In Episode 3 of Season 6, Change Africa Podcast hosts Isaac Aboah and Daniel Merki sit down with Maudo Jallow, a geopolitical strategist advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Jallow unpacks the intricate dance of global power, from GCC(Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) influence in Africa to the continent’s untapped leverage in a multipolar world. The conversation tackles how African leaders can navigate partnerships with emerging players like the UAE, sidestep colonial hangovers, and build a pragmatic future rooted in competence and self-interest.

They explore the dynamics of international partnerships, the role of independent organizations, and the challenges African leaders face in negotiating beneficial agreements. The conversation also touches on the historical influence of colonial powers and the current efforts of the US to regain influence in Africa amidst rising competition from China and the UAE. This conversation explores the shifting dynamics of global influence, particularly focusing on the roles of the UK and US in Africa, the fragility of international law, sustainable development challenges, and the importance of attracting talent for governance.

Maudo urges African leaders to wield data-driven leverage in negotiations, tap diaspora talent, and prioritize GDP per capita as a development yardstick—offering a playbook for a continent ready to rewrite its story.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change Africa Podcast

01:01 Geopolitical Landscape in the GCC Region

06:44 Africa as a Geopolitical Playground

11:26 The Role of Independent Organizations

19:09 Navigating Colonial Legacies in Africa

30:20 US Influence and Relationships in Africa

30:48 The Shifting Global Influence of the UK and US

35:49 The Role of International Law and the UN

39:50 Sustainable Development and Resource Management in Africa

44:21 UK's Economic Role in Africa: Debt Relief and Cultural Influence

47:17 Future Development Outcomes for Africa

50:32 Pragmatic Approaches to Foreign Investment in Africa

54:37 Attracting Talent for Governance in Africa

58:26 Personal Aspirations and Future Directions

Guest Profile

Maudo Jallow is an experienced geopolitical strategist and advisor, with 7 years of experience in advising governments in the Middle East and Africa on strategy, public policy, and geopolitics. Previously, he worked for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Senior Analyst in the Global Advantage Practice Area, providing expert advice and insights on how MEA nations can attract strategic foreign investment in key sectors.

Maudo holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with French from the European Business School in London and a Master’s degree in African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he also served as a Visiting Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa.

This podcast is a production of Nexa Media.

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