Cliff Ubba Kodero
Assistant Professor of Political Science (Morgan State University)
Research: regional economic communities, political economy
About
Dr. Cliff Ubba Kodero is a distinguished international relations scholar with a Ph.D. from Florida International University, specializing in African affairs and political economy. Currently serving as a Assistant Professor of Political Science at Morgan State Univeristy in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Kodero has established himself as a leading voice in African studies and international development.
His research focuses on regional economic communities in Africa, international political economy, and the complex dynamics of African governance. Beyond academia, Dr. Kodero is the host of "The Ubba Kodero Show," a Pan-African YouTube program that serves as an open-access educational platform, discussing African political economy, cultural commentary, African history, and Afro-conscious awareness.
Dr. Kodero's work examines why small economy states in Africa embrace regional cooperation despite economic disadvantages, challenging traditional assumptions about regional integration and offering new insights into African political and economic dynamics.
Academic Journey
A trajectory of academic excellence spanning multiple institutions and disciplines
Ph.D. in International Relations
"Rethinking the Functions of Regional Economic Communities: Why the African Small States Join and Remain in Sub-Regional Entities"
Advanced research in International Political Economy with specialized focus on African regional integration. Examined the strategic motivations and benefits that drive small economy states in Africa to participate in regional cooperation despite apparent economic disadvantages.
M.A. in African and African Diaspora Studies
Comprehensive study of African political, social, and economic systems with particular emphasis on diaspora connections and contemporary African challenges. Research focused on post-colonial African development and international diaspora networks.
M.A. in International Studies
Foundational graduate study in international relations, global governance, and cross-border economic activities with special focus on developing nations and international development cooperation.
Professional Achievements
Academic Positions
- Assistant Professor College of Idaho
- AssistantProfessor at Morgan State University
- Visiting Professor Rutgers Univeristy
- Lecturer: Florida International Univeristy
- Consultant: Clare McCaskall and Barack Obama campaign in Missouri, 2012
Media & Outreach
- Host of The Ubba Kodero Show
- Pan-African YouTube Content Creator
- Educational Media Producer
- Public Speaker on African Affairs
Research & Publications
- Published book reviews on African politics
- Contributor to E-International Relations
- Research on Rwanda genocide studies
- Expert on regional economic communities
African Studies Focus
- Expert on East African cross-border trade
- Specialist in African political economy
- Researcher on small state regional cooperation
- Advocate for African development
Media — The Ubba Kodero Show
A Pan-African cultural talk show serving as an open-access university for African education
Show Statistics
Show Features
Educational Content: In-depth discussions on African political economy and international relations.
Cultural Commentary: Thoughtful analysis of African culture, history, and contemporary issues.
Open Access: Free educational content accessible to anyone interested in African affairs.
Click to Play
Click to Play
Growth Without Development & Diversification
Economic growth and development in Africa. Opportunities and abandunt resources.
Click to Play
Cash Crop system and the Underdevelopment of Africa
This video highlights how cash crop transformed colonial economy in Africa.
Professional Services
Expertise in African political economy, international relations, and educational media
Speaking Engagements
Political Speeches: Crafting compelling political speeches that inspire, persuade, and connect with audiences on every stage
Speaking engagement on African Political Economy.
Keynote Presentations: International conferences on African affairs, political economy, and regional integration
Academic Lectures: University guest lectures and symposiums
Panel Discussions: Expert panels on African development and international relations
Media Appearances: Television, radio, and podcast interviews
Academic Consulting
Consulting Services:On doing business in Africa.
Research Consultation: African studies and international relations research design
Policy Analysis: Regional integration policies and economic development strategies
Curriculum Development: International relations and African studies course design
Dissertation Supervision: Graduate student mentoring in African political economy
Media & Content Creation
Educational YouTube Programming: Host of "The Ubba Kodero Show" - Pan-African cultural commentary
Content Strategy: Educational media development and production
Documentary Collaboration: Expert commentary for African affairs documentaries
Digital Education: Online course development and virtual lectures
Research & Writing Services
Academic Publications: Peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on African studies
Policy Briefs: Research-based policy recommendations for development organizations
Book Reviews: Scholarly reviews for academic journals and publications
Grant Writing: Research proposal development for academic and development projects
Educational Services
Course Instruction: International Relations, Political Economy, African Studies
Workshop Facilitation: Professional development workshops on African affairs
Student Mentoring: Graduate and undergraduate research supervision
Study Abroad Programs: Academic travel program development and leadership
Organizational Partnerships
NGO Collaboration: Partnership with development organizations working in Africa
Think Tank Engagement: Policy research and analysis for international think tanks
Corporate Training: Cross-cultural training for businesses operating in Africa
International Organizations: Consultation with UN agencies and regional bodies
Speaking Engagement Packages
45-60 minute keynote with Q&A session
Perfect for conferences and major events90-minute university guest lecture
Ideal for undergraduate and graduate coursesMulti-day professional development program
Comprehensive training on African political economyConsultation Services
Project planning and methodology development
For academic and policy research projectsExpert analysis of regional integration policies
For government agencies and international organizationsEducational content development and hosting
YouTube shows, podcasts, and online coursesWhat Clients Say
"Dr. Kodero's insights into African regional dynamics brought a fresh perspective to our international development conference. His presentation was both academically rigorous and accessible to our diverse audience."
— Dr. Sarah MitchellInternational Development Institute
"The consultation services provided by Dr. Kodero were invaluable for our Africa policy research. His expertise in regional economic communities helped shape our understanding significantly."
— Prof. James RichardsonGeorgetown University School of Foreign Service
Ready to Collaborate?
Whether you need a keynote speaker, academic consultant, or media expert on African affairs, Dr. Kodero brings decades of experience and deep expertise to every engagement.
Publications & Research
Selected publications, working papers, and dissertation. Links to full texts and DOI references where available.
- “Development without Borders: Informal Cross Border Trade in Africa,” in Palgrave Handbook of African Economy, edited by Samuel Oloruntuba. -(New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, June 2020).
- “African Voices and Black Spaces: Confronting Knowledge in White Man’s IR,” in Palgrave Macmillan’s Handbook of Africa in a Challenging Global Order, edited by Toyin Falola and Samuel Oloruntuba - (New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, November 2021)
- “Kenya: A Shared National Identity” in African Foreign Policies: The Role of Political Identities, edited by John F. Clark - (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2024).
- “Uganda’s Oil Discovery: The Double-Edged Sword of Development and Resource Curse” in The Politics of New Resource Discoveries in a Post Resource Curse Era edited by Angela Zivo Gapa - (Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2024).
- “Solidarity Beyond the Ocean: Pan-Africanism in Foreign Policies of African and Black Caribbean States” in Public Policy Narratives in Post-Colonial Africa and the Caribbean: Reshaping the Development Agenda edited by Dalano Dasouza and Chevy Eugene - (writing stage, Winter 2026)
Contact
Media & Speaking
Email: Uk.kodero@gmail.com
Email: Cliff.kodero@morgan.edu
Institution: Morgan State Univeristy
Position: Assistant Professor of Political Science.
Location: Baltimore, Maryland