Deutsche Welle The 77 Percent

The 77 Percent

77 percent of Africans are younger than 35. But they are also the least represented demographic. It's time their voices are heard as they shape the future of Africa. We bring you hard-hitting reports, personal stories and lively discussion direct from the continent about the issues that matter most.
Weekly English Germany Society & Culture
60 Episodes
36 – 56

The 77 Percent — Do poor kids resent the rich?

As more Africans get wealthier, the gap between the rich and poor is widening along with access to opportunity. Does coming from a rich home guarantee success later in life? Listen to the #the77Percent show to understand how rich and poor kids view themselves.
26 Nov 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent - Should cannabis be legalized everywhere in Africa?

Cannabis in Africa is a controversial issue. Its abuse among youths is rampant and that's why it remains illegal in many countries. But this is changing. Zimbabwe, South Africa, Ghana, and recently Rwanda – have amended their laws to allow its cultivation. Youths from Ghana, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone debate…
4 Nov 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent - Is male circumcision outdated?

How vital is male circumcision to you? Does it symbolize maturity in a man? This week on the 77 percent radio show, young Africans debate if male circumcision is outdated for today's world.
21 Oct 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent - Husbands taking on their wives' last names?

It has been a longstanding tradition for women to change their surnames to match their partner's once they get married. But on this week's 77 Percent show, young people across South, East, West Africa tell us what they think about men taking their wives' last names. They also share their…
13 Oct 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent — Wrangles over the constitution

Constitutional reform is a tactic used by some African leaders to extend their stay in office. The Ivory Coast, Uganda, Rwanda and Guinea are among those affected. Recently Gambia's parliament rejected a new draft constitution after spending over $2 million. Why? Listen to DW'S Omar Wally and his young panelists…
8 Oct 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent — Police brutality undermining trust of citizens

Nigeria’s Police force is synonymous with corruption but they are not the only ones with a bad reputation. Across Africa, police brutality is rife forcing some in South Africa to demand reforms. Listen to this week’s 77 Percent show to find out more.
29 Sep 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent — Is democracy in Africa at risk?

There's a general feeling that democracy is being eroded in sub-Saharan Africa. The presidents of Guinea and Ivory Coast are gearing up for controversial third term bids. In Tanzania and Uganda, incumbent presidents are suppressing critics and the opposition ahead of elections. We talk to young people in East Africa…
24 Sep 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent - Quest for Self Rule in Africa

From Biafra to Togoland, why do Africa's secessionists want to leave their countries? +++Nine years after South Sudan won independence from Sudan, are the youth finally included in the change?
16 Sep 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent — The Nigerian mafia infiltrates Italy

We investigate the shadowy world of human trafficking and speak to former victims of the Nigerian mafia in Italy. We meet a young woman who returned to Ghana after studying abroad in Canada to start and events company for fellow Ghanaians. Listen to find out more on this week’s #The77Percent.
1 Sep 2020 19 min

The 77Percent: Reggae music in Africa

In this week’s #The77Percent, we are looking at reggae culture among the youth. Reggae music, which began in Jamaica in the '60s, continues to be popular among young Africans. But many people link reggae with crime and drug abuse. DW correspondents Omar Wally in The Gambia and Isaac Kaledzi in…
26 Aug 2020 19 min

77 percent - Young Africans "fault" officials for COVID-19 surge

Some African youths accuse their leaders of mishandling the coronavirus crisis - as infections on the continent have surpassed one million. They argue that the toll would be less, if they had imposed lockdown in time. On this week's 77 percent, we hear from young people in South Africa, Nigeria…
12 Aug 2020 19 min

77 percent - Obesity in Africa: A catalyst for diet trends

Out of the 20 fastest-rising countries with obesity, nearly half of them are in Africa. This has led to diet trends, gym memberships, and sometimes Bulimia. In this edition of the 77 Percent, we take a look at the measures young people take to fit in.
5 Aug 2020 19 min

77 percent - Day against Human trafficking

Many Africans desperate to improve their lives are falling into the traps of human trafficking networks. Recruitment agencies send migrant workers to Gulf countries, where most of them work under inhumane conditions. Human trafficking is a global problem that affects an estimated 40 million people. On this week's 77 Percent…
29 Jul 2020 19 min

The 77 Percent: Working from home in Covid-19 times

Digital technology is rapidly replacing face-to-face interactions in the business setting in Africa. Some young people have now readjusted their livelihoods by working from home. But how sustainable can this be? On the 77 Percent show this week you can hear how everyone is coping.
22 Jul 2020 19 min
36 – 56