Africa Podfest

A message from our co-founder Melissa Mbugua: I am coming back to you with an update since the last statement from Africa Podfest in November 2023. With mixed feelings of gratitude, nostalgia and excitement, I am announcing that Africa Podfest is closing its doors for the final time this month. However this does not mean that the work stops. On the contrary, winding down is a necessary adjustment that allows the work to continue. When the idea for a Pan African podcast festival took off in 2019, no one could have imagined the interest and readiness that the concept was met with. However, it has emerged that the structure we set up at the time was not designed to fit the scale and scope that unfolded. While the team was agile enough to adapt throughout our four years of operation, it has become evident that this structure would not be sufficient to carry the mission into the future. For this reason, it is time for a redesign and rebuild on the basis of current needs in Africa’s audio and podcasting ecosystem, which we have been proud to have played a part in shaping. I would like to express my gratitude first to Josephine Karianjahi for her commitment through the years, together facing challenges, losses, gains and everything in between, many times at personal cost. Many others have also played a role in making this dream a reality. Read more about our 'village that built this together', our impact over 5 years and what comes next in our final newsletter https://lnkd.in/d_htPTAv

Our Melissa Mbugua will be speaking at the Africa Media Festival by Baraza Media Lab in Nairobi next week. She will, together with Radio Workshop talk about approaches to producing narrative audio documentaries that are immersive, character-driven, and rigorously-reported stories.

Thank you Positive Sum Africa for featuring Melissa Mbugua

Our research found that much of the growth in Africa’s podcasting is female driven. This Deutsche Welle feature expands this phenomenal growth in Africa’s podcasting landscape with a focus on female podcasting. Featuring our cofounders Josephine Karianjahi and Melissa Mbugua in great company. Thank you DW. #africa #female #podcasts https://lnkd.in/dw_KwWfz

Energized to continue informing the growth of global podcasting from an African perspective! Kicking off One World Media’s series is our cofounder Melissa Mbugua

We have learnt with sadness of the passing of one of our own, an innovative, talented, gentle and great creative, Farah Khaleck. Our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and community around the world. We were blessed to have her presence and talents in the Africa Podfest and wider African podcast and media world. We will miss her dearly. Self Care Chats with Farah podcast: https://lnkd.in/e8BD_KMK

Celebrating 4 years of Africa Podfest today. Thank you to everyone who has made this dream possible! Do you have a story for how our work has impacted yours. Whether it's a new skill learned, a connection made, or a moment of inspiration, we'd love to hear how Africa Podfest influenced your podcast journey over the last 4 years #gratitude #impact #africapodfest #workmilestone https://lnkd.in/ejhiMYt4

Hey podcast fam! Because your words mean so much to us, we'd love to hear and share your impact stories. Whether it's a new skill learned, a connection made, or a moment of inspiration, we'd love to hear how Africa Podfest influenced your podcast journey over the last 4 years #gratitude #impact #africapodfest https://lnkd.in/ejhiMYt4