CARPO Podcasts
with Desirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh
In this episode of the WASSAP podcast, we explore the role of energy, ports, and infrastructure corridors in shaping Gulf–Africa relations.
Hosts Desirée Custers and Hubert Kinkoh are joined by Dr. Maddalena Procopio and Dr. May Darwich, who provide insights into how Gulf states are expanding their economic engagement across Africa through investments in energy, logistics, and port infrastructure.
The discussion examines the structural drivers behind these developments, including shifting global economic dynamics and the strategic repositioning of Gulf actors. It also highlights how African governments engage with and leverage these partnerships to advance national priorities.
Importantly, the episode moves beyond macro-level dynamics to explore how infrastructure projects impact local communities, labour markets, and social relations, demonstrating how global economic transformations are experienced on the ground.
Overall, the episode highlights a dynamic relationship shaped by interdependence, strategic positioning, and evolving forms of agency.
The WASSAP podcast is supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation.
About the WASSAP podcast
The WASSAP: the Africa – West Asia Podcast translates the findings of a three-year research project on West Asian (Gulf)–Sub-Saharan African relations into an accessible, engaging audio format. It explores how economic, political, cultural, religious, and security ties between selected Gulf countries and African partners are evolving and why these shifts matter globally, particularly for Europe.
Hosts of the podcast are Desirée Custers (project manager, CARPO) & Hubert Kinkoh (Senior Researcher, CARPO)
About the WASSAP project
The project explores the multi-dimensional and complex relations between selected Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran) and four Sub-Saharan countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia). It aims to deconstruct and analyze their economic networks, cultural and religious affiliations, and political and security cooperation. Based on empirical research, the project provides a better understanding of Gulf-African exchange, its challenges and opportunities, as well as its implications for Europe. The project is financed by the Robert Bosch Foundation and will run for three years.
About the episode
Episode 4: Energy, Ports, and Corridors in Gulf–Africa Relations
Guests:
Dr. Maddalena Procopio, European Council on Foreign Relations
Dr. May Darwich, University of Birmingham
Big thanks for the support to:
Editor: Marco Bussi
