Best World Bank Institute for Economic Development Podcasts (2025)

1
Innovating Venture Building Support: David Ogundeko on Funema’s Vision for Backing African Ventures 50:41

3d ago50:41

50:41

Episode overview:In this conversation, David Ogundeko shares the journey of Funema, an impact-focused alternative investment firm operating for nine years across Nigeria, South Africa, and the US. He discusses his approach to venture building for early-stage founders, why Africa needs a unique investment approach, and how his firm addresses the "ch…

1
Episode 1 (Researchers edition). Empowering women: How to turbocharge global growth. 11:02

15d ago11:02

11:02

Countries have made enormous progress in recent decades dismantling laws that discriminate against women, but to this day, no country has achieved true equality of opportunity. According to the World Bank 2024 Women, Business and the Law report, countries can unlock the full potential of their population by embracing legal gender equality. Closing …

1
Adapt or Be Left Behind: Marie Lora-Mungai on AI and the Future of African Filmmaking 29:26

23d ago29:26

29:26

Meet Marie Lora-Mungai, expert advisor in African creative industries and sports business and founder of Restless Global - whose 20-year journey from CNN journalist to production company founder to industry advisor gives her a unique vantage point on Africa's creative economy.In thought-provoking conversation with Andile Masuku, Lora-Mungai makes a…

1
Episode 1 (Policy Makers edition). Empowering women: How to turbocharge global growth. 11:34

24d ago11:34

11:34

Countries have made enormous progress in recent decades dismantling laws that discriminate against women, but to this day, no country has achieved true equality of opportunity. According to the World Bank 2024 Women, Business and the Law report, countries can unlock the full potential of their population by embracing legal gender equality. Closing …

1
From Policy to Independent Media: Fatu Ogwuche on Creative Storytelling in Tech 42:01

1M ago42:01

42:01

Episode overview: In this conversation, Fatu Ogwuche shares insights into her transition from working at Meta and consulting for Nigeria's Electoral Commission to launching her own media platform, Big Tech This Week. She discusses her entrepreneurial spirit, creative approach to storytelling, and the unique position independent creators hold in tod…

1
489: Immigration and Trump Policies- Securing America's Future with Richard Duncan 1:16:44

2M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Richard Duncan @RichardDuncanEconomics explores the potential benefits of a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, advocating for increased government investment in key industries like AI and biotechnology. Duncan argues this strategy could significantly boost economic growth, enhance national security by countering China's technological dominance, and genera…

1
Carrier Neutral: How Unicorn Factory Aims to Open Up Africa’s Internet Infrastructure 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

This episode features an engaging conversation with Rob Bergman, Chief Investment Officer at Unicorn Factory, exploring the nuanced intersection of digital infrastructure investment and internet connectivity ecosystem development across Africa.Episode overview:Andile Masuku engages with Bergman to unpack his 12-year journey in African investment, e…

1
Inside Money & Moves: Tinashe Mukogo On Merging Corporate Expertise With Independent Media 57:33

3M ago57:33

57:33

Episode Overview: This episode features a relaxed, peer-to-peer conversation between two media entrepreneurs—African Tech Roundup co-founder and executive producer Andile Masuku, and Money & Moves founder and writer Tinashe Mukogo. They explore how Mukogo draws on his background in consulting (Deloitte), corporate venture capital (Next47), and orga…

1
Joshua Bicknell On How Balloon Ventures' 'Boring Business' Portfolio Drives 0.5% Of Uganda's GDP 41:05

3M ago41:05

41:05

Episode Overview: This episode features a deep conversation with Joshua Bicknell, co-founder of Balloon Ventures, exploring how the organisation evolved from a non-profit connecting young people with informal entrepreneurs to becoming a financial institution that's deployed over $14 million in loans to SMEs across Kenya and Uganda, while openly sha…

1
488: You Won't Believe How Trump's Policy Affects Your Wallet with Prof. David Collum 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

Is Trump's America First policy the solution to the rising inflation in the US? Today, we dive into the details of Trump's economic approach and examine whether his America First policy is effective in combating inflation. From tariffs on foreign goods to tax cuts, we analyze the impact of Trump's policies on the US economy and explore whether they…

1
Ochuko Ogra On Backbone Connectivity Network's (BCN) Nigeria Growth Strategy 10:35

3M ago10:35

10:35

This episode features a brief check-in with Ochuko Ogra, Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer at Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN), sketching Nigeria's digital infrastructure landscape.Episode overview: BCN has over 1,000 km of wholly-owned fibre infrastructure, primarily in the North-Central and North Eastern parts of Nigeria. Citing its st…

1
Alan Knott-Craig Jr On Life After Mxit's Royal Fail (2016) 51:55

4M ago51:55

51:55

Listen in as Alan Knott-Craig Jr, son of Alan Sr, the pioneering co-founder and first CEO of Vodacom, one of South Africa's leading mobile network operators, and later the feisty CEO of challenger telco Cell C—takes us through a transformative career moment that set the stage for his future ventures.Episode overviewThis early 2016 conversation find…

1
Building Bridges: Maya Horgan Famodu's Silicon Valley-Africa Crossing Playbook (2017) 1:14:53

4M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

Episode overviewThis unfiltered 2017 archive dialogue captures Maya Horgan Famodu (Founder and Partner, Ingressive Capital) before she became known for straight-talking LinkedIn posts about founder insights and personal growth. Fresh from investment banking, she was forging new pathways between Silicon Valley capital and African startup innovation …

1
487: Why Debt is my Favorite 4 Letter Word- Mortgage Matters with Housing Expert Josh Mettle 45:30

4M ago45:30

45:30

Jason welcomes Josh Mettle, an expert in mortgages markets. According to Josh, the recent decline in mortgage purchase applications, despite rising home prices, is not indicative of a looming housing crash. This is because the current demographic trends favor homeownership, with millennials and Gen Z representing a large cohort of potential buyers.…

1
Talent Tales: Ethiopia's Quiet Tech Rise vs Nigeria's Developer Gold Rush (2018) 27:26

5M ago27:26

27:26

As we wind down 2024, we're diving into our archives to serve up some memorable throwback conversations.Whether you're a long-time listener revisiting these gems or discovering them for the first time, these conversations capture pivotal moments in Africa's tech journey. In today's episode, we're rewinding to 2018...Episode overview:Join us as we e…

1
Why Carbon CEO Chijioke Dozie Is Ditching Nigeria's Free Banking Playbook 19:40

5M ago19:40

19:40

Meet Chijioke Dozie, the co-founder steering Carbon through Nigeria's increasingly noisy neobank scene. In this candid chat with Andile Masuku, Dozie makes a case for zigging while others zag—specifically, charging for value while competitors burn cash on free services. It's a stance that might raise eyebrows in Nigeria's price-sensitive market, bu…

1
Ambar Van Der Wath Unpacks Baobab Network's $20K Toe-Dipping Investment Proposition 15:54

5M ago15:54

15:54

Ambar van der Wath—who leads investor relations at one of Africa's leading accelerator slash VC firms, Baobab Network—discusses with Andile Masuku how the firm is creating accessible entry points for cautious investors interested in early-stage African tech startups.Episode Overview: Picture this: You're an international investor curious about Afri…

1
486: The Next Crash is Upon Us|Harry Dent Warns of the Coming Economic Collapse 52:01

5M ago52:01

52:01

Jason welcomes Harry Dent, a renowned economic forecaster, discussed the prolonged economic bubble. He emphasized that the current bubble, driven by massive government stimulus and money printing, is unprecedented in its longevity—three times longer than historical bubbles. Dent believes the bubble, which should have burst by 2021, has been artific…

1
Koltronics Nigeria's Lanre Kolade and the inside story of Google's Equiano cable landing in Togo 19:40

5M ago19:40

19:40

This episode features an illuminating dialogue with Lanre Kolade, Chairman of ConnectedCompute, CEO of Koltronics Nigeria and former CEO of CSquared, exploring the intricate dynamics of infrastructure development and digital transformation across Africa.Episode overview:Andile Masuku engages with Kolade to unpack his 26-year journey in African broa…

1
This Is Connectivity a la VC With Accion Venture Lab's Jasiel Martin-Odoom 33:14

6M ago33:14

33:14

This episode features a candid conversation with Jasiel Martin-Odoom, Africa Investment Officer at Accion Venture Lab, exploring the intersection of venture capital and connectivity-focused content creation and ecosystem building in African tech.Episode overview:Andile Masuku sits down with Jasiel Martin-Odoom to unpack his unique approach to ecosy…

1
Victor Mapunga On Building From First Principles In Africa's 'Tech Graveyard' 1:00:23

6M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

In a landscape where African tech startups often chase buzzwords and quick wins, some founders are taking a more fundamental approach to innovation. This episode explores how one Zimbabwean entrepreneur is building sustainable tech ventures by focusing on first principles.Episode overview:In this deeply candid conversation, Andile Masuku sits down …

1
Britam Director Shares Strategy on Modernising Insurance for Africa's Digital Age 30:14

6M ago30:14

30:14

In a rapidly evolving financial services landscape, traditional African insurers are racing to modernise their operations and product offerings to meet changing consumer needs. This episode explores how one of East Africa's largest insurance providers is navigating this transformation.Episode overview:In this first instalment of a special two-part …

1
485: Transitioning from Communism to Privatization: A Client Case Study with Elena Clark 32:03

6M ago32:03

32:03

Jason welcomes Elena Clark as they discuss Elena’s experiences during the privatization phase in Russia, including her role as an attorney in Samara City and Moscow, and the economic transition from the Soviet Union to a free market economy. They also explored the land use system in Soviet times, the privatization of land, and the process of exchan…

1
Safaricom Ethiopia's Network Chief on Building Network Infrastructure From Scratch 18:06

6M ago18:06

18:06

In October 2022, Safaricom launched its telecommunications services in Ethiopia, marking a major milestone as the first private operator to enter the Ethiopian telecom market. This move broke the long-standing monopoly of state-owned Ethio Telecom and was seen by many as a significant step towards liberalising the country’s telecom sector. The comp…

1
Future in the Humanities EP 3/3: Slave Ride 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

In the third and final episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "The Gig Economy's Hidden Costs", Wits social scientist and researcher Fikile Masikane guides an exploration of the complex realities facing gig workers in the Global South, particularly food courier riders in Africa.Featuring insights from a study conducted …

1
Future in the Humanities EP 2/3: Everybody Gets a Conspiracy 17:10

7M ago17:10

17:10

In this episode, Wits University media researchers Samuel Olaniran and Iginio Gagliardone guide an audio tour into the complex world of conspiracy theories in the era of social media and global crises.Drawing from multiple research findings and expert dialogues, Andile Masuku (host) grapples with the complex function of conspiracy theories in our s…

1
Future in the Humanities EP 1/3: Touching Brains 26:59

7M ago26:59

26:59

In the opening episode of the Future in the Humanities podcast mini-series, titled "Touching Brains", Wits University research collaborators Sahba Besharati and Victoria Williams let us in on their multidisciplinary exploration of the complex impact of COVID-19 on human interaction and touch. Featuring insights from various studies and discussions …

1
484: Let's Talk Money: Real-World Financial Advice with Megan Gorman, Author of All the Presidents' Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money 56:47

7M ago56:47

56:47

Megan Gorman, author of "All the President's Money," explores the financial habits of US presidents throughout history. Gorman, a financial advisor, tax attorney, and wealth manager, discusses the presidents' varying approaches to money management, from frugal to extravagant. She also explores the historical context of each president's financial de…

1
483: Navigating the Housing Market: Rising Interest Rates, Refinancing, Emerging Markets and Institutional Investors with Robert Helms 25:51

8M ago25:51

25:51

Jason and Robert Helms discuss the recent increase in mortgage refinancing activity and the ongoing housing shortage, its impact on the real estate market, and potential solutions for affordable housing. They also explore emerging real estate opportunities, such as investing in high-demand, low-supply markets and the potential of parking lots as an…

1
482: Leadership and Real Estate: Creating a Successful Business and Life with Trey Taylor 23:20

9M ago23:20

23:20

Real estate investor Trey Taylor advocates for single-family homes as a stable, long-term investment. He emphasizes financial prudence, focusing on properties generating rental income that exceeds expenses. While acknowledging economic challenges like rising interest rates, Taylor remains optimistic about the housing market's resilience. His leader…

1
481: The Collapse of the Dollar's Empire and @MilkshakesPod with Brent Johnson 25:19

9M ago25:19

25:19

The Dollar Milkshake Theory, proposed by Brent Johnson of Santiago Capital, predicts a surge in the US dollar's value compared to other currencies. This is due to the US's strong financial system, deep markets, and the dominance of the dollar in global transactions, like oil purchases. When a global debt crisis strikes, countries will scramble for …

1
480: American Fascism, Corporatism & Elite Oppression- on a Global Scale @IvorCumminsScience @wef 49:01

10M ago49:01

49:01

Jason welcomes Ivor Cummins, author of "Eat Rich, Live Long!", who transitioned from corporate problem-solving to investigating food supply corruption. He shared a conference stage with Jason Hartman, discussing elite class agendas. Cummins, a biochemical engineer, criticized the handling of COVID-19, comparing it to a severe flu. He believes media…

1
479: Sound Money Revolution: Protecting Wealth in Unstable Times with Lynette Zang 34:28

10M ago34:28

34:28

Jason welcomes back Lynette Zang from Zang Enterprises, highlighting her expertise in the economy, sound money, and precious metals. They discuss the recent surge in gold prices, attributed to global central banks' increased gold purchases, despite market manipulation efforts to suppress it. Zang explains that rising gold prices indicate failing cu…

1
478: Digital Currencies & Gov't Control: Navigating Privacy in a Cashless World & Building Resilient Financial Strategies with Catherine Austin Fitts 49:09

10M ago49:09

49:09

Jason welcomes Catherine Austin Fitts, of the Solari Report back to his show after nearly eight years. Catherine, served as Assistant Secretary of Housing under George H.W. Bush. They discuss the disappearance of trillions of dollars from federal budgets, starting in the mid-90s and escalating over the years. By 2001, $4 trillion was unaccounted fo…

1
477: Market Dynamics: Inventory, Interest Rates, and Buyer Behavior with Sean O'Toole of Property Radar 40:50

11M ago40:50

40:50

Jason and Sean O'Toole of PropertyRadar.com discuss the current state of the real estate market, focusing on inventory trends, the impact of high interest rates, and the value of real estate over price. They also explore the potential for price drops, the influence of technological advancements on prices, and the challenges of rising housing costs.…

1
476: Navigating the Dollar Hegemony: Understanding Global Finance Today with with Saleha Mohsin 26:50

11M ago26:50

26:50

Jason introduces Sahala Moshsin and her book "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order" and discusses the impact of economic sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia. They also explore the challenges faced by countries trying to work around the US dollar's global dominance, the mounting debt and its implica…

1
507: Unlocking Business Succession: The Power of ESOPs with Keith Butcher 24:48

11M ago24:48

24:48

In an interview with Jason Hartman, Keith Butcher, founder of Butcher Joseph, discusses business succession and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). With many business owners approaching retirement, ESOPs offer a tax-efficient way to transition ownership to employees. This model enhances employee retention and loyalty, providing long-term retire…

1
475: Behind the Numbers: Insights from Institutional Players on Real Estate Trends with Lance Lambert Part 2 23:20

11M ago23:20

23:20

Jason and Lance Lambert finish their discussion as they explore the "lock-in effect" caused by historically low mortgage rates. They highlight the significant impact on home sales and turnover rates in the real estate market, with a 57% reduction in home sales due to fixed-rate mortgage holders unwilling to give up their low-interest loans. They al…

1
474: Navigating the Tight Resale Market: Lance Lambert's Expert Analysis on Housing Supply Dynamics Part 1 27:16

12M ago27:16

27:16

Lance Lambert, co-founder of Resi Club, discusses the real estate market's nuances with host Jason Hartman. Lambert highlights the tight resale market, down 30-35% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, noting that despite this, 2019 wasn't a buyer's market. Affordability strains persist, especially in areas like Connecticut, impacted by the "donut effe…

1
473: Housing Affordability Crisis and the Impact of the NAR Lawsuit on Real Estate with Rick Sharga 47:10

12M ago47:10

47:10

Jason welcomes real estate analyst Rick Sharga. Rick discusses the housing market and economic trends. Despite concerns of a crash, he suggests a slow period with modest price increases rather than a downturn. He dismisses crash predictions, highlighting historical data showing home prices generally rise during recessions. Sharga addresses factors …

1
472: Unlocking Opportunity: Investing in the Changing Landscape of Commercial Real Estate with Paul Moore 31:18

1y ago31:18

31:18

Jason and Paul Moore delve into the current state of commercial real estate, focusing on multifamily, office, RV and mobile home markets. They discuss the rise of rescue capital, which assists struggling deals, particularly in multifamily, where many properties are overpriced. They explore how office markets may never fully recover due to remote wo…

1
471: From Boom to Bust- Understanding Market Cycles and Investment Opportunities with Mark Moss 35:56

1y ago35:56

35:56

Jason and Mark Moss delve into the media landscape’s sensationalism and fear-mongering, particularly in financial spaces. Moss criticizes analysts like Harry Dent, noting their linear thinking and failure to account for the changing dynamics post-2008 crisis. Moss predicts continued government intervention to prop up markets, leading to prolonged d…

1
470: Speed of Trust- Transforming Transactions into Relationships with Stephen M.R. Covey 27:53

1y ago27:53

27:53

Jason welcomes Stephen M.R. Covey as they discuss his book "The Speed of Trust." In business, cultivating trust is key for successful deals and relationships. The principle of "win-win or no deal" emphasizes fair collaboration, where both parties benefit. Trust fosters enduring relationships, enabling faster, more efficient cooperation. Smart trust…

1
469: Unlocking Financial Success- A Guide to Building Wealth in Uncertain Times with Meet Kevin 21:03

1y ago21:03

21:03

Today Jason welcomes YouTube influencer Kevin Paffrath a.k.a. Meet Kevin. In this interview with Kevin, conducted aboard his private jet, he shares insights on the economy, inflation, and investment strategies. Kevin discusses the aftermath of recent global events like the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, foreseeing prolonged economic effects. H…

1
468: Socrates AI Model- Unveiling the May 7th Turning Point: Recession, Civil Unrest & International War Ahead? | Martin Armstrong 26:51

1y ago26:51

26:51

Jason welcomes back guest Martin Armstrong, a renowned economic forecaster. The conversation touches on Armstrong’s background, experiences in the financial industry, and his computer-driven approach to analysis. Armstrong’s economic confidence model predicts a peak on May 7th, signaling a shift towards a recession, civil unrest, and international …

1
467: Laffer Curve and Reaganomics, A Game-Changer in Global Economics! 18:03

1y ago18:03

18:03

Discover the fascinating history behind the influential Laffer curve with the renowned economist #ArthurLaffer. This curve played a pivotal role in the Reagan revolution, transforming global economics. Dive into the concept that excess taxation can hinder government revenue, unraveling the counterintuitive nature of economics. Join the Empowered In…

1
466: Exposing Truth About Gold, Silver and Real Estate- A Historical Race for Wealth 23:46

1y ago23:46

23:46

Jason welcomes Mike Maloney. He talks about his book "The Great Gold and Silver Rush of the 20th Century," and presents a chart showing the price of a can of Campbell's soup under the gold standard from 1895 to 2025. Jason also introduced the Hartman Comparison Index and the concept of pricing items in commodities. Mike and Jason discuss the unreal…

1
465: Retail Renaissance- Return of the Commercial Real Estate Market 26:17

1y ago26:17

26:17

Jason welcomes Joshua Simon, founder of Simon Commercial Real Estate, as they discuss the state of commercial real estate. Josh highlights the strength of retail, especially in open-air strip centers and grocery-anchored spaces. Simon emphasized the retail renaissance, citing low vacancy rates and increased demand. Industrial properties faced chall…

1
464: Freddie Mac Economist Reveals Connection with Mortgage Debt & GDP; What Every Homeowner Must Know! 40:54

1y ago40:54

40:54

Jason talks about the importance of understanding the relationship between household real estate value, mortgage debt, and GDP. The presented chart indicates increased equity and decreased mortgage debt as a percentage of GDP, highlighting a more stable housing market. He touches on the benefits of leveraging properties and he analyzes a chart on m…

1
463: Predicting the Next Economic Recession & Revolutionizing Banking with Decentralized Finance | Campbell Harvey 29:25

1y ago29:25

29:25

Jason discusses the topic of decentralized finance (defi) and its potential advantages in the cryptocurrency world. He also touches on the issue of the US housing shortage and how it presents opportunities for real estate investors. Additionally, Jason highlights the benefits of joining the “Fire Your Managers” program and announced an upcoming Emp…

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