The Long Form Podcast

Why are Kigali house prices rising, why is electricity in Rwanda still expensive, and why would an American investor bet millions on Rwanda? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Sanny Ntayombya sits down with Jonathan Shafer, Managing Director of Fortis Green, to discuss investing in Rwanda and Africa. They explore Kigali’s booming real estate market, whether Rwanda is experiencing a property bubble, housing affordability, mortgages and the future of property prices. Jonathan also ...

How does a Rwandan child born in Zaire end up working with some of the biggest names in global music? On this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Sanny Ntayombya sits down with legendary music executive Tumaini Basaninyenzi- better known as 'Tuma Basa' whose extraordinary career has taken him from BET and MTV to REVOLT, Spotify and YouTube, where he most recently served as Director of Black Music & Culture. Tuma shares his journey from Lubumbashi and a Rwandan family to the hear...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, we sit down with Carl Mabuka, AI strategist, technology leader and Head of Business & AI at Global Kwik Koders, to examine whether AI will destroy jobs or create new opportunities, which African workers and industries are most vulnerable, and what ordinary people can do now to prepare. This is a conversation about AI in Africa, the future of work, jobs, technology, economic development and whether Africa can turn one of the biggest technolog...

Africa is rapidly embracing electric mobility, but can electric vehicles really transform how Africans move? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, we sit down with Jones Kizihira, Managing Director of BasiGo Rwanda, for a deep conversation about electric buses, EV adoption, public transport and the future of African cities. We explore why electric buses can be cheaper than diesel over their lifetime yet remain difficult for transport operators to adopt; whether Africa has the chargi...

Why do so many African businesses collapse after their founders leave? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara International and one of Africa's most influential entrepreneurs, to explore why building a successful business is only the beginning. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling companies, founder dependency, wealth creation, Nigerian business culture, women in business, succession planning, and what it takes ...

Can a young African build real wealth without wealthy parents, political connections, or millions in startup capital? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Tresor Gashonga, Founder and CEO of Incuti Foods, one of Rwanda's fastest-growing food companies. Starting with just RWF 1.4 million, Tresor built a business that now works with more than 100 farmers, employs 25 people, and generates over RWF 200 million in annual revenue. We discuss entrepreneurship in Rwan...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has filed a new case against Rwanda at the International Court of Justice, accusing Kigali of violating its sovereignty and committing serious breaches of international law. But what does the law actually say? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, international law scholar and former ICTR and ICC legal officer Dr. Alphonse Muleefu explains the legal issues at the heart of one of Africa's most consequential international disputes. We explore self-...

How do you build a multi-billion-franc company starting with just 300,000 Rwandan francs? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, entrepreneur and Wood Habitat founder Paradis Nishimwe Imfura shares the complete story of building one of Rwanda's leading furniture and interior design companies. We discuss entrepreneurship, manufacturing, leadership, scaling a business, raising standards in African design, competing against imports, creating jobs, and the financial lessons every f...

Before the RPF liberation struggle, before 1990, and before Rwanda’s transformation, there was RANU (Rwandese Alliance for National Unity) — a small underground movement created by Rwandan refugees living in exile. In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, former Rwandan Minister of Justice and RANU founding member Tharcisse Karugarama tells the story of growing up as a refugee in Uganda, the struggles faced by stateless Rwandans, and how a group of young activists secretly organized a moveme...

What does it really take to build a global career from Africa? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and YouTube creator Tayo Aina reflects on a decade of traveling across Africa and the world, documenting cities, cultures, businesses, and untold stories. We discuss the hidden costs of creating world-class content, the challenges of traveling with a Nigerian passport, why he acquired a second citizenship, what Africa looks like when you've seen it up c...

African music has never been more popular. Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African sounds are reaching audiences across the world, generating billions of streams and reshaping global culture. But who is really benefiting? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Audiomack Co-Founder and CMO David Ponte discusses the rise of African music, the economics of streaming, why many artists still struggle to make money, what global platforms misunderstand about African audiences, and what it ta...

Uganda is often described as a country full of potential. But beneath the optimism, many Ugandans are navigating rising costs, economic pressure, uncertainty, and growing skepticism about the future. In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, journalist and analyst Angelo Izama discusses Uganda's changing mood, the rise of drug use as a coping mechanism, the country's oil strategy, AFCON 2027, youth frustration, and what the next major economic shock could mean for the region. We a...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Dr. Lawrence Muganga discusses identity, belonging, education, and the future of Uganda. From his childhood selling rabbits to becoming Vice Chancellor of Victoria University and later being nominated as State Minister for Internal Affairs, Dr. Muganga reflects on his journey, the debate surrounding Uganda's Kinyarwanda-speaking communities, his arrest on allegations of espionage, and the politics of recognition and citizenship. We also ex...

What does it actually mean to be East African? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Marcus Kwikiriza reflects on living and working across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, and why the dream of an integrated East Africa remains more complicated than many people assume. Drawing on his experience during Kenya's 2007–08 post-election violence, Marcus discusses ethnicity, identity, labour mobility, xenophobia, the decline of mass media, and whether a genuine East African citizen is emerging. We als...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Okwir Rabwoni reflects on a life shaped by revolution, ideology, and war across East Africa. After leaving school at 17 to join the National Resistance Army, Rabwoni trained in Libya and Cuba before later joining the Rwandan Patriotic Front during the liberation war in Rwanda at the request of Major Gen. Fred Rwigema. He would later fight in Congo and work alongside Laurent-Désiré Kabila during one of the region’s most transformative periods. Th...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Dr. Adonia Ayebare discusses the hidden diplomacy behind the Uganda–Rwanda fallout, regional security in eastern Congo, and the future of Africa in an increasingly unstable global order. As Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Nations and a longtime advisor to Yoweri Museveni, Dr. Ayebare offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how power actually works in East Africa and at the UN. The conversation explores the role of Muhoozi Kainerugaba in...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Isabelle Kamariza shares the story behind Solid'Africa and the hidden crisis she discovered in Rwanda’s public hospitals: vulnerable patients going without food. What began in 2010 as a small effort to feed a few patients has grown into one of Rwanda’s most impactful social enterprises, now serving thousands of medically tailored meals every day across multiple hospitals and schools. The conversation explores poverty, dignity, healthcare, and wh...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Ugandan veteran politician and NRM stalwart Captain Mike Mukula shares a rare insider perspective on the events that shaped modern Rwanda and East Africa. From his early interactions with Paul Kagame and Fred Rwigema before 1990, to witnessing the aftermath of the Rwandan Civil War and 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Captain Mukula offers a firsthand account of pivotal moments in African history. The conversation explores the lived reality of R...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, investigative journalist Canary Mugume of NBS Television opens up about the reality of journalism in Uganda and Africa today. From reporting on powerful political figures to navigating public scrutiny, Mugume shares what it really means to pursue truth in an environment shaped by pressure, risk, and perception. We explore the challenges of speaking truth to power, the personal cost of public life, and the hidden emotional and psychological...

This episode of The Long Form Podcast explores what it really takes to enter politics in Rwanda. Jessy Mugisha, a young independent parliamentary aspirant and businessman, shares his experience attempting to run in the 2024 elections and what he discovered about access, participation, and opportunity in the political system. We discuss youth engagement in Rwandan politics, the barriers facing independent candidates, and whether the system is truly open to ordinary citizens. The conversa...

The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is often simplified into a story of aggressors and victims — but the reality is far more complex. In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Gatete Nyiringabo Ruhumuliza breaks down the geopolitical, legal, and strategic forces shaping the Rwanda–DRC crisis, the role of M23, and why tensions between Rwanda and its neighbors continue to escalate. We explore the real endgame behind the conflict, the impact of US sanctions on Rwanda...

Why are so many young professionals in Rwanda, Uganda, and across East Africa still struggling to build wealth — even when they earn, save, and follow traditional financial advice? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Isaac Nkusi, finance professional and host of The Money Blueprint Podcast, breaks down why the conventional path to financial success is failing for many people earning $300–$500 a month. We explore the realities of financial literacy, inflation, currency depreciation, savi...

Prices are rising, currencies are under pressure, and global events are beginning to affect everyday life in ways many people don’t fully understand. In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, explains what is really happening inside Rwanda’s economy — and how global shocks such as US sanctions, geopolitical tensions, and rising energy prices impact inflation, the Rwandan franc, and long-term economic growth. We discuss whether Rwa...

Rwanda is often celebrated as a conservation success story, known for its national parks, gorillas, and protected ecosystems. But how much of the country’s natural world has already disappeared? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, scientist, photographer, and conservationist Gaël Vande Weghe discusses his research on Rwanda’s biodiversity, including a comprehensive study documenting 229 mammal species. This conversation examines wildlife conservation, biodiversity loss, African en...

Why do people sometimes trust comedians more than politicians? In this episode of The Long Form, Ugandan comedian Patrick “Salvador” Idringi joins us in Kigali for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, politics, social media, and public criticism in East Africa. Salvador reflects on the pressures of making audiences laugh while navigating political debates, online controversy, and the expectations placed on public figures. This conversation explores the intersection of comedy,...

For decades, Africa has depended on imported medicines for diseases that disproportionately affect its people. But what happens when a country decides to manufacture its own? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, economic strategist Michael Fairbanks explains the ambitious vision behind Akagera Medicines, a Rwanda-linked biotech company developing treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Backed by Rwanda’s national pension fund, this project raises difficult questions about...

Can drugs like ketamine, LSD, and marijuana really “rewire” the brain? In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, Dr. Lisa Ndejuru, clinician at the King Faisal Hospital Ketamine Treatment & Research Centre in Kigali, breaks down the science and controversy surrounding psychedelic-assisted therapy, mental health treatment in Africa, and the global rise of ketamine clinics. We discuss Elon Musk’s public use of ketamine, Silicon Valley’s investment in psychedelics, African traditional plant ...

What does heroin actually do to a human being — and why are so many young Africans falling into addiction? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Steve Khald Maridadi a Rwandan filmmaker, opens up about heroin addiction, cocaine, laced marijuana, recovery, psych wards, and the system that failed him. We explore how drug addiction works biologically and psychologically, why jailing addicts may be the wrong solution, and how stigma pushes addiction underground. Sponsors: Threat Informat - h...

This week on The Long Form, Sonia Mugabo — founder of one of Rwanda’s most recognizable fashion houses — opens up about the trauma, ambition, and emotional cost behind success. Sonia reflects on grief, resilience, entrepreneurship in Africa, motherhood, identity, and the psychological weight of being perceived as “strong.” This conversation explores trauma in Rwanda, African entrepreneurship, creativity under pressure, women in business, post-conflict identity, and the unseen emotional realit...

In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, we sit down with Joel Kashaija, a cybersecurity insider and ethical hacker working at the frontlines of digital risk in Africa to unpack why most people, businesses, and even governments misunderstand online security. From smartphones and public Wi-Fi to VPNs, SIM cards, the dark web, and corporate cyber-espionage, this conversation cuts through myths to explain how cyber threats really work — and why Africa’s future depends on getting digital securit...

Davido gets real in this episode! From being young and wild to leaving the club scene, he talks about President Kagame picking him up from the airport, why he’s building a holiday home in Rwanda, and how his music makes Africa come alive. He also speaks on the West’s obsession with Afrobeats and why the world still doesn’t see African music beyond it. Sponsors: Threat Informat - https://threatinformant.io/ Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongForm...

Charcoal is a normal part of daily life across Africa, yet its true cost is rarely examined. In this episode of The Long Form, Claudia Muench, CEO of Biomassters, reflects on health, climate, and power — and what it would take for Africa to move beyond charcoal. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +250795462739 Visit Sanny Ntayombya's Official Website: https://san...

Joshua Baraka on blowing up young, surviving fame, and building longevity in African music. In this episode of The Long Form, Uganda’s rising star opens up about money, pressure, purpose, and protecting his art. We explore Uganda’s music ecosystem, the financial realities behind streaming success, and how artists can turn creativity into sustainable, generational wealth. Joshua also reflects on identity, relationships, and staying grounded in a world that constantly demands more — while...

Dr. Fred Golooba-Mutebi — Ugandan political scientist, columnist, researcher and member of the Buganda Kingdom’s Lukiiko — joins The Long Form for one of the most honest conversations on Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa’s political future. We break down the 2026 Ugandan elections, Museveni’s likely next term, the impact of Uganda’s oil discovery, the role of traditional kingdoms, and why Uganda and Rwanda — so similar on the surface — have evolved into completely different political cultures Jo...

Andrew Mwenda joins The Long Form to reveal the truth behind the Uganda–Rwanda standoff, Museveni’s long-term strategy, Kagame’s leadership style, and the lies that pushed two nations to the brink. We explore regional power, misinformation, elite diplomacy, and the future of East African politics. Essential listening for anyone interested in Uganda, Rwanda, elections, journalism, governance, and Pan-African leadership. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLo...

In this episode David F.K. Mpanga —lawyer, and author of The Politics of Common Sense — breaks down why many African societies struggle not with resources or intelligence, but with the absence of collective reason. We discuss Kampala’s chaotic traffic, Uganda’s 2026 elections, whether democracy can deliver common-sense leadership, the cultural clash between kingdoms and modern states, citizenship, exile, and the tension between law, power and identity in Uganda and East Africa. Join our...

My guest this week on The Long Form is Raymond Mujuni — award-winning Ugandan journalist, Deputy Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, and co-host of Grab a Coffee Podcast . In this episode, we dive into what Uganda’s urban generation is really fighting for, Museveni, NRM, the tension between Kampala’s brunch-going elites and hustling boda-boda riders, and what that says about the future of Uganda, Rwanda and East Africa. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing htt...

Ex-BBC journalist Alan Kasujja unpacks 13 years inside one of the world’s most influential newsrooms. From the impact of deepfakes on democracy, to the hidden biases shaping Western coverage of Africa, to his personal journey back home after more than a decade abroad, Kasujja speaks with honesty and clarity. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +2507954...

In this deeply personal and provocative episode of The Long Form, Pastor Hassan Kibirango — leadership coach, husband, and men’s pastor at Christian Life Assembly —explores how relationships, religion, and morality are being reshaped by the modern world. From AI and marriage, to divorce, fatherhood, faith, and purpose, Hassan reflects on what it means to be a man, a believer, and a husband in an age of digital temptation and emotional disconnection. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing h...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Thapelo Tsheole, the CEO of the Capital Markets Authority of Rwanda, to unpack the future of money, investment, and financial confidence in Africa. From his journey in Botswana’s stock exchange to leading Rwanda’s financial transformation, Thapelo reveals how ordinary Rwandans can participate in the capital markets, what’s holding back Africa’s financial integration, and how we can move from saving to true wealth creation. Join our Patreon to enjoy ...

I sit down with Patience Mutesi, Managing Director of BPR Bank Rwanda to discuss the rise of foreign-owned banks and how telecoms are shaking up the financial sector. Patience also shares her insights on smart money habits, startup financing, and how everyday Rwandans can make better financial choices for their families and future. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone...

In this week’s episode of The Long Form, we speak to Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba — one of Rwanda’s most experienced diplomats . We talk about what really went wrong between Rwanda and the DRC, the quiet role Rwanda played in averting a war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and what the future holds for peace in the region. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +25...

Dr. Claire Karekezi is Rwanda’s first female neurosurgeon — one of just seven neurosurgeons serving over 14 million people. In this compelling episode of The Long Form Podcast, she opens up about the life-and-death pressure inside the operating room, the leading causes of brain trauma in Rwanda, the role of AI and robotics in African medicine, and what it takes to keep your brain healthy. From treating stroke and accident victims to mentoring young doctors, Dr. Karekezi’s journey is a s...

In this week’s episode of The Long Form, I sit down with Dr. Emile Rwamasirabo — a man whose life mirrors the turbulent history of Rwanda. Born in 1951 in Nyaruguru, he lived through the Kayibanda years, endured exile, trained as a surgeon in France, and then left a comfortable life abroad to join the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) in Uganda. From the battlefields of the liberation war where he treated wounded fighters, to rebuilding Rwanda’s shattered health system and leading its biggest hos...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Sheila Kyarisiima — Partner at NISK Capital, Co-Chair of Spelman Estates (owners of Silverback Mall & Pinnacle Hotel), and a member of Kenya’s National Investment Council appointed by President William Ruto. We dive into her personal journey from Harvard and Wall Street to Kigali real estate, unpack the challenges of running luxury properties like the Pinnacle Hotel, and explore how Rwandan SMEs can raise capital beyond bank loans. S...

My guest this week on The Long Form is Amjad Taha — one of the Arab world’s most outspoken and controversial political analysts. From Israel and Palestine to Sudan’s war, Middle Eastern influence in Africa, and the rise of extremism, Amjad doesn’t hold back. In this unfiltered conversation, we challenge him on his support for Israel, accusations against the UAE, and what terrorism means for East Africa and Rwanda. This episode goes beyond headlines to uncover the hard truths about globa...

Augustine "Jay-Jay" Okocha is not only one of Nigeria’s greatest ever footballers — he’s one of Africa’s most gifted to ever grace the game. From dazzling stepovers in Frankfurt and PSG, to battling legends like Keane, Viera, and Gerrard in the English Premier League, Okocha carved a place in football history. But behind the flair lies the untold story: the pressures of fame, the silence after retirement, and the hard financial lessons every African player must learn. In this excl...

In this explosive episode of The Long Form, I sit down with Richard Mugisha, one of Rwanda’s most prominent lawyers and Senior Partner at Trust Law Chambers. Mugisha opens up about his 20+ year legal career, the future of law in the age of AI, and his landmark 2018 petition at the Supreme Court challenging the criminalization of adultery. We also dive into the evolution of free speech in Rwanda, legal integration in East Africa, and the challenges of practicing law across borders. This ...

In this explosive episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Ukrainian journalist and political commentator Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, to unpack the Russia-Ukraine war — from its origins to its global consequences. We discuss what drives Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, the daily reality of Ukrainian civilians under bombardment, and the dangerous uncertainty of relying on the United States under Donald Trump. What does Ukraine’s war mean f...

In Rwanda today, girls are completing school at higher rates than boys, yet young men make up over 85% of prisoners and more than 60% of drug-related arrests. Why are boys being left behind — and what does it mean for Rwanda’s future? In this live-recorded episode of The Long Form, I sit with Alain Numa — a former RPF liberation fighter, Pastor, and founder of Boys to Men, an initiative mentoring teenage boys into responsible men. We discuss Rwandan manhood, masculinity, trauma, fatherh...

What drives an American real estate developer from Denver to invest $26 million into Rwanda’s sports infrastructure? In this episode of The Long Form, I sit down with Andrew Feinstein, the man behind Kigali’s stunning Zaria Court project in the heart of Kigali Sports City. We explore his partnership with NBA executive Masai Ujiri, his insights into the man that is President Paul Kagame, and his bold vision to revitalize Africa’s sports complexes—from BK Arena to Amahoro Stadium—wi...

In this explosive episode of The Long Form, independent photojournalist Teddy Mazina — now living in exile after fleeing Burundi in 2015 — reveals untold truths about his homeland’s political chaos. From witnessing the failed coup against Pierre Nkurunziza to his recent trip deep into M23-controlled territory in Eastern Congo, Mazina unpacks the roots of Burundi’s crisis, the reality of life under President Évariste Ndayishimiye, and why the conflict in the DRC could reshape the entire ...

This week on The Long Form, I speak with Damien Vassallo, the Head of School and CEO of Ntare Louisenlund International School, one of Rwanda’s most elite and forward-thinking institutions. From his journey as an American educator to his role shaping education in Bugesera, Rwanda we explore the stark realities of academic inequality, the challenges of transitioning students from local schools, and the high cost of quality education in a low-income country. We also tackle Rwanda’s education re...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Dr. Lassina Zerbo — former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso and current Chairman of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. In this high-stakes conversation, we explore why Dr. Zerbo believes that Africa’s development depends on nuclear energy — and why Rwanda is betting big on atomic power. We also discuss his brief but historic tenure as PM, the legacy of Thomas Sankara, the geopolitical risk of nuclear conflict, and the role of African innovation in the gl...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Caroline Mutoko, a legendary voice in African media and a fearless advocate for women’s leadership and bold African futures. From ruling Kenya’s airwaves to redefining what female power looks like in public spaces, Caroline shares the costs of being an unapologetic woman in media, why she walked away at the height of her power, and whether digital creators can surpass traditional media’s influence. We unpack what “African audacity” looks like in 202...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Polycarp Otieno, aka Fancy Fingers, guitarist, composer, and ¼ of the award-winning Kenyan supergroup Sauti Sol. We explore what’s next for Polycarp now that Sauti Sol has ended, how he is navigating life after global tours and fame, and whether East Africa truly has a culture and sound that unites it. We also unpack what makes Kenyan music special, the rise of Rwandan music, and whether African artists should chase “going global” or stay rooted in ...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, to explore Africa’s wildlife future and the uncomfortable questions surrounding conservation on our continent. We discuss Kaddu’s journey from Idi Amin’s Uganda to leading one of the world’s largest conservation organizations, the looming extinction crisis for Africa’s elephants, gorillas, and rhinos, the struggle for conservation funding in a world prioritizing war over nature, and whether mode...

This week on The Long Form, I sit down with Fellaris Wambui, the popular Capital FM radio host, to unpack the shifting sands in Kenya. We discuss Kenya’s economic paradox: rising metrics but deep public pessimism, and what the country might look like in the next 10 years. We also explore whether radio can survive in the age of podcasts and TikTok, the tension between going viral and telling stories that matter, and how Kenyan media can amplify women’s voices while navigating financial pressur...

Professor PLO Lumumba on the rise of Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso, whether Paul Kagame deserves to sit alongside Africa’s greatest revolutionaries, the truth about the M23/AFC rebellion and Donald Trump’s humiliation of Cyril Ramaphosa — and what it says about global views on African power Paid partnership with: Ntare Louisenlund International School: Go to https://ntare-louisenlund.org/ to learn how you can give your child a world-class German STEM education in Rwanda. Waka ...

In this episode of The Long Form, I sit down with legendary journalist and thinker Charles Onyango-Obbo, a pioneer of East African journalism and a man whose career has intersected with some of the region’s most defining moments. We talk about his frontline coverage of the Rwandan Patriotic Front during the 1990s civil war, the political legacy of President Paul Kagame, the uncertain transition in Uganda after Museveni, and which war-torn states—Somalia, DRC, South Sudan, Burundi—might surpri...

For the first time ever, Earn Your Leisure comes to Rwanda. In this landmark episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the creators of Earn Your Leisure — a global movement redefining what Black wealth looks like. We talk about their first impressions of Rwanda, why Africa is a rising frontier for Black investment, and how financial literacy connects communities from Harlem to Kigali. This episode goes beyond business — it's a deep conversa...

From a small village to running a multi-million-dollar tech company—this is the story of Davis Nteziryayo. In this episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with the Founder and CEO of Huza, a Rwandan HR fintech now valued at over $10 million, with operations across East and West Africa. We explore his journey as a software engineer turned CEO, the role of Kigali’s tech hubs like Norrsken, and whether Rwanda is on the brink of producing its first billion-dollar startup. We also dive into t...

In this special on-the-ground episode of The Long Form Podcast, I travel to Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to speak with Manzi Willy Ngarambe, the newly appointed Vice Governor of North Kivu Province. Just 100 days into his leadership under the AFC/M23 administration, we discuss his unexpected rise to power, his childhood escape from conflict, and his vision to rebuild a region long defined by violence and displacement. We unpack the deep-rooted issues behind the decades-long war ...

In this deeply personal and important conversation, we speak with Dr. Celestin Mutuyimana, psychotherapist and founder of Baho Smile Institute, about: · Rwanda as a "traumatized, low-trust society" · Why depression and PTSD are rising · Why women suffer more, and men are dying in silence · The truth behind alcohol & drug abuse among youth · The unseen dangers of social media · What healing looks like—individually and nationally This episode is a must-watch for anyone who cares about you...

In this hard-hitting episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Charles Haba, founder and Managing Director of Century Real Estate, to unpack the forces reshaping Rwanda’s real estate market. From skyrocketing property prices and rising rents to the lack of affordable housing and the influx of foreign buyers, we explore whether Kigali is headed for a property bubble—and what it means for ordinary Rwandans. Charles offers sharp insights on wealth creation through property, financi...

In this episode of The Long Form, I sit down with Nathalie Munyampenda—CEO of Kepler and one of Rwanda’s most influential voices in education, sports and strategic communications. We dive deep into her journey from Kinshasa to Kigali, her bold leadership at Kepler University, and her insights on AI’s role in reshaping African education. Nathalie also opens up about her experience on the RPF Disciplinary Committee, the impact of the DRC crisis on international fundraising, and her unique...

In this powerful episode of The Long Form Podcast, I sit down with Ghanaian entrepreneur Fred Swaniker — founder of African Leadership University (ALU), ALX, and Sand Technologies. We discuss his deep relationship with Rwanda and President Paul Kagame, the historic decision to cut ties with Belgium, and Africa’s urgent need to adapt in the AI revolution. Fred shares insights on entrepreneurship, risks he faced after leaving McKinsey and his vision for African education. We also tackle a...

This week on The Long Form, Sanny Ntayombya sits down with Ivan Murenzi, the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), for an unfiltered conversation on data, development, and the truth behind Rwanda’s numbers. 📊 Ivan Murenzi, a seasoned expert in research, data collection, and analysis, took the helm of NISR in 2024 after serving as its Deputy Director General since 2017. In this episode, we unpack the findings from the newly released 7th Integrated Household...

In this compelling episode of The Long Form podcast, we sit down with Dr. Charles Murigande, a key but often overlooked figure in post-genocide Rwandan politics, to unpack pivotal moments in Rwanda’s history. A former Rwandan ambassador and cabinet minister, Murigande shares rare insights into the early struggles of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF), the 1998 Kicukiro cadre revolt, the political crisis surrounding President Pasteur Bizimungu’s fall, and standing for president against P...

As we begin the national commemoration period today, remembering the innocent men, women and children we lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I want to highlight some of the conversations we had during the 30th commemoration last year. LISTEN THE ENTIRE EPISODES BELOW 1. Meet The American Who Stayed When the World Left w/ Carl Wilkens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qDulMSNdax0yLD2TpX4oa?si=cBpyDkq3QmeZdpTaChRhAw Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/p...

My guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba. An investor himself, Pierre Celestin is the CEO of the Rwandan Stock Exchange. We shall discuss Rwanda’s stock exchange, its challenges, the power of money markets in funding national investments and share practical steps in building wealth from scratch. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our p...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Christian Sellars. An economist by training, Christian is the CEO of T.E.S, a company he founded to help organisations and businesses improve by enhancing thier leadership practice and organisational culture. We dissect what makes a good leader, how leadership manifests today, how to unlock emotional intelligence in the workplace and answer the question, is a good leader born or made? Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.p...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Dr. Vincent Biruta. Dr. Biruta is not only the Minister of Internal Security, he is also the President of the Social Democratic Party, or PSD as it is more commonly known. We discuss his early life, the genesis of involvement in Rwandan politics, the basis of PSD’s political and governance ideology and undertake to understand the role the PSD plays in Rwanda’s overall governance model. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patr...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Josh Doctson. A former NFL star, Josh relocated his entire family to Rwanda and now plans to open the first ever high-end vegan restaurant in Kigali. We shall discuss his early life and sports career, the challenges he faced managing the millions of dollars he earned from the NFL, why he chose to leave the US permanently and settle in Kigali and also why he believes that veganism can work in Rwanda. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing http...

Our guest this week is Rutendo Matinyarare. A renowned Zimbabwean activist and online voice in the Pan-African space, Rutendo is is the Chairperson of Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Movement (ZASM) and founder of Zimbabweans Unite Against US War Sanctions (ZUAUWS). We shall discuss his past views on Rwanda and the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Pan-Africanism, the power of media in creating narratives, the truth of what is happening in Zimbabwe and his thoughts on the ongoing crisis in the DRC...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Dr. Richard Sezibera. A former minister, Dr. Sezibera’s long public career has included stints in the military and global diplomacy. We shall discuss his ideological fervor, how Africa can navigate new global realities, and whether the East African Community will reach its potential or fall on the wayside. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 o...

Our guest this week is Marc Hoogsteyns. Marc, a veteran Belgian journalist, has just returned to Kigali from a five day trip to Goma, the M23 held capital of North Kivu Province DRC. We’ll discuss what he saw in Goma and the state of the M23 after its recent victories as well as what the rebel’s aim to do moving forward. We’ll also try to predict what the future holds not just for the M23 and the peoples of Eastern DRC, but also the leadership in Kinshasa as well as Bujumbura. Joi...

Our guest on The Long Form is Herve Kimenyi—comedian, writer, stage director, and award-winning actor. We go backstage before his sold-out show in Kigali and discuss the highs and lows of comedy, the untold cost of making people laugh, and what makes Rwandan comedy distinct. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +250795462739 Visit Sanny Ntayombya's Official...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Wellars Gasamagera, the Secretary General of the Rwanda Patriotic Front, Rwanda’s ruling party. Prior to his election to the position in 2023, he not only held several posts in the Party, he held different positions in Government including becoming Ambassador to Angola. We shall discuss his early life and his political awakening, the basis of RPF’s political and governance ideology and undertake to understand what the future holds for Rwanda’s r...

As we wrap up 2024, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible guests who joined us on The Long Form. Thank you for sharing your time, insights, and knowledge with us—it’s been an unforgettable journey. Check out our 2024 wrap-up episode, featuring highlights from some of the many fascinating topics we explored throughout the year. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or dire...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Chef Billy McCormick. Chef Billy is the owner of Kigali Pizza company, the Petit Chalet restaurant in Kacyiru and the Executive Chef of one of Kigali’s latest high-end eateries, Lily Fine Dining in Kimihurura. We shall discuss his culinary journey, how he ended up in Rwanda in the middle of the Covid epidemic, the challenges he faced building his business here in Rwanda, his love of food and the outlook of Rwanda’s culinary industry. Join our Pa...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Archbishop Laurent Mbanda. Formerly bishop of Shyira, he was enthroned as the 4th ever archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda in 2018. We shall discuss his life journey, the challenges he has faced as the head of the Rwandan Anglican church, the future of Christianity in Rwanda Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone ...

Our guest this week is Ousman Touray. Ousman a Gambian Pan-Africanist, is the chairperson of the Young Ancestors Foundation. Known for his strong views on Africa, he turned down a scholarship to Canada and opted to do his masters degree in Rwanda. #MoveAfrica #AUMigration #FreeMovement #PositiveMigration #AFRICANDiversity #AUFMP Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our ...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Jonathan Ledgard. An acclaimed technologist, Jonathan is not only a professor in AI, he is the CEO and Founder of Tehanu, the first ever Interspecies Money service. We shall discuss his experience the impact of technology on how we relate to each other and the world and answer the question; can a mountain gorilla send mobile money? Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via o...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Abdi Hassan. Abdi is the Country Director of the British Council. We shall discuss his life journey, explore the challenges immigrant communities face around the world and examine the British Council’s place in the world. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone number: +250795462739 Visit Sanny Ntayombya's Official...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Jonathan Gatera. Jonathan is the Chief Executive Officer of RNIT, the Rwanda National Investment Trust. We shall discuss exactly how the Trust works and why young Rwandans need invest in the Trust. We also talk financial literacy and attempt to answer the question, how can normal people build wealth in Rwanda? #finance #savings #rwandatoday #longformrw #rwanda #financialliteracy Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www....

My guest this week is Sharon Akanyana. Sharon is the Founder and Managing Director of Ishyo Foods, an agro-processing company that manufactures jam and yogurt. We shall discuss her own journey, the challenges she overcame building her business, her future ambitions for Ishyo Foods and the outlook for Rwanda’s agro-processing industry. Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheLongFormPod or support us via our MTN Mobile Money Code 95462 or directly to our phone n...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Robert Kabushenga. A lawyer by training, Robert is the former CEO of The New Vision Group, the largest media company in Uganda. We shall discuss the role of media in projecting a country’s image, the likelihood of agriculture developing Africa, the transformative power of online conversations and what the region will possibly look like in the coming decades. #TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda Join our Patreon to enjoy ad-free viewing...

Our guest this week is Gerald Mukyenga. A Kampala-based businessman, Gerald is the Managing Director of Multilines International, a regional logistics company. We discuss is early life, how he built his business from scratch and the challenges he's faced, and his experience being a Ugandan Munyarwanda. #TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #Banyarwanda Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-...

Our guest this week is Brian Kabayiza. A Kampala-based lawyer, Brian is a partner at KMA Advocates. We shall discuss his own journey, the challenges he's faced as a Ugandan Munyarwanda, how he's built his law firm business from scratch and some of the legal hurdles Ugandan Banyarwanda face in their quest for full citizenship rights #TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #Banyarwanda Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Frank Gashumba. A Kampala-based businessman, Frank is also a motivational speaker and social commentator. We shall discuss his own journey, his lived experience as a member of the Banyarwanda ethnic group in Uganda, the challenges the group face as well as his views on his ancestral home, Rwanda #TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #Banyarwanda #frankgashumba Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Gayatri Datar. Gayatri is the co-founder of EarthEnable, a company whose goal is to provide Rwandans with healthy, more affordable homes. We shall discuss her journey, affordable housing, why the majority of rural homes are unhealthy and what solutions are out there to improve Rwandan housing. Find out more about EarthEnable Here: https://earthenable.org/ Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https:...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Gatete Nyiringabo Ruhumuliza. Gatete, a lawyer by profession, is a writer, activist and civil society voice. We discuss the state of Rwanda’s civil society, the controversy around surrogacy as well as Kigali City’s threat to terminate land ownership. We also discuss DRC’s flirtation with Akazu members. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast... Listen to the Long Form with San...

Our guest this week on is Retired Lt. Col. Charles Karangwa. Charles Karangwa is the Director General of Rwanda Forensic Institute. He joins us this week to discuss the work the Forensics Institute does and its contribution to a crime-free Rwanda. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast... Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4... Follow Long Form with Sanny ...

Our guest this week is Annie Kairaba, founder of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD). We discuss her personal journey and what makes Rwanda's civil society unique. We also delve into the role civil society can play in resolving conflicts like those in Eastern DRC. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast... Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi...

Our guest this week is Marc Hoogsteyns. Marc, a veteran Belgian journalist, is one of the very few western reporters who have travelled to M23 Controlled territory in Eastern DRC and spoken directly to the rebels. We discuss the events happening on the ground at the moment, DRC’s war strategy, the likelihood of the regional peace process working and what the future holds for the peoples of Eastern DRC. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.ap...

Our guest this week is Rohan Shah. Rohan, a Singaporean who has made Rwanda his home, is the founder of Imizi, Rwanda’s first award-winning rum brand. We discuss his personal journey, schooling in Harvard, why he chose Rwanda to open his liquor factory and his ambition to create Rwanda’s first multi-million-dollar local alcohol brand. #Rwanda #Rum #artisanal #singapore #harvard #alcohol #africa Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.ap...

Our guest this week is Maryse Mbonyumutwa. An entrepreneur and granddaughter of Dominique Mbonyumutwa, the interim first President of Rwanda, Maryse is the Founder and CEO of Pink Mango , a textile manufacturing company based in the Kigali Economic Zone. We discuss her life journey, her choice to return to Rwandan and her ambitions for the local textile industry and Rwandan fashion. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/pod...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Eliane Umuhire. Born in Rwanda and currently based in France Eliane is a multi-award-winning actress, starring in "A Quiet Place: Day One', alongside Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo. We discuss her life journey, her foray into acting and the truth about Hollywood and the manner in which it treats African talent. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-w...