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Africa Daily

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

Africa Daily has now come to an end. But do listen to Focus on Africa for all the big stories and for the African perspective on major global news. Hosted by Audrey Brown and ready by late afternoon every weekday. Search for Focus on Africa, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

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Episodes

Will Lesotho’s vaccine mandate work?

Nearly 900,000 people have received the Covid vaccine in Lesotho. That’s almost half the population of 2 million people. And the government is keen to see that figure rise and has introduced a vaccine mandate. People now have to be vaccinated to have access to their work place and many public services. But not everyone is happy. Many people are still reluctant to get jabbed and not everyone thinks rules like this are the solution. So, will Lesotho’s vaccine mandate work? #AfricaDaily...

Jan 25, 202215 min

Are coups on the rise in Africa?

In the years between 1999 and 2020, fewer coups took place than in previous decades. Many hoped they’d been largely consigned to history. But in 2021 it seemed like coups were becoming a regular event once again. In Mali, Sudan and Guinea, governments were overthrown by the military. And there was an attempt to do so in Niger. So, is this a new trend? Are coups really on the rise in Africa? #AfricaDaily

Jan 24, 202215 min

Why is Nigeria’s ‘sachet economy’ booming?

Buying items in small sachets, instead of full size packs, is nothing new in Nigeria. But over the past year, an ever wider range of products have become available in these small plastic pouches. Even sanitary pads are sold in packs of just two. They may be cheaper, but they aren’t always economical in the long run. Inflation in Nigeria peaked at 18% last year. And food inflation reached a high of 23%. It means people’s wages aren’t stretching as far at the market. And people are finding they ca...

Jan 21, 202215 min

Is sexual harassment in universities being tackled?

Last week a professor in Morocco was jailed for two years. He had been found guilty of indecent behaviour and sexual harassment. Women in Morocco have been sharing their stories. They say this kind of behaviour is widespread. And this case may sound familiar if you’re in West Africa. Two years ago, the BBC uncovered evidence of sexual harassment by professors at some universities in Ghana and Nigeria. They have been removed from their posts after internal investigations. Host: Alan Kasujja (@kas...

Jan 20, 202212 min

Is it the end of the line for South Africa’s railway criminals?

A robust rail network helped South Africa become the continent’s most industrialised nation. And for many people, the train has been the most affordable form of transport. But in recent years, South Africa’s railways have started to fall into disrepair. Criminals have found the that cables and rails can be stolen and sold for scrap. More than 200km of steel rails were taken across the country in November alone. And in some places, trains are coming to a halt. Can the government’s plans to revita...

Jan 19, 202215 min

Can Africa become vaccine self-sufficient?

This time last year we were asking whether Africa would get enough Covid-19 vaccines. As 2021 progressed, it became clear that it wouldn’t. African leaders complained that rich countries weren't meeting their commitments to Covax, the scheme aimed at ensuring equitable access to the vaccines. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa coined the term vaccine apartheid, in reference to the gulf between vaccination rates on the continent and other parts of the world. And some people began to ask how ...

Jan 18, 202214 min

What are Ugandan forces doing in DR Congo?

In November last year, Uganda’s capital was rocked by a series of suicide attacks. The government blamed the ADF rebel group, said to be allied to the Islamic State. President Museveni said the military would go after them. And within days Ugandan forces were entering eastern DRC. Journalist Raymond Mujuni has been finding out what they are facing. Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporter: Raymond Mujuni (@qataharraymond) #AfricaDaily

Jan 17, 202217 min

Is it good to be back to school in Uganda?

In March 2020, Uganda closed all its schools as part of measures to deal with the pandemic. Some students hadn’t been back until they reopened on Monday. Others had been able to return for just a few weeks last year. So, are Ugandan students excited to be back in the classroom? And what challenges are they and their teachers facing? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Edward Mukasa and Bridget Rukwebe Mujogya #AfricaDaily

Jan 14, 202215 min

Might more footballers start staying in Africa?

Around the world, football fans are glued to the Africa Cup of Nations. It’s a proud moment for players to represent their country and perhaps draw some international attention. For years, Africa’s top players have aspired to play for European clubs in La Liga, the Premier League and the Bundesliga. But clubs in countries like Egypt and South Africa are starting to offer lucrative contracts that match those available in parts of Europe. So, how are these teams able to afford the big bucks? And m...

Jan 13, 202216 min

Why don’t we talk more about endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition experienced by one in ten women of childbearing age around the world. It’s caused by tissue similar to the womb lining growing in other parts of the body, where it can lead to bleeding and severe pain. But the symptoms – which can be debilitating - are often dismissed as period pain. It can be difficult to diagnose and campaigners say many doctors still aren’t aware of the condition. One woman, Grace Nagawa, who struggled with the illness for years, started a support...

Jan 12, 202215 min

Why is Mali facing sanctions from its neighbours?

West African leaders have imposed sanctions on Mali’s military government. They have been calling for a return to civilian rule since a military coup in 2020. Mali has experienced a second coup since then. And elections which were planned for February are now facing a lengthy delay. Mali’s leaders have called the sanctions illegal. But will the measures encourage them to bring forward the elections? And what does it all mean for people in Mali? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Beverly Oc...

Jan 11, 202214 min

Is a tragedy in Egypt changing women’s rights?

Basant Khaled was 17 when she is believed to have taken her own life. It’s alleged that private, digitally altered images of Basant were shared online. And that they were seen by fellow students. Her family say she wasn’t able to cope with people’s comments before her suicide. Her story has led to much discussion on social media in Egypt. And women are calling for more rights and supports for women facing sexual harassment. This episode contains frank discussions of suicide Host: Alan Kasujja (@...

Jan 10, 202214 min

Is Cameroon all set for AFCON kick off?

Football fans are getting ready for the Africa Cup of Nations to kick off on Sunday. Some of the worlds best footballers are in Cameroon for the competition. And we’ve got one of the best from that country to be our guide. Former AFCON winner Geremi tells us why Cameroon is ready to impress after an extended wait. They were initially meant to host in 2019, but it was relocated to Egypt due to unrest and unfinished infrastructure. And the pandemic meant it had to be postponed last year. So, is Ca...

Jan 07, 202214 min

What next for Sudan’s pro-democracy movement?

On Sunday, Abdalla Hamdok resigned as Sudan’s Prime Minister, leaving the army in full control. Pro-democracy protesters took to the streets after the army staged a coup in October. Demonstrations continued when Hamdok returned to his position in a deal with the army. And there was more violence as he left power this week. Many are calling for new kind of politics in the country. So, how are they organised? And can they be successful? #AfricaDaily

Jan 06, 202215 min

How are South Africans reacting to the parliament fire?

On Sunday a fire quickly spread through South Africa’s parliament building. The blaze took dozens of firefighters to contain and destroyed most of the National Assembly. Thankfully nobody was hurt. The damage will cost millions of dollars and could disrupt the government’s operations. But amid all this, some people in South Africa are celebrating. So, what’s the story behind the parliament fire? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Mo Allie (@moallie1) #AfricaDaily

Jan 05, 202214 min

Why are charismatic churches becoming so popular?

Charismatic churches are attracting followers in many countries across the continent. They are often lead by a single powerful leader. But some of them have been accused of unconventional, even dangerous practices. And authorities in counties like South Africa are starting to talk about regulating the churches. So, why are they becoming so popular? #AfricaDaily

Jan 04, 202216 min

How do you investigate Black Axe?

More than 20 years ago, BBC journalist Peter Macjob witnessed the murder of a young man by a cultist group. He has spent the last two years working with the BBC’s Africa Eye on an investigation into the group known as Black Axe. For the documentary he met face to face with members of criminal gangs. So, what does it take to carry out an investigation like this? #AfricaDaily

Jan 03, 202215 min

Can political changes defeat Burkina Faso’s insurgents?

Burkina Faso has been battling an escalating insurgency since 2014. Islamist militants allied to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group have are threatening security. More than 70 people were killed in militant attacks in November. And people have taken to the streets in frustration. The President has appointed a new prime minister and promised to tackle the militants. #AfricaDaily

Dec 16, 202113 min

How have Omicron travel restrictions affected economies?

The UK has lifted Covid travel restrictions on all countries in Africa. The measures came into place after the Omicron variant was discovered by scientists in South Africa. And many other countries still have restrictions in place. So, what impact have they had on economies in those countries affected? #AfricaDaily

Dec 15, 202115 min

Why are buildings collapsing in Uganda?

At the beginning of November, at least 45 people died when a luxury development collapsed in Lagos. But, there have been similar problems reported in other parts of the continent. There is a construction boom in Kampala, but across Uganda at least 17 buildings have collapsed since January. So, what’s going on? And how can construction be made safer? #AfricaDaily

Dec 14, 202115 min

Has the pandemic changed the way we date?

How’s your love life? Dating can be tricky at the best of times…and the pandemic hasn’t made things any easier. The dating app Tinder says users have sent 20% more messages since the pandemic began. But lockdowns and fear of catching Covid has made meeting those matches in person more difficult. So, how have we adapted to dating during a pandemic? Host: Alan Kasujja Guests: Didi Edet, Hannah Ajala #AfricaDaily

Dec 13, 202115 min

Is diabetes in Africa a ticking timebomb?

Africa has relatively low rates of diabetes. But cases are rising faster than any other continent. The condition causes the levels of glucose in the body to become too high. Untreated it can damage the nerves, eyes, heart and even lead to death. So, why is it a growing problem across Africa? And what can be done to prevent further cases? The episode contains frank discussion about sexual health issues. Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Osarenkhoe Ethel Chima-Nwogwugwu (@osaethel) Professor K...

Dec 10, 202115 min

How is African music taking on the world?

Artists like Burna Boy, Black Coffee and Wizkid are paving the way for a generation of music stars. They’re winning awards and collaborating with artists around the world who recognise their talent…and the influence sounds from the continent have had for centuries. And with African artists streaming and touring in these markets, it could be big business. Nigeria’s music industry could be worth $15 billion by 2025. So, what next for Africa’s artists? Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Mpho ...

Dec 09, 202114 min

How are so many prisoners escaping in Nigeria?

Nigeria’s prisons are overcrowded and a majority of inmates are still awaiting trial. In the last year, the has been a spate of attacks on jails by armed gangs. They’ve freed more than 5000 prisoners…many still haven’t been recaptured. So, why are so many prisoners escaping? And can anything be done to stop it? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guests: Yusuf Akinpelu (@akinpeluyusuph) Francis Enobore

Dec 08, 202114 min

What were the sporting highlights of 2021?

The BBC has announced nominations for African Sports Personality of the Year. Six competitors from across athletics, football and swimming are in the running, after a packed year of sport. So, who’s on the list? You can see the nominees and vote here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/africa/59089895 And what were some of the best moments of 2021? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Guest: Celestine Karoney (@cjkaroney)

Dec 07, 202117 min

Could Dambe be Nigeria’s next big sport?

Bruises and broken bones. Dambe is not kind to the human body. As extreme as this combat sport may be, it’s amassed legions of fans not only in Nigeria, where it was born, but also around the world. What’s it all about? And how did it become so popular? Hosted by Alan Kasujja (@Kasujja on Twitter) Guest: Maxwell Kalu, founder and CEO of African Warriors FC; Dogon Kyallu, Dambe fighter. #AfricaDaily (This episode was first broadcast on 1st September 2021)

Dec 06, 202113 min

How did South Africa discover the Omicron variant?

It’s been a week since South Africa first reported Omicron…a name now recognised around the world. While South Africa discovered the new covid variant, it’s unlikely we’ll learn exactly where it first appeared. The WHO has praised the country for its transparency. So, how did South Africa discover the omicron variant? Host: Alan Kasujja Reporting: Mpho Lakaje Guests: Wasim Abdool Karim and Dr Thierny Balde #AfricaDaily

Dec 03, 202114 min

What can we expect from Gambia’s elections?

On Saturday, Gambians will head to the polls to vote for their next leader. Many people say they feel they’re voting in a ‘new Gambia’. In 2016, Yahya Jammeh was ousted after 22 years in power. So, what’s at stake for the continent’s smallest country? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja Guests: Omar Wally and Assan Jobe

Dec 02, 202115 min

Can Africa solve its problem with fistula?

Fistula is an uncomfortable medical condition. It is particularly common in women after a difficult childbirth. And can sometimes be found in men. The condition leaves a hole in the bladder or rectum. It allows faeces and urine to leak uncontrollably. And although it can often be fixed with surgery, many thousands of women are thought to need treatment across the continent. This episode contains frank discussion of medical issues and surgery. #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja Guest: Dr Justin Palu...

Dec 01, 202114 min

Will upcoming elections change anything in Libya?

Since long-term leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011, Libyans have endured a decade of instability. The last elections in 2014 left the country divided between competing factions in the east and west. Fresh parliamentary and presidential elections are planned for the end of December. But there is even disagreement over how they will be run. So, can the upcoming vote unite Libya? #AfricaDaily Host: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) Reporting: Amira Fathalla (@amirafathalla)

Nov 30, 202115 min
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