Following the release of The Spell, David Buckham joined Michael Avery to unpack the book’s key themes. Drawing on examples like Saudi Arabia’s Project NEOM and the global AI race, David explained how powerful narratives reveal the dangers of unchecked power, complicit institutions, and belief systems masquerading as progress.

In this episode, Michael Avery spoke with Jeff Gable, Chief Economist at Absa, and Precious Dube, Macroeconomist for Broader Africa at RMB, about the ninth annual Absa Africa Financial Markets Index, which measures financial market maturity across 29 African nations.

They discussed Africa’s growing financial resilience, progress in market reforms, and the continent’s shift from aid dependency to investment-led growth. Through examples across key economies, the conversation highlighted how reform, innovation, and regional collaboration are shaping Africa’s economic future.

To understand what it really takes to make data a strategic asset, Michael Avery was joined by Prashant Rijhumal, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at RMB.

They unpacked the changing relationship between data, human judgment, and AI - exploring how automation, predictive insights, and ethical governance are redefining decision-making in investment banking.

Prashant also shared practical lessons and a forward-looking view on how data leaders can bridge the gap between information and impact.