The Africa Dialogues podcast explores the big stories and trends transforming the continent today, told by decision-makers, thinkers and doers. We bring you fresh perspective and new ideas on topics driving the continent’s development, from investment and agriculture to energy and innovation, with particular focus on Russia-Africa cooperation.
The podcast is hosted by the Institute for International Studies (IfIS) of MGIMO University to create a space for important conversations between Africa and Russia.
During this episode I spoke with Riverson Oppong, Commercial Manager in charge of Economic Modelling, Risk Management, and Policy Planning (ERP) at the Ghana National Gas Company, Adjunct Lecturer at Ghana Communication Technology University, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and GIMPA, as well as Chairperson of the Ghana Section
During this episode I spoke with Riverson Oppong, Commercial Manager in charge of Economic Modelling, Risk Management, and Policy Planning (ERP) at the Ghana National Gas Company, Adjunct Lecturer at Ghana Communication Technology University, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and GIMPA, as well as Chairperson of the Ghana Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Riverson holds a Ph.D. in Economics, with particular focus on International Oil and Gas Management. In addition, he serves as an advisor to African governments in building more resilient energy strategies, currently playing dynamic roles in Ghana's Energy Sector Recovery Program and Energy Transition Technical Committee.
Riverson and I discussed the 3 key factors to cure energy poverty in Africa, why the AfCFTA and AU are not living up to their potential, how to ensure FDI serves local interests and why additional value chains can help Africans free themselves from the Dutch-disease curse.
Timecodes:
4:35 Fighting energy poverty in Africa and beyond by ensuring availability, affordability and accessibility
18:25 Why AfCFTA and AU progress is stalling
28:50 The importance of creating raw material value chains for Africa's economy
35:48 The cure to energy poverty: experimenting with new technologies, expanding the grid and using multiple energy sources
44:24 How to ensure foreign investors are creating value for Africans
49:29 The natural instinct of any human being is to go home: the causes behind Africa's massive brain drain