Yesterday

Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran

After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is thin gruel, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is not stopping the in ... Show More

23m 25s

Aug 24

Elbows up, again: a US-Canada trade flare-up

Promising trade talks imploded after a literal 11th-hour change from the American side. We examine the new trade barriers being erected, and the complex calculation for Prime Minister Mark Carney. In Japan Gen X workers are even still bearing the costs of an economic bubble-burst ... Show More

21m 48s

Aug 21

I, robot? AI and consciousness

The rise of generative AI has put new urgency into ancient questions. What is consciousness, and can machines ever have it? We dive into the data that reveal a surge in sexually transmitted infections in Europe. And our obituaries editor considers the life of Mary de Rachewiltz, ... Show More

24m 48s

Feb 2025

Young, gifted and black: Africa’s next generation

Africa’s young are educated, ambitious side-hustlers. But they are hampered by their economies and dispirited by their politicians. How to harness their vast potential? America’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency is, in a real-world accounting, not actually budging th ... Show More

21m 11s

Aug 2024

Bait the hook! Fishing in the global talent pool

Skilled immigrants bring more than just their expertise to job markets. But governments miss opportunities to attract them—or make them feel entirely unwelcome. In America it seems like the standard tip fraction just keeps going up and up (11:36). Where will it end? And as part o ... Show More

25m 25s

Apr 2024

The Intelligence: Your country needs you!

Governments particularly in the rich world are struggling to get young people in uniform. Will some form of conscription become necessary? In America, how remote working husbands may be liberating their wives (10:19). And, the generational hunting prowess of the killer whale (16: ... Show More

23m 53s

Jun 2021

Why are African politicians so old?

Can you ever be too old for politics? Judging by the average age of our leaders, probably not. African presidents are, on average, in their early sixties. And yet Africa remains the youngest continent in the world, with more than half of its people under 25. Why is this a problem ... Show More

12m 54s

Feb 2024

Why can't young people in South Africa find work?

South Africa has the most industrialised and diverse economy in Africa. Yet it faces a major youth unemployment crisis with around four in ten young people jobless. Young people are becoming disenchanted and disenfranchised, which could impact elections later this year. Polls sho ... Show More

11m 2s

May 2022

How can Africa make the best of its energy resources?

After European nations imposed sanctions on Russia, many are looking to Africa for an alternative energy supply. But while this could be an opportunity for some countries, it also highlights global inequalities when it comes to access to electricity. Alan hears from an energy exp ... Show More

13m 13s

May 2024

The Intelligence: The kids are alright, turns out

When you look around the world, and at a wider set of measures, Generation Z are far better off than the popular narrative would have you believe. We examine what India’s push to soup up its nukes means for the global arms race (09:30). And even as global fertility rates fall, su ... Show More

21m 26s

Aug 2023

The path to greater productivity and prosperity in Africa

<p>By 2050, about 25 percent of the world’s population will be from the African continent. What can be done now to support Africa’s educational infrastructure, bountiful resources, and technological innovation? On this episode of <em>The McKinsey Podcast</em>, McKinsey partner Ma ... Show More

29m 15s

Aug 2023

China’s young and restless

China’s ambitious youth planned to cash in on their country’s meteoric rise on the world stage. Instead, many of these 20-somethings are disillusioned and “lying flat.” Economist Nancy Qian explains why. This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-check ... Show More

25m 58s

Feb 2024

South Africa's youth struggling to find jobs

South Africa's finance minister Enoch Godongwana, acknowledged that the country's economy is facing 'a tipping point'. There's massive youth unemployment in South Africa and this recent forecast won't be favourable to young people. We hear reaction and look at possible solutions. ... Show More

39m 9s

Young, gifted and black: Africa’s next g...