Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Into Africa
Host: CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies
Episode: Into Africa is Back!
Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

The brief episode marks the relaunch of the Into Africa podcast under new host Oge Onoborgu, Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Program at CSIS. The host introduces the revived direction and vision for the podcast, emphasizing a modern, dynamic, and authentic lens on Africa’s present and future. The episode sets expectations for a season of candid, forward-looking conversations uncovering political, economic, cultural, and societal currents across the continent.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Host Introduction

• Oge Onoborgu is introduced as the new host, blending her leadership at CSIS’s Africa Program with a commitment to illuminating African affairs.
  • “I am the new host of Into Africa.” (00:07)

2. Evolving Focus of the Podcast

• The podcast is evolving to reflect the changes within Africa itself.
• Scope:
  • Exploring “the forces shaping Africa's present and future.” (00:13)
  • Highlighting not just prominent leaders, but everyday Africans and international collaborators impacting the continent.

3. Main Themes for the New Season

• Shifting Geopolitics: How global realignments are impacting African states and societies.
• Innovation: Featuring technology entrepreneurs and grassroots creators reshaping industries.
• Governance: Examining political shifts, reform, and challenges in African democracies.
• Youth Movements: Areas where Africa’s young demographic is driving societal transformation.
  • “From shifting geopolitics and innovation to governance and youth movements transforming the continent.” (00:14)

4. Diverse Guest Lineup

• The show will feature “leaders, thinkers, change makers and everyday people from across Africa and around the world.” (00:19)
• Emphasis on multidimensional storytelling and breaking away from single narratives dominating U.S. perceptions of Africa.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Oge Onoborgu (00:01):
  “Africa is evolving and so is Into Africa.”

  • Sets the tone of adaptation and dynamism for the season.

• Oge Onoborgu (00:14):
  “Into Africa will unpack the forces shaping Africa's present and future. From shifting geopolitics and innovation to governance and youth movements transforming the continent.”

  • Underscores both the breadth and depth of topics to be covered.

• Oge Onoborgu (00:19):
  “Expect smart forward looking conversations with leaders, thinkers, change makers and everyday people from across Africa and around the world.”

  • Highlights the intention of inclusivity and rigorous dialogue.

Key Segment Timestamps

• 00:01–00:07 — Introduction to new host, Oge Onoborgu.
• 00:07–00:14 — Vision for the new season: unpacking contemporary African issues.
• 00:14–00:20 — Overview of key themes: geopolitics, innovation, governance, youth.
• 00:20–00:31 — Audience invitation: subscribe, connect, and stay engaged with the podcast on social media.

Summary

This episode serves as a concise, energetic relaunch, inviting listeners to join Into Africa on a journey through Africa’s rapid transformation. With Oge Onoborgu as host, the podcast promises authentic perspectives, multi-faceted storytelling, and rich discussions on the political, economic, and cultural drivers shaping the continent’s future.