Focus on Africa - podcast cover

Focus on Africa

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

Three essential stories to round off your working day. Explaining the big topics and news from Africa, the people behind them, plus an African perspective on global stories. Hosted by Audrey Brown. Five days a week, ready by late afternoon, Monday to Friday.

Episodes

Millions affected by floods in Malawi

Up to five million people are affected by floods in Malawi. Things are so bad that even the helpers need help. Also, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, is in Ethiopia. What's on the agenda? And Professor Daniele Darlan - who risked her own safety to defend judicial independence in the Central African Republic. Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Mar 15, 202326 min

Africa unites to fight Cholera

Several African nations unite in Malawi in a bid to create a taskforce to curb the spread of deadly Cholera. Also, Mozambique braces itself for a second battering by Cyclone Freddy. And our very own satirical resident presidents have their take on the recent elections in Nigeria. Those stories and more in this podcast with Paul Bakibinga.

Mar 10, 202326 min

Protests in Nigeria continue

Former Nigerian vice President, Atiku Abubakar leads a 'black uniform' march by his party, PDP, to the headquarters of the electoral commission INEC. The Presidential candidate said the February 25th poll was compromised and his party demands a re-run after saying they'll challenge it in courts. Also, a BBC investigation exposes a major trade in heroin on the Seychelles Islands, but also what could be the biggest heroin epidemic for a nation globally. Plus, FESPACO ends in Burkina Faso with Tuni...

Mar 07, 202332 min

Nigeria awaits election results

Nigerians wait with baited breath following Saturday's general election, but some in Rivers state protest over inability to cast their ballots. There were technical hitches during the voting, and today, some parties object to INEC, the electoral commission not uploading results online. Meanwhile, in Lagos, a major upset in the making as provisional results have Bola Ahmed Tinubu beaten in the state by outsider, Peter Obi. Those stories and others in this podcast with Bola Mosuro....

Feb 27, 202326 min

Is Nigeria ready for presidential elections?

A day before Nigeria's general election, the electoral commission says 87 million people are eligible to vote, but is everything ready? Also, one year on from Russia's invasion of Ukraine: Is it all doom and gloom for Africa? Plus our Resident Presidents. More on those stories in this podcast with Paul Bakibinga.

Feb 24, 202326 min

Cyclone Freddy makes landfall in Madagascar

Cyclone Freddy has wrecked buildings and caused power cuts and flooding as it struck eastern Madagascar. The mayor of one of the worst hit cities says despite the damage, there has been a sigh of relief that the cyclone's impact has not been as severe as anticipated. And as we approach the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, four African students who fled the war, share their experiences of the trauma, uncertainty, optimism and hope, that have shaped their lives over the past year...

Feb 22, 202338 min

Chaos over currency in Nigeria continues

The state of the Nigerian nation ahead of elections, as tensions over the shortage of new currency continue. Also, the M23 rebel movement rejects a new report accusing it of perpetrating rape in the eastern DRC. And South Africa begins ten days of naval training exercises with Russia and China. Those stories and more in this podcast with Esau Williams

Feb 17, 202320 min

Eritrea's president says US backed the TPLF

Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki has said that the United States supported the Tigray People's Liberation Front or TPLF in its 2-year war with the Government in Addis. In a long interview, he claimed the US pressed the peace deal to prevent the Tigrayans being defeated. Also, Ghanaian pensioners protest outside the Ministry of Finance offices, saying the Government shouldn't make them destitute. Plus, we hear why countries on the continent are now THE destination for African tourists who prefe...

Feb 13, 202325 min

Tundu Lissu returns to Tanzania

The Tanzanian opposition leader, Tundu Lissu is back in the country from self-imposed exile. Tanzanians are happy he's back... but will he be allowed to operate freely? A thousand cholera deaths in Malawi makes it the worst outbreak in its history. Three other countries are struggling to contain the illness as well. We'll hear what efforts are being made. Also: a new report on justice for Africa's children as ever more of them are forced from the playground and into a gruelling labour market. Th...

Jan 25, 202327 min

Somalia says Al Shabab attacked military base

The Somali ministry of information says Al Shabab fighters stormed a military base this morning, killing a base commander among others. Al Shabab claims it killed many more. We'll hear what happened. Also, a hearing to determine if a class action against the mining giant Anglo-American for allegedly poisoning thousands of Zambians at a lead mine can go ahead. Plus, encouraging youngsters to read in Sierra Leone. And our resident presidents on Ethiopia's peace process. Those stories in this podca...

Jan 20, 202323 min

Charges brought against Senegalese opposition candidate

In Senegal: the mayor of Ziguinchor is on trial for rape. Ousmane Sonkor says the charges were brought to stop him running for president next year. Also, Nigerian presidential contender Rabiu Kwakwanso explains why voters should choose him in elections next month. And Sierra Leone introduces a new law mandating quotas to allow women into public office and private positions. Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown

Jan 19, 202329 min

Ambazonian leader killed in Cameroon

In Cameroon the Ambazonian separatist leader known as 'One Blood', has been killed near the Northwest Regional capital Bamenda. Also, we've a special focus on South Sudan with former child soldier turned musician and activist, Emmanuel Jal, as our guest editor. And conflict rages in South Sudan's Upper Nile and Jonglei states, causing fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Bola Mosuro.

Dec 27, 202224 min

Hopes for real peace in Tigray

After two years of being cut off and lives devastated by the civil war in Tigray, an Ethiopian Government delegation arrives in Mekelle, the capital of the region. Also, tragedy has rocked Boksburg community in South Africa after a tanker explosion. Plus, thousands displaced and living in Kayaruchinya camp in the east of the DRC return home to Kibumba after the M23 rebel withdrawal. And the Ganda Boys bring the warmth of Uganda as they share their folk music with the world. Those stories and mor...

Dec 26, 202228 min

More questions over Gambia's 'coup plot'

More details about the people involved in the foiled coup in The Gambia raises more questions about what exactly happened on Tuesday night. Also, Egypt and Tanzania inaugurate the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam - the largest in East Africa. And a debate in South Sudan over the quality of English spoken by graduates. Some blame the failings of the education system. Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Dec 22, 202224 min

Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected as ANC leader

South Africa's President Ramaphosa breathes a sigh of relief after being re-elected leader of the ruling African National Congress, following a serious challenge by his former Health Minister. Also, the High Court in London rules the UK Government's asylum plan to send migrants to Rwanda is legal. And we hear from Senegal's rising music star Samba Peuzzi. Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Dec 19, 202225 min

Pledges of financial and business support for Africa from Washington

A new US-Africa trade pact. How will it differ from previous ones? Also, who threw a grenade into a camp housing thousands of refugees in Malawi? And Gabon aims to replace the Great Lakes Region as the prime gorilla viewing destination. Can it succeed? Those stories and more in this podcast presented by Audrey Brown.

Dec 15, 202226 min

DRC mourns flood victims

Three days of national mourning in the DRC following floods in which more than 120 people died. Also, the company that owns Facebook is in court in Kenya for spreading hate and violence during Ethiopia's civil war. And how the failure of the cryptocurrency FTX is affecting African investors. Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Dec 14, 202229 min

William Ruto unveils his 'Hustler Fund' for Kenyans

President William Ruto of Kenya has launched his Hustler Fund to alleviate poverty, which he says over a million Kenyans have signed up for. Also, Zimbabweans are trying to get to grips with the worst power shortages in years, but the Government is blaming former President Mugabe. Plus, Moroccans are still basking in the glory of making it through to the semi-finals of the World Cup. So what is the secret of their success? We hear from Casablanca. And we speak to Zambian artist Sampa the Great, ...

Dec 12, 202225 min

Malawi's anti-corruption chief is arrested

Malawi's Director of Public Prosecution is suspended after the head of the anti-corruption bureau is arrested then released. We hear from Nigerian Presidential front runner Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC party. Why does he think now is the time for him to take the top job of president? Plus, the giant commodities conglomerate, Glencore, has agreed to pay $180million in corruption fines to the DRC. Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Dec 07, 202232 min

Is the political end nigh for Cyril Ramaphosa?

Is the writing on the wall for South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa after the ANC executive meet today to decide his fate and there are calls from within his party for his impeachment? Also, tear gas is used to disperse thousands of Sudanese who've taken to the streets of Khartoum and other towns following the opposition civilians saying they've signed a framework agreement with the military... Sudanese resistance movements accuse them of letting the coup leaders off the hook. Those stories ...

Dec 05, 202227 min

South Africa awaits Ramaphosa future

President Ramaphosa's presidency hangs in the balance following alleged misconduct in handling a theft at his farm; but what do South Africans think about this? Also, the Congolese Army has accused M23 rebels of killing around 50 civilians. Where does that leave the recently agreed truce? And can a man-made waterfall solve Cameroon's electricity problems?

Dec 05, 202220 min

Embezzlement charges for ex-president's son in Mozambique

From Mozambique: The son of former president Armando Guebuza is on trial for embezzlement, money laundering and blackmail in the country's biggest financial scandal. We'll hear how an army base housing the Wagner Group's fighters in the Central African Republic was bombed. In South Sudan: A spike in premature births - and attempts to keep the infants alive. Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Nov 30, 202230 min

Ceasefire agreed in the DRC

Leaders from the Great Lakes region agree a ceasefire between the government of the DRC and M23. Also, Getachew Reda from the TPLF on the agreement they signed to end the war with Ethiopia. Plus, will this year’s budget kick-start Ghana’s stuttering economy?

Nov 24, 202225 min

Why are Nigerians swapping their high-value banknotes?

Nigerians have to swap their current high-value banknotes for new ones by the end of January. Why the change? Also, we take a rare look at the workings of an elite Somali military unit fighting Al Shabab. Plus, from Harare - President Mnangagwa makes this year's state of the nation address in Zimbabwe's new parliamentary building. More on those stories in this podcast with Audrey Brown

Nov 23, 202234 min

How did a well-known Pakistani journalist die in Kenya?

Conflicting reports on how a prominent Pakistani journalist died in Kenya. Kenyan police say he was shot. Islamabad says he was tortured as well. Who was he? And why was he in Nairobi? Also, the Somali government has shut down hundreds of social media accounts propagating the ideas of the militant group Al Shabaab. Plus, we'll hear how people in Cairo are dealing with toxic levels of air pollution. These stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Nov 11, 202223 min

Activists: Lobbyists threaten success of COP27 summit

Climate activists say fossil fuel lobbyists are threatening to derail genuine solutions to climate damage at the summit in Egypt. Meanwhile, there are massive fuel shortages in Malawi. And we meet the South Africa woman behind the "Future GhettoPunk" Music, Moonchild Sanelly. These stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Nov 10, 202224 min

France ends operations in the Sahel

President Emmanuel Macron of France ends his country's anti-jihadist military operations in the Sahel... But why will some troops remain? Also, Nigeria's anti-drugs agency warns that smugglers are using new strategies to get narcotics into the country. And poetry from the Gambia. Those stories and more in this podcast with Audrey Brown.

Nov 09, 202228 min

Ethiopia special: After warring sides agree truce, what next?

On the eve of the second anniversary of the outbreak of Ethiopia’s civil war, we take a close look at the genesis of the conflict between the central federal government and Tigrayan rebels, and assess the prospects for lasting peace after both sides agree a deal to end the fighting.

Nov 03, 202230 min

More tensions between the DRC and Rwanda

Tensions rise further between the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Rwanda over M23 attacks. Both nations trade more accusations about supporting rebel groups and a diplomatic offensive deepens. Also, the parents of the Gambian babies and toddlers who say their children died from contaminated cough syrup are outraged by the latest findings. And a special BBC investigation asks if Moroccan border guards were responsible for the deaths of African migrants in June. More on those stories...

Nov 01, 202226 min

Scores dead in Somalia after attacks

At least one hundred-and-twenty people are confirmed dead in Somalia following Saturday's attacks blamed on Al-Shabab militants. Also, Nigeria's Government condemns the recent terror alerts from western embassies as 'irresponsible' and 'unnecessary', but where did such warnings emanate? And how Guinea BIssau artist, Yasmine has become a popular Kizomba artist. Those stories and more in this podcast with Bola Mosuro.

Nov 01, 202226 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast