Tsepiso, James, Theophilus & Mbugua - Year in Review- Part 2

In Part Two of Panel 54’s end-of-year special, Waweru Njoroge and Ndu Okoh close out the year with Africa’s senior editors by asking one final question: what must change if the continent is to enter the new year with clarity, leverage and agency?

Returning to the conversation are Theophilus Yardy, Tsepiso Makwetla, James Muyanwa, and James Mbugua. Building on Part One, they sharpen their analysis of where Africa stands heading into the new year.The discussion turns to consequences and choices.

How far has democratic erosion gone, and can institutions still recover? What does worsening insecurity mean for elections, economies, and everyday life? Is foreign influence, including China’s expanding role, filling gaps left by weak governance or quietly deepening dependency?The editors also confront Africa’s position in a rapidly shifting multipolar world. As global power fragments and alliances harden, they ask why

Africa continues to react rather than set terms, and what it will take for the continent to secure a meaningful seat at the table instead of remaining a contested space for others.This is a sober, forward looking conclusion that moves beyond diagnosis to responsibility, for media, for leadership, and for citizens, as Africa steps into a new year defined by pressure, possibility and unfinished business.

Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo.

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🎙 Recorded on location in Nairobi, Kenya

🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent