Analysis, Background Information and more about the stories making headlines – Mondays to Fridays on Africalink.

Ghana's revived anti-LGBTQ+ bill could see offenders jailed for up to three years, while Senegal now imposes sentences of up to ten years for same‑sex relations. What's driving this regional crackdown? Lucy Riley speaks with Angel Maxine—Ghana's first openly transgender musician—and her mother about what it means to raise a transgender child in a deeply conservative society.

A wave of deadly blasts rocked Maiduguri in northeastern Nigeria after years of relative calm. More than 20 people killed, over 100 injured. Is this a resurgence of jihadist violence, or a warning that the conflict never really ended? Lucy Riley speaks to Malik Samuel, senior researcher at Good Governance Africa-Nigeria and DW's Abiodun Jamiu Sulaiman to figure out what's next for Nigeria.

A new border dispute is erupting as Liberia and Sierra Leone accuse Guinean troops of crossing into their territory to seize land. Guinea denies this, stating its recent military deployments are defensive. Regional leaders are now seeking a diplomatic solution. In this AfricaLink episode, Lucy Riley speaks with Liberian activist Martin Kollie and DW's Evelyne Kpadeh in Monrovia

With hidden school costs soaring, many Ugandan families are turning to vocational training, as this is cheaper, faster and more directly linked to jobs. But can this shift meet Uganda's Labor market needs — and what will it take to make education more affordable? We speak Jane Kengeya Kayondo, founder of Rounding Up the Edges International (ROUTE), and DW correspondent Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Nigeria's government wants a constitutional amendment allowing each state to run its own police force. Supporters say decentralizing police could reduce crime. But critics warn it could lead to political intimidation. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with defense and security analyst Larry Imoukhuede and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja to unpack the potential benefits and risks of having state police.

Thousands are being flown out of the Middle East as the Iran war escalates, yet many South Africans in Dubai and other hubs remain stranded and want answers from their government.

A leaked draft of a US–Zambia health deal suggests strict targets and major data‑sharing demands. Critics call the $1B agreement exploitation, while supporters say it brings accountability. What could Zambia lose if talks fail?

Thirty years after world leaders adopted the Beijing Declaration, women across Africa are increasingly taking on leadership roles in politics, media, business, and culture. But despite these gains, gender inequality remains. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with DW's Asumpta Lattus and Amaka Okoye about the progress, barriers that remain and what the next chapter of gender equality could look like.

As organized crime surges, South Africa is turning to the army for support. But can soldiers succeed where policing has struggled, or is the country risking escalation?

A new study has detected hormone‑disrupting chemicals in menstrual products sold in South Africa. With links to infertility and other health risks, experts are urging tighter regulation.

The US-Israel war with Iran is pushing up fuel costs, slowing shipping, and raising security risks across Africa. We break down how the fallout is hitting trade, energy, and stability across the continent.

Malawi has banned health workers from holding dual roles in public and private facilities, aiming to curb corruption and boost accountability. Doctors say the move could hurt care and plan to challenge it.

After more than two decades of travel bans, asset freezes, and diplomatic strain, the EU has removed most of its targeted sanctions on Zimbabwe. The move marks a major reset in relations, but its impact remains uncertain. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with political analyst Gibson Nyikadzino and DW correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri.

Ghana's cocoa industry is facing a major shake-up after the government slashed the producer price by 28%. It's a heavy blow for many of the country's 800,000 cocoa farmers. But officials say they were forced into the decision after global cocoa prices plunged. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with Nana Aduna II of the Ghana National Association of Cocoa farmers and DW correspondent Eric Mawuena Egbeta.

Kenya plans to reopen key border crossings with Somalia 15 years after attacks blamed on Al-Shabab extremists forced its closure. The move that is intended to boost trade and reunite families has sparked security concerns.

Nearly 1,000 citizens of Kenya have reportedly been lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Now, their families are pressing the government to intervene while it pushes Moscow for answers. But how did so many young job seekers end up on the frontlines of a foreign war? Eddy Micah Jr speaks with Dr. Edgar Githua, an international relations expert, and DW correspondent in Nairobi, Felix Maringa.

Zimbabweans are marrying more — yet also divorcing faster. We unpack why nearly 4,000 couples filed for divorce in 2025, and what shifting gender roles, migration, and digital life reveal about the future of relationships. AfricaLink host Adwoa Domena speaks to Reverend Isaac Soda, a family and marriage counselor, and DW's Privilege Musvanhiri in Harare.

African leaders at the annual AU summit in Addis Ababa, discussed escalating conflicts in the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes region, the Sahel, and political tensions in Cameroon and South Sudan. Water security was named the theme of 2026. Host Eddy Micah Jnr speaks with DW's Eskinder Azmatch in Ethiopia, and Moussa Soumahoro, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, for insights.

Over 160 days, former Ghanaian MP Ras Mubarak traveled overland across 31 African countries, covering 40,000 kilometers. He was campaigning for a visa-free Africa and to push African leaders to embrace continental free movement under the African Union's Agenda 2063. Hosts Eddy Micah Jr and Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena talk to Ras Mubarak about his journey and what red-tape remains.

South Africans heard this year's State of the Nation Address (SONA) amid deepening water shortages, a stagnating economy, and rising political tension. Seeking to calm frustration and uncertainty, President Cyril Ramaphosa struck an optimistic tone. AfricaLink host Adwoa Domena speaks to political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast and DW's Thuso Khumalo to unpack whether the president succeeded.

Artificial Intelligence is entering the radio studio — but what does that mean for trust, authenticity, and the future of broadcasting? With synthetic voices becoming harder to distinguish from real presenters, many listeners are asking how they can trust what they hear. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with DW's Editorial AI Manager Jasper Steinlein in Berlin and DW reporter Eric Mawuena in Accra.

South Africa recently signed a framework economic partnership agreement with Beijing. It comes as the US renewed AGOA for just one more year. Will South Africa stick with Washington or move toward China's expanding market? Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with Dr Emmanuel Matambo, Research Director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies an DW's Thuso Khumalo in Johannesburg.

Nigeria faces one of its most turbulent security periods in recent years. From extremist violence to mass abductions and the killing of nearly 170 people in Kwara state, the country is struggling to contain a crisis that keeps worsening. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with security expert Fola Aina and DW's Ben Adam Shemang to unpack what it will take for Nigeria to restore security.

Zimbabwe has recorded single-digit inflation for the first time since the late 1980s, with official figures showing a drop to 4.1% in January 2026. Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with economist Happiness Zengeni and DW's correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri in Harare to examine how this turnaround happened in a country known for its hyperinflation, and whether the gains would be short-lived.

A surge in paternity testing is catching Malawians off guard and raising fears of family rifts. Why are clinics urging more tests, and what does this trend mean for trust and modern relationships?

Africa has witnessed a troubling pattern: elections overshadowed by allegations of fraud, rising post-electoral violence, crackdowns on dissent, and leaders clinging to power for decades. Citizens and opposition movements cry foul while international observers warn of democratic backsliding. But are they doing enough?

Decades after his death, Fela Kuti has become the first African artist to earn a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. We look at why this posthumous recognition matters for his legacy and for African music.

A new survey spanning 101 countries shows growing interest for a citizen‑elected World Parliament, especially among youth and communities that feel left out of national politics. With support strongest in Sub‑Saharan Africa, is the world quietly warming to global democracy? Eddy Micah jr. speaks to Andreas Bummel, Executive Director of Democracy Without Borders and DW's Olisa Chukwuma in Lagos.

Weeks of torrential rains have battered Southern Africa, claiming more than 200 people and displacing over 400,000 across Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. As swollen rivers swept through communities, washing away homes, roads, and bridges, is there a way out? DW's Eddy Micah jr speaks with Jasper Knight, a climatologist at Witwatersrand University and DW correspondent Thuso Khumalo.

American YouTube streamer IShowSpeed has recently been making major waves on social media during his Africa tour. His visits to Nigeria and Ghana have fueled friendly rivalry, especially over food, lifestyle, and hospitality. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Ameyaw Debrah, an entertainment and lifestyle blogger and social media influencer and Olisa Chukwumah, DW's correspondent in Accra, Ghana.

Each year, hundreds of Gambians die attempting to reach Europe through irregular migration routes. Despite the risks — and repeated government interventions — the numbers continue to rise, especially among young people. Today on AfricaLink, host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with migration specialist Mustapha Sonko and DW's Aminata Sanyang to explore what's driving this dangerous journey.

Ghana's "Silencing the Guns" amnesty program has collected just 2,000 weapons — a tiny fraction of the estimated 1.2 million unregistered firearms circulating nationwide. AfricaLink host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena talks to security analyst Solomon Okai, and DW correspondent Maxwell Suuk, about why Ghana's government is doubling down, and whether the public trusts the initiative enough to participate.

Nigeria's healthcare system is under scrutiny following the death of writer Chimamanda Adichie's infant son. While the family alleges he was denied oxygen and improperly sedated, the hospital denies wrongdoing. DW's Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with Dr Agbor Ebuta, Consultant Family Physician and Vice President Medical Initiative for Africa, and DW correspondent in Nigeria, Olisa Chukwumah.

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has marked one year in office after a historic political comeback. While economic indicators show signs of recovery, the opposition says major campaign promises remain unfulfilled. On this AfricaLink episode, host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena speaks with Dr. John Osae Kwapong of CDD-Ghana and DW correspondent Eric Mawuena Egbeta to assess the public perception.

AFCON 2025 ended in dramatic fashion with Senegal's 1-0 victory against Morocco. Fans and players were thrown into suspense by a late walkout by some Senegalese players and a missed penalty by top Moroccan scorer Brahim Diaz. On this AfricaLink podcast, host Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena breaks down the chaos with sports analyst Peace Diane from Uganda and DW's Samson Omale in Nigeria.

Uganda's President Museveni was declared winner of the January 15 election. Opposition candidates, including Bobi Wine, say the election was far from free and fair. On this AfricaLink podcast, host Adwoa Tenkorama Domena speaks with DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala and MP Paul Omara to unpack what really happened on election day and what Museveni's seventh term could mean for Uganda's democratic future.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland is fueling protests in Somalia and straining regional diplomacy. Is this about sovereignty or a bigger strategic realignment in the Horn of Africa?

Nigeria is home to 7,200 millionaires and three billionaires — yet tens of millions live below the poverty line. Schools are underfunded, hospitals are overcrowded, and infrastructure is crumbling. As Nigeria's billionaires' fortunes grew significantly in 2025, the question is not just how much wealth Nigeria has — but who is paying to fix the country, and who is not.

Uganda's election has been marked by an internet blackout, delays, and heavy security as President Yoweri Museveni pushes to extend his 40-year grip on power.

The road to Uganda's election day is anything but calm. With political tensions rising, authorities shutting down internet access, and calls for restraint growing louder, the country is bracing for a decisive moment. On this AfricaLink Podcast, DW's Isaac Mugabi joins us from Kampala to unpack the power struggles, public anxiety, and hopes shaping Uganda's political landscape.

South Africa's ruling ANC has called the US attack on Venezuela an assault on democracy and a serious violation of international law. Opposition parties accuse Pretoria of hypocrisy and inconsistency. What do these divisions mean for South Africa and its place on the global stage?

Every January, millions promise to eat healthier, exercise more, or save money. Yet research shows most abandon these goals before February. On today's AfricaLink Podcast, host Eddy Micah Jr. speaks with DW's Eric Mawuena Egbeta and life coach Amma Ansah about the psychology behind goal-setting, why discipline often beats motivation, and how small process-based habits can make change stick.