Welcome to this new episode of Handing Over the Mic, a podcast series where influential voices from the Global South share their perspectives on Europe—its past, present and future. 

In this episode, we hand over the mic to Vera Songwe, renowned economist and global leader in development, finance and policy. In 2017 she made history as the first woman to lead the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at the rank of Under Secretary General. In 2020, Forbes recognized her as one of Africa’s 50 most powerful women. Songwe currently serves as chair and founder of the Board of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility and co-chair of the Food System Economics Commission, which supports the transformation of global food and land use systems. 

In this episode, hosts Christine Mhundwa, Elisa Díaz Gras and Vera Songwe discuss Africa’s evolving relationship with Europe and the global economy, emphasizing the need for equitable trade and meaningful partnerships. Songwe examines Africa’s strategic and independent role on the international stage and highlights the continent’s potential in areas such as climate action, food security, industrial development and youth education, while calling for innovative policies, investment and leadership. 

“I think there is always this sense of what Africa needs to figure out [is] … whose side Africa needs to be on. Africa is on Africa's side. ... [W]hat African business are looking for is how we can grow our economies, how we can develop and deliver prosperity for the citizens of those countries. If China has the technology, we're going to get it from China. If China is cheaper in the technology, we will get it from China because we also need to be able to work with the resources that we have. ... I think that the question nobody ever asked the Europeans, are you going to go to the East or the West? What are you going to do? Why does Africa have to pick? “ 

Christine Mhundwa is a seasoned journalist and host of Deutsche Welle’s daily Africa news show, brings her deep expertise in political reporting, having covered key developments across southern Africa.  

Elisa Díaz Gras has over 20 years of experience in diplomacy and international affairs, and is the Head of the Global South Programme at BIG. 

Handing Over the Mic is a podcast by the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics, produced with the support of the European Cultural Foundation.

Production and Distribution

Episodes are available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and are also featured on the homepages of BIG and our partner, the European Cultural Foundation.

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