Africa Today

Well-known influencer and entrepreneur, Nancy Umeh, has spent the past year sharing her experience of welcoming her third child through surrogacy. While the practice remains legally unrecognised in many African countries - and is often surrounded by stigma - Nancy has spoken openly about her journey on social media. In this episode of Focus on Africa: The Conversation, host Charles Gitonga spoke with Nancy Umeh about why she chose surrogacy and how the journey has been for her. We also heard from family lawyer, Eliud Ngugi on what laws are needed in Africa to protect both the surrogate and the commissioning parents.Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Carolyne Kiambo, Ly Truong and Makouchi Okafor Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Christmas is often imagined as a season of homecoming, but for millions of people around the world, that idea of home doesn't exist. In this episode, we meet Gopolang, one of an estimated 300 million people experiencing homelessness globally. He lives on the streets of Johannesburg, surviving through plastic recycling. Our reporter Mpho Lakaje spends time with him during the festive season, revealing what Christmas looks like when daily survival comes first.The episode also looks at how Christmas traditions are changing in Nigeria. Many people remember a time of open doors and shared food, but rising costs and urban life have pushed some traditional dishes off the table. At a food festival in Lagos, chefs and organisers are working to revive those meals and the memories attached to them.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Ayuba Iliya, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Investigations continue following the death of 20-year-old Karen Lojore at Afrobeats artiste Asake's concert in Nairobi. Karen died following a crowd crush as fans tried to access the show. Concerns about safety and crowd control at large entertainment events have been raised. We hear from Karen's aunt as the family prepares to lay her to rest, and from a Kenyan journalist who was inside the venue and describes the moments as the situation escalated.Then, we turn to West Africa's end-of-year cultural phenomenon, Detty December. In Lagos and Accra, December is now synonymous with packed concerts and booming nightlife. But as the season grows more expensive, some locals are questioning who it's really for. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Chiamaka Dike, Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya's marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline, motivation and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on pressure, purpose and life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Nigeria is facing renewed concern over mass kidnappings, after reports of another abduction involving dozens of people. This happened hours after 130 schoolchildren who were earlier abducted were returned to state authorities. Also Kenya's marathon great Eliud Kipchoge speaks to the BBC about discipline and what continues to drive him after years at the top of his sport. Often described as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, he reflects on life beyond records and medals.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Chiamaka Dike, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

AFCON is back, and Morocco is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988. The tournament itself began with big news on a change in calendar. We tell you about it and take you to the heart of the action, exploring the atmosphere, ticketing and visa changes, and the teams to watch.You will also hear from Mahad Mohamud, an Uber driver deported from Minneapolis in the US to Somalia, who talks about militant threats to his life and the challenge of starting over. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Mbarak Abdallah Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Traveling within Africa on an African passport remains a challenge, according to the African Development Bank Group. Their research shows that Africans can travel without a visa for only 28% of intra-African trips, while 51% of Africans need a visa before crossing borders within the continent.In this episode, we speak to Ras Mubarak, a former Ghanaian MP, who is currently on an epic road trip across Africa. His mission? To highlight the difficulties of African visa systems and advocate for freer and faster movement across the continent.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The county government of Kenya's capital Nairobi is joining the growing movement which recognizes menstrual pain as a legitimate reason for paid time off. Women working for the city authorities will now be allowed to take two days of menstrual leave per month. Also, Namibia's first female President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah speaks to the BBC about her country's new oil discoveries, and the fight against gender-based violence and inequality. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group says it will retreat from the captured town of Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa says his fighters will withdraw from Uvira at the request of the US. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said the capture of Uvira by rebel forces violated the Rwanda-DR Congo peace deal signed in Washington on 4th December. And in Kenya, three siblings born deaf are challenging stereotypes by dominating the race track as they gear up towards winning medals on the global stage.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Search efforts for missing people continue in Morocco's Safi province after weekend flash floods. This, even as the country is set to host the African Cup of Nations - AFCON football tournament in a few days. We hear from residents in Safi, and whether the disaster has dampened the mood ahead of the continental soccer event. Also, are solar-powered vehicles the solution to transportation shortages in Benin? We speak to an entrepreneur at the forefront of bringing renewable energy to the country's transport industry. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Basma El Atti and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

We look at how decades of diamond mining along South Africa's west coast have affected the environment and why the local Nama community says mining companies such as De Beers and state-owned Alexkor haven't done enough to rehabilitate their land.Also, after Australia banned use of social media for people under the age of 16, we ask whether African countries should come up with such a ban. Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine and Carolyne Mwangi Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Weight-loss injections have become a major talking point, from Hollywood celebrities to TikTok influencers.Originally developed to treat diabetes, these medications were later found to help people shed a lot of weight - a discovery that has rapidly expanded their global use. The World Health Organization has now released its first-ever guidance on prescribing them for obesity.South Africa recently became the first country in Africa to formally approve one version of these drugs for weight loss, and access is slowly spreading across the continent.We follow a Kenyan woman's experience using the injections and we hear from a South African doctor who explains how they work - and what the latest medical research reveals so far.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group says it has captured Uvira town near DR Congo's southeastern border with Burundi. This comes after US President Donald Trump brokered a peace deal between DR Congolese leader Felix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in Washington DC last week. We look at what the renewed fighting means for DR Congo and the peace agreement.Also, a housing deficit poses a threat to Africa's young people with increased difficulty in renting or acquiring homes. Where will Africa's youth live? Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya and Madina Maishanu Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In Tanzania, Independence Day protests stall following stern government warnings but questions over the country's human rights record remain.   And also, tragedy in an attempt to strike gold. We hear how unregulated and risky gold mines are cutting short the lives of school-going teenagers in Sierra Leone.   Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba, Ayuba Iliya and Daniel Dadzie Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The US is prioritising asylum applications from white farmers in South Africa where it says there's a 'genocide' against them, despite the claims being widely discredited. A BBC Africa Eye team spoke to some white Afrikaner farmers and black farmers to gain insight about the situation. Also, a conversation on vaginal wellness. We find out some of the most common products and practices that experts say could be harmful.Presenter : Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Bella Twine, Keikantse Shumba and Priya Sippy Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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 Producers: Bella Twine and Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

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