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.
Musician turned politician Bobi Wine has received an Oscar nomination for a documentary on his political struggle in Uganda. Why does he continue despite the dangers, hardship and challenges? A surprising confession at an enquiry into a deadly fire in South Africa The latest from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as it enters the knockout stage
There's been heavy fighting between Somali forces and Al Shabaab fighters in the central region of Mudug. Last year ,the government said it had shifted its tactics against the militant group. Are those tactics working? Also, what is the local response after Cameroon becomes the first country in the world to start routine vaccinations against malaria. And Zambian poet, Vanessa Chisakula, on telling stories through performance poetry.
Could Africa's leaders be too old to lead the world's youngest population? The continent's newest democratically elected president Liberia's Joseph Boakai is 79 We meet Ghanaian Lesley Lokko the first African woman to win the prestigious gold medal for services to architecture. And learn about British-Nigerian rapper Skepta's directorial debut with the short film Tribal Mark. Audio for this episode was updated on 24th January 2024.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting four countries in Africa. What does the US want from its relationship with the continent and who benefits? Also will raising the age of consent in Zimbabwe reduce sexual abuse? And with Afcon in full swing, we look at the health of African footballers.
Joseph Boakai has started a six-year term as president of Liberia. He is the third democratically elected head of state. Tackling corruption and the economy are expected to be his immediate challenges. What's behind the sewage polluted beaches along the Durban coastline in South Africa? And the Somali songs inciting hatred against Ethiopians
Violent crime is soaring in South Africa, with the murder rate at a 20-year high. Getting away with murder has become normal. What's going on? Also how did Tanzania come to be ranked as the least indebted country in Africa? What did they do differently? And why have authorities in Nigeria warned against using the pidgin English term, “No gree for anybody”? It's triggered an online debate!
A Sierra Leone high court has allowed ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, charged with treason, to travel abroad on medical grounds. Mr. Koroma was charged for his alleged role in a failed military coup in November. The Non-Aligned Movement summit is currently underway in Uganda. Is it still relevant? And the 'Cranky uncle ' game now tackling vaccine hesitancy in Africa.
More than 200 people have starved to death since July in Ethiopia's drought-hit and war-scarred Tigray region, local authorities say. Officials warn the region is on the brink of famine on a scale last seen in 1984. How did Tigray return to this desperate situation? Also why are Nigerians turning to crowdfunding to pay for ransoms? And what does it mean to be Black, African and British? How African migration is shaping politics, faith, business and culture in the UK.
Zambia is battling one of its worst cholera outbreaks in recent years. More than 300 people have died and nearly 6,000 active cases have been registered. Why did Nigeria’s Central Bank dissolve boards of three lenders? And the young Ghanaian entrepreneur using solar technology to help farmers protect their produce from wastage
Burundi has closed its borders with Rwanda after accusing its neighbour of funding rebel attacks. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the charge, but Burundi's government has branded him a "bad neighbour". Can the two neigbours overcome their differences? Also a report on migrant workers facing forced labour and exploitation in Mauritius And a doctor from Sierra Leone tells us how his country and developing countries can hold onto their health care workers.
Cape Verde becomes the first sub-Saharan country to get rid of the deadly malaria disease in 50 years Why is South Africa aiming to legislate for proper labelling of foodstuffs? And the anticipation and excitement of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in Ivory Coast this weekend !
Voters in Comoros head to the polls on Sunday to elect the next president. The incumbent Azali Assoumani is seeking a fourth term, but who are his main challengers? The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan, this Sunday, but next time hosts Kenya did not qualify for this year’s tournament. Former Kenyan international Musa Otieno says the game’s infrastructure in the country needs to improve. And Knives down, Gloves up, we hear from a young man with Ivorian and ...
South Africa is taking Israel to the ICJ in the Hague. Pretoria alleges that genocide is being committed against Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. So far more than 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's operation against Hamas militants. Are Ethiopians in Somalia and Somaliland now living in fear as tensions rise between Mogadishu and Hargeisa after a seaport access deal ? And the future of Artificial Intelligence in Africa.
President Ruto’s flagship visa-free policy for all visitors to Kenya has come into effect, but travellers are finding that it is not working as expected. Five years after Cyclone Idai devastated lives and livelihoods in Mozambique, how are people in the areas that were worst affected doing now? And we hear from the Ghanaian tennis photographer whose images of young African players captured the admiration of one of the sport’s all-time greats - Serena Williams.
A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence of widespread abuse by the founder of one of the world's biggest evangelical churches the late TB Joshua. Former members accuse him of rape, torture and forced abortions. As Senegalese courts deal blow to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's presidential hopes, What does this portend for the coming elections? And why is the Nigerian government on a crackdown of fake degrees?
Troops from the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), that includes Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, have been deployed to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the M23 and other armed groups. They have replaced the UN mission Monusco and an east African force that was deemed to be ineffective. Can Sadc succeed in reducing instability in the region? Thousands of unaccompanied children were among record numbers of irregular migrants who arrived in Spain last year. Amnesty Inter...
Why was Sierra Leone's ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma charged with treason ? He has denied any involvement in an attack which killed about 20 people last November. Where next for Chad after a contested constitutional referendum vote? And renowned cellist Abel Selaocoe on how South African oral traditions are connected to classical music.
Somalia has described an agreement that landlocked Ethiopia made with the self-declared republic of Somaliland over sea access as “an act of aggression”. What are the implications for the entire Horn of Africa region? A new succession battle for the Zulu throne has been triggered after a court in South Africa ruled that President Cyril Ramaphosa's official crowning of the new Zulu king last year was unlawful. And we hear why analysts are bullish about online gaming in Africa and believe the mark...
As South Africa battles increased load shedding, could nuclear energy be the answer to address the crisis? And the BBC's Ian Wafula's backstory to Africa Eye's investigation into how members of the LGBT community in Nigeria are being targeted by criminal gangs And we talk to the award-winning Somali director Ahmed Farah on his debut feature film-Ayaalne
The new year 2024, marks significant anniversaries for two countries. It is 30 years since South Africa held its first democratic election, signalling the dismantling of centuries of violent colonial and racial domination. At the same time, Rwanda was descending into a genocide that would leave up to a million people dead. Today we look back to that time to see how Rwanda and South Africa navigated those years. And Afrobeats has always been popular among the people who made the music. But last y...
The fighting that erupted in Sudan on 15 April this year between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), continues unabated. We hear from the BBC's Mohanad Hashim who has been covering the conflict from the start. It is more than a story to him. It involves his homeland, his family, and his compatriots. Also, we meet Idiat Shiole, the 3D virtual fashion designer and creator of multiple AI models, representing a broader range of African women on the virtual catwalk. And a lo...
The Internationally acclaimed South African playwright, producer and composer Mbongeni Ngema has died in a car accident at the age of 68. He was best known for writing the award-winning musical Sarafina, starring Whoopi Goldberg and Miriam Makeba. It was nominated for both the Tony and Grammy Awards. We look back at the legacy of Mbongeni Ngema. Also, part two of the discussion on coups and democracies on the continent with the Director of the Africa Programme of the International Crisis Group, ...
The Nigerian government is providing free train rides and a 50% reduction in public bus fares over the festive period. So, what's been the reaction from Nigerians? Also with a series of coups and major civil unrests across Africa, we are asking if democratic gains made over the last few decades are being reversed. And a look back at the horrific fire that killed up to 80 people in Johannesburg last August.
Northern herders launch a deadly attack on farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria, leaving over 140 people dead and hundreds more injured. What's behind this cycle of violence? Also we follow the stories of migrants from North Africa, across the Mediterranean Sea, to Lampedusa, an island off the Italian Coast. It's one of the deadliest known crossings in the world. Not everyone makes it across safely. And we meet the award winning Ethiopian scientist, creating drought resistant and weed resistant Afr...
The price of chocolate has risen, that's as the cost of cocoa rises. After the Ivory Coast, Ghana is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa. We'll look at the importance of ethical cocoa production and ask if local farmers benefit or not? Also, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite in many parts of Africa, how can households make the most of the festive season, despite the squeeze on their budgets? And the Nigerian chef and world record breaker Hilda Baci, shares her Christmas da...
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, we look back at the week that's been and look ahead to the next few days. Has Sudan's conflict been forgotten and what next for the Sudanese people? Also we remember Shakahola. The Kenyan cult that made headlines around the world. And why is the pan African e-commerce company Jumia, exiting the continent?
How are Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea affecting Africa? Kenya and the EU sign an historic economic partnership agreement to boost trade. Will the East African region benefit? Will a new sickle cell treatment approved in the UK and US give hope for patients in Africa?
Vote counting in Chad is still underway after polls closed on Sunday in what was seen as a controversial referendum, on a new constitution. Provisional results are expected to be announced on the 24th of December, with the Supreme Court due to validate them four days later. So why was it seen as controversial? Also why females in Malawi are among the most vulnerable, after cyclone Freddy destroyed their farms. Mothers are turning to desperate measures to support their families. And we meet the d...
Guinea’s main oil terminal in the capital Conakry has exploded, killing 8, injuring dozens. What now for the country’s fuel security? Why is Ethiopia on the brink of a debt default ? And we meet a South African artist Odirile Khune Motsiri who specialises in used denim
Nearly 40 million voters go to the polls for the next presidential election on the 20th of December in the DR Congo. Incumbent President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking a second, and final, five-year term in office. Do these elections matter and what's at stake? Also what are SDRs and how does the International Monetary Fund allocate them? Are they distributed fairly or not? And what's life like for journalists in Mozambique, following the assassination of a prominent journalist in Maputo?...
