Africa’s economic future, political independence and struggle over control of its natural resources are reshaping the continent’s place in the world.

In this episode of The Simardone Show, Aidan Simardone is joined by journalist David Hundeyin, founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead, for a discussion about African industrialization, Pan-Africanism, political instability and the changing balance of power across Africa.

We explore why African countries exporting raw materials often capture only a fraction of their potential economic value, and what domestic refining and processing could mean for industrial development. From Burkina Faso’s gold industry to Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery, we examine the opportunities and challenges involved in building African industries capable of processing the continent’s own resources.

The conversation also turns to Nigeria’s political future, the country’s upcoming elections and the complex causes of insecurity in northern Nigeria. We examine why violence is often reduced to a religious conflict between Muslims and Christians, and what broader political, economic and regional factors may be overlooked.

Finally, we discuss Ethiopia’s growing instability, the emergence of a new alliance of armed opposition groups and rising tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. What do these developments mean for the Horn of Africa, and could the region face another interstate conflict?

Topics discussed:

  • Africa’s economic independence
  • Pan-Africanism and African sovereignty
  • Burkina Faso’s gold refinery
  • Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery
  • Why African countries export raw materials
  • Resource processing and industrialization
  • Nigeria’s oil industry
  • Nigeria’s upcoming elections
  • Nigerian politics and the future of the country
  • Insecurity in northern Nigeria
  • Religious conflict and political violence in Nigeria
  • Ethiopia’s political and military crisis
  • Ethiopia’s new rebel alliance
  • Ethiopia and Eritrea
  • The risk of war in the Horn of Africa
  • Western influence in Africa
  • African development and the Global South
  • David Hundeyin and African journalism

David Hundeyin is a journalist and founder of West Africa Weekly and The Spearhead, covering African politics, geopolitics, media and international affairs.