics of the continent.
Nanjala Nyabola: Even if I am a privileged, middle-class writer from Kenya, when the migration restrictions come, I am just an African.
Peace Medie: Because the characters take on a life of their own, and you almost can’t control what happens.
Judd Devermont: The U.S. government needs to treat African counterparts as if they were any other country in the world. Have a normal relationship.
Rachel Beatty Riedl: We also share our own insights as academics who study Africa. You’ll hear the big news stories of the week at the beginning of each episode, as well as some curated recommendations of what we are reading, listening to, and watching.
Kim Yi Dionne: Subscribe to the show so that you don’t miss a single episode, or check out our website ufahamuafrica.com for past episodes, links, and more. Until next time, safari salama!