Despite some signs of hope, the world still remains in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic. The world is also dealing with the seemingly accelerating pace of climate change. From vaccine nationalism to environmental impact Africa has borne the brunt of these crises.

Organisations such as the UN and the WHO have joined South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in pushing for a lifting of COVID-19 vaccine IP rights. Yet as we head into year 3 of this pandemic and the world is in the grips of another variant, there seems to be little movement on this front.

The climate summit in Glasgow brought little back in the form of climate finance. Which is key for developing countries looking to turn green. Africa has been hard hit by the climate change crisis. Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts have battered the continent.

In matters of security and politics, 2021 was a rollercoaster year for the African continent. From coups across West Africa to conflict breaking out in the Horn of Africa, it was a year of major shifts.  Yet, a new leader in America and a UN General Assembly meeting that marks the return of a multilateral system battered by several years of European nationalism. A reassuring partnership with China in the fight against the pandemic as the CPC celebrates its centenary & the year ends with a FOCAC summit in Dakar, Senegal.

On this week’s episode of the program, we look into existing challenges caused by the pandemic. We take a look at the economic and security situation on the continent, as well as the impact of climate change. What lessons will Africa take from 2021 as it embraces yet another new year? And what can the continent expect in 2022?