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Image: Comic Republic

Shadows of German Colonialism

A series exploring how German colonialism in Africa met fierce resistance, and descended into exploitation and violence. We find out how Germany's colonial legacy is remembered today.

Through 10 podcasts and short videos, Shadows of German Colonialism sheds light on Germany's devastating colonial history across Africa. We discover how Germany's territorial conquest led to exploitation and unimaginable violence, and how that colonial oppression still impacts societies in Tanzania, Namibia, Togo and Cameroon to this day. 

The Shadows of German Colonialism series is produced by DW, Germany's international broadcaster, with funding from the German Foreign Ministry (AA). Our artwork is designed and rendered by Nigeria-based studio, Comic Republic.

Where to find the podcast?

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

Production Team:

Cai Nebe - Lead producer

Julia Hitz - Lead producer

Chrispin Mwakideu - Editor

Thomas Mösch - Adviser

Gwendolin Hilse Lardner - Executive producer

Claus Stäcker - Executive producer

Historical consultants: 

Prof. Lily Mafela

Prof. Kwame Osei Kwarteng

Reginald Kirey 

Skip next section Latest Episode

Latest Episode

Shadows of German Colonialism Series Trailer

Shadows of German Colonialism sheds light on Germany's devastating colonial history across Africa.
January 30, 202402:36 min
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Shadows of German Colonialism EP 08

Injected with fear: the legacy of colonial era vaccination programs

Injected with fear: the legacy of colonial era vaccination programs

Tropical medicine boomed as European powers claimed territories in Africa. Germany sent the famed Robert Koch and many others to the colonies to find cures to tropical illnesses - but also to test new medicines. This shadowy practice led to Africans being mistreated, and many died in the process, leaving a legacy of physical and psychological trauma that has never been properly cured.
HistoryMarch 4, 202411:49 min
An animated impression of a German medical scientist carrying medicinal products followed by an assistant as native African sit by.

How colonialism birthed distrust in Western vaccines

How colonialism birthed distrust in Western vaccines

In the early days of colonialism, many unsafe vaccinations were tested on African subjects without their knowledge or consent. This unaddressed trauma may explain vaccine hesitancy to this day.
HistoryFebruary 22, 202401:30 min
Men stand around canoes during Robert Koch's Africa expedition in in 1906

How distrust in Western vaccines was born during colonialism

How distrust in Western vaccines was born during colonialism

In the early days of colonialism, many unsafe vaccinations were tested on African subjects without their knowledge or consent. This unaddressed trauma may partly explain vaccine hesitancy to this day.
HistoryMarch 18, 2024
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