Africalink | Deutsche Welle

As the world marks World Day Against Child Labor, Uganda is grappling with millions of children trapped in child labor. Experts say laws protecting children from hazardous labor in sub-Saharan Africa are still poorly enforced and many communities are unaware of available support.

Kenyan President William Ruto has condemned the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. The case has sparked anger online and small protests at a tense moment for Kenya, which is marking a year since protests over tax rises and corruption that triggered a deadly police response.

Zambia is mourning the death of former president Edgar Lungu, who served from 2015-2021. Lungu died last Thursday in a hospital in South Africa at the age of 68. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Kelly Kaunda, who served at the Zambian Embassy in Berlin during President Edgar Lungu's rule, and DW's Glory Mushinge.

A surge in chronic kidney disease is alarming health officials in Nigeria. An increasing number of patients require dialysis and transplants, with the cause unknown. DW's Eddy Micah Jr talks to Dr. Goni Waru of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital Damaturu and Mohammed Al-Amin, DW correspondent in Nigeria.

Nigeria's public debt is projected to exceed $100 billion following President Bola Tinubu's request for new loans. The latest push to borrow is fueling concern over debt sustainability. Josey Mahachi talks to Mma Amara Ekeruche, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), and DW's Abiodun Jamiu in Nigeria.

Cameroon is the world's most neglected displacement crisis, according to a Norwegian Refugee Council report, which warns that rising nationalism and waning international support have deepened the crisis.

US Africa Command chief Gen. Michael Langley has called on fragile states to take greater ownership of their security. It's a move analysts interpret as part of a broader shift in the Trump administration's defense strategy — one that emphasizes homeland security and a reduced overseas military presence.

Zimbabwe's latest effort to stabilize its economy comes in the form of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), a gold-backed currency introduced in April 2024 to combat hyperinflation, restore confidence and address mounting debt. However, the ZiG has rapidly lost value on the parallel market. DW's Josey Mahachi speaks with Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) faces major challenges as US President Donald Trump plans to slash by half a billion dollars the US contribution to the AfDB's development fund, which offers low-priced financing to the continent's poor nations.

Malawi is struggling to find employment opportunities for its youth, and many are leaving the country in search of better prospects. A young population, high population growth rate, high unemployment, and comparatively low salaries for professionals may make emigration a particularly attractive option for many Malawians.

This year, the world marked International Day of UN Peacekeepers with an eye on the future of peacekeeping. But how do blue helmets currently operate in Africa, and what have their challenges been? Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Malawi Defense Forces Major Tadziwana Kapeni and DW's Ben Shemang in Abuja.

Uganda suspended military cooperation with Germany and accused its ambassador to Kampala of "subversive activities." But Berlin rejected the accusations as "absurd." Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Godber Tumushabe, Associate Director at Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS) and DW's Frank Yiga in Uganda.

Kenya and Tanzania have been throwing mud at each other on social media following Tanzania's deportation of Kenyan activists.What implication does this diplomatic row have on regional integration? Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Ruth Ambogo, a Kenyan lawyer, governance consultant, and political analyst, and Andrew Wasike, DW correspondent in Nairobi.

It is the first time that South Africa's crime statistics have been broken down by race as a result of the recent genocide claims by US President Donald Trump. DW's Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, a lecturer in the Political Studies department at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and DW's Nontokozo Mchunu in Cape Town.

Uganda's parliament passed a law that permits military tribunals to try civilians, prompting protests from the opposition, who said the move violated a Supreme Court ruling in January that banned such trials, which the opposition claims silence opponents. Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to Dr. Bireete Sarah, Executive Director for the Center for Constitutional Governance, and DW's Frank Yiga in Kampala.

Despite the introduction of legislation to prevent the marriage of underage girls in Malawi, the practice remains relatively widespread. Traditional leaders are accused of perpetuating the problem and religious leaders are urging the government to step intervene. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Memory Chisenga, a child rights activist, and DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Lilongwe.

Genetically modified organisms, or GMOS, are under intense scrutiny in Nigeria. Some of the country's scientists are concerned that genetically modified food could cause health and fertility issues while others argue that it can boost food security. Eddy Micah Jr. talks to Dr. Rufus Ebegba, who introduced GMOs in Nigeria, and DW correspondent Ben Shemang in Abuja.

With the crackdown on opposition parties during an election year, Tanzania faces a reckoning in terms of its democratic future. The ruling CCM party has governed Tanzania for decades, and President Samia Suluhu is up for re-election. What's at stake for Tanzania? Eddy Micah talks to Nicodemus Minde, researcher and political analyst at Institute for Security Studies, and DW's Khelef Mohammed.

Theft of medicines has been blamed for the US stopping funds for Zambia's fragile healthcare system. But as the southern African country now grapples with $50 million less, ordinary Zambians are bearing the brunt. Josey Mahachi talks to DW correspondent in Lusaka, Kathy Short, and Oliver Kaoma, Secretary General of the Zambia Medical Association.

Cameroon has over 300 villages, and the ongoing chieftaincy crises have affected dozens of them. However, in recent years, the country has experienced numerous chieftaincy disputes. So, what can traditional leaders do to maintain smooth transitions of power? Mimi Mefo talks to Fon ZOFOA III of Babungo Fondom in northwestern Cameroon, and correspondent Edwin Moki.

The World Bank has released a report that Nigeria's economic growth is the highest in last ten years. Meanwhile, the country continues to face many social and economic challenges. Are Nigerians feeling this growth in their pockets?

How can a country have too many nurses but also a shortage of nurses? That's the situation for Malawi, which has just struck a deal with Israel to allow unemployed Malwaian nurses seek employment in the Middle East country. But what does this mean for Malawi's healthcare system, and is this really a viable business model?

Joint military action between Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria suppressed Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region. But the fragmentation of the ECOWAS multinational grouping and difficulties in the countries' ability to protect civilians has led to a resurgence of the Islamist group in northern Cameroon.

The UN Security Council has urged an immediate halt to the fighting in South Sudan and renewed its peacekeeping mission, UNMISS, for another year. South Sudan has formally been at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. But recent tensions between Kiir and Machar threaten the fragile peace.

Malawi's medicine shortage has been blamed on drug theft. The Malawian government loses around 30% of the drugs and medical supplies it purchases to theft. According to a survey, 35% of private clinics sell anti-malarial drugs that had been donated for free use.

Nigeria, a country of 200 million people and an annual birth cohort exceeding 8 million, has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world. What's behind the shocking statistics? Josey Mahachi talks to Amina Abdulkarim, a health policy analyst, and DW's Abiodun Jamiu.

Fans of African football want to see a comeback to African glory, and a new Confederation of African Football (CAF) project aims to get there by addressing the challenge of identifying and nurturing young talent. Can it work? Josey Mahachi talks to Hetnry Asante of the Ghana Football Association and DW's Isaac Kaledzi.

With the launch of "The Blackstar Experience," Ghana hopes to position itself as the epicenter of African tourism. It will be the government's flagship program for tourism, culture and the creative arts. What can the new program communicate to the rest of the world about Ghana and Africa? DW's Josey Mahachi joins Rex Owusu Marfo, Coordinator of the Blackstar Experience, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi.

Uganda ranks 143rd out of 180 in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index. Journalists there face intimidation and violence on a nearly daily basis, according to the media watchdog. With Uganda set to hold a presidential election in 2026, RSF says it's "vital that journalists are able to work in complete safety."

The recently-opened bridge linking Cameroon and Chad is set to revolutionize travel and boost trade across Central Africa. Hundreds of lives will also be saved as scores of people die every year attempting to cross the river, often on rickety canoes.

Rwanda has escorted South African troops through its territory to Tanzania as part of a phased withdrawal from the embattled eastern DRC. The troops had been assisting Kinsasha's fight against rebel groups in the region, but became stranded after an offensive by M23 rebels.

Ghana's public sector workers want the government to pursue prudent economic policies that promote sustainable growth for the benefit of all citizens. Josey Mahachi talks to Emmaline Datey, a human resources expert, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

An economic crisis, lax regulations, little financial literacy and slick marketing: Ponzi schemes seem to have hit the jackpot in Nigeria. But after the recent collapse of digital trading platform CBEX, how easy is it to spot a financial scam? And how safe are we really from financial fraud? DW's Mimi Mefo speaks to Ikemesit Effiong, an economist, and DW correspondent, Abiodun Jamiu.

Statistics project increased cases of mental health illness, including suicide, in Malawi. Government records indicate that 1,984 suicide cases have been reported since 2019. In this podcast, DW's Josey Mahachi talks to Joseph Sukali, a mental health advocate, and DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha to understand the leading causes of this crisis.

One of the key factors why African economies continue to grow is smart financing by lending institutions, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB). In this podcast, Josephine Mahachi speaks with Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank and a candidate vying to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB).

ECOWAS, West Africa's regional bloc, is 50 years old. To mark the historic milestone, Ghana's capital, Accra, hosted an event. However, the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the bloc has been considered a blow. So, how can ECOWAS make amends and remain relevant? DW's Josephine Mahachi talks to Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a political analyst, and DW's Isaac Kaledzi in Accra.

Remembered for his compassion and commitment to inclusivity, Francis' death marks the end of an era. Known for his humility and advocacy for the poor, the Argentine pontiff led the Catholic Church for over a decade, with Africa holding a special place in his papacy and his heart. Ahead of Francis' funeral on April 26, DW speaks to Father Mushunje, a priest and long-time admirer of the late pope.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, a controversial law giving government control over the operations of NGOs. Human rights groups warn it will severely restrict the work of civil society organisations. To discuss this, we're joined by International Law Expert Arnold Tsunga and DW correspondent Privilege Musvanhiri.

Zambia is grappling with a disturbing rise in gender-based violence. Over 10,700 cases were recorded in the third quarter of 2024. Such cases include children and babies being sexually molested by relatives. How is Zambia tackling the problem? DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks to Beauty Katebe of the Non-Governmental Gender Organisation Coordinating Council and DW correspondent Kathy Short.

The recent withdrawal of one of Tanzania's leading opposition parties from the 2025 elections is not a sign of apathy, but a bold protest. They've raised serious concerns about the fairness of the playing field, the integrity of the institutions, and the future of democracy in the country. DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks to Lovelet Lwakatare, a political analyst and Naomi Jasseda.

In 2021, Nigeria became the first African country to launch a central bank-backed digital currency, the eNaira, aimed at driving financial inclusion, reducing the cost of cash transactions, and competing with a volatile cryptocurrency regime. Adoption remains low. So what happened? DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks to Ikemesit Effiong, an economist, and DW correspondent, Abiodun Jamiu.

A recent report by Amnesty International has accused Ghana of human rights violations, where hundreds of elderly women are being branded as witches and secluded in camps. So, how can Ghana end this practice? DW's Josephine Mahachi speaks to Genevive Partington, the country director of Amnesty International, Ghana and Adwoa Domena, DW correspondent.