The Heart of a Cheetah: Africa’s Path to Prosperity w/ Magatte Wade

What if the key to ending poverty in Africa isn’t more aid but more freedom? In this powerful episode of Next Steps Forward, host Dr. Chris Meek sits down with globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and thought leader Magatte Wade to challenge some of the most deeply held assumptions about Africa, capitalism, and human flourishing. Born and raised in Senegal, Magatte shares her firsthand experience of a culture rich in dignity, community, and tradition, yet constrained by limited economic opportunity. From her early years in West Africa to her current work spanning Austin, Texas and the African continent, Magatte explains how governance, regulation, and economic freedom, not charity, shape prosperity.

As Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, Magatte makes a compelling case for free markets as the most effective tool for lifting people out of poverty. She discusses why youth unemployment remains high even in stable democracies, how excessive regulation stifles entrepreneurship, and what it would take for Senegal, and Africa more broadly, to become a beacon of economic freedom. The conversation also tackles controversial topics head-on: the legacy of colonialism, the failures of post-independence leadership, and why Magatte has famously called foreign aid “poison.” She explains why she believes aid often does more harm than good, what real freedom looks like for Africa’s future, and how dignity, purpose, and enterprise can restore hope to disillusioned young people. 

About Magatte Wade: Magatte Wade is a Senior Fellow at Atlas Network, the leading organization of African free market think tanks. She was listed as a Forbes “TWENTY Youngest Power Women in Africa,” a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and a TED Global Africa Fellow. Magatte is the bestselling author of  “The Heart of a Cheetah,” and the host of “The Magatte Wade Show.” Magatte’s passion for the role of free markets in overcoming poverty and the power of enterprise to tackle social issues and promote entrepreneurial education make her a sought-after speaker and thought leader at major conferences, events, and universities around the world. She’s spoken at the United Nations, Aspen Institute, Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and the TED mainstage and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Fast Company, Fortune, and many other well-regarded media outlets.