The Rise of Podcasting in the Development World: Insights from Elizabeth Njambi

Did you know that September 30 is #InternationalPodcastDay? This day is dedicated to celebrating the power of podcasts and their impact on society. It is a global event that brings together podcasters, listeners, and enthusiasts from around the world to share their love for this popular form of audio entertainment. To celebrate this day, we had a chance to speak to Elizabeth, a development podcasting strategist.

She has a strong background in law and has worked on various causes related to development and social justice. Elizabeth is dedicated to using her expertise to create impactful podcasts that raise awareness and drive positive change in communities around the world.

My name is Elizabeth Njeri Njambi

Tell me more about your education, background, and career, and link it to your current services in the podcast industry.

I am a lawyer passionate about development and social justice. I run a non-profit organization, which aims at promoting access to justice for children in conflict with the law. Besides this, I also consult as a Development Podcasting Strategist where I help development agencies reach their communication and advocacy goals through podcasting. On the Wakili.sha Podcast, I am one of three co-hosts. From time to time, I feature as a guest, interviewer or cameos on other podcasts I work on.

How long have you offered podcasting services?

I have been in the development podcasting space for four years.

When did you start working on a podcast service?

I started at Oxfam International, where we conceptualized and successfully published five seasons of the EQUALS Podcast.

Who do you work with to achieve the objectives required by your client?

I work with a production team to handle the technical aspects, and where necessary, I engage a communications expert, such as yourself! (Carol Mochoge)

What are some of the projects you have worked on?

1. Five seasons of the globally successful EQUALS Podcast

2. The Wakili.sha Podcast, the only podcast on juvenile justice in Africa, ranked 6th globally according to Feedspot.

3. The Wyne Down Podcast

4. The Swaiba Podcast

Is there a project that you have worked on with a client that has inspired you? If yes, which one and why?

I work on very inspiring podcasts, which include speaking with various people, such as inspiring world leaders, rights holders, grassroots activists, and “behind-the-scenes” lobbyists. With every episode I work on, I either learn something new or get inspired by the tireless efforts employed across the world to improve quality of life and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How are you using podcasting in line with the SDGs?

Podcasting is a powerful messaging tool that I mostly use for advocacy and campaigns. I help my clients speak on the SDGs and various efforts to achieve them while embodying the SDG principles. For instance, I support clients in ensuring that our episodes and seasons embrace gender equity by having a gender balance among the invited guests, the production team, and, most importantly, the decision-makers.

What's your plan with podcast services in the next two years?

I foresee that podcasts will be a kind of one-stop-shop for matters of development at all levels. Whether it’s a policymaker looking for more information on a key demographic or a student looking to delve into development studies but having no idea where to start.

On a personal note, I like to structure development podcasts in such a manner that they do not sound rehearsed, scripted, or like another lengthy meeting. That way, as a strategist, I intend to make them accessible, informative, and enjoyable for high- and low-level audiences. An inclusive space for technical experts, leaders, volunteers, and “newbies”.

What do you do for fun?

I dance! I took a Kizomba class last year, and I am really enjoying dance and social events. I also love to travel, attend concerts, and spend time with my friends.

What other activities do you do aside from offering podcasting services?

I am the founder and CEO of Wakili.sha Initiative, a non-profit organization that offers pro bono legal assistance to promote access to justice for children in conflict with the law while building skills, creating public awareness, and advocating for them, including providing mentorship.

How can people reach you for your services?

I am available by email; kindly reach me at lizn@africaya.net.

In your opinion, what is the power of podcasts in enhancing development and driving change?

Immense! Podcasting is the new radio. The beauty of it is how you can reach audiences anywhere across the world. You can get literally anyone interested and plugged into the work you are doing, no matter where they are.

What are the current trends, and what would the future podcast industry look like from your own perspective?

Technically, podcasts are audio-only. However, we have seen a rise in preference for vodcasts, which are audio-visual podcasts. For the development of podcasts, I see this as the future of podcasting because, visually, one can show and tell stories whose context would otherwise be lost. That being said, audio-only podcasts are ideal when working with vulnerable or at-risk groups such as children, gender, and sexual minorities, where the protection of their identity is of paramount importance.

In a paragraph, encourage someone interested to join this space if they have no resources yet.

The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. This may sound like an old cliché, but it is absolutely true. If you do not have the resources to start your own podcast, then simply ask around. Is there a podcast you can plug into? Can you offer your expertise on something as part of a skills exchange? Volunteer yourself or your organization to be involved in the production process. People often underestimate the time and effort it takes to sustain a successful podcast. Learning while in the podcasting space is a good way to prepare for this, so take that first step!

Indeed, the future of podcasts in the development world looks promising. With the increasing popularity of audio content and the convenience of on-demand listening, podcasts have become a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and insights in the development field. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more innovative formats, collaborations, and diverse voices contributing to the growth of podcasts in the development world.

You can find ELizabeth Njambi on LinkedIn.