Africa Today

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News and analysis from the BBC's Focus on Africa. The Africa Today podcast is published from Monday to Friday. It contains the day's top African stories.

BBC World Service


    • Jul 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 28m AVG DURATION
    • 1,383 EPISODES

    4.5 from 344 ratings Listeners of Africa Today that love the show mention: continent, thank you bbc, necessary, concise, source, depth, beyond, daily, excellent, interviews, world, good, great podcast, stories, listening, love, informative, time, show, news from africa.


    Ivy Insights

    The Africa Today podcast has been my go-to source for news and updates on the African continent for quite some time now. As someone who has always had a deep interest in African politics and current affairs, I have found this podcast to be incredibly informative and reliable. The presenters ask well-researched questions and often invite expert perspectives, making it a valuable resource for understanding the most important issues affecting Africa.

    One of the best aspects of The Africa Today podcast is its comprehensive coverage of events from every corner of the continent. Whether it's political developments, economic news, or health issues, this podcast provides a summary of events that is both detailed and extensive. It has greatly contributed to my knowledge of African politics, economy, and health issues over time. Additionally, the production staff does an excellent job in ensuring that expert perspectives are included in their discussions, making it even more enlightening for listeners.

    As with any podcast, there are sometimes editing errors in The Africa Today podcast episodes. While these errors can be slightly distracting at times, they do not take away from the overall quality and value of the content. It would be great to see these minor editing mistakes addressed in future episodes for an even smoother listening experience.

    In conclusion, The Africa Today podcast is a reliable and informative source of news about Africa. It offers well-researched discussions on various topics from across the continent and features expert perspectives that enrich the content even further. Despite minor editing errors that occasionally occur, this podcast remains one of the best sources for staying updated on African current affairs. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in gaining insights into African politics, economy, and other important issues impacting the continent.



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    Latest episodes from Africa Today

    US deportees causing concern in South Sudan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 29:13


    Residents of South Sudan's capital Juba have voiced concern for their safety after the arrival of eight deportees from the United States. The Trump administration have described them as ‘violent criminals'. Who are these men, what did they do and how did they end up in South Sudan?Also, another peace deal in the Central African Republic, but will it hold?And as we enter the half way point for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations we look at the challenges women once faced - and still face - in the game!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Sunita Nahar in London Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Nigeria's ex-President Muhammadu Buhari dead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 30:31


    Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has died at 82. He was a two-time leader who first led Africa's most populous country as a military ruler, then later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. What will be his legacy and how will he be remembered?What's the truth behind recent coup rumours in Ivory Coast?And we remember Arthur Ashe, so far the only black male Wimbledon tennis champion, who defied apartheid in South AfricaPresenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Stefania Okereke ,Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya and Patricia Whitehorne in London. Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    DRC: Inside a mine controlled by M23

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 34:45


    A recent US-brokered peace deal may have raised hopes of stability in eastern DRC. However, miners have told the BBC that M23's control of mineral-rich areas could keep the conflict going.US aid cuts are forcing HIV clinics across Africa to shut down, with South Africa hit hardest. Experts are also warning that this could stall vaccine research and reverse years of progress.And Uganda has overtaken Ethiopia as Africa's top coffee exporter, shipping 47,000 tonnes in just one month. How did they do it?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan, Stefania Okereke and Nyasha Michelle Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    US slaps 30% tariff on South Africa

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 32:10


    Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Nyasha Michelle and Bella Hassan in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Ghanaians lured into football job scam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 28:15


    Ghanaian authorities have rescued more than 70 young men from a trafficking ring in Nigeria. The men thought they were heading for football contracts or overseas opportunities. Why has football become a gateway for trafficking?Leaders from five African countries - Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal - have been invited to a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House. What will they discuss?And we hear how women in Morocco are keeping the art of rug-weaving alive, and how traditional rugs are a symbol of cultural identity.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Yvette Twagiramariya, Alfonso Daniels and Sunita Nahar in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp

    First malaria drug for infants approved

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 28:46


    The first malaria medicine suitable for babies and very young children is approved for use.How increased taxes on remittances from USA could hurt Africa.Plus,  a new tool to help children with communication impairments.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Stefania Okereke in London, Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

    How is Kenya marking the Saba Saba protests?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 31:32


    Two people have reportedly died of gunshot wounds after police opened fire during protests in Kenya. It's the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that began last year. The demonstrations mark the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that launched Kenya's push for multiparty democracy. Security forces blocked all major roads into central Nairobi ahead of the protests. We'll hear analysis.Also, we are in Morocco as the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) gets underway. How has the host country fared so far?And a conversation with musical icon Angélique Kidjo about her Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition!Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Frank McWeeny Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp

    Nigeria's new opposition alliance to challenge Tinubu

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 34:40


    Starting pistol fired ahead of Nigeria's 2027 elections. Two main opposition leaders form alliance in bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party.We meet a Kenyan breastmilk champion -who is donating litres of breast milk to families in need.Plus, what are natural assets and why do we need to value them in Africa?Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos, Sunita Nahar in London, and Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Militant attacks increase in Mali

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 30:58


    Jihadist militants have launched a series of simultaneous attacks on military posts across numerous towns in Mali. It's the third major assault on Mali's army over the last month. Why is there an increase in these attacks, and what's the impact on neighbouring countries? Also, the kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria that's got many living in fear.And did you know that Ghana shares an old friendship with India? But how does the recent visit by India's Prime Minister benefit Ghana?Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalists: Karnie Sharp and Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    DRC children fathered by UN peacekeepers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 30:06


    Mothers in the DRC struggling to raise children fathered and abandoned by UN peacekeepers amid fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Also in the programme: we ask South Africa's minister of police whether he's lost control of the spiralling gang violence in Cape Town. And the rising wave of South Korean culture sweeping across Africa.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Blessing Aderogba, Nyasha Michelle, Bella Hassan Yvette Twagiramariya, Amie Liebowitz Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Why has polio re-emerged in Angola?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 33:09


    Angola was certified as polio-free in 2015, but is now combatting a new outbreak of the disease after several cases were reported in a Western province. What has caused the virus to come back?A new report says Islamist militants are using Starlink technology to ramp up operational capabilities in Niger. And why are South Sudanese women fashion's favourites and are being sought after on the catwalk?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Alfonso Daniels in London Senior Producers: Patricia Whitehorne and Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Deaths after anti-government protests in Togo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 33:01


    At least seven people reportedly killed, and many others wounded during recent anti-government protests in Togo's capital Lome. The Togolese government denies the allegations.Who is Victoire Ingabire and why has the Rwandan government locked her up again? Plus, a look ahead to the Women's African Cup of Nations in MoroccoPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos, Victor Sylver, Yvette Twagiramariya and Tom Kavanagh in London Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

    A rise in child abductions in Mozambique

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 33:50


    Civil organisations in Mozambique say at least 120 children have been kidnapped by insurgents in the north of the country. The Human Rights Watch group warn of a rise in abductions in the country's troubled nothern province of Cabo Delgado. The children are reportedly being used by Al-Shabab, an insurgent group linked to the so-called Islamic State, to transport looted goods, cheap labour and in some cases as child soldiers. We'll hear from someone closely monitoring the kidnappings.Also, are there increased US bombings against targets in Somalia since Donald Trump became president?And we meet Cathy Dreyer, the first female ranger to head up the team at the Kruger National Park in South Africa!Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Alfonso Daniels and Nyasha Michelle Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    Youth-led protests erupt in Kenya

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 35:10


    People from Kenya's growing Gen Z movement hold protests demanding justice and police accountability. We ask whether the police is acting on behalf of the Kenyan government. The protests marked the anniversary of last year's deadly anti-tax demonstrations. Also in the programme: a quarter of a century after their land was seized, a small group of white farmers in Zimbabwe accept a controversial compensation deal from the government.And why food drops in South Sudan conducted by a American company called Fogbow are proving so controversial?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Charles Gitongo and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Gabriel O' Regan Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Chad: A rise in intercommunal violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 34:28


    A new bout of intercommunal violence in Chad, has left more than 40 people dead, according to the Chadian Government. This includes women and children. What's behind the recent rise in violence?Also, the border town of Zalambesa re-opened after years of tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Will it stay that way? And we discuss the mixed reviews of Tyler Perry's latest movie, Straw. Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Joseph Keen, Nyasha Michelle, Alfonso Daniels and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Jihadists strike military base in Niger

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 34:03


    More than 200 gunmen on motorbikes recently attacked a Niger army base leaving at least 34 soldiers dead. Meanwhile dozens of civilians were reportedly killed in another attack in the region. Why is western Niger vulnerable to attacks by militant Islamists?Concerns after Sudan orders universities in Khartoum to reopenAnd how Nelson Mandela used sport to help transform South Africa, 30 years on from the Springboks victory in the Rugby World Cup. Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers:: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan, and Yvette Twagiramariya in London, with Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Inside Cape Town's gang wars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 28:31


    The South African city of Cape Town is one of the wealthiest cities in Africa, but it's also one of the most unequal. The city has now become the country's gang capital with more than a hundred gangs fighting for control of the lucrative drugs trade. We hear from a local journalist who grew up near one of the most volatile communities in the country, Hanover Park. Also, why the UNESCO protected town of Djenne in Mali is becoming a burden for locals.And the African diaspora community wanting to lay claim to a tiny piece of land, tucked betweeen Sudan and Egypt.Presenter: Charles Gitonga Producers: Amie Liebowitz, Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London, with Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    How different will the Rwanda-DRC peace deal be?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 28:40


    There is a glimmer of hope that three decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo could end after the government agreed a draft peace deal with Rwanda, a country accused of funding the M23, a group that has taken over some significant towns in the east of DRC. Representatives of the two countries will formally sign the agreement next week. But will this deal brokered by the United States work where others have failed?Also, Egypt scrambles for gas supplies after Israel's oil refineries are struck by Iranian strikes and we examine whether other countries in Africa have been affected too.And a bra-scandal: why female staff members at a university in Nigeria were touching the breasts of students before allowing them to take an exam?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    How different will the Rwanda-DRC peace deal be?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 28:40


    There is a glimmer of hope that three decades of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo could end after the government agreed a draft peace deal with Rwanda, a country accused of funding the M23, a group that has taken over some significant towns in the east of DRC. Representatives of the two countries will formally sign the agreement next week. But will this deal brokered by the United States work where others have failed?Also, Egypt scrambles for gas supplies after Israel's oil refineries are struck by Iranian strikes and we examine whether other countries in Africa have been affected too.And a bra-scandal: why female staff members at a university in Nigeria were touching the breasts of students before allowing them to take an exam.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Nigeria: What's behind Benue state attacks?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 38:37


    Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to bring an end to the wave of killings in Benue state. It's believed that more than 200 people were killed in attacks across various communities. What's behind the increase in violence?Also, a young man from the DRC is on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. Who was he and what did he do to achieve this?And we discuss the state of the book industry on the continent, following the first ever UNESCO report on the issue, with one of the authors of the report, Elitha van der Sandt and the internationally acclaimed Nigerian author, Lola Shoneyin.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Sunita Nahar and Wedaeli Chibelushi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    How Cameroon's Anglophone Crisis affects education

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 28:11


    The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon is severely impacting education. With widespread school closures and displacement of teachers and students. Over 200,000 students are reportedly out of school.Is China's recent offer to extend zero-tariff treatment to almost all African countries a reason to celebrate?And why Kenyan smallholder farmers went to court to fight for the right to sell indigenous seeds.Presenter:: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos and Richard Kagoe in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Why did funeral plans for Zambia's ex-president Lungu cause a row?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 38:02


    Zambia's former president, Edgar Lungu, reportedly left instructions that his political rival and current president Hakainde Hichilema "should not come anywhere near his body". Edgar Lungu died on the 5th of June and ever since, his family and the Zambian government have been locked in a tussle over his funeral. However, following days of negotiations, arrangements for his burial have now been finalised. This isn't the first time Zambia has experienced burial disputes for deceased former heads of state, including for its independence president, Kenneth Kaunda. Is there no legislation to guide these eventualities? Lawyer John Sangwa provides the answers.Also, why there is a petition to ban pit bull dogs in Zimbabwe? And, as one the art world's leading figures, Cameroonian artist, Koyo Kouoh is buried, we explore the legacy she leaves behind.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    South Africa's township parents 'forced' to seek former white-only schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 29:25


    Poor resources, fears of crime and gang violence in townships on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa force some parents to send children on long daily commutes to former white-only schools.  Nigeria's president pardons the late ‘Ogoni 9' activists 30 years after their execution. Why is the pardon being rejected?And coming to you soon the game on reclaiming looted African treasuresPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Tom Kavanagh, Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan in London. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Are South African troops ‘stuck' in DRC?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 30:25


    The first group of South African soldiers deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrive back in the country today. South Africa sent around one thousand five hundred troops to the DRC as part of a wider peacekeeping mission. In February, at least fourteen soldiers were killed during heavy clashes with the M23, a group fighting against the national government led by President Felix Tishekedi. At home in South Africa there has been public debate about the need for this deployment. Richard discusses the delayed end of mission amid reports of low morale and poor conditions in DRC with the BBC's reporter, Nomsa Maseko. Also, Ghana makes significant progress in reducing child labourAnd does FIFA's expanded Club World Cup offer fresh opportunities to Africa's football clubs or not? Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in London and Charles Gitonga in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    Why has Ghana's nurse strike escalated?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 30:50


    Hospital services in Ghana grind to a halt after a nurses' strike escalatesWhat are the implications of Afreximbank's credit rating being lowered to one notch above junkAnd will Ecowas ever realise its dream of a borderless region?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

    Kenyan blogger dies in police custody

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 35:44


    A 31-year-old blogger, Albert Ojwang, has died in police custody in Kenya. A post-mortem revealed that he was hit on the head and his death was likely to have been caused by assault. The results of the post-mortem contradict police previous claims which said Albert had "sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall". His death has sparked widespread outrage in Kenya. We'll find out more about the case.Also, what happens to desperate people when humanitarian organisations cannot offer them the aid they need? And why Botswana has paused production at some of its diamond minesPresenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard

    Russia's Wagner Group leaves Mali

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 33:18


    Russia says the paramilitary group Wagner has accomplished its mission and has left Mali, although a Russian presence remains in the West African country, through the Africa Corps. So what did the Wagner Group achieve?Why has a separatist movement on the tiny, remote island of Annobón that is part of Equatorial Guinea, appealed to Argentina for support with its independence claim?And new research shows that Africa now has more Christians than any other continent, surpassing Europe for the first time. We discuss what is driving that growth.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Alfonso Daniels, Nyasha Michelle, Victor Sylver and Joseph Keen Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    Uganda: World Bank lifts loan ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 27:35


    In 2023, Uganda voted in some of the world's harshest anti-homosexual legislation meaning that anybody engaging in certain same-sex acts can be sentenced to death. The World Bank decided to ban Uganda from receiving loans because of its legislation. The bank now says it's confident that new "mitigation measures" will allow it to roll out funding in such a way that does not harm or discriminate against LGBTQ+ community. We hear analysis.Also, why increasing numbers of people in Togo are thinking about leaving ECOWASAnd why is Nigeria importing cows from Denmark?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi and Blessing Aderogba in Lagos. Technical Producer: Kane Masaba-Morgan Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    How is Africa affected by the US travel ban?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 32:37


    Is Trump's latest travel ban part of a US disengagement from Africa?Why are many countries now shifting their views on Western Sahara in favour of Morocco?And how can digital skills be made more available for disabled people in Africa?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne and Tom Kavanagh in London, with Charles Gitonga, Richard Kagoe and Christine Ntayiai in Nairobi. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    Lesotho: Why are mothers against 'bluetoothing'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 34:58


    Mothers in Lesotho are campaigning against a needle sharing method which exposes drug users to the risks of HIV and other diseases, taking root in the country. What is 'bluetoothing' or 'hotspotting'?Also, the wider impact of the rising Islamist attacks in West Africa And why do people choose Hunger strikes as a form of protest, and are they effective?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Nick Randell Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    Dozens killed in twin Mali attacks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 31:19


    Mali's army says it has repelled attacks by jihadists on two military bases. Why is the Al-Qaeda linked group stepping up attacks? South Africa's continued hunt for an alleged illegal mining kingpin in LesothoAnd why is Nigeria the worst place in the world to give birth in?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Tom Kavanagh in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Africa to benefit most from Bill Gates fortune

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 32:51


    Microsoft founder, Bill Gates says that most of his fortune will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old said, "by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity". He also tells us what he makes of online attacks against his philanthropy.Also, we hear about the devastating impact of war on Sudan's childrenAnd how an automated system is protecting birds in South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Nigerian flooding kills at least 200 people

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 29:31


    Nigerian officials have warned there's little hope of finding alive around 500 people still missing after flash floods in Niger state. How are survivors coping?Mauritania's Sidi Ould-Tah elected as the new president of the African Development Bank. What was the voting process like?And we meet one photographer who has turned his lens on insects to tell a bigger storyPresenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar ,Yvette Twagiramariya and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors : Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Joshlin Smith: South Africa's human trafficking problem

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 31:44


    A South African woman, Racquel "Kelly" Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen Appollis and their friend Steveno van Rhyn have been given life sentences after being convicted of trafficking her missing 6-year-old daughter, Joshlin Smith. The case has captivated and horrified audiences around the world. It has also highlighted the wider issue of human trafficking in South Africa. An anti-trafficking campaigner responds to the rulling and explains the extent of problem in the country. Also, Kenya and Mayotte sign a trade deal to boost economic ties. What will be traded?And a tribute to and an exploration of, Kenya's literary giant Ngugi wa Thiong'o, who has died at the age of 87.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Producers: Nyasha Michelle, Tom Kavanagh and Amie Liebowitz in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

    US halts international student visa applications

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 26:36


    US embassies globally have halted student visa appointments, as social media vetting expands. How is Africa affected?Why is Zimbabwe's controversial radio tax now being implemented?  And how AI can predict and prevent child malnutrition in Kenya?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya and Bella Hassan Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    African leaders attend Russia's Security Summit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 34:45


    Russia's 13th International Security Summit in Moscow attracts over forty African leaders. How significant is it and what does it mean for the continent, especially for the Sahel? Also, Boeing seals a deal with the US Department of Justice over the fatal crashes of two 737 Max aircraft that killed hundreds of people. One family who lost their son and daughter-in-law in the 2019 Ethiopian plane crash share their reaction with us. And the impact of the temporary closure of Ghana's embassy in US over an alleged visa scandal.Presenter: Blessing Aderogba Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Charles Gitonga in Nairobi Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Uganda suspends German military co-operation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 28:10


    Uganda cuts military ties with Germany following diplomatic rift.Somalia's government moves to control clan militias fighting al-Shabab - after allegations of serious atrocities.And will Starlink's strategy of 'winning big by thinking small' help them cover the African continent?Presenter:  Blessing Aderogba Producers: Bella Hassan, Tom Kavanagh and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Technical Producer Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Can the UN bridge the political divide in Libya?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 30:46


    The Libyan capital city, Tripoli, has been rocked by clashes between armed rival groups, and pressure is building up on the prime minister to resign as protests erupt in other parts of the country. Can the United Nations mission in Libya (UNSMIL) help to bring stability to the divided country?Smart cities are popping up across Africa, blending tech, data, and infrastructure to create the digital urban towns of tomorrow. But just how 'smart' are these projects?And we hear from victims caught in the crosshairs of Cameroon's Anglophone conflict, and also speak to the reporter of BBC Africa Eye's latest investigation looking into the country's deadly crisis.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Tom Kavanagh and Nyasha Michelle in London. Blessing Aderogba is in Lagos Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    South Africa releases crime stats

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 34:41


    As South Africa releases its latest crime statistics. Who are the main victims of violent crime and why does the country have such a reputation?Is there "democratic backsliding" in East Africa? What does this mean? We hear from a human rights activist.And talk to the man behind a lasting tribute to Thomas Sankara's memory.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:  Bella Hassan, Patricia Whitehorne and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Frenny Jowi in Nairobi Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga. Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

    President Trump confronts President Ramaphosa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 31:20


    The US President Donald Trump, confronted South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa with false claims of white genocide and land seizures during a tense White House meeting. It was reminiscent of the US President's ambush of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy earlier this year. At a time when diplomacy means everything, how did the South African President fare and what next for the US/South Africa relationship?Also, who will the next President of the African Development Bank be?And we find out more about the former Mauritanian president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who has been jailed for 15 years.Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Tom Kavanagh Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    Djibouti launches a crackdown on migrants

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 29:29


    Why is Djibouti reportedly targeting Somalis and Ethiopians in a major anti-immigration crackdown?Can DR Congo's former President Joseph Kabila's immunity from prosecution be lifted by authorities?And what is driving the loss of Africa's tropical forests?Presenter: Richard Kagoe Producers: Bella Hassan, Yvette Twagiramariya and Blessing Aderogba Technical producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

    South Sudan: A country constantly in crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 32:22


    There are concerns that South Sudan will relapse into an all-out civil war. But, why is peace in the world's youngest democracy so fragile? Also, what some young Africans think about the UK's tightening immigration policies.And how a swimming coach in Nigeria is providing inspiration and life lessons to children with disabilities.Presenter: Audrey Brown Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Producers: Tom Kavanagh, Blessing Aderogba and Sunita Nahar Senior Journalist: Karnie Sharp Editiors: Andre Lombard and Andre Muthengi

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