Spotify has just announced a unique podcast initiative on the continent, the Africa Podcast Fund, to support podcasters and continue spreading their stories.
The $100,000 fund aims to advance the careers of these podcast creators through financial donations, workshops and networking opportunities.
The Africa Podcast Fund is offered to selected authors from African countries with the largest podcast audiences, namely South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.
The donation also includes a Cameroonian podcast with large audiences both in France and in French-speaking African countries such as Côte d’Ivoire.
Given the wide range of countries selected, the winning podcasts will be recorded in multiple languages, including Pidgin, English, French, Sheng, Ga and Twi.
The fund is managed by Africa Podfest, a Kenya-based company focused on inspiring and nurturing African podcasters, building a sustainable and inclusive podcasting industry across Africa.
“Africa Podfest is excited about the development of podcasting in Africa, especially as the medium allows underrepresented African voices to tell the story of Africa,” said Melissa Mbugua, co-director of Africa Podfest.
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In alphabetical order by country, the 13 recipient podcasts are:
Businesswoman, journalist and art collector Diane Audrey Ngako, the host of Si Maman M’avait Dit.
Sincerely Accra, a popular Ghanaian podcast about urban life in the country’s capital, Accra.
The Sandwich Podcast, the most listened to podcast in Kenya, hosted by four creators: Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen. It comes in a mix of English, Swahili and Sheng.
Hosted by Murugi Munyi and Lydia Mukami, The Messy Inbetween covers love, money, work, life and advice guided by lived experience and all the things that make life what it is.
Mantalk.ke, hosted by Kenyan YouTubers Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome, recognizes the need for male-led conversations on topics such as toxic masculinity, fatherhood, feminism, dating and self-care.
I Said What I Said, one of Nigeria’s most popular podcast, is hosted by Feyikemi Abudu, an entrepreneur passionate about helping small businesses grow, and Jola Ayeye, a storyteller with a primary interest in contemporary African culture.
Tea With Tay, hosted by Nigerian content creator Taymesan, tackles social issues and personal experiences in a fun, light and playful way.
F&S Uncensored encompasses music, pop culture and personal experiences. Hosted by Feyikemi Akin-Bankole and Simi Badiru, the podcast offers commentary on pop culture trends and informed views on how these issues affect Nigerians in everyday life.
After School Is After School with Sis G.U, hosted by Gugulethu Nyatsumba, aims to speak more openly and honestly about the struggles Gugulethu continues to face in his 20s.
The South African podcast The Journey Kwantu, hosted by Vusumzi Ngxande, explores and questions questions around African spirituality and identity.
Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba, hosted by content creator Mpoomy Ledwaba, aims to foster connections with its guests and inspire its audience through meaningful conversations that explore life lessons and individual journeys.
Convos & Cocktails with Lesego Tlhabi is a podcast hosted by the prominent South African satirist best known for her character Coconut Kelz.
