We turn our focus to Mali, where the transitional government has placed industrial localisation at the heart of its economic recovery plan. In a bold new directive, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has instructed all government departments to prioritise locally produced goods in their spending a move aimed at strengthening national industries and reducing dependence on imports.

But beyond Mali, this raises a bigger question for Africa: Could similar policies boost local manufacturing, create jobs and keep more wealth within our economies? Or do such measures risk higher costs and trade tensions?

To understand the economic and regional implications of such policies in the region, two distinguished guests join me for this discussion.

First in Nigeria, we have Barnabas Esiet, who is a financial analyst and the publishing editor of Newsshelve Nigeria. We also have William Kumwembe, Business News Editor at The Daily Times, Malawi.