Oil prices have been rising around the world for months. And people in Kenya know that as well as anyone. Fuel prices there were already much higher than in neighbouring countries. As they’ve continued to climb, so have the prices of everyday goods. So, how are people coping with the rising cost of living? And is there any relief on the horizon? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Peter Mwangangi (@PeteMwangangi) Guests: Phoro Catheirine and Magdalene Wambui #AfricaDaily
Oct 18, 2021•16 min
Kenya and Somalia are having a bit of trouble with their closest neighbours…each other. For years they have disagreed about where their sea border should be drawn. When Somalia wasn’t happy with the direction of negotiations, they asked the International Court of Justice to step in. But, despite a decision from the court this week, it doesn’t look like the matter will be resolved any time soon. So, can Kenya and Somalia every agree on their sea border? Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp) Reporting...
Oct 15, 2021•15 min
People have been dancing the night away to the congolese rumba for more than 70 years. Now the Democratic Republic of Congo and The Republic of Congo have launched a joint campaign to get the genre recognised internationally. They want UNESCO to include it on a list of intangible cultural heritage. For many people, Congolese rumba remains at the core of African music. So, how did it become so beloved? Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp) Guest: Gabrielle Mitch (@MitchNina) #AfricaDaily...
Oct 14, 2021•12 min
South Africa launched the continent’s first satellite in 1999. Since then, African countries have launched more than 40 more into orbit. And over the next five years, there are plans to triple that number. So, why is there such a scramble to put satellites in space? And how will they benefit people back on Earth? Host: Karnie Sharp (@KarnieSharp) Guest: Pontsho Maruping #AfricaDaily
Oct 13, 2021•15 min
Fourteen men are standing trial accused of complicity in the murder of the former president of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara. Almost 34 years after his death, Sankara remains an iconic figure to many young people across Africa. His image adorns walls, bars and taxis across west Africa. And words are shared today on social media platforms that he never knew existed. So, why is Thomas Sankara still so important to a generation of young people who were born years after his death? #Africa Daily...
Oct 12, 2021•13 min
Students across Africa have missed out on school thanks to the pandemic. In Rwanda, thousands have failed their exams and the government wants them to catch up. So they’re planning to extend the school day. Is that a good idea? Will extra hours help students make up for lost time? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Letisia Murungyi (@Rungisha)
Oct 11, 2021•12 min
Nigeria’s government has recently announced that civil servants will be granted paternity leave after the birth of a baby. They’ll get two weeks off work to spend with the new arrival, help support the mother and…change nappies. The news has been celebrated by many fathers, with many asking whether it will pave the way for dads to spend more time at home. So, are Nigerian fathers ready to tackle paternity leave? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Dominic Montul Martyn Edosomwam #AfricaDaily...
Oct 08, 2021•15 min
Most countries around the world are in some kind of debt. Money is borrowed to invest in a prosperous future, where paying it back won’t be a problem. In Africa, more and more of that investment is coming from China. It’s helped to build railways, airports and roads. But some of these loans have come at a high cost and repayments are expensive. So, is it still worth it? Is investment from China still a good deal for Africa? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Charles Gitong (@charliegitonga) #A...
Oct 07, 2021•13 min
Climate change is causing more and more extreme weather. And farmers across the continent are facing the consequences. Frequent droughts and floods are ruining their crops. But could scientists have the answer? They’ve helped develop new varieties of grains that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Will these be enough to save farmers and feed the continent? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja) Guest: Dr Rebbie Harawa and David Tiroto.
Oct 06, 2021•15 min
Zimbabwe once sat as a powerhouse alongside Africa’s biggest economies. Over the past two decades though, Zimbabwean’s have been on an economic rollercoaster, experiencing crashes, strikes, hyperinflation and unemployment. Millions of people left the country in search of guaranteed work and better wages. Many of them are still overseas. However, in the last few months, the economy has shown the first signs of improvement. The International Monetary fund has predicted growth of 6% this year. And ...
Oct 05, 2021•15 min
Nigeria is about to become the first country in Africa to launch a digital currency controlled by their central bank. Instead of carrying notes and coins, Nigerians will have the option to carry electronic money in an e-wallet on their phones. The eNaira will be issued directly from the central bank to users, in the hope of brining financial services to millions of unbanked people. And with other country’s in the region making similar plans, could this be the end of cash in west Nigeria? Host: A...
Oct 04, 2021•15 min
After four years of brutal attacks by Islamist militants, Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province has been left decimated. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes. In July, Rwandan forces stepped in. Neighbouring countries have since joined them. Things seem to have stabilised. Now, some Mozambican authorities have urged displaced people to return to the region. But is that true? Is it really safe to go home? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja) Guest: Borges Nhamirre (@BorgesNham...
Oct 01, 2021•14 min
As Sudan and South Sudan prepare to open their shared border, can a revival of social and economic ties help mend relations and bring peace between the two countries? They were at war less than ten years ago, and conflicts over oil territories on the border have continued. But it’s hoped that trade and travel can be a boost for both countries. We’ll hear from both sides of the border about hopes for a better future. Host: Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja) Guests: Hafiz Mohamed Valentino Achak Deng #Africa...
Sep 30, 2021•15 min
Millions of people visit South Africa each year to enjoy safari’s, culture and nightlife. The tourism industry has been hit hard by Covid-19, but there are other issues it has been struggling with for longer. More than 25 years since the end of apartheid, the sector remains largely in white hands. Very few businesses meet the target of 30% black ownership. So, as the sector tries to recover from the pandemic, what needs to happen to create opportunities for everyone? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@kas...
Sep 29, 2021•15 min
Ethiopians who didn’t get a chance to vote in last June’s election get their chance this week. At the time it was argued that logistical and security issues made it difficult to hold elections in many regions. The authorities however continue to say that some regions cannot provide sufficient support to the electoral process and therefore won’t be taking part this week. And some opposition parties are now saying they won’t be taking part at all -- claiming that the result is a foregone conclusio...
Sep 28, 2021•12 min
The Olkaria geothermal power station in Kenya opened four decades ago. It’s located in Hell’s Gate National Park and was originally conceived as a research project. But today it’s a viable commercial business that generates electricity using steam rising from deep in the ground. And it’s a renewable source that could bring energy to millions. In the next edition of Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja looks at why this is such a good natural source of energy and how it could be great news for the continen...
Sep 27, 2021•17 min
Houses burnt. Empty schools. The recent unrest in Laikipia county has shocked Kenyans. Armed pastoralists are being blamed for the violence. They say they’re being denied access to water and land. But the Kenyan government says the unrest is actually the work of “politicians” - so, what exactly has been going on? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Ferdinand Omondi, BBC reporter. #AfricaDaily
Sep 24, 2021•14 min
Traditional healers used to be community elders – not anymore. A new generation of young South Africans is embracing what they describe as their “ancestral calling”, and using social media to bring new life to ancient traditions. Who are they – and how does their country see them? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Mpho Lakaje, reporter based in Johannesburg; Rutendo Ngara, cultural expert and academic; Thokozile Mntungwa, young traditional healer. #AfricaDaily...
Sep 23, 2021•16 min
Boko Haram is on the ropes. The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, is dead and his followers are more divided than ever. And yet, there seems to be little reason to celebrate: the Islamic State West Africa Province, a former offshoot of the group, is set on continuing their campaign of terror. Can they be stopped? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Audu Bulama Bukarti, analyst with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; Mina Al-Lami, jihadism specialist with BBC Monitoring. ...
Sep 22, 2021•15 min
Rising temperatures. Drier weather. Four years of drought have taken their toll on Madagascar: the country’s now on the brink of the world's first "climate change famine", according to the United Nations. But why exactly? And what can the island-state do about it? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Tiana Andriamanana, Executive Director of Fanamby. #AfricaDaily
Sep 21, 2021•12 min
The trial of the man who inspired the Hollywood film “Hotel Rwanda” concludes this week in Kigali. Paul Rusesabagina has been on trial charged with crimes related to terrorism, arson, kidnap and murder. The charges relate to rebel attacks that occurred in southern Rwanda in which nine people were killed. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, but Mr Rusesabagina has continued to boycott his trail calling it biased. In the next edition of Africa Daily Alan Kasujja looks at the background to thi...
Sep 20, 2021•14 min
Yemi Alade is Afrobeats royalty: don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Her songs have millions of views on YouTube – and her fans are scattered all around the world. It’s fair to say Yemi Alade has pushed Nigerian music to new heights. So, what’s her secret? We went to meet her. Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) #AfricaDaily
Sep 17, 2021•14 min
Enough with the petty bribes: Kenyan drivers are fed up with having to pay off police officers every time they’re stopped on the road. Police chiefs are concerned – and they believe the solution might be to scale down roadblocks and static police checks. But how much of a difference will it make? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) #AfricaDaily
Sep 16, 2021•17 min
Former dictator Yahya Jammeh makes for an unlikely ally – and yet, his political clout seems to appeal to Gambian President Adama Barrow. An alliance between their parties has been announced ahead of December’s presidential election. So, what does it all mean for The Gambia? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Mustapha Darboe, Gambian journalist and news editor. #AfricaDaily
Sep 15, 2021•13 min
Is this what a “brain drain” looks like? For years, thousands of doctors have been leaving Nigeria to search for new jobs abroad. They say their country has denied them fair salaries and adequate working conditions. And yet, the government worries that their departure might further weaken the health system. How big a problem is this? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Dr Ajidahun Olusina, medical doctor in Ogun state; Chuks Akunna, executive director for The Authority newspaper...
Sep 14, 2021•12 min
Historically, African women have been told the subject of sex is off limits. But author Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah wants to change all that. She thinks that to get our best sex lives, we need to be able to talk about it - with partners, friends and family. So she spoke to over thirty women from across the continent and diaspora and wrote a book about it: The Sex Lives of African Women. So, what did she find out? And how DO African women talk more about sex? Hosted by Victoria Uwonkunda (@Msuwonkunda ...
Sep 13, 2021•15 min
This is not the time to be selfish: politicians and health experts across Africa are losing their cool with Western countries. Barely 3% of the continent has been vaccinated against Covid-19 - and yet, in many wealthier nations, booster jabs are already being considered. Some say this is what a “vaccine apartheid” looks like, but do they have a point? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Dr Richard Mihigo, World Health Organisation. #AfricaDaily
Sep 10, 2021•13 min
South Africa’s unemployment rate has hit a record high: it’s now 34.4%, which means about 7.8 million people are currently without a job. Young South Africans - especially young graduates - have been hit the hardest. So, how did things get so out of hand? And is the pandemic solely to blame for this? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Mpho, young unemployed South African; Phumlani Majozi, columnist on economics and politics. #AfricaDaily
Sep 09, 2021•12 min
A president deposed, soldiers at the wheel. Guinea is still reeling from a coup that saw President Alpha Conde toppled. The UN and the African Union are unhappy about it all – but some in the country see this is an opportunity for a new beginning. How likely is it to happen? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Beverly Ochieng, BBC Monitoring. #AfricaDaily
Sep 08, 2021•13 min
Some Ugandans are feeling left out: they don’t have one of the shiny identity cards that were introduced in 2014. And this is a problem: after all, not having a national ID card means they can’t access healthcare and some other basic services – but how widespread is the problem? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guests: Gilbert Kadilo, public relations officer for Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority. #AfricaDaily
Sep 07, 2021•12 min
