West Africa is undergoing profound geopolitical transformations. Military coups, the withdrawal of French troops and the growing influence of international actors such as Russia and China are reshaping the region. These shifts unfold against a backdrop of fragile states, stark social inequalities, relentless resource exploitation and the lingering shadows of colonial legacies.
We aim to explore these forces in a six-part podcast series on Geopolitics in West Africa – cutting through simplistic narratives, exposing the blind spots in popular discourse and elevating voices that grapple with the contradictions, tensions and overlooked complexities shaping the region.
We are looking for curious, investigative journalists who are eager to work with leading experts to uncover hidden dynamics, challenge prevailing assumptions and craft stories that bring nuance, depth and clarity to the debate.
Your tasks:
- Develop and host six podcast episodes (60–90 minutes each) in English and/or French
- Research and select compelling interviewees
- Conduct interviews that combine depth and accessibility
- Produce the podcast episodes, including post-production
You bring:
- Proven journalistic experience and enthusiasm (podcast experience is a plus)
- Experience in research, interview techniques, and storytelling
- Sensitivity to political and economic dynamics in Africa and beyond
- Ability to present complex topics in an engaging and understandable way
If you are interested in joining this project, please send your application including a brief overview of your journalistic experience (with samples), ideas for potential interviewees, and detailed cost information by 09.12.2025 to jenny.ouedraogo@rosalux.org.
A new study exploring the early history of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development
This year marks the end of an era at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). After two consecutive terms, ICMPD Director General Michael Spindelegger will retire from the organization at the end of 2025. Since 2016, the former Vice-Chancellor of Austria has contributed significantly to expanding the ICMPD’s footprint in European migration policy, both in terms of mainstreaming the key concepts it advocates for, as well as accelerating its on-the-ground impact and presence across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The ICMPD has played an important role not only in integrating non-EU states on the Balkan route into the European border regime, but also states in the Mediterranean such as Tunisia, Morocco and Lebanon, and states along the so-called “New Silk Road” stretching from Eastern Europe via Central Asia to Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Read more: https://www.rosalux.de/en/publication/id/54037/expanding-the-european-border-regime
AUTHORS: Fabian Georgi, Sofian Philip Naceur
PUBLISHER: Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung North Africa Regional Office Tunis