Canadian Changemakers

About Canadian Changemakers

A podcast about Canada’s role in supporting climate action across Sub-Saharan Africa through two impactful initiatives - Climate Action Africa and the Lake Chad Basin Restoration Project. Hosted by Gabrielle Lepage. This podcast is brought to you by Alinea International, funded by Global Affairs Canada and produced by Lead Podcasting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (http://acast.com/privacy) for more information. Please also check out Au-delà des frontières, our affiliated podcast produced in French, for more stories on Canadian international development initiatives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Alinea International

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 May 2024

Latest episode

31 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   31 Jul 2026

   Protecting the Lake Chad Basin Through International Cooperation

   In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, host Gabrielle Lepage speaks with Hycinth Banseka, Technical Director of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, about the environmental and security challenges facing one of Africa's most important transboundary regions. Together, they explore how climate change, environmental degradation and insecurity have intensified competition over natural resources across the Lake Chad Basin, and how regional cooperation, environmental peacebuilding and community partnerships are helping build resilience. Mr. Banseka also shares how the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project is strengthening local capacity, supporting environmental governance and empowering youth to promote peace within their communities. This episode is presented as part of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and several other partners. About Hycinth Banseka Hycinth Banseka is the Technical Director of the Executive Secretariat of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, based in N'Djamena, Chad. He oversees the Commission's technical department, supervising environmental and natural resource management initiatives, regional stabilization efforts and partnerships with international development organizations. With extensive experience in transboundary water governance, environmental management and regional cooperation, Hycinth works closely with member states and development partners to strengthen ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and peacebuilding across the Lake Chad Basin. His work supports the implementation of the Commission's Strategic Action Programme and the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience in areas affected by conflict and climate change. Related Links Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) (https://cblt.org/) Alinea International (https://www.alineainternational.com/) Global Affairs Canada (https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs) On Changing Ground / Là où l'on s'adapte documentary series (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJsXS4YjTfA&list=PLFsGsl_hkHi4vKl1rD9L9o7e9pM9SRigT) 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode Why climate change and conflict are deeply interconnected in the Lake Chad Basin. How environmental peacebuilding is helping reduce resource-related conflicts and strengthen resilience. The power of regional cooperation and local partnerships in building sustainable peace. Enjoyed This Episode? We invite you to explore more episodes of Canadian Changemakers on your favourite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. To learn more about the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, visit our website (https://pcblt.alineainternational.com/). At Alinea International, we recognize that our teams work on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples and local communities in the countries where we operate. We respect and affirm their inherent and treaty rights, and we are committed to walking together on the path toward reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   17 Jul 2026

   Building Capacity for Women-Led Agribusinesses and Climate Resilience Across Africa

   In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, host Gabrielle Lepage speaks with Kachi Nwachukwu, Programs Manager at African Food Changemakers, based in Nigeria, about helping agribusinesses across Africa adapt to climate change and build long-term resilience. African Food Changemakers supports a network of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs in 50 African countries through training, market access opportunities and programs that help businesses grow sustainably. Through its Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) program, the organization helps agribusinesses adopt climate-smart practices and strengthen their resilience to environmental challenges. Gabrielle and Kachi discuss how support from Climate Action Africa helped strengthen African Food Changemakers' monitoring and evaluation systems, improve data collection and support future access to climate finance. They also explore the challenges facing women in agriculture, the importance of peer learning and the role of practical climate-smart solutions in building stronger businesses and food systems. This episode is presented as part of Climate Action Africa, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, Econoler and WSP. About Kachi Nwachukwu Kachi Nwachukwu is a development leader, agribusiness professional and enterprise growth strategist with more than a decade of experience designing and delivering high-impact initiatives across agriculture, international trade, public sector reform and economic development. As Programs Manager at African Food Changemakers, she oversees key initiatives including the Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) program, the Scaling Export Program and the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship. She also helps oversee a network of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs across 50 African countries, connecting agribusinesses to training, markets, capital and growth opportunities. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Kachi is passionate about strengthening climate resilience, supporting women in agriculture and helping African agribusinesses scale sustainably while contributing to food security and economic development across the continent. Related Links African Food Changemakers (https://www.afchub.org/) Climate Action Africa - Nigeria (https://climateactionafrica.ca/projects/nigeria-015/) Alinea International (https://www.alineainternational.com/) Global Affairs Canada (https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs) 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode Learn how climate-smart agriculture is helping agribusinesses become more resilient, profitable and environmentally sustainable. Discover how women-led agribusinesses are overcoming barriers and driving innovation across Africa's food sector. Find out how better monitoring, evaluation and data collection can unlock access to climate finance and strengthen long-term impact. Enjoyed This Episode? We invite you to explore more episodes of Canadian Changemakers on your favourite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. To learn more about Climate Action Africa initiatives, visit our website (https://climateactionafrica.ca/). At Alinea International, we recognize that our teams work on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples and local communities in the countries where we operate. We respect and affirm their inherent and treaty rights, and we are committed to walking together on the path toward reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   26 Jun 2026

   Women, Youth and Sustainable Livelihoods in Cameroon’s Lake Chad Basin

   In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, host Gabrielle Lepage speaks with Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou, a value chain and income-generating activities specialist in Cameroon, and Ryan Turley, project manager at Alinea International, about sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience in the Lake Chad Basin region. Communities in Cameroon's Far North Region are facing growing challenges linked to climate change, food insecurity, displacement and increasing pressure on natural resources. In this context, women, youth and producer organizations are receiving support to develop sustainable livelihoods that help improve incomes while contributing to environmental conservation. Gabrielle, Ornella and Ryan discuss the role of local cooperatives, value chain development and community-led innovations, highlighting how conservation and economic development can work together to strengthen long-term resilience. This episode is presented as part of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and several other partners. About Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou is a value chain and income-generating activities specialist based in Maroua, Cameroon. With more than 10 years of experience in community development, social entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, she supports vulnerable communities in strengthening sustainable livelihoods across the Lake Chad Basin region. Her work focuses on value chain development, innovation and community-led approaches that improve economic resilience while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. Through the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, she works closely with women, youth and producer organizations to help transform local opportunities into long-term economic and environmental benefits. About Ryan Turley Ryan Turley is a project manager at Alinea International with more than 15 years of experience in international development. His work has focused on supporting governments and civil society organizations across a range of sectors, including education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sustainable growth and climate change adaptation. Currently, Ryan manages an institutional strengthening project supporting Ukraine's Ministry of Veteran's Affairs and oversees Alinea's portfolio of Field Support Services projects, providing technical assistance to Canadian diplomatic missions in ten countries. In addition, he supervises the micro-grants component of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, providing guidance, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance. Related Links Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project (https://cblt.org/lake-chad-basin-conservationproject-pcblt/) Alinea International (https://www.alineainternational.com/) Global Affairs Canada (https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs) “Là où l’on s’adapte / On Changing Ground (https://youtu.be/R1i6xX-8588?si=I3VxiA8cZCHznlwv)” - Documentary on income-generating activities 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode Learn how women, youth and producer organizations are building climate resilience through sustainable livelihoods in Cameroon. Understand how conservation initiatives can strengthen both local economies and environmental protection. Discover how community-led solutions, local partnerships and climate-smart practices are supporting long-term resilience in the Lake Chad Basin. Enjoyed This Episode? We invite you to explore more episodes of Canadian Changemakers on your favourite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. To learn more about Climate Action Africa initiatives, visit our website (https://climateactionafrica.ca/). At Alinea International, we recognize that our teams work on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples and local communities in the countries where we operate. We respect and affirm their inherent and treaty rights, and we are committed to walking together on the path toward reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Helping to Advance Women’s Climate Leadership in Malawi: Local Action and Community Resilience

   In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, host Gabrielle Lepage speaks with Joëlle Matte, a Canadian gender and climate expert, about supporting women’s climate leadership in Malawi through the Women Network for Climate Action in Malawi (WONECAM). As climate change continues to disproportionately affect women and marginalized communities, WONECAM was created to strengthen women’s participation in climate-related decision-making, improve access to climate finance and help amplify women’s voices in climate policy and local solutions. Together, Gabrielle and Joëlle explore how community-led climate action, grassroots leadership and inclusive technical assistance are helping women across Malawi build stronger networks, advocate for their communities and contribute to more gender-responsive climate action. This episode is brought to you by Climate Action Africa (CAA), funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, Econoler and WSP. About Joëlle Matte Joëlle Matte (https://climateactionafrica.ca/experts/joelle-matte/#:~:text=Jo%C3%ABlle%20Matte%20is%20a%20gender,on%20gender%20equality%20and%20climate.) is a Canadian gender and climate expert with more than 12 years of experience in international development, including seven years focused on gender equality and climate action. Based in Montréal, she specializes in gender-responsive climate and energy policy, climate adaptation and mitigation, gender analysis, and inclusive approaches to climate finance and community engagement. In this episode, Joelle shares her experience serving as team lead on a Climate Action Africa initiative supporting the establishment and strengthening of the Women Network for Climate Action in Malawi (WONECAM), helping advance women’s participation in climate leadership and decision-making. Resources Mentioned / Related Links Climate Action Africa (CAA) (https://climateactionafrica.ca/) Women Network for Climate Action in Malawi (WONECAM) (https://climateactionafrica.ca/2025/08/23/women-in-climate-action-network-wonecam/) Global Affairs Canada (https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs) Alinea International (https://www.alineainternational.com/) Econoler (https://econoler.com/en/) WSP (https://www.wsp.com/en-ca/) 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode Learn how women in Malawi are leading climate action and advocating for more inclusive climate policies. Understand the barriers women face in accessing climate finance, decision-making spaces and climate adaptation resources. Discover how community-led approaches and international partnerships can help strengthen gender-responsive climate action. Enjoyed This Episode? We invite you to explore more episodes of Canadian Changemakers on your favourite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. To learn more about Climate Action Africa initiatives, visit our website (https://climateactionafrica.ca/). At Alinea International, we recognize that our teams work on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples and local communities in the countries where we operate. We respect and affirm their inherent and treaty rights, and we are committed to walking together on the path toward reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   29 May 2026

   Welcome to Season 2 of Canadian Changemakers

   Welcome to Season 2 of Canadian Changemakers, brought to you by Alinea International. This season, we explore Canada’s role in supporting climate action across Sub-Saharan Africa through two impactful initiatives funded by Global Affairs Canada: Climate Action Africa and the Lake Chad Basin restoration project. Hosted by Gabrielle Lepage, the new season highlights the work of Canadian experts partnering with local communities to strengthen climate resilience, support nature-based solutions, and advance gender-responsive approaches to climate finance and policy implementation. From empowering grassroots women leaders through Climate Action Africa to restoring fragile ecosystems in the Lake Chad Basin, each episode shares powerful stories of partnership, innovation, and community-led change in the face of growing climate challenges. Tune in to hear from the people, partnerships, and ideas driving climate action across the region. Subscribe now and don’t miss the first episode of the new season launching on World Environment Day, June 5, 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   28 Aug 2025

   Living Library, Lasting Impact: The Story Behind TAP-EDM with Christopher Yeomans

   At a time of rising global instability, Canada’s investment in meaningful, responsive partnerships is more urgent than ever demonstrating the country’s commitment to global cooperation, diplomacy, and long-term impact. Discover how this unique short-term global technical assistance -TAP-EDM embodies Canadian values abroad and why Canada must continue to lead with purpose on the world stage. In this special bonus episode, we take you behind the scenes of the Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) with Project Director Christopher Yeomans. Described as a “living library” of Canadian expertise, TAP-EDM mobilizes seasoned professionals from across Canada’s public service and civil society to meet real-time requests from partner governments around the world. Whether it’sstrengthening anti-human-trafficking enforcement in Jordan or supporting wildfire response in Bolivia, TAP ensures that solutions are locally led, gender-responsive, inclusive, and climate-smart. Learn more about TAP-EDM on our website at www.tap-pat.ca (http://www.tap-pat.ca) And make sure to click on Follow for more compelling stories on Canadian Changemakers.

7. 

   15 Jul 2025

   Bridging Borders: Advancing Gender Equality in Latin America with Tracy Apoll

   In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, we sit down with Tracy Apoll, a leading Canadian gender equality expert whose work through the TAP initiative has strengthened feminist and inclusive development across Colombia, Bolivia, and Mexico. As Latin America makes strides in gender-mainstreaming, deep-rooted inequalities persist—especially in employment, income, and cultural attitudes. At a time when social inclusion is being challenged around the world, Canadian values and approaches are making a difference. Tracy’s story highlights Canada’s growing global impact in advancing gender equality and the power of expert collaboration to help shape more equitable and inclusive societies. If you want to learn more about other TAP initiatives, please subscribe to our mailing list on the TAP website at www.tap-pat.ca.

8. 

   13 Mar 2025

   **Bonus Episode** Canada on the World Stage: Leadership in Development, Diplomacy, and Trade

   What role does Canada play in global development, diplomacy, and trade? In this special episode of Canadian Changemakers, we had a unique opportunity to exchange with Patricia Peña, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, to explore Canada’s evolving leadership in international cooperation. From strengthening education in Senegal to promoting sustainable mining in the Philippines, discover how Canadian expertise—through the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP)—is making a lasting impact worldwide. 🎧 Listen now as we tap into a distinct perspective on Canada’s role in international development on the global stage! For more information on TAP-EDM, an Alinea International initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, check out our website here (www.tap-pat.ca).

9. 

   26 Feb 2025

   Digging Deeper: Sustainable Mining & Global Collaboration in the Philippines

   The Philippines sits on over $1 trillion in untapped mineral reserves—an opportunity for economic growth but also a challenge for sustainability. In this episode, we explore how Canada’s Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) issupporting responsible mining efforts. Environmental and gender advisor Kathy Adams shares her experience working with the Philippine government to strengthen policies that protect communities, Indigenous groups, and theenvironment. Tune in to discover how Canada’s role in international collaboration is shaping a more sustainable future for the mining industry. Discover: How Canada’s technical expertise is strengthening environmentalpolicies. The critical intersection of mining, gender inclusivity, and human rights. The challenges and breakthroughs in aligning Philippine mining policies with international best practices. Join us for an insightful conversation with Kathy Adams, an environmental and gender advisor, on shaping a more sustainable future for the mining industry. For more information on the TAP initiatives check out our website (www.tap-pat.ca).

10. 

    18 Feb 2025

    Strengthening Dialogue and Capacity Between Ecuador’s Government and Indigenous Peoples

    Indigenous-led movements are reshaping nations—from protests in Ecuador to reconciliation in Canada. The government of Ecuador is working to strengthen  dialogue and build trust with Indigenous communities. But the connections we build have to create a lasting positive impact on both people and governance. In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, we explore Canada’s role in strengthening Indigenous governance in Ecuador through the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP). Experts Lea Nicholas-McKenzie and Sashia Leung share howlessons from Canada’s reconciliation journey can help shape Ecuador’s future. If you care about Indigenous rights, global collaboration, and real change, don’t miss this episode! Follow all the TAP initiatives on our website www.tap-pat.ca (http://www.tap-pat.ca).

11. 

    4 Feb 2025

    Strengthening capacity for improved health services in Nigeria.

    Healthcare in Nigeria is facing many challenges despite its resilient and dedicated people. But through international partnership, it’s improving greatly. Healthcare in Nigeria suffers, with many facets from infrastructure to quality of care facing several difficulties. That’s where international collaboration comes in — Canada’s TAP initiative is helping create a safer, healthier world for Western Africa. In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, the focus is on the collaboration between Canada and Nigeria to strengthen the leadership and coordination within Nigeria's health sector. Meet our guests Seyi Kakanfo and Tracey Foster, Canadian experts telling their story about bolstering the Nigerian health sector and taking it into the future. For more information on short-term technical assistance, check out our website (https://tap-pat.ca/). Thank you for following Canadian Changemakers!

12. 

    24 Jun 2024

    Fighting Corruption and Money Laundering in Paraguay.

    In the fourth and last episode of the first series of “Canadian Changemakers”, we discover how Canada is playing a role in helping fight corruption and money laundering in Paraguay. TAP-EDM expert, Patrice Poitevin, a retired veteran of the RCMP, an internationally recognized expert with over 40 years of experience in financial crime, corporate ethics, and anti-corruption, shared his unique experience in Paraguay on two technical assistance missions. Listen to this inspiring and engaging individual and learn how Canadians are truly responding to the needs of countries requesting support from Canada’s technical assistance. For more information on the TAP-EDM initiatives check out our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (https://tap-pat.ca/fr/nouvelles/accueil/). Thank you for hitting that “follow” button!

13. 

    17 Jun 2024

    Anti cyberviolence Campaign in Tunisia

    Join us for a one-on-one conversation with our guest, social entrepreneur, philanthropist and communications expert, Pascal Lépine, founder of Montreal’s Atypic. Learn the ins and outs of creating a national anti-cyberbullying campaign in Tunisia. The project, carried out in collaboration with the CREDIF, a Tunisian agency within the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly, incorporates Canadian best practices in communications to design a strategy promoting gender equality and human rights among women and girls. For more information on the TAP-EDM initiatives check out our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ (https://tap-pat.ca/projects/digital-action-against-cyberbullying-and-cyberviolence-against-woman-and-girls/). Thank you for following Canadian Changemakers!

14. 

    11 Jun 2024

    Canada's contribution to sustainable mining policies

    In our second episode, you will have the opportunity hear from two distinguished Canadian experts Deborah Archibald and Malcolm Robb, who each contributed to the global mining sector on TAP technical assistance initiatives, one in Kosovo and the other in Malawi. Interestingly, this dynamic duo is not only a consulting partnership, but they are lifetime partners, too! Join us as we delve into their unique experiences supporting sustainable mining and policy development in the sector. For more information on the TAP-EDM initiatives check out our ⁠website⁠ (https://tap-pat.ca/). Thank you for following Canadian Changemakers!

15. 

    31 May 2024

    Climate Diplomacy in the Maldives

    In our first episode we are speaking with Marco Heredia, an environmental and climate diplomacy expert, and Jenn Hoffman, a capacity development specialist. Both had the opportunity to work along with personnel from the Maldives Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, to support increased capacity in climate diplomacy through a Global Affairs Canada short-term technical assistance initiative. This is their story. For more information on the TAP-EDM initiatives check out our ⁠website⁠ (https://tap-pat.ca/). Thank you for following our podcast!

16. 

    13 May 2024

    Introducing Canadian Changemakers

    Get ready for the new podcast, Canadian Changemakers.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

24

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Canadian Changemakers

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.