Melissa Mbugua, co-founder of Africa Podfest, shares insights on Africa’s podcasting landscape

Hosted by Stephanie Okeyo, this series on CivicSciTV Africa examines the growing role of science podcasts in Africa, highlighting how the medium is amplifying marginalized voices and creating space for discussions often overlooked by traditional media.

Through her interviews with African science podcasters and key players in the podcasting industry from Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, the series explores their journeys, experiences, and visions for how podcasting can nurture civic science, amplify African science narratives, and enhance science education. The conversations also include insights from researchers supporting Africa’s podcast landscape, podcasters who spotlight scientists’ personal stories, and a science journalism organization using podcasts to broaden its reach. In this episode, Anchor Stephanie Okeyo interviews Melissa Mbugua, co-founder of Africa Podfest and creative producer at the Radio Workshop.

Melissa shares her journey into podcasting and how Africa Podfest is fostering a vibrant podcasting community across Africa. She emphasizes the potential of podcasts to amplify underrepresented voices, especially in science. “There’s still a lot of room for Science and Technology podcasts,” Melissa notes, adding that the audience is “hungry for that kind of content.”

She also highlights the critical role that storytelling can play in making science accessible to wider audiences: “Storytelling by science from the scientific community that manages to convey to audiences in a way they understand… can really enhance public engagement.” Despite challenges around infrastructure and funding, Melissa remains optimistic about the growth of science podcasts in Africa, particularly as interest grows in issues like climate change and health.

Chapters:

0:06 – Intro to Melissa Mbugua

1:14 – Melissa’s Journey into Podcasting

4:57 – What is a Podcast?

6:37 – Beauty of Podcasting

9:04 – Key Findings from Africa Podfest Report

11:31 – Challenges Facing African Podcasters

16:04 – Infrastructure and Growth Needs

19:41 – Regulatory Frameworks for Podcasts

20:15 – Potential for Science Podcasts

22:42 – Language & Local Audiences

24:38 – Listening Habits

26:51 – Starting a Science Podcast

Stephanie Okeyo

Stephanie Okeyo is a Microbiologist and Science Communicator. She is the founder of Under the Microscope. Some of her previous professional roles include Ambassador of Women in Science, East Africa and Representative to the United Nations office, Geneva at the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). In 2019, she was listed as one of Under 30: Breaking Barriers Women in STEM and is a 2021 Zuri STEM category nominee. Stephanie is passionate about empowering young girls and being a voice for gender equality in Science and Technology.