What does the coup attempt in Benin mean for the West African nation and its citizens? President Patrice Talon has assured the nation that things are 'under control' after the government thwarted Sunday's military takeover. About a dozen soldiers believed to be the leaders of the mutiny have been arrested. Also, did you know dog meat is a staple in some parts of Nigeria, Africa's biggest population? We take you inside one of the largest dog meat markets in the country. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna...
Dec 08, 2025•23 min
What does it feel like when your photos are taken, manipulated and shared online without your consent? That’s the reality for 23-year-old Debra Nashipae, a Kenyan student and aspiring musician whose images were turned into deepfake pornography – a form of digital abuse that experts say is increasing rapidly. According to UN Women, 90–95% of all deepfakes online are non-consensual pornographic images, and around 90% of those depict women. Their report also highlights that half of the world’s wome...
Dec 05, 2025•23 min
Zambian-American influencer Ethel Chisono Edwards, also known as 'One Boss Lady', has been a vocal critic of Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema. She was convicted under the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, two controversial laws that were recently amended to stipulate harsher penalties. The case has raised concerns about freedom of speech in Zambia. Also, did you know that the trafficking and sale of ants is on the rise? We look at the impact of this illegal phenomenon on the envi...
Dec 04, 2025•23 min
Nigeria: A deep dive into the spike in school mass abductions by armed groups in northern Nigeria. We hear from the parents of some of the victims and ask: Who is behind the kidnappings and what's the government doing about it? And how are mental health institutions perceived in Africa? We speak to someone in Uganda about their mental health journey and experience at the country's main referral facility. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Ly Truong Technical ...
Dec 03, 2025•23 min
A rare conversation with Egypt's Foreign Minister about the Sudan War and the tensions with Ethiopia over the river Nile, and Focus on Africa moves its hub from London to Nairobi. Egypt's Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty has denied that his country is supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces in the war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. He also spoke about tensions with Ethiopia after the collapse of talks over use of the waters of River Nile. And after more than six decades of broadca...
Dec 02, 2025•23 min
Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema faces challenges over proposed constitutional changes Why Zimbabwean short film RISE deserves an Oscar nomination Should footballers from the diaspora be allowed to join African national teams after they qualify for the World Cup? Presenter : Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alexander Lathbridge, Stefania Okereke, Joseph Keen, and Mark Wilberforce Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre ...
Dec 01, 2025•36 min
Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve is at the centre of a legal battle over a new Marriott Ritz-Carlton luxury safari lodge. Why are Maasai leaders calling for the camp to be removed? Also in the podcast, we hear from Malian refugees who allege war crimes committed by the now largely disbanded private Russian paramilitary group, Wagner. And a tour guide in Madrid showcases Africa's influence in the city, that is hidden in plain slight. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar...
Nov 28, 2025•29 min
A military general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president following the 15th coup in the country. Why is the country prone to coups? BBC speaks to families of missing students in Niger state as Nigeria declares a state of emergency following a surge in kidnappings. And we look at what could be the reasons behind America’s move to exclude South Africa from the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph Keen, Sunita Nahar, Elphas Lagat in ...
Nov 27, 2025•33 min
The Malian government and Canadian mining firm Barrick have ended their two year tax dispute and have agreed a multi-million dollar settlement. So what does the agreement involve? Why did a volcano in Ethiopia erupt after laying dormant for more than 10,000 years? And we find out why Madagascar's beloved lemurs are at risk. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: ...
Nov 26, 2025•31 min
In Guinea-Bissau, rivals Embalo and Dias claim victory in a tense presidential election as official results remain pending. In Nigeria, separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu has been sentenced to four life terms for terrorism and treason. What does it mean for the group calling for separatism. And in Tunisia, an Indigenous centre in Tataouine preserves heritage, supports women-led crafts, and creates jobs amid rising drought and heat. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar,...
Nov 25, 2025•27 min
A BBC Africa Eye documentary has exposed the practice of selling body parts for magic rituals in Sierra Leone. We speak to the reporter who went back to the town where an 11-year-old boy was murdered as part of a suspected black magic killing four years ago. Why were two Zimbabwean university students, campaigning during elections for their Students Representative Council, abducted in broad daylight and beaten? And we hear from African social media influencers aiming to lead the conversations fo...
Nov 24, 2025•36 min
South Africa's president declares gender-based violence and femicide a national crisis after planned protests A campaign to encourage us to donate our bodies to medical science And Audrey Brown bids farewell to Focus on Africa Presenter Audrey Brown Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar in London. Charles Gitonga is in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lo...
Nov 21, 2025•29 min
A special BBC investigation has collated data which shows there have been thousands of reports of rape between July 2023 and May 2025, in the conflict between militias and Ethiopian government forces in the Amhara region. We hear a personal testimony and also find out more about the scale of the abuses. Also in the podcast, why the advocacy and campaigning organisation Child Online Africa is pushing for a new continent-wide eSafety Commission. And what is it really like to own a football team? W...
Nov 20, 2025•32 min
Amnesty International alleges that the Kenyan government used digital tools to suppress Gen Z organised demonstrations Has the rift between Senegalese President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko widened? Also, Nigeria has Nigeria canceled mother-tongue teaching in primary schools and reinstated English- why? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Joseph Keen, Saleck Zeid, Stefania Okereke and Elphas Lagat in London with Madina Maishanu in Abuja Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Chri...
Nov 19, 2025•27 min
At least 20 schoolgirls are still missing in Nigeria's north-western Kebbi State after they were kidnapped at dawn from their dormitories at a secondary school. How can mass abductions in Nigeria be stopped? South Africa fears a "cleansing agenda" after the controversial arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza in the country. And how Ethiopia plans to tackle its housing crisis, which has been fuelled by rapid urbanisation. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya and ...
Nov 18, 2025•29 min
The DR Congo and the M23 rebels sign a framework agreement in Qatar for a peace deal to end fighting Will Nigeria's seemingly endless academic staff strikes end? And Nigeria's Eagles to miss the World Cup after defeat by DR Congo's Leopards Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar and Joseph Keen in London with Madina Maishanu in Abuja. Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi
Nov 17, 2025•33 min
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has sacked his Second Vice-President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who was seen as a possible successor. So with First Vice-President Riek Machar under house arrest charged with treason, how will this latest move by the president affect political stability in the country? Africa finally has its own drug-regulation body following the launch of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Will it help to transform healthcare systems on the continent? And how much is it costing Ang...
Nov 14, 2025•32 min
Wife and son of Gabon's ousted leader get 20-year jail terms in two-day corruption trial. Mauritania's president, Mohamed Ould Cheikh Al-Ghazouani, recently sacked some senior government officials. Can he win the fight against corruption? And Zambia's ambitious plans to diversify from minerals to agriculture and livestock by 2030 Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke, Joseph Keen , Saleck Zeid and Elphas Lagat. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Technical ...
Nov 13, 2025•32 min
Can new tougher measures announced by Sierra Leone's President Bio really be effective in combating kush, the illegal psychoactive blend of addictive substances that is devastating the country. What caused the fatal helicopter crash in Ghana that killed eight people, including two high profile government ministers? And why has Senegal dismissed the IMF’s debt restructure plan as "a disgrace"? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Joseph Keen and...
Nov 12, 2025•32 min
Can Mali's military junta maintain its hold on power despite a jihadist blockade? What role are mercenaries playing in Africa's current conflicts. And the genesis of a new type of Algerian rai protest music known as "Way Way" Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Patricia Whitehorne, Bella Hassan and Mark Wilberforce in London with, Madina Maishanu in Abuja. Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi...
Nov 11, 2025•36 min
The South African city of Johannesburg has well over 100 abandoned and derelict buildings plagued by rubbish and open sewage and some have been taken over by criminal gangs. Many are also home to some of the city's most vulnerable residents. As Johannesburg gears up to host leaders from the world's major economies for the G20 summit, what is being done to address the issue of 'hijacked' buildings? BBC Africa Eye has been there to investigate, and we hear more from their reporter. For nearly five...
Nov 10, 2025•33 min
What can Africa expect from the COP 30 climate conference? Sudan's paramilitary RSF agrees to a humanitarian ceasefire, but the government wants guarantees from the international community And why are marginalised cultures being celebrated during Fashion Week in Namibia? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tanya Hines and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Todah Opeyemi is in Lagos and Madina Maisanu in Abuja Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard a...
Nov 07, 2025•32 min
Nigeria rejects claims of a “Christian genocide,” saying violence stems from terrorism and land disputes, not religion, and that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks. Some Christian leaders however say there have been instances of Christians being specifically targeted. Also in the programme: Malaria elimination is stalling in southern Africa as cases rise due to climate change, resistance, and reduced funding. And Ghana is sending relief packages to Jamaica following the devastatio...
Nov 06, 2025•34 min
The arrest of senior Nigerian military officers and the sacking of security officials fuels speculation of an alleged coup Ugandan born Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral election Plus the AI aunty helping to fight gender based violence. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Todah Opeyemi in Lagos. Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Mark Wilberforce in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer Craig Kingham . Editors Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi....
Nov 05, 2025•32 min
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been sworn in after the deadly protests that followed her election victory. Can she use her second term to unite the country? At least 40 people have died in multiple landslides that struck Kenya and Uganda's mountainous border region in the Great Rift Valley. What makes that belt susceptible to such calamitous events and are they happening more frequently? And after two decades and an estimated cost of nearly $1bn, Egypt’s Grand Museum has opened its...
Nov 04, 2025•32 min
South Africa's municipality of Ekurhuleni's attempt to expropriate land without compensation is under mediation after the private owners of the land sought compensation. The outcome of this landmark case will shape the future of land ownership and property rights across South Africa. Why illegal mining is a public health concern in Ghana. Are young Africans really among the most lonely on the planet? Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Elphas Lagat ,Mark Wilberforce, Bella Hassan and Makouchi Oka...
Nov 03, 2025•36 min
New research reveals how digital platforms are being weaponised to abuse and exploit women in Kenya. We hear from a victim of online sexual abuse who gives a harrowing account of her experience, and also speak to a Digital Rights adviser on what needs to be done to protect women. Plastic waste is not only bad for the environment but can also be harmful to human beings. We hear about the risks, and also how one project in Lagos is turning discarded plastic into fashion. And we hear more about the...
Oct 31, 2025•35 min
Why has the Gambian government issued a strong warning to ex -President Yahya Jammeh following his announcing plans to return from 9 years in exile?. Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso removed from a global money-laundering watchlist. How can they benefit? And how years of drought is decimating wealth, and thousands of lives in the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Mark Wilberforce in London. Te...
Oct 30, 2025•30 min
Authorities in Kenya intercept more than a tonne of methamphetamine in the Indian Ocean as part of the country's ongoing fight against narcotics trafficking and addiction Thousands of Tunisians protest in the southern city of Gabes, calling for a chemical plant to be shut down because they say it's ruining their children's health And three Sudanese football clubs are hoping to find refuge in Rwanda from the ongoing civil war in Sudan. Fierce rivals Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh, as well as Al-Ahli Wad...
Oct 29, 2025•27 min
As the strategic city of el-Fasher finally falls to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, we analyse what it means in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. How the world’s oldest president, Paul Biya of Cameroon, is set to change things as he wins a disputed eighth term that could keep him in power until the age of 99. And why are South Africans trying to save an ancient language, which has just one speaker? Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Y...
Oct 28, 2025•32 min
