Is everyone into Podcasting now?
Back in 2019, only 22% of South Africans were familiar with podcasts, a stark contrast to 77% in the United States.
Is everyone suddenly jumping on the podcasting bandwagon? LOL! Personally, podcasts have become one of my favorite ways to consume content, right after YouTube. They’re a great way to stave off boredom during long hours of deep work.
Early Development
Reflecting on the past, podcasting was quite a novelty in many African countries just five years ago. Back in 2019, only 22% of South Africans were familiar with podcasts, a stark contrast to 77% in the United States. In Kenya, a 2021 study revealed that up to 60% of people had never even heard of podcasts. It’s fascinating to see how far we've come since then.
Growth and Popularity
Fast forward to 2023, and it feels like podcasting is really taking off across the continent. Platforms like Afripods are making it easier for local content creators to share their stories, and it’s exciting to see the surge in live shows, merchandise, and advertising interest. Molly Jensen, the CEO of Afripods, mentioned that by 2025, a significant portion of podcast listening in Kenya will happen on smartphones, which shows how accessible this medium is becoming.
My Favorite Podcasts
There are so many amazing podcasts out there, but in the context of Africa, here are a few that I enjoy:
- Africa Daily
- Host: Alan Kasujja
- Description: A daily podcast that dives into one significant story shaping Africa every weekday morning.
- Frequency: Daily
- Average Length: 19 minutes
- Techpoint Africa Podcast
- Description: Focuses on technology and innovation stories from across Africa, providing insights into startups and tech trends.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Average Length: 43 minutes
- Africa Business News
- Description: Provides daily insights and analysis of the African business landscape, covering macroeconomic trends and emerging startups.
- Frequency: 17 episodes per week
- Average Length: 2 minutes
- Rating: 5/5 on Apple Podcasts
- Building Bytes
- Host: Caleb, Poga & Yaw
- Description: Focused on the tech ecosystem in Ghana, hosted by three software entrepreneurs sharing stories that drive growth and innovation.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Average Length: 40 minutes
- The Flip
- Host: Justin Norman
- Description: A prominent African tech podcast that shares stories and insights from entrepreneurs and investors transforming the business landscape in Africa.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Average Length: 40 minutes
- Change Africa Pod
- Host: Isaac Aboah and Daniel Merki
- Description: The podcast aims to reshape the narrative around Africa by showcasing innovative ideas and stories from influential figures driving change on the continent.
- Frequency: Weekly
- Average Length: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
With the rise of podcasts, it feels like everyone is finding their voice and sharing their stories. It’s an exciting time for content creation in Africa, and I can't wait to push Brif's podcast too - let me know your favorite African podcasts!
Thanks for reading!
