Africa Today

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 women and girls lack legal protection against this kind of digital violence. In this episode of Focus on Africa: The Conversation, host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to Debra about her experience, along with her lawyer, Mercy Mutemi, who is advocating for justice and better protection of digital rights. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo, Fana Weldye, Waihiga Mwaura, Ly Truong Technical Producers: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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 environment.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers:  Bella Twine, Ly Truong and Makuochi Okafor Technical Producers: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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 Producer: Jonathan Mwangi and Philip Bull Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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 broadcasting from London, Focus on Africa has just arrived in its new home, Nairobi.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers:  Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Ly Truong Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema faces challenges over proposed constitutional changesWhy Zimbabwean short film RISE deserves an Oscar nominationShould 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 Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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, Yvette Twagiramariya and Elphas Lagat in London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 London Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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, Elphas Lagat and Saleck Zeid Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 for a borderless and visa free Africa.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Sunita Nahar Technical Producer: Francesca Dunn Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 Lombard

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? We hear from Cameroonian sports entrepreneur, Kingsley Pungong, whose portfolio includes at least two clubs.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Plus Madina Maishanu in Abuja Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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: Chris Ablakwa Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 Joseph Keen in London Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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

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 Angola to have Argentine international football star, Lionel Messi, take part in a friendly match celebrating  the country's 50 years of independence?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke, Piers Edwards and Elphas Lagat Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Technical Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 2030Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers:  Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke, Joseph Keen , Saleck Zeid and Elphas Lagat. Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Technical Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editor: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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

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 years, Burundians have endured crippling shortages of fuel, electricity, and clean water. What is behind the triple crisis that is paralysing most of the country?And why have protesters targeted the new multi-million dollar Museum of West African Art in Nigeria, forcing organisers to cancel preview events ahead of its grand opening.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Todah Opeyemi in Lagos. Mark Wilberforce, Sunita Nahar, and Alfonso Daniels in London Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

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 and Alice Muthengi

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 devastation of Hurricane Melissa. It's more than relief,  it's reinforcing historical and cultural connections between the two countries.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers:  Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Mark Wilberforce in London Senior Producer: Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Philip Bull Editors  Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

The arrest of senior Nigerian military officers and the sacking of security officials fuels speculation of an alleged coupUgandan born Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral electionPlus 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.

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 doors. One of the most anticipated exhibits is the tomb of Tutankhamun which is displayed in full for first time. But who was the young pharaoh, often referred to as the ‘boy king'?Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers: Sunita Nahar, Mark Wilberforce, and Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 Okafor in Lagos. Technical Producer: Jonny Hall Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard

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 Seychelles' Kreol Festival, which celebrates the nation's creole heritage and is now in its 40th year.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar, Yvette Twagiramariya, and Tanya Hines Technical Producer: Jack Graysmark Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Alice Muthengi, Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

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. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Alice Muthengi and Andre Lombard.

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 healthAnd 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 Madani have been welcomed into the Rwandan league this season, a move that the Sudanese clubs say will keep their players active and their fans hopefulPresenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Alex Lathbridge, and Charles Gitonga Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Sunita Nahar Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

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 Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Pat Sissons Senior Producer: Piers Edwards Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

As Tanzania gears up for elections on 29 October, we hear from two young people about the issues that matter to them and whether youth concerns have been featured in the electoral campaigns.How a young Senegalese footballer's dream of joining a professional club ended in tragedy after he was tricked and lured to Ghana by fake football agents.And how Africa is rapidly becoming a compelling destination for outsourcing services.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

We mark the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress- a landmark event in Manchester, England that changed Africa Why people with albinism in Tanzania face rising fear ahead of electionsThe plight of Cameroon's female gold miners Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Yvette Twagiramariya in London. Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Editors: Sam Murunga and Maryam Abdalla.

A BBC investigation uncovers dozens of social accounts using stolen identities of Somali and Muslim influencers and posting political propaganda content. We hear more about what was uncovered and who might be behind this widespread operation.Chad's parliament has overwhelmingly approved a controversial constitutional amendment removing presidential term limits. What will this mean for 41-year-old President Mahamat Idriss Deby's hold on power?And why the Kenyan Catholic Church took the decision to introduce a new brand of altar wine.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke, Sunita Nahar and Elphas Lagat Technical Producer: Gabriel O'Regan Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Maryam Abdalla and Sam Murunga

Sudan war: Can Khartoum airport reopen just hours after a drone attack?   15 years after Boko Haram militancy started, why does a jihadist threat still remain in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state   Ivory Coast: With the main opposition candidates barred from running, is President Alassane Ouattara set  for a controversial fourth term?     Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Stefania Okereke, Alfonso Daniels, Mark Wilberforce and Yvette Twagiramariya in London Technical Producer: Chris Ablakwa Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Sam Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The last ebola patient in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been released from a treatment centre in Kasai province. Can the country now be declared free of this latest outbreak?What is behind the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea over control of the Red Sea?And we hear from the Nigerian scientist, who has been recognised with a global award from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, on how her pioneering work is protecting yam and cassava crops and making them more resilient.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke and Alfonso Daniels Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Can Madagascar's new president, Col Randrianirina, deliver change demanded by Gen Z Mada?Are West Africa's illicit economies fueling the region's wars and causing instability ?And a look at plans by the WHO to integrate traditional and modern medicine.Presenter: Nyasha MichelleProducers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Stefania Okereke and Saleck Zeid in London.Senior Producer: Paul BakibingaTechnical Producer: Frank McWeenyEditors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Monic dreams of leaving her home in rural Uganda for a different life. So when a “friend” promises her a job in Dubai, it feels like the chance she's been waiting for. Monic is elated, she is the first of her 11 siblings to travel abroad.  But just a few months later she is dead.  Her family is left searching for answers. What happened in Dubai?  For over two years, investigative journalist Runako Celina has been uncovering what really happened to Mona Kizz - whose real name is Monic Karungi.  She delves into a sinister world behind the glitz and glamour of Dubai, where nothing is as it seems.You can listen to episode 1 right here. To hear more episodes, search for World of Secrets on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Or, if you are in the UK, listen on BBC Sounds. Death in Dubai includes disturbing scenes, including discussion of sexual abuse and suicide.  Some episodes also contain strong language.  It is a BBC Eye investigation, produced in association with Thread Studios, for the BBC World Service. Please note, the image is being used for illustrative purposes only and the person depicted in it is a model. If you feel distressed by the references in this story, please speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support such as Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org For UK listeners, details of organisations offering information about or support after sexual abuse or with feelings of despair are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Kenya's opposition leader, and former prime minister, Raila Odinga, has died suddenly at the age of eighty. We explore his legacy in Kenya and the rest of Africa.The world's largest producer of cobalt is the Democratic Republic of Congo. It replaces the ban with quotas but what does that mean for the DRC economy and its local mining communities?And did you know that young women can get perimenopause. We ask what it is?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Mark Wilberforce, Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Producer: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu pardons many individuals-some posthumously. How were the decisions arrived at?   Why are marriages and births declining in Tunisia?   And are journalists in Tanzania exercising a lot of caution ahead of the general elections?   Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers:  Yvette Twagiramariya, Sunita Nahar, Patricia Whitehorne  and Bella Hassan in London. Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests. Where did it all go wrong for the entrepreneur and former DJ, who first became president in 2009 when he was just 34.Being a park ranger in Africa can be one of the most dangerous professions in the world. We hear from a ranger at Zambia's South Luangwa National Park who, with a group of others, has picked up an international award for his work.And Ghana's iconic kente cloth has been officially recognised and granted protected status as a national heritage fabric.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Mark Wilberforce, Alfonso Daniels and Ryan Johnson Technical Producers: Chris Kouzaris and Sarah Kimberley Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cape Verde have become the second-smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup-how did they do it? What was Egypt's role in mediating the deal to end the Gaza war?And how did The UAE became one of the biggest state investors in Africa?Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Sunita Nahar, Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya in London Senior Producer: Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Jonathan Greer Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Mali's military government is reportedly engaged in talks with the militant group Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) amid an ongoing blockade which has paralysed a key trade route for fuel, food, and essential goods. Could the crisis also threaten Mali's stability and governance?A BBC Africa Eye investigation in Cape Town, South Africa, reveals how self-appointed healers and shamans are openly using psychedelic drugs as part of treatment for mental health issues.And if you are in a relationship, do you have 'a swag gap'? We hear more about the new phrase that is going viral on social media and whether being more stylish and confident than your partner can be a deal breaker.Presenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Yvette Twagiramariya, Stefania Okereke, Mark Wilberforce and Joseph Keen Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Journalist: Patricia Whitehorne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi

Cameroon holds presidential elections this Sunday with Paul Biya, the world's oldest ruler, seeking another seven-year term. At 92 years old, there have been concerns about his health and ability to rule. The credibility of the election commission has also been questioned. And insecurity is rife in the English speaking parts of  the country.  So, can the polls on Sunday be free and fair?Also in the programme: should advertising boards be removed from football pitches to avoid accidents like the injury suffered by Togo's Samuel Asamoah during a game in ChinaAnd Somalia is to introduce Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa, to its national curriculumPresenter: Nyasha Michelle Producers: Jospeh Keen, Mark Wilberforce and Tanya Hines Technical Producer: Craig Kingham Senior Journalist: Sunita Nahar Editors: Andre Lombard and Karnie Sharp